The
pandemic was disastrous for sport, golf included—there’s no doubt about that.

Courses
were closed, social mixing banned, and professional tournaments postponed left,
right and centre. However, now that all of this is behind us for good (touch
wood), the uptake in 9 hole golf is arguably one of the industry’s most notable
trends—and it’s growing quickly.

For many people, life is a lot different now to how it was pre-Covid. Be it daily routines, how and where we work, or the time we spend with family—our priorities have changed. This means golf has also changed, and we golfers have had to adapt in order to keep on playing the game we love.

The benefits of 9 hole golf

There are many benefits to 9 hole golf, some of which you may not have necessarily considered before now. Well, that’s why you’re here, right?

Time

This is an
obvious one. Playing a 9 hole round is much quicker than a full 18, and that’s
arguably why it’s become so popular so quickly.

The time
factor is one of the biggest benefits of playing 9 hole golf. With flexible,
remote working now the norm for lots of us, a 9 hole round can be easily squeezed
into a lunch break or before the work day even starts if you’re lucky enough to
live near a course.

A full 18
is serious business and can take five hours plus to complete, even on a good
day, once you’ve also factored in all the walking between holes. The sad reality
is that most of us probably don’t have this much time spare each day.

Instead, however, a shorter round gives you your precious time back, making golf a much more feasible day-to-day option rather than just at the weekend or on special occasions.

Money

Playing 9
holes works out much cheaper than a full 18.

For a start, having new and expensive clubs and other equipment is less important on shorter rounds, especially if you’re using them for practice. Second-hand clubs will do the job here.

Also, some clubs
won’t require you to be a fully paid member to play 9 holes, and there are many
pay-as-you-play options out there. As we all know, yearly membership fees can
be expensive, but it’s important to remember they aren’t always necessary.

Related: 15 ways to play golf on the cheap

Game improvements

Golfers
tend to be less bothered by their score when playing 9 holes instead of 18, which
makes it a perfect opportunity to practice and work on your weak points.

For
example, let’s say you’ve been trying to perfect a tricky lob shot for a while but
feel too pressured to give it a go in a full 18 setting when you’re up against
it. A shorter, more relaxed round is the ideal time to bring it out.

Many golfers use a 9 hole game merely as practice, especially if squeezed into a lunchtime or even a quick after-work round—so it’s perfect for experimenting. Put in the hours on the 9 hole course, and you’ll reap the rewards the next time you play a full 18—trust us.

Beginners

A full 18
can be pretty intimidating if you’re new to golf and just starting out. If you
haven’t quite caught ‘the bug’ yet either (you’ll know when you have), you
might find you get bored after a while, too. However, shorter rounds are a
great way to ease yourself in and stay motivated.

After all, 18
holes can be a struggle if you’re a novice.

On the
other hand, 9 holes are great if you’re an experienced golfer looking to get
your family more involved. Young children, for example, are far more likely to
stay engaged for longer when not being dragged around a larger course.

Put it this way—you’ll probably have better luck pitching golf to the kids as a one to two-hour activity as opposed to five or six!

Scoring

We touched
on this a little earlier on, but your score is less of a focus in 9 hole golf. While
this is indeed true, playing 9 holes can still be highly satisfying for those
who like to score well regardless.

With fewer
shots and holes, the greater the opportunity to accumulate a competitive score.
The average score for a typical adult playing 9 holes is around 45—or bogey
golf. But, of course, scores depend on various factors, such as weather
conditions and the difficulty of the course.

However,
decent amateur-level golfers can expect to record scores in the 30s if they’re
playing 9 hole rounds regularly, so it can be a good confidence booster.

Related: What is a good golf score for 9 holes?

Less pressure

It’s easy
to feel the ‘heat’ on a full 18, especially if you’re playing in a competition,
but much of this stress is eased on a 9 hole round.

Not having to constantly overthink your score on every hole allows you to feel cool, calm and collected out on the course.

How long do 9 holes of golf take?

The time it
takes to complete a round of golf ultimately depends on you and your game. Some
golfers like to take things slow and steady, while others will race around the
course lightning quick.

You’ll know
which one of those categories you fall into yourself. However, those already
acquainted with 9 hole golf say completing a round in less than two hours is
more than doable.

Related: How long should it take to play a 9-hole round of golf?

