Golf Can Be A Dangerous Sport
I read this blog post from the New York Times yesterday.
The post is about the recent increase in golf cart related injuries since 1990. These injuries have occurred in infants as young as 2 months old and adults as old as 96 years old. Many injuries result in concussions and/or hospitalizations.
The experts have many reasons for the increase in golf cart related injuries. They include:
- Faster and more powerful golf carts
- Increased use of golf carts at non-golfing venues such as hospitals, parks, airports, colleges, businesses, and military bases
- Lack of mandatory golf cart driver’s licenses
- Lack of golf cart seat belts
- Lack of golf cart stability mechanisms
- Lack of golf cart federal regulations
- Lack of four-wheel brakes on golf carts
- Rear facing seats
I did some more research and I found that some of these golf cart related accidents can also be attributed to Leprechauns. Yes, those little green monsters often jump out in front of unsuspecting golf cart drivers, scaring them and causing an accident.
Something needs to be done about this golf cart thing. Maybe we should put air bags in golf carts or anti-lock brakes. Actually, I have a better idea. Why don’t we all try WALKING!!!!!
The number one reason for the increase in golf cart related injuries is the increase in lazy people who don’t want to walk. So, I suggest we make golf carts illegal for anyone who can walk. This would decrease the number of injuries and help people lose weight.
Bonus Advice: Lose Weight Playing Golf
I don’t consider golfing to be exercise but in honor of the 2008 U.S. Open which started today, I’m going to give you golfers a few tips to help you shed some pounds.
- Don’t use a golf cart – Walk, you will burn more calories
- Don’t use a caddy – Carry your golf bag yourself, you will burn more calories
- Drink lots of water – Hunger can often be confused with thirst
- Pack three healthy meals and two healthy snacks – So you don’t have to eat unhealthy club house food
- Have fun – Stress causes weight gain
Dr. Kalvin Chinyere is a physician, weight-loss expert and ex-fat man. He is also the creator of the Don’t Go Broke Weight Loss Plan and the main contributor at Dr. Kal’s Blog.
6km of walking is always a good start. Cycling is becoming the new golf these days though. Much better for weight loss and still very social
It’s also easier on your joints and knees.
yeah that’s right. But it is important to still walk or run (or some impact sport) as you get older otherwise there is risk of losing bone density and strength. That said, I am a massive fan of cycling!
With the average golf course being 6000 yards (aka 3.4 miles) not including shots hit offline or distance between tees and carrying your golf bag… How could this not be exercise?
I don’t think he meant it that way. I think he meant that it’s like one of those things you do that you enjoy, and happen to get the benefit of exercise from. For instance, going to the park with your kids and running around. Thats exercise but I don’t consider it exercise(not part of my routine that is).
Make sense?
Am I on track with what you meant Dr. Kal?
Prior to hurting my ankle walking the local hilly golf course was one of my forms of exercises that I went out of my way to engage in… (motivation is key for me)…
running at the park with my kids is not something I even cosidered exercise. I guess that means I find it even more fun than golf… 🙂
I think Dr. Kal is right about one thing…. Riding around the course in a cart drinking 6-12 beers and mowing a cheese burger and fries or fish in chips is hardly good for your wasitline…
I have golfed basically my entire life, and I have seen multiple golf cart related injuries. Walking the golf course is much better than using a cart. I can attest to needing to drink lots of water, and eating enough. When I was younger I would play in tournaments, and I would have a very hard time on the back 9 because I would not eat enough. I started to bring fruits and nuts so I that I would eat enough, and so I didn’t have to eat the unhealthy club house food.
I have never golfed, ever. I want to one day. I cant speak as to how strenuous it is, but it looks like it can take a toll on you.
Walking is waaay more satisfying that riding a cart anyway…sure the thrill of flooring the pedals is entertaining for the first few holes, but after you realize the negative impact of the restraining belt, you’d rather walk anyway; besides, how much better does that beer taste in the clubhouse after you’ve walked the entire course. Now THAT is gratification. Thanks for the tips.
I have been walking 2.4 miles a day for 5 days a week, takes me about 45 minutes as I stroll around thinking. I love it and when I am done, I am drenched in sweat.
FMU — you need to get thee to a driving range… nothing is more fun (a better stress reliever) that crushing that little white ball… And the driving range will likely loan you a club too…
Once you play a little at range (3 times) get a lesson… Now you are on your way…
The best part is once you get decent you learn that calm focused smooth energy is way more powerful than furious anger…
(think about powercleans done the right way vs the wrong way. With golf the difference is as dramatic AND as addicting.)
I know someone who broke their hand playing golf, so I guess it is a dangerous sport!
How did that happen? I have heard of people getting calluses though. Did you see Tiger do his thing today!!!!!!!?
Why not walk then?
sent from: fav.or.it [FID169221]
Oh, it’s amazing! It’s my first time to hear golf to be a dangerous sport.
What the heck is up with the comment spaz on these latest posts?
I know. I just askimeted them. Say bye bye.
Hey Dr. Kal!
I agree with you an almost everything! I do consider golf a sport and am an avid player! I agree that people shouldn’t use golf carts at the course, walking is healthy and the views and sceneries are always nice on the golf courses… you can enjoy them more by walking and you have the exercise benefits!
Good article!
everybody that i know that plays golf is fat
I know a fit golfer and a fat one.
I agree and think health conscious people should not use golf carts because walking is a great form of light exercise especially for older people (perhaps maybe their only form of exercise?) If they are struggling to carry their equipment around the golf course, there are other alternatives available such as golf push carts.
I know. I just askimeted them.
I have never golfed, ever. I want to one day. I cant speak as to how strenuous it is, but it looks like it can take a toll on you.
I have never. I hear it is rough for beginners.
Some interesting thoughts about golf being dangerous! It really can be, the amount of times we have seen people that have been hit with golf balls, run golf carts into trees, lakes, bunkers or walked into a golf club while someone is swinging it is not a pretty site after connection.
golf is fun sport but also can be dangerous..