Golf originated approximately in the 14th century. It is said that the idea of the game comes from Scottish shepherds. The sticks that they used to herd the sheep were used as the golf clubs, whereas the holes made by moles were the golf holes. We are not sure how true the story is, but the fact remains that since that time golf has grown into one of the most popular sports in the world.
According to statistics, about 450 million people play golf at least once a year. This accounts for more than 5% of the planet’s population. Probably, only football can boast of a higher number of fans. Why is the game so popular? Let us try to figure it out together.
Golf is a simple game which can be played by anyone
One of the main features of this sport is its simplicity and accessibility. On the whole, players do not need to have any special complex equipment. Currently, more than 33 thousand professional golf courts exist around the world. Actually, one can play golf with a stick on a field, as the shepherds did in the past.
When it comes to playing golf not professionally but just for pleasure, it is also very undemanding in terms of physical shape. Virtually anyone can play the game, regardless of age, gender or weight. The rules are also as simple and clear even to preschoolers.
A few decades ago, golf was a sport for the elite and the rich. Today, these boundaries have also been erased. While the rich and successful people continue playing golf today, people from all walks of life also take up this sport. In fact, every major city has a golf course that can be rented for a fairly reasonable price.
Golf has many health benefits
It is an undeniable fact that to be healthy one has to do some physical activity. Doing sports in the fresh air and in the relaxing atmosphere increases the benefits.
According to some rough calculations, to do a complete round of 18 holes, the player has to walk 8 kilometers, which is equivalent to 10,000 steps. Healthcare experts recommend to take this number of steps on a daily basis.
A golf player is the most active when making a hit. At this time, a huge number of muscles and tissues are activated, which encourages the movement of useful substances (in particular, oxygen) throughout the body. This sport really can make your body toned.
If a golf player does not use the golf cart, (s)he burns about 2 thousand kilocalories per round. This figure is equivalent to almost three hours of work on the treadmill or two hours of a gym workout.
Additional advantages
There are several other factors that explain such popularity of golf:
● General atmosphere. As a rule, a golf course is located in beautiful and peaceful area. Nature, sunlight, and pleasant silence make the experience enjoyable. This puts a player in a state of relaxation and happiness. Therefore, it has a positive impact both on the mental state and physical shape;
● Communication. It is difficult to find a person who would refuse to spend a few hours in the company of like-minded people, pursuing a common hobby. For one thing, it is an opportunity to have fun with people you already know, and for another thing, it is a chance to create new social connections;
● The opportunity to stay alone and clear your mind. Golf helps to find mental and emotional balance. Both professional athletes and amateurs often play golf to get distracted from some problems and worries;
● Development of cognitive and mental abilities. Golf is more than just hitting and running. Such constantly performed actions during the play as evaluating the potential trajectory, choosing the power of the shot, and predicting the route, improve players’ cognitive abilities.
● Sleep. Fresh air and physical activity enhance sleep quality.
Interesting facts about golf
Finally, here are some interesting facts about the game, which is admired by millions:
● The first 18-hole course was created in 1892. To date, it has noticeably changed and decreased in size, but continues to exist;
● A standard golf ball can travel over 300 km/h. At present, the officially recorded speed is 326 km/h;
● The probability that an absolute beginner will hit the hole on the first shot is about 1 chance in 12000;
● The surface of a professional golf ball has 336 holes;
● It is known that golf is often played on cruise ships. However, standard balls are harmful to the environment if they get into water. So, a German developer created a game ball out of fish feed;
● Astronaut Alan Shepard hit a ball with a stick on the moon surface. Due to the peculiarities of gravity, the ball flew several kilometers. This can be considered a record distance, if we do not limit ourselves by the surface of our planet only.