This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Golf for Fitness

Maximize your calorie burn during your next game of golf.

Many people question whether the game of golf is an activity that counts as a calorie burning workout or if it is simply an excuse for exercise. Some assume that all golfers ride in golf carts from hole to hole and only walk a few feet to swing their club. Better yet a significant number of people argue that avid golfers just stand around and chat with a drink in hand throughout most of the day.

You could argue that if you were not engaged in a game of golf, you would be sitting on the couch drinking a liter of Coke while consuming a deep-dish pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. In this case, playing a game of golf is definitely worth it as you would burn roughly 200 calories per hour—more than you would burn eating and drinking at home!

Golf is a great game; however it should not be seen as a form of high-intensity exercise. Four hours of playing golf while walking is comparable to a 45-minute fitness class. Although it is great to get out and soak in the suns rays, if you’d like to get in maximum calorie burn for the amount of time you put in, you may want to consider a run or a spin class once in a while.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the meantime, if you are a golf enthusiast and don’t want to give up the game for the sake of burning extra calories, consider the following during your next nine-hole golf session.

Say goodbye to your ride.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Forego the golf cart as your mode of transportation if you’d like to burn a greater number of calories. Walking nine holes on a hilly course is equivalent to walking 2.5 miles, compared to .05 miles when riding in a cart.

Carry your golf bag.

Assuming you are in decent physical condition with no back problems, consider carrying your golf bag instead of using a push cart. The added weight of golf bag while walking from hole to hole burns additional calories. Switch to a double-strap bag instead of a single-strap to alleviate the weight on your back and shoulders.

Take the long route.

Walk the longest route possible from hole to hole. If you are at a fairway that requires carts walk down the fairway to you ball while your golf partner follows with the cart.

Reduce consumption of high-calorie drinks.

Allow yourself one high-calorie drink for the day then switch to water. Many people have the misconception that drinks can't possibly have that many calories, when in fact there are many drinks that can equal 300 to 500 calories or more. Consume three drinks and you’ve just met half of your daily’s caloric requirement!

Watch what you eat.

When dining at the golf course, it’s easy to eat more calories and fat as well as food that is unhealthy. Opt for a high protein, low-calorie lunch such as a mixed green salad topped sliced turkey breast and low-fat dressing. You will feel better and less sluggish which will allow you to play better.

If you are interested in the sport of golf, but are not sure how to get started use the resources I’ve listed below. 

Gilroy

Gilroy Golf Course

Eagle Ridge Golf Course

Los Gatos

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?