Golf has long been known for its elegance, its strategy, and yes—its frustrations. But for many travelers today, it’s also becoming something much deeper: a form of mindfulness in motion.
At its core, golf is about presence. Each swing demands focus. Each step across the course is an invitation to breathe deeply and reconnect with your body, your breath, and the natural world around you.
“In many ways, golf mirrors meditation,” says Dr. Greg Cartin, a certified sports psychologist who works with PGA professionals. “It’s about staying present, quieting the noise, and learning to let go of the last shot” [Golf Digest, 2023].
This meditative aspect is gaining traction among wellness-minded travelers—especially those seeking active recovery or non-traditional forms of stress relief. And it’s not just for the pros. Recreational golfers of all levels are discovering that the course offers a much-needed pause from the speed of modern life.
Scientific research backs it up. A 2020 study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that walking an 18-hole course burns up to 2,000 calories, supports cardiovascular health, and reduces cortisol levels—a major marker of stress [BMJ Open Sport, 2020]. Combine that with deep concentration and open-air movement, and you’ve got a perfect prescription for mental wellness.
Luxury resorts are beginning to lean into this. At Gleneagles in Scotland, golfers can enjoy early morning tee times followed by guided forest walks or customized hydrotherapy sessions at the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa. In Costa Rica, The Westin Reserva Conchal pairs its ocean-view golf course with beachfront yoga, rainforest hikes, and Heavenly Spa rituals designed for post-round recovery. Some properties are even adding “mindful tee boxes”—designated spaces for breathwork and intention-setting before players take their first swing.
Non-golfers aren’t left out either. Many of these destinations offer “walk-along wellness” experiences, where guests can stroll the course paths at dawn, practice morning meditation on the greens, or participate in walking clinics alongside players. It becomes a shared experience—one rooted in nature, movement, and quiet connection.
What sets this apart from traditional golf trips is the integration of wellness into the itinerary. Rather than focusing solely on performance, travelers are embracing golf as a mental health practice—one that promotes resilience, emotional regulation, and even mindfulness under pressure.
This reframing makes the game more inclusive, too. Women, veterans, beginners, and older adults are stepping onto the course not just to compete, but to heal. Organizations like the Veterans Golf Association and Yoga for Golfers have helped reshape how we think about the sport—not as an elite pastime, but as a powerful wellness tool.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just enjoying the sunshine, golf offers something rare: time and space to be with yourself. And in today’s world, that may be the greatest luxury of all.
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Sources:
- Golf Digest. (2023). Golf as a Mental Health Practice
- BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. (2020). Physiological Benefits of Walking Golf Courses
- Cabot Cape Breton. (2023). Wellness & Golf Experiences
- Four Seasons Hualalai. (2023). Golf and Spa Integration
- Veterans Golf Association. (2024). Mission & Impact