9 hole golf courses

In a world where
a full 18 is often the norm, a 9 hole round might seem hard to find, but that’s
not the case. Many full-service golf clubs and ranges now offer the option to
play shorter rounds—and the choice will only grow as the trend continues.

It’s arguably never been easier to get into 9 hole golf. Check out our interactive map of some of the UK’s best 9 hole golf courses and find your nearest one.

Specialist golf insurance with Golf Care

Although you might associate shorter rounds with less risk, accidents can, of course, still occur if you’re only playing 9 holes instead of a full 18. So, regardless of the golf you play, you may want to consider protecting yourself with specialist golf insurance.

With Golf Care, policies include Equipment cover up to £7,500, Public Liability of up to £10m and more. What’s more—thanks to the ‘Ripe Guarantee’, you won’t find the same level of cover for a better price elsewhere either.

Click on the banner below to learn more about specialist golf insurance and get a quote today.

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I’ll never forget the first time I saw PGA Tour phenom Jordan Spieth putt.

I was watching a golf tournament on TV and said out loud, “Spieth is putting the wrong way”. That was the first time I had ever seen the left-hand low putting grip and it worked very well for Spieth that day.

Some golfers swear by the left-hand low putting grip. Find out what it is and how it can help improve your golf game here. After reading this you’ll be able to decide if this unconventional putting technique is worth trying on the course.

What is The Left Hand Low Putting Grip?

As its name implies, the left-hand low putting grip requires the golfer’s left hand to be the lowest one on the putter shaft. This grip is considered non-traditional because standard putting grips require right-handed golfers to have their right hand in the lowest position on the putter grip.

When using the left-hand low putting grip, there are two main options as far as how the right hand and left hand fit together on the golf club. Most golfers prefer to take their left pinky finger and lay it on top of their right index finger. This is the most common method of employing the left-hand low technique.

The other option is to point the right forefinger straight down the side of the handle. This is how PGA Tour pro Jim Furyk employs the left-hand low grip and it has paid huge dividends for him during his career. No matter what option you choose, make sure that both of your thumbs sit on top of the putter grip for maximum control of the putter head.

The Benefits of Using This Putting Grip

The left-hand low putting grip may look a bit odd, but there are a ton of benefits to using it. Here are some of the biggest advantages of putting this way.

Better Alignment

Lots of golfers struggle with their alignment on the greens. When using a traditional putting grip, it’s easy to have open shoulders when lining up your putts. This can lead to putts being pulled to the left (for a right-handed golfer).

A main advantage of the left-hand low grip is that it automatically forces the golfer’s left shoulder to square up with the right shoulder. This improves the golfer’s putting stance right from the start, without him even having to think about it. A better setup on the green can lead to more birdies!

Limits Hand and Wrist Action

A putting stroke that is too ‘handsy’ has a lot of disadvantages. Unfortunately, lots of golfers rely too heavily on their hands and wrists when putting. This often leads to poor putting speed and a lack of accuracy.

The left-hand low putting grip helps take the hands and wrists out of the putting stroke. This forces the bigger muscles like the hips, shoulders, and arms to control the entire stroke. When this happens, the golfer will notice that their putting technique is more reliable and consistent.

Easier to Stay on the Target Line

Putting sounds easy enough. After all, the golfer is simply trying to take the putter straight back and straight through the target line. As with several things in golf, the concept is simple but the execution isn’t easy.

Some golfers struggle with their dominant hand taking over the putting stroke. When this happens, the putter face is either pushed or pulled off the target line. This results in a ton of frustration with the flat stick.

The left-hand low technique takes the golfer’s dominant hand out of the putting stroke to a certain degree. With the nondominant (left) hand in more control of the club, it’s easier to stay on the target line.

Pro Golfers Who Use The Left Hand Low Putting Grip

Wondering if any pros actually use this putting technique? Here’s the list…

Jordan Spieth

Spieth is the most famous left-hand low putter on the PGA Tour. The three-time major champion consistently ranks as one of the best putters in the game. This proves that the left-hand low technique can provide high-level results, even for top-tier pro golfers.

An interesting thing about Spieth is that he is naturally left-handed, even though he plays golf right-handed. This may explain why he chooses to use the left-hand low grip.

Kevin Chappell

Chappell is another PGA Tour player who loves the left-hand low (lhl) putting grip. The 35-year old has won once on the PGA Tour and once on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Chappel’s putting grip is of the left-hand low variety but he adds a twist to it. Chappell almost makes a claw with his left hand and then cups it over both the putter and his right hand. This would be uncomfortable to most golfers but it works exceptionally well for Chappell.

