Why golf is the perfect sport for social distancing in Spain
Spain is all about culture, art, flamenco, and amazing food! But just because masks are no longer required in outdoor settings, it doesn’t mean everybody is comfortable going back to how things were before.
We highly recommend golf if you’d love to get out and about, do something fun, and stay safe while social distancing! It’s healthy, it’s relaxed, and it’s the perfect sport for social distancing in Spain.
Here are just a few of the reasons we believe golf is the best way to get out and about while staying safe!
Wide Open Spaces
One of the best things about golf is that it’s played in wide open, beautiful spaces. You just don’t get a tiny golf course! There’s more than enough space on a golf course for many people to play happily together without being too close to each other.
Even if you are playing a round in a group, there’s usually more than enough room around you for you to socialize without being on top of each other. Unlike sports like soccer, golf really doesn’t need close contact with anybody.
Just make sure that you’re staying far enough behind the group in front of you and you’ll be able to stay socially distanced at all times while enjoying your game.
A Great Solo Sport
Golf is one of the few sports that you can play quite comfortably on your own. If you’re serious about social distancing but you still want something fun and exciting to do, golf is an excellent choice.
Playing alone means you don’t even have to wear a mask. It’s just you, the golf clubs, and the expanse of beautiful, natural space around you.
Fresh Air & Sunlight
While social distancing is important, it’s also an excellent idea to get out of the house and into the fresh air once in a while!
Science reports that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can help to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mental health, and strengthen the immune system.
The beauty of a golf course is that it’s not just another sports field. You’re out in nature, surrounded by green grass, trees, birds, and sometimes even animals.
As well as being around nature and reaping the benefits of that, getting some sunlight can also help to strengthen your immune system. Many of us don’t get enough vitamin D, and spending a few hours out in the sun can help. Don’t forget the sunscreen, though!
Improved Physical Health
If you’re concerned about social distancing, chances are you’re worried about the chance of catching Covid-19. However, one of the other great characteristics of golf is that it offers light, easy exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system and boosts the immune system.
Walking the golf course is an amazing way of getting in 3 to 6 kilometers of cardio, without a mask. You’ll get an excellent cardio workout and boost your immune system at the same time.
Any Time
Maybe you’re a little nervous about being out and about in the busiest parts of the day. The good news is that you can usually get in a round of golf during less busy times. Many golf courses have twilight rates, which are during afternoon and evening hours when it’s typically quieter.
If you’re an early bird, you may be able to get a round in before work when most people are still slumbering or getting ready for work. On the other hand, if you have more time later in the day, you’re likely to find a course that offers good afternoon off-peak rates for a quieter round.
Conclusion
If you’re still wondering why it’s the perfect sport for social distancing in Spain, golf is truly accessible to everyone. While there are some private clubs out there, there are just as many beautiful, well-laid-out public clubs that welcome visitors of all skill levels.
You don’t even need to have your own set of clubs because you can hire a set at most places! It also doesn’t even matter if you’re an experienced golfer or an amateur because most courses have a set of more forgiving tees for less experienced players or a driving range for practice.
Between being healthy, easy to stay away from others, in a beautiful place, and accessible to everyone, golf truly is the best sport to take you outdoors and keep you safe during uncertain times like these.
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who has played on beautiful golf purses across the world. When he’s not on the course or mentoring young golfers, he’s writing for his own website, Golf Influence.
