How Golf Benefits Your Physical and Mental Well-Being

Imagine waking up each day to panoramic views of rolling greens, the gentle sound of birdsong, and the promise of an invigorating round of golf on one of six championship courses — right at your doorstep.

At The Landings Golf and Athletic Club, where sophistication meets recreation, we celebrate the timeless appeal of golf not just as a sport, but as a holistic wellness activity that enhances physical and mental health while fostering connections and neighborly friendships.

Golf is more than a game — it’s a journey toward achieving balance in life. Its combination of physical activity, mental strategy and social interactions uniquely suited to promote well-being.

Physical Benefits of Golf

Golf may seem like a leisurely sport but make no mistake — it delivers a surprisingly effective workout. So what physical benefits can be derived from playing golf? Here’s what a few regular rounds can do for your body:

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Walking 18 holes covers up to 5–7 miles, encouraging steady movement that increases heart rate, boosts circulation and helps regulate blood pressure. This gentle cardio workout reduces the risk of heart disease and strengthens your cardiovascular system. You’ll definitely get in your 10,000 steps a day (if you don’t take a cart!).
• Strength and Flexibility: From the backswing to the follow-through, golf engages muscles across your entire body. It improves strength, flexibility and coordination—especially in the arms, shoulders and core. Golf’s repetitive movements gently promote joint flexibility, making it ideal for those seeking low-impact exercise.
• Calorie Burn Playing Golf: Walking the course while carrying or pulling a golf bag, navigating uneven terrain, and swinging the club all contribute to burning calories when golfing. A typical 18-hole round, carrying a bag, can help burn up to 1,500 calories.
• Exposure to Sunshine and Fresh Air: Golf is played in the great outdoors, giving you access to vitamin D from the sun, which is good for skin, hair, brain and so much more – including mental clarity.

Mental Health Benefits of Golf

In addition to the physical perks, golf has profound benefits for mental well-being. This sport nurtures the mind and soul in ways that extend far beyond the fairway:

• Reducing Stress: Walking through serene landscapes, breathing fresh air, and focusing on the game’s rhythmic pace helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Mental Clarity and Focus: Golf challenges you to concentrate and strategize, sharpening your mental acuity and decision-making skills. Regular participation in golf has been linked to better cognitive function and some say might help delay the onset of dementia. Strategic thinking required in golf enhances cognitive function, while social interactions on the course boost emotional well-being.
• Mindfulness: The sport’s tranquil pace encourages mindfulness—being present and savoring the moment. Studies show that mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
• Social Connection: Golf is as much about camaraderie as it is competition. Time spent with friends or meeting new people fosters social bonds, reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness.
• Accomplishment and Confidence: Every successful swing or well-calculated putt instills a sense of accomplishment, building confidence and self-esteem.

State-of-the-Art Amenities, 6 Championship Courses at The Landings

At The Landings, we believe that golf is more than a sport — it’s a lifestyle. That’s why we’ve designed an unparalleled experience for our club members, centered around six championship golf Georgia golf courses that exemplify beauty, challenge and accessibility.

Each of our courses has been crafted to blend elegance and functionality; each designed by such masters as Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills/Bill Bergin, and Willard C. Byrd.

With breathtaking views, pristine greens and dynamic terrains, these courses cater to players of all levels, offering challenges for seasoned golfers and approachable layouts for those new to the game.

Set against a stunning backdrop of stately hardwood forests, unspoiled saltwater marshes and pristine tidal creeks, all six courses near Savannah, Ga., are designated as “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries” by Audubon International, offering challenging play for golfers of all skill levels – all within one golf cart ride away.

Courses include:

• Magnolia
• Marshwood
• Deer Creek
• Oakridge
• Palmetto
• Terrapin Point

Membership also means personalized programs that integrate golf with overall wellness. The Golf Performance Center has industry-leading technology that our Golf Coaching Team uses to help members of all experience levels perfect their game. This 3,000 square foot facility includes six hitting bays (three inside the building, three covered bays next to the facility), demo inventory with advanced fitting technology, golf club repair, an outdoor veranda for pre- and post-session socialization, and a showroom/retail space. 

Our golf courses are also hubs for community events, tournaments and mixers, fostering connections among residents and creating lifelong memories.

Beyond the fairways, our community features other luxurious wellness amenities that complement your active lifestyle. Our 52,000-square-foot Oakridge Wellness Center (OWC) features five large pools and 105 pieces of workout and wellness equipment. OWC conducts more than 3,900 group fitness classes and 20,000 training sessions annually.

Your Path to Wellness Starts Here

Joining our community means embracing a life where wellness meets sophistication.

With golf as a cornerstone, your days will be filled with opportunities to elevate both body and mind, forging connections and crafting cherished memories along the way. Whether you seek to improve your health, sharpen your focus, or simply enjoy the beauty of the sport, our community invites you to immerse yourself in the physical and mental benefits of golf—on courses that are second to none.

Interested in becoming a member of The Landings Golf and Athletic Club?Contact us today.

Schedule your Discovery Visit today to learn more about our golf lifestyle.