Walk the Walk: The Benefits of Walking Golf
Thursday December 18, 2008
People used to think that walking during a round of golf wasn't really very good exercise, since the nature of the game makes that walk of the leisurely, stop-and-start variety. But recent studies have shown that walking golf is actually quite good as an exercise. When you throw in the small inclines and declines and detours around a golf course, walking 18 holes is roughly equivalent to a walk of three or four miles.
But walking golf is recommended for other reasons, too. The USGA says it's just plum good for the game. And while the notion is counterintuitive, walking golf can often help with pace of play.
Comments
Walking is also better for your game. I score 2-3 shots better on average when I walk. I don’t guess on yardages, I always have the right club, and I focus better. If you are a USGA member you can request a free “Walking Member” bag tag. Walkers rule.
I always score better when I walk. Not certain if it because it has been my mindset for the last 40+ years or simply because it is easier to club yourself properly. Now if we can have some tournaments where the only woods that can be used are actually made of wood!!
“…roughly equivalent to a walk of three or four miles”
An 18-hole round of golf on a full-length course is a minimum of 4 miles (1 mile = 1760 yards; 4 miles = 7040 yards). And that assumes the most direct route from tee to green, and doesn’t account for the distance from green to the next tee. My pedometer has routinely recorded 6000 yards for 9 holes.
I walk nine holes of golf everyday from april to october, I love the feel of the game, play 5 strokes better and know my yardeges like the back of my hand at my local club.
walking loosens me up quicker, while driving tends to leave me tense pre-stroke (might have something to do with trying to control the cart while looking for the ball)