The seasonal variation of physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finnish older golfers: A cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. Golf is a health‐enhancing outdoor exercise and is associated with low risk of viral transmission. The purpose of this study was to describe the seasonal differences in physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 in Finnish older golfers. METHODS: Older golfers (n = 325) from eight golf clubs retrospectively responded to a questionnaire in summer 2020 on their physical activity and golf activity in winter 2019/20 (pre‐COVID‐19 winter season) and summer season 2020. In addition, they reported their quality of life after the first wave of pandemic in summer 2020. To evaluate the seasonal differences in physical activity, life quality and its association with golf activity, the data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, Spearman's correlation test, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Despite COVID‐19 restrictions, golfers' physical activity increased by 24% (p < 0.001) during the COVID‐19 restrictions in the summer of 2020. Moderate physical activity increased by 37% (p < 0.001), walking activity increased by 26% (p < 0.001), and sitting decreased by 21% (p < 0.001) compared with the pre‐COVID‐19 winter season. The full 18‐hole golf round activity was positively associated with moderate physical activity both in the summer and winter season, and with walking in the summer season. Over 90% of golfers reported good quality of life during the 2020 summer restrictions. CONCLUSION: In contrast to physical activity levels generally decreasing during the first wave of pandemic, physical activity levels in Finnish golfers increased, and these golfers reported a good quality of life. Golf can provide health enhancing physical activity and older golfers seems to be physically active throughout the year.