As I typed the heading for this article I accidently made a typo and spelt GOLD instead of GOLF. I chuckled momentarily and considered leaving it. But seriously health benefits from any activity are actually like "GOLD".

Playing golf really addresses the six major areas of human endeavour in just one area. The physical, mental, spiritual, social, work, community.

Physical

Just the very fact that you go out and take in a round of either 9 or 18 holes gives you a fantastic work out. The walking along is a great benefit - not to mentioned all the bending and stretching along the way.

Doctors usually recommend at least 20 minutes a day. A 9 hole round would take a lot more than 20 minutes so even if you play golf just once a week you should be well in front.

If you are not able to walk the distance and have to take a golf cart even the body stretching and the bending have got to be of value.

Mental

The mental strength you have to have to play a game of golf is well know amongst golfers. Many people say that it is the most frustrating game but that being the case it would allow you to be completely "in the moment" and not dwell on problems in another area of your life. If you are totally absorbed in an activity it gives you timeout and in this way gives the subconscious time to work behind the scenes on the situation in another area of your life.

Spiritual

One of the fabulous things I've always admired about playing golf is the fact the even the least well located course is generally always serene, green and calming. As you walk around, driving and putting, it gives you valuable time to 'veg' out and commune with nature and the world. It lets you escape 'the norm'. If you are lucky enough to play on a course near an ocean or the sea I believe you have an added bonus - water being a very theraputic calming agent.

Social

The social aspects of golf cannot be understated. When a group of people are passionate about an activity just the act of being together is generally enough. It's almost like a long-standing marriage when one partners doesn't need to say anything and the other knows exactly what the other will say. If someone hits a great shot generally you will be able to appreciate what it feels like to do this.

Back at the clubhouse can be a great way of getting to know your fellow members. Generally the surroundings are well appointed and a very pleasant way to debrief after a session on the golf course.

Business

It's been a long standing assumption that the golf course is the place to be to meet prospective clients or to bring your prospective and current clients to get to know them better. Things have changed a little now but years ago professional people weren't able to advertise so having a place to meet and network was a vital necessity. There's no better way to get to know people when they are relaxed and not have their defences up. Another serendipity when getting to know people when playing any type of game is that it has been said that the way people play a game is usually how they will react in a business sense.

Community

Many a great community event or charity event has been held on the golf course or clubhouse. There's a group of willing broadcasters and participants for the event and the invitees - are usually - well heeled and able to contribute well to the event. Many charities and well deserving programs and situations have been helped by charity events at golf courses.