16/07/2025

PHA Urges NI To Get Active As The Open Returns

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people across Northern Ireland to take inspiration from the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush and make physical activity a priority for their health.

The PHA emphasises that regular exercise delivers a wide range of benefits, including improved mood, better sleep, increased self-confidence and reduced anxiety. It also plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing long-term illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia.

Spectators at The Open can also benefit from physical activity. Walking the course can see fans cover between five and six miles a day, burning more than 1,000 calories in the process. Walking remains one of the easiest ways to stay active and healthy, and it's accessible to everyone — even those who are not attending the tournament.
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David Tumilty, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: "Having The Open in Northern Ireland shines a light on one of our greatest health assets – access to physical activity right on our doorstep. We're encouraging people to use this moment as a prompt to think about their own activity levels.

"Whether The Open inspires you to try golf for the first time or simply encourages you to walk more each day – every little bit of activity adds up. Getting active doesn’t have to be complicated but it does make a difference and contributes to better health and wellbeing."

To encourage people to get moving, community walks will be held across Northern Ireland during the week of The Open, supported by HSC Walking for Health Coordinators. Participants can join to reach step goals and enjoy the social benefits of group exercise. Information on walking groups is available at www.pha.site/WalkingGroups.

The PHA is also backing The Open’s official 'Walk to Win' challenge, which asks participants to walk 7,381 steps in a day — the exact length in yards of the Royal Portrush course. The challenge is open to anyone and offers a chance to win a four-ball round at Royal Portrush.

Walk to Win is available via The Open App.

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