Billy Horschel

Horschel is a big fan of the left-hand low putting grip and it has served him well. The 35-year old Florida alum has won 6 PGA Tour events and he also won the 2014 FedEx Cup.

Horschel employs the left-hand low technique because it keeps his wrists from breaking down during the putting stroke. Horschel prefers an oversized putter handle, which may help him make the best use of his left hand low grip.

Other Common Putting Grips

Vardon Grip

The Vardon Grip (aka the overlapping grip) is the most common in golf for full swings. Not many golfers use it while putting though. With the Vardon Grip, the right pinky rests on top of the left index finger.

Reverse Overlap Grip

The reverse overlap grip is considered the conventional way to putt. This grip is basically a reversal of the Vardon Grip. The left index finger sits on top of the right pinky with the reverse overlap grip.

Claw Grip

The claw grip has been around the game of golf for several decades. With the claw grip, the right hand is still the lower hand. However, the golfer forms a claw shape with the right hand to keep it from overpowering the putting stroke.

Saw Grip

The saw grip is very similar to the claw grip. The only major difference is that instead of the fingers pointing straight down the shaft, the fingers point horizontally towards the target line. This makes it look like the fingers are trying to saw through the putter’s handle.

Cross-Handed

The cross-handed grip is another term for the left-hand low putting grip. However, the cross-handed term can be used for both right-handed and left-handed golfers. With the cross-handed grip, the golfer simply switches the positions of his hands on the putter.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Did you know that three of the greatest golfers of all time use the interlock golf grip? 

Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy all utilize the interlocking grip and it has helped them win a combined 37 major championships. It’s hard to argue with those kinds of results!

Not sure if the interlock golf grip will work for you and your golf game? Here is a look at the interlock golf grip, why it is used, and how to use it correctly. 

This grip may not help you win a major championship, but it could be the hidden key for you to shoot lower scores.

What is an Interlock Golf Grip?

An interlock golf grip is a popular grip and it has been around for quite some time. Lots of amateur and professional golfers swear that the interlocking grip is great for making the hands act as one unit. Here’s how the grip works:

1. Put the shaft of the golf club in both your left hand and right hand.
2. Take your right pinky finger and lock it in between your left index finger and middle finger.
3. Be sure to wrap your right index finger around the handle of the golf club to make sure the left thumb doesn’t slip off the handle.
4. If you’ve performed the grip correctly, your right thumb will be pointing straight down the shaft.

 ThoughtCo

The Benefits of This Golf Grip

Lots of golfers use the interlocking golf grip because of the many benefits that it provides. Keep in mind though that making any type of grip change can take quite a while to get used to. Here is a shortlist of advantages that the interlock golf grip provides.

1. Makes the Hands Act As One Unit

A common problem for golfers is that their dominant hand wants to take over their entire golf swing. When this happens, the golfer’s clubhead speed is reduced, which means he’ll lose lots of yardage with his shots.

Since the interlock golf grip locks the hands together, it becomes almost impossible for one hand to dominate the golf swing. This leads to a more balanced swing that is both powerful and accurate. The two hands working together in unison make it easier for the golfer to square the clubface.

2. Keeps the Hands from Slipping

Have you ever had your hands keep flying off the golf club during your backswing? Needless to say, it is super frustrating. Slippage tends to occur when golfers use the baseball grip (AKA the 10-finger grip) since the hands are not linked together in any way.

The interlocking golf grip makes sure that the hands stay on the golf club throughout the entire golf swing. This gives the golfer peace of mind, knowing that he doesn’t have to worry about his hands slipping down the shaft.

3. Perfect for Golfers with Smaller Hands

The interlock golf grip is an excellent choice for golfers with smaller hands. Jack Nicklaus had small hands and he was adamant that the interlocking grip helped him keep a better grip on the golf club. 

Tiger Woods doesn’t necessarily have small hands, but he also uses the interlocking grip. Nicklaus was Woods’ idol when he was a kid, so that’s why he started using the interlocking grip.

4. Golfers Can Use Less Grip Pressure

Since the interlock golf grip keeps the hands together, the golfer can relax the wrists and hands a bit more than he could with other grips. Applying less grip pressure helps the golfer increase his clubhead speed, which leads to more power off the tee.

