After a very successful launch in 2018 Sidmouth Golf Club will be once again be running the Golf Academy, starting the week after Easter.

While everyone sees the elite players on TV, and the media coverage going with that, often overlooked are the amazing health benefits of the game.

It is an opportunity to take regular exercise, generally in fabulous places and always in the company you choose.

There are seven major health benefits from golf:

-Heart health – walking, carrying your bag, swinging the club all increase your heart rate and blood flow, reducing risk of stroke and diabetes as well as lowering blood pressure and harmful cholesterol.

-Brain stimulation – regular walking strengthens the brain's memory circuits.

-Weight loss – a round of golf easily exceeds the golden number of 10,000 steps a day.

-Reduces stress – all the elements of golf release endorphins, the mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.

-Improved sleep – exercise and fresh air are a powerful combination for a good workout and better sleep.

-Low injury – a low-impact activity.

-Live longer – yes, golfers have a 40% lower death rate, which corresponds to a five-year increase in life expectancy. Golfers live longer!

The Golf Academy is a 12-week course combining tuition, playing and social opportunities.

The tuition comes from the club's professional instructor Ross Troake, while experienced golfing mentors will be on hand to accompany and advise academy members.

The Golf Academy is aimed at anyone who is new to the game, occasional players or lapsed golfers thinking of a return to the game.

For information on the Academy contact either the club professional Ross Troake or Club Manager Tim Aggett on 01395 513451. The course costs £75 per person.

Written by Club Manager Tim Aggett.

To find out more visit the club's website by clicking the big red button below.