GOLFERS are nearly 40 per cent less likely to die young, research suggests.

U.S. scientists followed almost 6,000 older adults over a decade – and found their risk of mortality over this period was 24.6 per cent.

But that fell to just 15.1 per cent for those taking to the fairways at least once a month, a drop of 39 per cent.

Experts claim golf boosts wellbeing by busting stress and offering OAPs regular exercise.

Lead researcher Dr Adnan Qureshi from the University of Missouri said: "While walking and low intensity jogging may be comparable exercise, they lack the competitive excitement of golf.

"Regular exercise, exposure to a less polluted environment and social interactions provided by golf are all positive for health.

Regular exercise and social interactions provided by golf are all positive for health

"Another positive is that older adults can continue to play golf, unlike other more strenuous sports such as football, boxing and tennis.

“Additional positive aspects are stress relief and relaxation, which golf appears better suited for than other sports."

The research, presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2020 [pls keep], followed 5,900 people with an average age of 72.

Of these, 384 were regular golfers, with scientists observing they had significantly lower death rates.

Dr Qureshi said doctors should prescribe golf to help pensioners stay fit.

He said: “Our study is perhaps the first of its kind to evaluate the long-term health benefits of golf, particularly one of the most popular sports among older people in many countries.

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans does not yet include golf in the list of recommended physical activities.

“Therefore, we are hopeful our research findings could help to expand the options for adults to include golf."

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