According to Alice Jacobs, an educational psychologist, and Brian Gain, director of the organization called Brain Gain, golf is a “neurodynamic sport.” When you play golf, you engage muscle memory as well as analytical processes, activities which stem from two different areas of the brain.
Neurogenesis is the process of creating new brain cells and happens when the brain is challenged; this process helps stave off memory loss that comes with aging. “Your brain’s burning a lot of energy playing golf,” says Tom Pernice Jr., a PGA Tour player. During a round of golf, you are judging distances and spatial relationships as well as making club selections.
In order to get the greatest benefit for your brain and your well-being, it’s important to focus on having fun rather than striving for perfection. (David Donatucci, fitness director for The PGA of America.)