Body and Mind Games

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain, and exercise undoubtedly helps the heart. Exercise decreases plaque buildup in the arteries; hypertension, which is often a result of high blood pressure; A1C, which is a marker for glucose metabolism for type 2 diabetes; and LDL, or bad cholesterol.  It also increases HDL, the good cholesterol.  Clearly, there is a variety of good things that exercise does for the heart, and if the heart is working well, then the brain works better too.

Six Reasons Why Golf is Good for Women

 

 

Golf might seem like a tough nut to crack testing your patience and determination. But it’s also incredibly rewarding for both your mind and body. Whether you are new to golf or a seasoned golfer, feeling intimidated and doubting your skills is part of the course. But golf offers so much more than a scorecard! It’s a chance to enjoy nature, clear your mind, stay active and connect with others. Still not convinced?  Here are six great reasons why now is the perfect time to give golf a shot. You might just fall in love with the game!

Women Who Golf Together, Stay Together

Golf is a fabulous way for women to meet new girlfriends, build meaningful relationships, and create a strong sense of camaraderie and support. It naturally brings women together through shared experiences, a little competition (or a lot!) and plenty of laughs along the way.

There’s something special about spending few hours outdoors, walking the course, encouraging each other and celebrating small victories - like a long drive or a well-earned par. Those casual chats between holes quickly turn into lasting relationships beyond the course. More than just a sport, golf becomes a space where women uplift each other, celebrate each other’s wins (on and off the course) and build a community. The perfect way to find your tribe.

 

Golf for Health and Your Well Being

Golf is a fantastic way to stay physically active while soaking up the great outdoors. If you're walking the course, you can easily cover 7-8 kilometers (about 5 miles) during a single round! That’s a great workout without even feeling like one. Golf keeps you moving at a steady pace, and all that walking, swinging, and carrying your clubs (at least for some of us) adds up to real physical benefits. But it's not just your body that benefits - your mind gets a big boost too.

Spending a few hours outside in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, is incredibly calming. Many golf courses are set in stunning landscapes - rolling hills, beautiful trees, flowers, lakes, and wide-open skies - which makes every round feel like a mini escape from everyday stress. The combination of movement, nature, and focused play is great for your mental health, helping you clear your mind and recharge.  It’s exercise, relaxation, and fun all rolled into one. So, grab your clubs and head outside - your body, mind, and step count will thank you!

Play Golf on Your Terms

One of the best things about golf is that you can truly play it on your own terms. It’s one of the most flexible sports out there, which makes it easy to fit into your lifestyle, no matter how busy you are. Don’t have time for a full round? No problem - you can play just 9 holes and still enjoy the game, get some fresh air, and have fun. Want to challenge yourself a bit more? Go for the full 18!

You can also choose how involved you want to be. Some women love joining leagues for regular play, friendly competition, and social connection. Others prefer to keep it casual playing on weekends, during holidays, or planning special golf trips with girlfriends. Whether it’s a regular routine or an occasional outing, golf is there when you want it.

There’s no pressure to be perfect or commit to a certain schedule. The beauty of golf is that you make it what you want it to be. It’s about having fun, staying active, and enjoying the company of others - or some peaceful time on your own. So go ahead, set your pace, choose your vibe, and enjoy golf your way!

Golf is Good for Business

Golf is more than just a game - it’s also a great way to network, promote your business, and grow your career. According to Forbes, approximately 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf. The relaxed, social atmosphere of the golf course naturally encourages conversation, making it the perfect setting to build professional relationships without the pressure of a formal meeting. Whether you're playing with colleagues, clients, or new contacts, golf gives you hours of quality time to connect, exchange ideas, and showcase your personality in an authentic way.

Many business deals and partnerships have started on the course. Why? Because golf allows people to get to know each other in a low-stress environment. You learn a lot about someone’s character, patience, and decision-making during a round - all while enjoying the outdoors and some friendly competition.

For women especially, golf can be a powerful tool for opening doors in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Joining a golf league, participating in tournaments, or even organizing golf outings can expand your network and position you as a confident, connected professional. Whether you're promoting your business, exploring new opportunities, or just strengthening existing relationships, golf gives you a unique and effective platform to do so. 

Golf Around the World

One of the most exciting things about golf is that it opens the door to travel and adventure! You can literally travel the world playing golf, turning your favourite hobby into unforgettable vacations. From tropical resorts with oceanfront courses to historic links in Scotland or Ireland, golf gives you a great excuse to explore fun and exotic destinations.

Planning a golf trip with friends or joining a golf group tour is a fantastic way to combine relaxation, sightseeing, and the game you love. Imagine teeing off with mountain views in the background or playing a round, steps from the beach - yes, please! There are so many beautiful golf resorts that offer more than just a great course - think luxury spas, delicious dining, and plenty of opportunities to unwind after your game.

Whether you’re jetting off for a girls’ golf getaway, a romantic escape with a golfing partner, or adding a few rounds to your next vacation, golf travel is all about fun and flexibility. You get to see the world, make new memories, and maybe even cross a few dream courses off your bucket list. So, pack your clubs, grab your passport, and get ready to swing your way around the globe!

