Do Golfers Really Live Longer? The Data Says Yes

It turns out, the game you love might also be one of the best long-term investments you can make—in your health.

A widely cited study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that golfers have a 40% lower mortality rate compared to non-golfers. That translates to roughly five additional years of life expectancy.

Let that sink in.

Five more years—just from playing golf.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: how you play matters.

Walking the course instead of riding dramatically increases the health benefits. A typical 18-hole round can cover 4–7 miles, depending on the course layout. That’s a serious amount of low-impact cardiovascular activity, repeated week after week.

And unlike a treadmill, golf doesn’t feel like exercise.

It’s movement with purpose:

• You’re outdoors, getting sunlight and fresh air

• You’re engaged mentally, not just physically

• You’re socializing, which has its own measurable health benefits

There’s also a compounding effect. Golfers tend to stay active later in life because the game evolves with them. You don’t “age out” of golf—you simply adjust how you play it.

Walk a little more. Swing a little easier. Enjoy it a little deeper.

So yes, the data is clear.

Golf isn’t just a game—it’s a lifestyle that rewards you over time.

And if you’re looking for the biggest edge?

Carry your bag and walk.