For the last 11 years, I have advocated for better walking hours, more walking days, a seasonal fee, etc. I have heard all the negatives about the walkers but thought that this article from Parade, August 30Th, 2009 was very informative.
Larry G Hulce

It might be the time to rethink the term "golf widow". A Swedish study found that men and women aged 40 to 79 who regularly play golf have a 40% lower incidence of mortality then those who don"t. In fact, teeing off can add about 5 years to your life. For maximum benefit, wean yourself from the golf cart, start out slowly walking every other hole until you are walking the entire course. A study out of the Rose Center for Health and Sport Science in Denver finds that golfers who walk 36 holes per week burn around 2900 calories, which would lead to a 40 pound weight loss in one year. In addition to boosting your health, you will improve your game. The golfers produced lower average scores when they walked than when they used a cart, probably because they were better able to see the details of the course, leading to better club selection and shots. More important, walking has proven to increase fitness and improve overall health. The social aspect improves your mood. And because golf can be played at almost any age, the sport keeps on giving.