So much of playing good golf is counterintuitive. The lighter you grip the golf club, the further the golf ball will go. It may sound crazy but it’s true.

Do Most Pro Golfers Use The Interlock Golf Grip?

Though the interlock grip is considered a proper golf grip, it is not the most popular on the PGA Tour. In fact, nearly 90% of golfers on the PGA Tour use the overlap grip (aka the Vardon grip).

Most golf instructors today teach the overlap golf grip to folks who are just starting to learn the game. This could be the biggest reason why most pro golfers use the overlap grip.

Other Common Golf Grips

Overlap Golf Grip

The overlap grip was made famous by Harry Vardon, a highly successful pro golfer who won 7 major championships from 1896 to 1914. This grip is considered to be the best choice for golfers with large hands. 

Many golfers feel that the overlap golf grip gives them more power since the wrists have more freedom to explode through the golf ball at impact. Here’s how to use the overlap grip:

1. Grip the shaft of the golf club with your left hand (for a right-handed golfer).
2. Set your right hand on the club but set your right pinkie on top of the space between your left index finger and left middle finger
3. This grip is similar to the interlocking grip but keep in mind that the hands are NOT locked together. The right pinkie simply laps over the middle fingers of the left hand

Ten-Finger Grip

This is also known as the baseball grip. This golf grip was the most widely used before the overlap grip burst onto the golf scene back in the late 1800s. The ten-finger golf grip is the simplest way to learn that all ten fingers rest comfortably on the club at the same time.

The 10-finger grip is a popular choice amongst kids and beginners. Some golfers feel that the 10-finger grip is the most comfortable option. This grip is rarely seen on the PGA Tour for a variety of reasons.

Strong vs Weak vs Neutral Grip

In addition to the way a golfer can align their fingers to hold the club, there are also 3 common grips that have to do with the positions of your hands:

Strong Grip

A strong golf grip is often used by golfers who are fighting a slice. With a strong grip, the golfer will be able to see three or more knuckles on his left hand while addressing the golf ball. Many golfers feel that a strong grip gives them more power and control of the clubface.

Weak Grip

A weak golf grip helps players who are struggling with a hook. With a weak grip, the golfer will see two or fewer knuckles on their left hand during their setup. PGA Tour superstars like Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm use a weak grip.

Neutral Grip

With a neutral grip, the golfer will be able to see two or two and a half knuckles on their left hand at the address. Both Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods use a neutral grip, which works well with their interlocking grip style choice. Neutral grips are becoming more popular in the game of late. 

When to Use The Interlocking Golf Grip vs Other Grips

Here are some reasons to use the interlocking golf grip instead of either the overlap or the ten-finger grip.

• If you are a golfer with smaller hands or don’t have much forearm strength, go with the interlock golf grip. The Vardon grip and baseball grip are decent choices but they are a better fit for golfers with large hands.
• If your dominant hand tends to take over the golf swing (aka getting too handsy), opt for the interlocking grip since it’ll force you to use both of your hands equally.
• If you hook the golf ball quite a bit, try using the interlocking grip since it promotes more of a power fade type of shot shape.
• If you are using any other grip but having problems with your accuracy, give the interlocking grip a shot. It has helped lots of golfers hit the ball straighter.
• If your hands tend to slip off the golf club, consider using an interlocking grip. The interlocking grip may limit your wrist action a tad bit, but it’ll make it much easier to keep both of your hands on the club.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The ability to shape your golf shots can place you in prime position on a dogleg hole. A draw or fade shot can also help you escape trouble when an obstacle lies in your target line. In this post, we’ll go into the details of what a draw is in golf.

In addition, I take you through the benefits of hitting a draw shot and compare the results to a fade. And at the end, I have prepared a few tips that guide you through executing a right-to-left shape if you are a right-handed golfer.

What is a Draw in Golf?

A draw occurs when your golf ball starts right of your target before curving back left towards your mark. If you are right-handed, then the golf ball curve on the shot is right to left.

The challenge is controlling the quantity of curve on your draw. If you produce excess right-to-left side spin, your beautiful draw turns into a nasty hook that finishes further left of the target than initially intended.

Benefits of Hitting a Draw

1. Optimal Fairway Position

A draw golf shot has numerous advantages from tee to green. However, I use it for tee shots on right-to-left dogleg holes. Shaping my ball with the hole’s layout enables me to achieve prime position on the fairway.

