A Fairway to Fitness: Teeing Up the Health Benefits of Playing Golf

It doesn’t take an expert to know that getting outdoors, basking in the sunshine and fresh air, and engaging in physical activity is good for your health. But, the benefits of playing golf, particularly in terms of mental and physical well-being, extend far beyond merely acquiring a dose of vitamin D. Getting your body moving, spending a whole day outdoors, offering a way in which to meet new people whilst also being an avenue to destress, and helping you to hone skills of precision and strategy … golf is more than just clubs and carts. It is often when you’re at your most relaxed that you play your best game, and so when the game is also what’s helping you to unwind, it’s truly a win-win. 

And when you play at Apes Hill, your golfing experience is elevated to another level - literally. Just 45 metres from the highest peak in Barbados, the Apes Hill golf course was built to incorporate its natural surroundings and overlooks the spectacular scenery of the East Coast district. And we have a dedicated team of experts who ensure that our guests and residents are relaxing just as hard as they are golfing. Admittedly, we might be biased, but when you factor in the stunning landscapes, exceptional weather, and the friendly community found in Barbados, the experience of playing a round of golf here is unparalleled. Read on to unearth some of our expert teams’ insights as to why golf is more than just flags and fairways, but a pathway to forging friendships and embracing a game of leisure. 

We're finding ourselves spending much less time outdoors than we used to. Gone are the days when work meant being out in the open fields and farms; now, our jobs and leisure activities have moved indoors, from offices to event venues. This shift means we're missing out on some health benefits that just simply can’t be, or shouldn’t be, replicated in indoor environments.

One of the key perks of getting outside is the dose of vitamin D we get from the sun - essential for bone strength by helping us to absorb calcium. And numerous studies, such as this one, have proven how time spent outdoors correlates with immune system strength. 

And let's not forget the pure joy of experiencing nature which, when you’re in a setting as naturally stunning as Barbados, being outdoors is a feast for the eyes. Take a look at the spectacular views you can expect when playing on our elevated Championship golf course here.

No matter how you choose to do it, getting your body up and moving is always beneficial. The release of endorphins and increase in blood flow as your muscles start moving help to relieve stress in the body both mentally and physically. 

Golf, in particular, is a great way to keep your heart healthy. A game that requires you to be walking over an extended period of time means that your heart rate stays elevated, which can lower your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. It may also help reduce levels of 'bad' cholesterol in your body. In fact, a recent study delves into the health benefits of playing golf for healthy, older adults.  The verdict? Walking the golf course, club in hand, is not just a leisurely jaunt but a bona fide health regimen to ward off cardiovascular diseases and polish up your cardiometabolic health. So, while the convenience of driving around the course might be tempting, we present to you a compelling argument to opt for walking the fairway over the comfort of the golf buggy. And this way, you get to soak in more of the landscape, too. It’s a win-win.

For our distinguished older guests and members, golf emerges as an especially beneficial form of physical activity. Whilst no physical activity is entirely free from the risk of injury, golf stands out as a particularly low-risk one, making it the ideal choice if you’re seeking to maintain your fitness without overburdening your body. Combined with the opportunity to be immersed in the serene beauty of the course, a day or afternoon out golfing offers the perfect balance of mental and physical stimulation. And it’s a sport that’s accommodating to various levels of physical capability - you can walk the course as your golf partner takes a leisurely ride in the golf buggy - ensuring that everyone can enjoy the day out.

The benefits just don’t stop! Not only is it a physical activity but playing a round can also significantly boost your mental health. It has been consistently shown to stimulate the mind, aiding significantly in the alleviation of anxiety and depression. Engaging in golf or any form of physical activity can produce immediate positive effects on your mood and mental state, but you don’t have to just take our word for it. The invitation to try it for yourself is there - just see how elated you feel after doing some physical activity.

The social side of golf is a big part of what draws people to the game. It’s about more than just swings and scores; it’s about the folks you meet along the way, from your caddy to the player teeing off next to you. When it comes to feeling at home in the Apes Hill community, what better way is there than playing a round of golf with your neighbour? And after the game, why not extend the socialising with some drinks at the 20th Hole? There's always room to strike up a chat and bond over shared interests right there on the green. And the benefits of these social interactions that naturally occur in golf do wonders for your mental health, especially if you live alone, as discussed here.

 It’s these moments of camaraderie and friendship that forge strong bonds and make our community a special place. Apes Hill isn’t only about golf; it’s about creating a space where every round introduces you to future friends and cements your place within a vibrant community. 

Many sports need you to team up, but golf? You can choose to hit the links solo or with a buddy, and that’s the beauty of it. This alone time is more than just playing a game; it’s about embracing those quiet moments where you can just be, reflect, and take things at your own speed. No rush, no waiting on anyone else. It’s a luxurious pause in our always-on world, offering a chance to unwind in style and maybe even discover a little more about yourself along the way.

Golf isn't just about hitting a ball; it's a game that requires a blend of accuracy, focus, and concentration, challenging you as a player to master not only your physical, but your mental game, too. Hand-eye coordination; strength and endurance for the power behind your swing; refined motor skills for more precise putting; strategic thinking to account for wind, terrain and hazards; visualisation of the ball’s trajectory …. the list goes on. 

At the Apes Hill Golf Performance and Teaching Centre, we’re dedicated to refining these skills. Our expert coaches and state-of-the-art technology are here to guide you through each step, helping your game to reach new heights. 

When you set foot in Barbados, whether for a fleeting week or a more leisurely month, we invite you to slow down and savour the laid-back rhythm of island life. Embrace the art of taking each day as it comes, where relaxation is not just encouraged, it's a way of life. And what better way to immerse yourself in this tranquillity than through a game of golf? Far removed from the hustle of high-pressure sports, golf in Barbados is an invitation to patience, urging you to take your time, breathe, and unwind. Here, amidst the gentle breezes and stunning vistas, you'll find golf is a leisurely journey, a perfect complement to the island's serene tempo. We can’t wait to have you here, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.