EAGLE - Development of Connection Pathways from Primary Care to Golf Packages
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAGLE…
What’s the context?
We all know that exercise is good for us, right? Regular physical activity benefits our physical health, mental wellbeing, cognitive functioning and social connections, and has been labelled ‘a miracle cure’ by policymakers and researchers alike. Yet in both the UK and Worldwide, only around 40% adults actually achieve the World Health Organization’s guideline amounts of 150 minutes per week (which is just over 20 minutes per day!)
Realising the great potential that physical activity can have on individuals, families, communities and populations, the Scottish Government have taken great steps towards trying to encourage activity, and emphasise its importance within our lives. As a result, they have now implemented the National Physical Activity for Health Framework; the Physical Activity Outcomes Framework; and crucially, a Physical Activity Referral Standards. All of these policies show an active cultural shift and commitment to the development of a Scotland with ‘More People, More Active, More Often’. One such part of this movement is the adoption of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health’s Eight Investments, which includes a systemic change towards an Active Health and Social Care system, with integration of the NHS Physical Activity Pathway into our routine healthcare delivery.
Part of this plan is that healthcare providers can now essentially ‘prescribe’ patients with physical activity, as well as a number of other activities, based on opportunities in their local area. Connecting individuals who may benefit from physical activity with these local opportunities has the potential to change their lives for the better. Also, not only will the individual’s own health and wellbeing likely improve from participation, but those who are ‘socially prescribed’ physical activity have been shown to require fewer GP appointments in the future – so it’s a win-win!
Why golf?
We strongly feel that one of the best ways people can get involved in more physical activity is through the game of golf. In its most traditional form, golf provides an opportunity for an aerobic activity of moderate intensity (meaning it contributes towards the World Health Organization activity guidelines). However arguably just as importantly, golf also represents the opportunity for over 3 hours of walking with friends, in nature and green spaces, whilst playing a sport that can be done throughout the lifespan – you’re never too old to play golf!
The R&A (Golf’s governing body) have made it clear that they share our view, and are very keen to utilise the sport for active health promotion – and when you consider the research, it’s no wonder… Golfers have been seen to have an extra 5 years of life expectancy! Participation is associated with a 35% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, 30% reduced risk of all-cause mortality, and further risk reductions in diabetes, strokes and cancers, among others. The benefits aren’t only physical, with mental wellbeing, quality of life and cognitive functioning also seeing marked improvement.
What is the EAGLE Project?
Our mission is simple. We are trying to utilise the abundant opportunities across Scotland and the UK to get more people playing golf – both growing the game, and improving lives in tandem with each other. Patients, Healthcare Staff, Allied Professionals, Community Groups, Golf Club Staff (and us as researchers) all have a role to play, and by working together, we can help.
EAGLE is the result of a collaboration between the School of Medicine at University of St Andrews, the R&A, ISPS Handa, Scottish Golf, Fife Golf Trust, the PGA of Scotland and others, and represents a theory-driven, co-designed Golf for Health programme.
Participants in the programme receive 8-weeks of golf tuition from a qualified PGA Teaching professional at a local golf club, in groups of around 6-8 people in a similar circumstance to themselves. We invite connections and referrals for anyone who is not already a ‘golfer’ (hasn’t played within 2 years) and does not meet the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity.
The programme itself has been designed and structured to enable those who haven’t even picked up a club before to be able to have the confidence and capability to carry on and get out to play. Through PGA Coaching expertise, resources and insight from the Golf Foundation, and academic theories, the programme has a bit of everything, of course with the main aim being to teach the foundations of the game, but more importantly, to encourage enjoyment.
The sessions cover all aspects of the game including driving, irons, wedges, chipping and putting, in fun and engaging forms that promote movement and improvement, as well as the opportunity for meeting new people in a welcoming environment, through a friendly introduction to the game.