Without the ability to draw, I would rely on a straight shot and aim up the right side of the fairway. This requires precision to ensure that the golf ball does not run off the fairway and into the right rough.

Once your ball is in the middle of the fairway, it enables you to attack the flag on approach.

2. Escape Trouble

The other area where a draw has paid its dues is escaping trouble. Let me offer some context. I typically play this shot when there are obstacles in my direct line. However, I need sufficient space to the right of the target to start my ball since I am a right-handed golfer.

Inducing a draw helps me curve the ball around the obstacle and land it close to my target zone. Otherwise, I would need to resort to chipping out and risking a bogey or worse.

3. Lower Ball Flight

Inducing a draw requires a closed clubface at impact and the ball to sit back in your stance. The closed club face and back ball positioning combination cause a delofted strike. This motion prompts a lower launch and piercing ball flight.

Lower trajectory is suited to windy conditions when you ought to remove the breeze from the equation.

Difference Between a Draw and a Fade

Shape

The most glaring difference between a draw vs fade is their flight path. As I mentioned, a draw starts to the right of your target and curves slightly left for a controlled landing. However, a fade occurs when your golf ball starts left of the mark and shapes right, towards the flag.

A poorly executed draw can turn into a hook causing the ball to finish well left of your target. Conversely, a slice is a fade gone wrong. It cuts violently away from your marker to end significantly right of the target.

Those struggling with a slice should follow our guide on a fade vs slice. In it, you will find all the tips you need to combat this nasty habit.

Alignment

A draw and fade require adjustments to your alignment. For example, if you are right-handed and plan to hit a fade, your feet should aim to the left of your market. This compensates for the face angle at impact, which prompts the ball to curve from left to right. If you are a left-hand golfer, your feet should aim right of the target, preparing for the left turn.

A draw is different. This time as a right-hander, your feet should aim to the right of your landing zone. That provides sufficient space for the ball to draw back to the pin.

Me and My Golf provide a detailed instruction video of where to aim and how to set up for each shot; you can follow their lesson below:

Ball Position

A fade and draw require differing ball positions for optimal execution. A fade dictates that you place the ball forward in your stance, while you should move it back for a draw.

The forward ball position helps you swing along the line of your body while aiming to the left of your target. This enables the clubface to remain square to the mark but open to your swing path. This set causes the ball to shape from left to right in the air.

On the contrary, you should place the ball back in your stance to produce a delofted strike that draws towards your target. When you connect the ball, your clubface is slightly closed to the target, sending the ball curving from right to left.

Golf Swing Path

Your swing path impacts the angle that your clubface strikes the golf. This is important as it determines the direction of the sidespin you generate for your shot. Following the above steps ensures that you are accurately set up and ready to produce your desired shot.

If you intend to produce a draw, you should follow an inside-out golf swing. This means that your clubhead follows an inside line on takeaway before flowing on an outswing path down to the golf ball. This encourages you to start the shot right of your target to account for the imminent left arc.

Furthermore, a fade typically requires an outside-in path guiding your clubface to send the ball to the right of the target before it fades back on the intended route.

Clubface At Impact

Everything that you have set up for comes down to this moment. If your clubface is not positioned optimally at impact, you will not execute your golf shot as intended.

For example, you set up for a draw, and aim right of your target, only to strike your golf ball with a square face relative to your swing path. This causes your golf ball to travel directly to the right of your target with no draw.

Therefore, your clubface must be open to your swing path at impact to generate a fade. On the other hand, your clubface should remain in a closed position relative to your swing path to prompt a draw.

Is It Better to Hit a Draw or Fade?

I value both shots because they each have a time and place. The ability to play both of these increases your options on the golf course. A draw is of no use when facing a left-to-right dogleg.

The bottom line is that both shots are equally important, and you should know how to hit a draw and a fade.

How to Hit a Draw

Check out our guide on how to hit a draw if you’re looking for step-by-step instructions on how to hit this shot consistently. However, I have provided a few basic steps to get you started.

1. Aim Right of Your Target

Right-hand golfers need to aim their feet to the right of the target. Try to limit how far right you aim. The further right you point, the more curve you require to get the ball close to your target.

Aiming to the right of your target compensates for the draw curve on your ball. This gives you the space to shape the ball back to your mark after starting it out to the right.

