Many people who play golf say that they play the game to keep themselves fit and the game is particularily popular with older people who can take the leisurely pace of the game in their stride. However recent research has shown that despite the fact that golfers are perceived to be healthy and fit this is not necessarily the case and that many of them are overweight.

The recent research done online for the magazine Golf Digest involving over 500 people shows that 2/3rds of golfers are overweight. The survey also looked into lifestyle habits and saw that over 3/4 were drinking on average 6.8 alcoholic drinks weekly and that nearly one in 10 admitted that they drank as many as 10 or even more beers when playing a round of golf. 

The survey questions were wide ranging and extensive and it was especially relevant to note that 54% of golfers said that thought they were overweight but in fact that figure was 66% thus showing that many golfers are not being realistic with their health perceptions. Other statistics of note were that 80% said that they suffered from either pain, an injury or an illness but nevertheless still play and 30% said that sometimes they were not able to complete a round of golf due to an ailment.

The results show that the people who play golf are not fitter and in better health than other people who don't play golf and that it is still possibe to partake in the sport while being unhealthy and overweight. However the fact remains that playing golf is a good form of exercise as long distances are walked and the muscles are used and flexed. It may be that too many golfers are using the motorised buggies to get from hole to hole or that they are getting a caddy to carry their golf bags.