Healthier lifestyle in the offing for Would-Be Golfers in Staffordshire

Golf clubs in Staffordshire are helping to deliver a slimline tonic to anyone looking to shed the pounds and improve overall well-being.

A study by the Yale University School of Medicine revealed that during the average round of golf players can walk five to six miles and burn off 900 calories helping to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Now the Staffordshire County Golf Partnership has teamed up with Waist-Lines, Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust's Adult Weight Management Service, to introduce golf as part of its weight management programme.

Says Gareth Shaw, the Staffordshire CGP development officer: “A round of golf is an easy way to take part in the 150 minutes of moderate exercise that the Department of Health recommend that we take every week.

“Not everyone who is looking to lose some weight or lead a healthier lifestyle wants to spend all their time on a treadmill in the gym.

“Indeed golf’s powerful combination of stress-busting exercise, fresh air and camaraderie make it an excellent activity for promoting long-term health.

“It doesn’t matter if you have never played golf or haven’t picked up a club since school or an almost-forgotten holiday, we can find a route into golf for you.”

The Fit For Golf scheme is offering a free taster day on Tuesday, July 8 (5pm-6pm) at Branston Golf and Country with follow up coaching available from Tuesday, July 15 (6pm-7pm) in two four-week blocks.

Get into golf coaching is available from Tuesday, September 9 (5pm-6pm) with five lessons costing just £25 with the opportunity to build on new-found golf skills from Tuesday, October 7 (6pm-6.45pm).

The sessions take place at the club’s newly-refurbished 22-bay floodlit driving range. Call 01283 492867 for further details.

The latest sessions follow a highly successful pilot scheme at Burton Golf Club in which 25 individuals are now playing golf regularly as part of their exercise regime.

It is now intended to extend the scheme to Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Crannock and Tamworth.

Lee Ferrigon, weight management adviser with the NHS Trust's Waist-Lines service, said: "Since we started Fit For Golf with Steve Hadfield, head golf professional at Branston Golf & Country Club, the number of patients has doubled with everyone  keen and thoroughly enjoying themselves learning to play golf in the relaxed social atmosphere for which this friendly club is famous.  Branston is quite different from the typical golf club and the staff and facilities are superb.”
Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent NHS Trust's weight management team are fully trained to help people make better choices to lose weight, stay at a healthier weight and improve the way they feel.

The Waist-Lines dietician-led professional clinical service is for anyone over the age of 16 years and can be contacted at 01543 509740 or via your local doctor, practice nurse or health worker.

Adds Gareth Shaw: “For those taking part, golf offers a sustainable way of continuing to manage their weight and lifestyle by providing an activity that they can continue to play throughout their lifetime.”

The CGP’s work with the NHS is part of the national Get into golf campaign, which seeks to inspire adults to take up the game and is run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, supported by Sport England and National Lottery funding.

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults to take up the game and is run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, supported by Sport England and National Lottery funding.

Get into golf opportunities include FREE taster session and low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766

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