Table 2.

Golf exercise routines for Parkinson’s disease.

Be safe, be careful, and realize that most PwP typically have gait and balance issues

To ensure safety, the benefit of a new exercise program will only work if you have (i) talked with your neurologist; (ii) worked out a plan with your physical therapist or personal trainer that includes stretching exercises for pre- and post-golf and discussion on the optimal dose and frequency as you prepare for a new exercise; (iii) if you know how to play golf and you are starting anew, welcome back; and (iv) if you are a beginner golfer, welcome, and have fun.

Plan #1: Practice the golf swing at home

This plan requires only a couple of golf clubs, a golf mat to swing on and likely plastic golf balls (and possibly a net to capture balls). If weather permits, practice outside. The goal is to swing the golf club 100 times/day for 3–5 days per week.

Plan #2: Hitting golf balls at a golf driving range

The next level is going to a golf driving range, where you are hitting real golf balls and likely have a few more golf clubs. Similar goal, try to hit 100 golf balls/day for 3–5 days per week.

Plan #3: Play a round of golf at a local golf course/club

The third level is to play a round of golf, playing either 9 holes or 18 holes at a local golf course. If you are able to walk, you enhance the exercise routine. Try to play once (or twice) per week. Golf has many rules, yet it is a very honorable and social sport. You can enjoy it playing alone or with friends. Two downsides to golf include the time it takes to play 9 or 18 holes of golf, and it is not without significant equipment and clothes expenditures. However, plans #1 and #2 described above are much more reasonable in terms of time and cost.

Plan #4: Virtual Golf

“Park Place Golf Club” is designed specifically for Parkinson’s disease. This is a virtual 18-hole golf and fitness training program that provides instructional golf videos paired with functional fitness workouts where you can track your progress. Park Place Virtual Golf was created by Taunya Foerster [from https://parkplacegolfclub.com (accessed on 16 April 2021)].

Learning how to play golf

“Golf for Beginners: So You Want To Play Golf” [from https://www.golfdigest.com/gallery/golf-beginners-tips/amp (accessed on 16 April 2021)]; “Beginner Basics” [from https://schools.golfdigest.com/series/will-robins-beginner-basics-rsuzob7 (accessed on 16 April 2021)]; “The best way to learn golf now” [from https://www.golfdigest. com/story/how-to-play-golf-now/amp (accessed on 16 April 2021)]; “A Beginner’s Golf Guide: What every new golfer should know when picking up the game” [from https://www.golfdigest.com/story/the-complete-beginner-s-guide-to-golf (accessed on 16 April 2021)]; “Golf 101: Dos and don’ts for beginners” [from https://golf.com/instruction/golf-101-dos-and-donts-for-beginners/ (accessed on 16 April 2021)]; “How to Play Golf | The Beginner’s Guide” [from https://golfworkoutprogram.com/how-to-play-golf/ (accessed on 16 April 2021)].