“Walking around the golf course is the exercise you need”: Exploring the acceptability of a golf on referral scheme amongst participants through post-programme focus groups

TL;DR

A pilot program in Scotland explored how connecting inactive people to golf through healthcare professionals affected their physical activity and social connections.

Contribution

This study evaluates the acceptability of a novel 'Golf for Health' social prescribing scheme and its effectiveness in engaging participants.

Findings

Participants generally enjoyed the golf program and appreciated the social and learning aspects.

Barriers and facilitators to engagement were identified, including issues with the connection pathway and sign-up process.

Positive feedback indicated potential for long-term health and wellbeing benefits through golf participation.

Abstract

Physical inactivity has significant adverse consequences for health and wellbeing, yet its ubiquity in higher income countries continues to be a major issue. Participation in sport is one possible solution to reducing inactivity, with evidence showing its ability to increase physical activity levels, improving physical and mental health, as well as social connections. Recent research has suggested that the benefits of sports, such as golf, could be achieved through social prescribing schemes, connecting inactive individuals to local activity opportunities. However, it is unclear how this connection pathway between community health settings and golf clubs may work in practice. A pilot Golf for Health scheme was implemented in Fife, Scotland. The present research aimed to assess the acceptability of this programme and its connection pathways, exploring this amongst participants’ experiences.

Healthcare practices and allied professionals in Fife were invited to take part in the pilot study, connecting inactive individuals with five local golf clubs offering a free-of-charge ‘Golf for Health’ programme. Following the pilot, two semi-structured focus groups (n = 9) were conducted with participants who completed the programme. These aimed to explore how well the intervention was received and the extent to which it met participant needs, as well as the initial connection experience. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Three overarching themes were developed, representing the barriers and facilitators to engagement; the connection pathway and sign-up process; and the participants’ programme experience. Participants enjoyed the programme, appreciated the chance to learn golf and make new friends in a welcoming environment; however, there were concerns regarding the connection pathways and sign-up process.

Overall responses were positive, with reports that participation was generally beneficial. ‘Golf for Health’ may offer an accessible and social introduction to golf, subsequently providing opportunity for long-term health and wellbeing benefits. More work is needed on developing connection pathways that are acceptable and feasible in practice.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-026-03180-1.

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