Golf Fashion

Bring your sense of fashion to the golf course - because who says you can’t look fabulous while sinking putts? Golf is the perfect excuse to have fun with your wardrobe, and today's golf fashion is anything but boring. From bright colourful golf dresses and prints by  Lilly Pulitzer and chic sporty separates from MDC Sportswear to soft feminine golf polos by Kastel Denmark there are so many ways to express your personality on the course.

Whether you love bold prints, classic preppy looks, or a sleek, sporty vibe, there’s a fashion-forward golf brand out there for you. Explore modern, capsule-style pieces for a clean, athletic look, or go for the edgy, unexpected colours and textures from brands like Fore All. If you lean more toward soft, feminine touches, you’ll love options with elegant silhouettes and pretty details. The best part? Golf style gives you permission to try colours, patterns, and combinations you might not wear anywhere else.

Getting dressed for a round becomes part of the fun - and it can even boost your confidence out there! So go ahead, treat yourself to that cute new golf outfit, those comfy-yet-stylish golf shoes, or that chic golf dress. Golf isn’t just about the game - it’s also about showing up in style and feeling great doing it. Let the good times (and golf balls) roll!

Surprising Benefits of Racquet Sports

Racquet sports provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, offering both aerobic and anaerobic benefits. These sports combine endurance with short bursts of intense activity, a combination that is highly beneficial for heart and vascular health. Beyond the cardiovascular advantages, sports like tennis, pickleball, squash, and table tennis also enhance physical and cognitive capacities. The physical and mental coordination required improves balance, agility, reflexes, concentration, and mental alertness. Additionally, they engage nearly every muscle group, including the thighs, back, shoulders, arms, and abs, helping to maintain muscle mass and strength over the long term. The high energy expenditure in racquet sports also contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight, with a tennis match burning between 400 to 600 calories per hour.

"In many ways, racquet sports like tennis, pickleball, squash, badminton, racquetball, Ping-Pong, and other variations are the ideal exercise for many older adults.  Besides offering a good cardiovascular workout, they can help with both upper- and lower-body strength at one time. They can be played at any age, can be modified to fit most fitness levels, and do not involve a lot of equipment" says Vijay A. Daryanani, a physical therapist and personal trainer with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Outpatient.  "Most of our lives are spent moving forward, and that includes our exercise.  Racquet sports force you to move both back and forth and side to side. This helps improve balance and weight shifting, which can lower risk of falls." 

It turns out that racquet sports are not only fun, but they have long been positively associated with life expectancy. Fascinatingly, those sports roundly beat out activities that we typically associate with long-term heart health - like cycling, swimming, jogging and calisthenics. According to research, picking up a racquet might be among the best decisions a person can make for their health, according to studies that have found a correlation between racquet sports and a reduction in all-cause mortality, and a 10 year increase in life!

Why is that? Sports like tennis, pickleball and badminton “inherently involve more social interaction [and] were associated with the best longevity.”

Time and time again, longevity experts have stressed the importance of (a) moving and (b) maintaining a close-knit group of friends. Combining the two is longevity bingo. In the case of tennis, pickleball or badminton, aging athletes have long had a regular “third place” to go to (which refers to a regular gathering place outside of home or work).  A place they can chop it up with compatriots and have a good time.

Racquet Sports Fashions

Whether you’re serving looks on or off the court, the best dresses of the season can go from country-club chic to street style favourites in one fell swoop, forehand, or backhand. 

Are pickleball outfits the same as tennis?

Although pickleball outfits are similar to tennis clothing, there is a variety of pickleball-specific print skorts, tops, and dresses. Open Court is proud to introduce a brand designed by pickleballers, for pickleballers. Pickletini’s signature inverted pockets are designed to easily tuck away an extra pickleball without restricting movement, while the sweat-wicking material will keep you cool on the court.

 

How important is it to find the right accessories?

Hats and visors are important on the court to protect players from the sun's harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and prevent sweat from dripping into their eyes. They also help maintain visibility on the court and provide comfort by shading the head and face.  The right hat or visor also completes the outfit and makes a statement!

 

Racquet sport bags are essential for protecting equipment, organizing gear, and ensuring a more comfortable and convenient experience for players. They provide dedicated storage for racquets, balls, clothing, and accessories, keeping everything secure and readily accessible. And there are many different styles of pickleball bags and tennis bags to choose from.  Think Royln's designer pickleball and tennis bags, with snap-off racquet covers, are designed for women who move seamlessly from the court to everyday street style.

You’ve come a long way, baby!

Women's racquet ball fashion has evolved significantly from restrictive, long skirts to modern, high-performance attire. Initially, attire was designed for modesty and practicality, with long skirts and corsets limiting movement. Today, players prioritize comfort, flexibility, and performance through lightweight, breathable fabrics and innovative technology.

For latest trends in women’s golf, tennis, pickleball and active lifestyle fashions, visit  Open Court in-store or online.