There’s a reason you feel better after golfing, and it’s not just the post-round beer (though that doesn’t hurt). It’s science. Studies show that time on the course reliably reduces stress and improves mood. In some cases, it can even ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

For golfers, that means your weekend rounds are more than just a pastime. Golf can be the foundation of a holistic wellness routine that keeps you sharp, strong, and happy. 

So, what makes golf such a powerhouse for mind and body? We’ll break down the research—and what it means for golfers trying to get the most out of their game.

Golf & Mental Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: shaky data. Mention golf’s mental health benefits, and you’ll get some raised eyebrows.

We won’t deny it: not all the research is rock-solid. Take the well-known survey where 98% of golfers self-reported mental health benefits. Nice results, but that was more casual clubhouse poll than the New England Journal of Medicine. 

But a growing body of peer-reviewed research backs golf’s impact on mood and stress levels, and that’s the data we’re sticking to. 

Here’s what the science really says about golf and mental health.

Golf’s Mental Health Benefits, According to Science 

An article in the peer-reviewed British Medical Journal (BMJ) analyzed the scientific literature on golf’s impact on physical and emotional health. Ultimately, it recommended that policymakers promote the sport due to its “wide-ranging benefits” for mental well-being.

The article highlighted studies linking regular golf participation to reduced stress and anxiety, as well as strong associations between outdoor course activity and feelings of belonging, enjoyment, and overall well-being.

For those facing ongoing mental health challenges, the link between golf and mental well-being is particularly compelling. A peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Public Mental Health examined golf as a targeted intervention and found significant mental and social benefits for participants.

You don’t need shaky studies or personal anecdotes to back up the link between golf and mental health—there’s solid research on your side.

A Holistic Approach to Golf and Well-Being

So, just add a couple more rounds a week and I’ll be the happiest person around? Close—but there’s a catch.

Golf’s mental health benefits don’t happen in isolation. A big part of the equation is the physical activity that comes with playing. The best way to maximize those benefits isn’t just squeezing in more rounds—it’s building a complete wellness routine around your game.

Research backs this up. Many studies link golf’s mood-boosting effects to its physical demands. No surprise, given the well-established connection between exercise and mental well-being. 

Conversely, pain is a common contributor to mental health struggles. If you’ve ever been sidelined by a nagging ache or injury, you know how quickly it can mess with your head. There’s nothing more frustrating than missing rounds of golf because of pain—when what we love is taken away, it’s a tough reality to face. To get the mental health benefits of golf, you need to stay healthy and pain-free on the course—and that takes physical training.

That’s where GolfForever comes in. The GolfForever App and Swing Trainer help golfers build the strength, flexibility, and mobility they need to play pain-free for the long haul. Golfers stick with GolfForever’s programs because they make it easier to stay engaged with the sport in a healthy, sustainable way—and enjoy all the mental health benefits that come with it.

Golf Is Good for You—And Now You’ve Got Proof

Next time someone raises an eyebrow when you say golf is great for mental health, you won’t have to rely on sketchy self-reported stats or personal anecdotes. You’ve got real science in your back pocket.

And if you take two things away from this article:

First, the mental is nothing without the physical. To get the full benefits of golf—stress relief, sharper focus, time outdoors, camaraderie, and better mood—you need to keep your body moving well. That means building a well-rounded fitness routine (try GolfForever!) so you don’t miss your next round!

Second, never feel bad about a well-earned round again. It’s not indulgence; it’s self-care. Science says so.

Now go forth, play more, and enjoy those mental health gains—doctor’s orders.