2. Ball Back In Your Stance

The next step to hitting a draw is to place the ionomer back in your stance. This encourages you to strike the golf ball with less loft and a steep attack angle, leading to a lower launching shot.

In addition, striking the ball from this position makes it easier to keep the clubface closed in relation to your swing path. That helps you start the ball to the right of your target and draw it back in.

3. Forward Press

I highly recommend the forward press approach for every setup. Placing your hands ahead of the ball strengthens the club’s loft to encourage a low launching shot. This is an ideal way to increase your distance by reducing spin rates.

4. Inside Backswing

Now that you are set up to play a draw, it is time to swing. You start with taking the clubhead along an inside path on the backswing. From this position, it is easier to produce an outwards downswing.

5. Outside Downswing

After taking the club inside on your backswing, you are now optimally placed to send it through on an outside path. This helps you keep your clubface closed relative to your swing path. Plus, it launches the ball out to the right of the target before drawing back to the intended landing zone.

6. Closed Clubface At Impact

By closed clubface, I do not mean closed to your target. If you do that, you could start your ball left of your mark and draw it further to the left. Instead, your clubface needs to remain closed relative to your swing path. This angle sets you up to produce the necessary side spin, which sends the ball back left after starting out to the right.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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There are so many reasons to play golf. It gets you outside, it’s excellent exercise, you can travel the world playing it, meet new people, and make new friends – the benefits are endless! But, did you know there are several mental health benefits of playing golf, too? That’s right! As good as golf is for your body and social life, it’s also great for your brain.

Mental Health Benefits of Playing Golf

1. Reduces stress

A three-footer to save par or a long approach over water can be anything but stress-reducing. So, we understand why you may be asking, “just how does golf relieve stress?” It can be mostly attributed to something called green exercise. Green exercise is essentially any physical activity or sport performed in the great outdoors. The combination of physical output while being in contact with nature reduces stress and mental exhaustion. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that golf courses tend to offer incredibly beautiful and peaceful settings, too.

To get even more scientific, being outside stimulates serotonin production in your body. When sunlight enters your eyes, more serotonin is produced which plays a large role in your mood. So, you’ll find yourself in a generally happier mood when on the golf course – minus the double bogeys of course.

2. Lowers anxiety

The reduction of stress and anxiety go hand in hand when it comes to the mental health benefits of playing golf. As green exercise can reduce stress, it can also lower anxiety. But a long-term reduction of anxiety can have shocking lifelong benefits. Like, a longer life!

A combination of the physical benefits of golf and social interaction can lead to a huge decrease in anxiety. Because of this, studies have found that, on average, golfers live five years longer than non-golfers. So the next time your husband or wife gets upset that you’re playing your fourth round of the week, you have yet another justification to add to your list!

3. Encourages social interaction

At its root, golf is certainly an individual sport. You’re not playing for a team (in most cases) and your own score is the only one that matters to you. But as independent as golf can be, it also offers many opportunities for group play and camaraderie and is one of the best social benefits of golf.

If you’re playing by yourself, more often than not you’ll be paired with another group. Or, you may already have a large group of friends you like to play with! Either way is great, and offers a great opportunity to increase your social interaction. Social interaction has been found to naturally produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the “reward system” of the brain. Whether it’s a high-five after a great shot or a handshake at the end of a round, physical touch can produce dopamine, too.

4. Decreases effects of depression

The mental benefits of golf also extend to depression. Playing golf won’t eliminate depressive symptoms entirely, but it can drastically decrease their effects. Have you heard of a runner’s high? It stems from the production of endorphins but can be applied to golf, too. Sure it’s not as intense of an activity. But, a few hours of steady athletic activity can reduce the effects of depression.

5. Improves life skills

Life skills… it’s probably a phrase you haven’t heard since elementary school! But, no matter your age, life skills are always important. And golf offers a great opportunity to improve them. Take hitting a bad shot for example. Golf teaches you to accept what has happened, forgive yourself, let it go, and move on with the round.

With situations like these, there are so many parallels between golf and life. Refining and enhancing your abilities to accept the bad and focus on the good is a great way to increase your mental health and mental maturity.

So, are you ready to experience the mental health benefits of playing golf yourself? Great! Make your airport experience easier on your mind and body, too, when you ship your golf clubs and luggage ahead with Ship Sticks. Learn more about shipping ahead or get a free quote today!

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