Life can be stressful, can’t it? We’ve all had those days where the weight of deadlines, family responsibilities and the general busyness of life gets to us. But what if I told you that not all stress is bad? And even more, that hitting the golf course could be one of the best ways to manage life’s stresses while building your resilience.

That’s right, golf is good for you. It’s not just a leisurely pastime but is also a powerful tool to help you cope with life’s ups and downs.

The good, the bad and the manageable: understanding stress

First, let’s get one thing straight: stress isn’t always a villain. In fact, some stress is actually beneficial – it can get you going and motivate you to get things done. The key is learning to manage it. Stress is your body’s natural response to challenge or change. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that help you face a problem, whether it’s a work deadline or that tricky par five on the course.

This type of short-term stress, known as “acute stress”, can sharpen your focus and performance. But when stress lingers, becoming chronic, it can wear you down mentally and physically. That’s where managing it becomes critical – and golf can lend a helping hand.

Golf as an escape

One of the best things about golf is that it provides an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. For a few hours, you’re out in nature, breathing fresh air and focusing on the game. No emails, no phone calls, no rush. Just you, your golf buddies and the open course ahead of you.

Golf’s meditative quality comes from the fact that it demands your full attention. You’re forced to focus on every shot, every putt and every drive. As you concentrate on your game, your brain gets a much-needed break from overthinking. Instead of being bogged down by life’s stressors, your mind can recharge while you play.

But why do we sometimes avoid it?

We’ve all been there. You know a round of golf would do you good, you’re well aware that getting outside will lift your mood, but somehow you find yourself sitting in front of the TV instead. Why does this happen? It comes down to how stress affects us.

When we’re under pressure, especially over an extended period, our bodies can go into survival mode (energy conservation). This means we conserve energy, avoid activity and seek comfort in passive activities, like watching TV. While sitting in front of the screen feels easy in the moment, it doesn’t help us recharge. This is the energy conservation cycle. Conserve energy… don’t recharge properly… feel like you need to conserve energy.

In those moments, it’s essential to remind yourself that pushing through that initial resistance to get outside and play golf will make you feel better – and is actually what helps you rest and recharge. The hardest part is often just getting started. Once you’re on the course, you’ll quickly feel the benefits.

TOP TIP: Make playing golf a habit. We don’t have to think about our habits (eg when you wake up you don’t decide to brush your teeth, you just do it. It’s a habit.) When we have to decide or choose whether or not to do something, it creates decision fatigue, and often we default to not do something. The Wednesday afternoons, or twice-a-month Saturday games, or once-a-week driving range hit – schedule them in!

The power of being in nature

Studies have shown that spending time in nature is a natural stress reliever. Golf is one of the few sports that brings you directly into nature for hours at a time. Being outdoors – especially in the wide, green expanses of a golf course – reduces anxiety and boosts your mood.

The Japanese even have a practice called “forest bathing” (or “shinrin-yoku”), where they immerse themselves in nature to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Golfing, in a sense, is your form of forest bathing – without even trying!

Resilience is built in the downtime

Here’s an important point: resilience, or the ability to bounce back from challenges, isn’t built only in the moments when you’re pushing through the hard stuff. It’s also built in the quieter times, when you take a step back, reflect and give yourself space to recharge. This is where golf becomes a powerful ally.

When we talk about resilience, we often think of it as a quality you develop by “toughing it out” or pushing through difficult moments. But resilience is also about knowing when to slow down, relax and let your mind and body recover. Golf gives you the opportunity to do just that.

Social connection and mental health

Let’s not forget the social aspect of golf. Playing a round with friends or joining a golf group creates opportunities for connection and camaraderie. Laughter, shared stories and a bit of healthy competition all contribute to a sense of belonging, which is vital for mental health. Social interactions, even the lighthearted banter on the course, reduce feelings of isolation and help relieve stress.

A game that gives back

Golf is a unique blend of physical activity, mental challenge and relaxation – all wrapped up in a few hours of play. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, it’s a sport that gives back as much as you put into it. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from life’s demands and reconnect with yourself, all while building the resilience you need for life’s inevitable ups and downs.

So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and tempted to sit on the couch, grab your clubs and head to the course!

IMAGES: TYRONE WINFIELD/PETRI OESCHGER/SUNSHINE TOUR/MARK RUNNACLES/LET