5 Reasons Why Golf Is a Great Retirement Activity
As someone who’s passionate about both golf and retirement planning, I thought it’d be fun to take a little break from the nitty-gritty numbers of retirement and talk about something lighter. Specifically, something that can be a lot of fun and offer numerous benefits during retirement – golf.
Now, I have a bit of a bias, because I’m an avid golfer myself. I started playing the game when I was 14, and after 30 years of swinging clubs, I can confidently say that golf has been a key part of my life, both for its physical challenges and social aspects. And here’s the best part – retirement is the perfect time to dive deeper into golf (or start playing if you haven't yet). After all, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the game.
1. Physical Benefits Without the Stress
Golf is a low-impact sport, meaning it’s easy on your body while still offering plenty of physical benefits. Whether you’re walking the course or riding in a cart, golf can help you stay active in a way that doesn’t put excessive strain on your joints. And if you want to get the most exercise out of your round, walking the course with a pushcart is a great way to sneak in some cardio. In fact, walking an 18-hole golf course could add another 2 to 3 miles to your daily step count, depending on how straight you hit the ball (if you’re like me, that distance will be a bit longer, thanks to some errant shots!).
You don’t have to play 18 holes, either. If you're not up for a long round, 9 holes can still give you a solid workout. Plus, golf is a great way to target your core and build muscle in specific areas that benefit your game. As you age, staying active becomes more important, and golf offers a fun way to get your exercise in while enjoying the outdoors.
2. Social Interaction and Community
When you retire, one of the biggest changes is the loss of daily social interactions with colleagues. It’s a big transition, and many retirees struggle with the absence of the office banter or after-work happy hours. But golf provides a great opportunity to meet new people and stay socially engaged.
Joining a golf league or a local golf club (public or private) can help you build a new network of friends and acquaintances. These leagues often meet weekly or bi-weekly, making it easy to commit to regular social time. If you’re not into organized leagues, you can still bond over a round of golf with family and friends. Plus, you’ll meet people out on the course and maybe even connect with others online through Facebook or golf-specific social groups.
Golf also offers a unique bonding experience. A round of 18 holes can take 4 to 5 hours, which gives you plenty of time to catch up with someone or make new connections. Whether you’re enjoying time with a spouse, child, or new friend, golf offers a relaxed setting for deep conversation and connection.
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3. Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health
Golf isn’t just a physical game; it’s a mental challenge too. For those looking to keep their brains sharp during retirement, golf can be a great way to engage the mind. The game requires strategy, focus, and problem-solving, and it’s a constant puzzle to figure out the best way to approach each hole.
As you age, keeping your mind active becomes just as important as staying physically fit. Golf provides mental stimulation, and because the game is so complex, there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s improving your swing, learning course management, or adjusting to different weather conditions, golf offers endless opportunities to stay mentally engaged.
It’s also a great way to practice patience and resilience. Golf is full of ups and downs, and you can never really "conquer" it. Some days, your game will be on fire, and other days, nothing will go right. But that's what makes the game exciting and ever-evolving.
4. Scenic Beauty and Nature
One of the greatest joys of golf is the opportunity to enjoy beautiful outdoor settings. Most golf courses are set on large properties with ample green space, and many are in stunning natural locations. Whether it’s a course nestled by a lake, perched on a mountain, or surrounded by dense woods, golf gives you the chance to be out in nature.
A round of golf can feel like a mini-vacation, allowing you to unwind and de-stress as you stroll through picturesque landscapes. I've spotted deer, foxes, and even a few coyotes on the courses I've played, and the natural beauty always adds to the enjoyment of the game. It’s also peaceful. If you get an early tee time, you might find yourself on the course with just the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves around you.
For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are even golf courses located on the water, or in tropical or desert environments. Golf truly offers something for everyone when it comes to scenic beauty.
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5. Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
Finally, one of the best reasons to play golf is that it’s a lifelong learning experience. I’ve been playing for 30 years, and I can tell you – there’s always something to work on. Whether you’re improving your swing, refining your putting, or learning how to navigate a tricky course, golf provides endless opportunities for personal growth and achievement.
It’s never too late to start! If you’ve never played golf before, retirement is a great time to pick up the game. You can start with lessons or simply practice at the driving range. Golf is a sport you can enjoy at any age, and the best part is, it’s always evolving with you. As you improve, you set new goals, and the challenge of becoming a better player never really goes away.
Even if you’ve played in the past, picking the game back up can be a fun way to make use of your newfound free time. Whether you’re learning new skills or simply enjoying the game, golf is a rewarding hobby to pursue throughout your retirement years.
Closing Thoughts
As you think about what to do with your time in retirement, golf might just be the perfect fit. It offers physical exercise, social interaction, mental stimulation, beautiful surroundings, and endless learning opportunities. Plus, with so many golf courses right here in Connecticut, you won’t be short on options.
If you’re a golf enthusiast like me, I hope these five reasons inspire you to hit the links more often in retirement. And if you’re new to the game, maybe now’s the time to give it a try. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite hobby.
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As always, have a great day, a better week, and I look forward to talking with you on the next blog post, podcast, YouTube video, or wherever we have the pleasure of connecting!
Written by Ryan Morrissey
Founder & CEO of Morrissey Wealth Management
Host of the Retire with Ryan Podcast