The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 is celebrating the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of golf for both spectators and players with the launch of Step Fore It, an exciting new initiative that will challenge tournament visitors to rack up as many steps as possible throughout the event – with prizes for those topping the leaderboard.

Step Fore It aims to highlight the powerful physical and mental health benefits of being both a golf spectator and player amongst visitors to the tournament, which will return to the city from Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19 for its 36th edition.

The healthy spectator stats that inspired Step Fore It

Research shows that golf spectators average over 11,500 steps per day at events, offering a unique combination of physical activity, outdoor enjoyment, and social interaction. In a world grappling with the health risks of inactivity, golf provides a fun, accessible way to get moving. Each year, over 10 million people attend golf tournaments, collectively walking millions of steps. At The 152^nd Open over 168 million steps were taken by spectators across Royal Troon whilst at events like the Schengen Open, spectators walked the equivalent of the Great Wall of China, and Ryder Cup fans covered four times the globe’s circumference.

Step Fore It

Step Fore It was conceptualised by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as part of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign supported by the Emirates Golf Federation. Designed to encourage spectators of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle, this initiative encourages audiences to get moving while enjoying the tournament. Whether it’s strolling between holesor taking in the action at key viewing spots – every step will count.

Participants can register upon entry by signing up at a designated counter in Tournament Town from 10am daily. They can track their steps throughout the day and submit their final count by 6pm on Thursday to Saturday or by 4pm on Sunday. Each day, the top three participants with the highest step counts will win exclusive prizes.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, stated: “Introducing the Step Fore It Challenge at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s dedication to promoting health and wellness. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the holistic physical and mental benefits of both playing and spectating golf. We look forward to welcoming visitors to join in this exciting challenge and engage in some healthy competition as they strive to top the leaderboards.”

Swing into health – the physical benefits of playing golf

As well as being a healthy sport for spectators, golf is one of the healthiest sports to play, with regular golfers enjoying a longer-then-average life span. Research commissioned by The R&A has shown that playing a round of golf offers a unique combination of health benefits thanks to moderate, long-duration physical activity. Golfers who walk the courses, which can be up to eight miles, can rack up to 17,000 steps and burn up to 1,200 calories over 18 holes. Even those using a golf cart gain health benefits, covering up to 6,000 steps and four miles per round, burning an average of 600 calories.

Regular play contributes to improved overall health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like hip fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the increased physical activity has a positive impact on mental well-being.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A said: “Research commission by The R&A clearly demonstrates there are significant physical and mental health benefits gained by playing golf and spectating at championships. As an industry we must work together on initiatives, like the Step Fore It Challenge, that position golf as a moderate intensity sport that can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone. Since 2022 and the introduction of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign the association between golf and health has risen by eight per cent which has led to more people playing golf, more often. I hope the fans at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic enjoy watching the top golf on display but also feel the immediate impact of being active.”

Player Mental Fitness &Recovery Zone returns for second year

In addition to the Step Fore It spectator initiative, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again feature the innovative Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the 2025 edition. As one of the first tournaments in the world to introduce such a facility, it continues to set a new standard by prioritising health and wellness in professional golf. After a successful launch in 2024, the Zone is designed to support players’ mental and physical well-being, providing a dedicated space to manage stress, enhance focus, and maintain peak performance levels.

Located within SENSASIA Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club, the Zone offers a range of services including mental fitness training, sleep chambers, mindfulness sessions, and nourishing brain-boosting foods. Players can also experience virtual reality for visualization, along with one-on-one consultations with mental health professionals.

Prof/Dr. Andrew Murray, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the DP World Tour, added: “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic and DP World Tour have led the way in enhancing health and performance in professional golf. We are proud to be bringing back the Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the second year at the 2025 tournament to support our players, caddies, and staff with a wealth of resources to aid their mental and physical wellbeing.”

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest golf event in the Middle East and next year’s event will be the 36^th edition of the tournament. Established in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a key fixture on the DP World Tour and a part of the esteemed Rolex Series, instrumental in introducing golf to the Middle East and producing some of the sport’s most memorable moments.

The 2025 event will feature a world-class field with a host of star names, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, already confirmed.

For more details and to purchase a limited number of remaining hospitality and premium packages, including the new The Social on Sixteen, or to secure free general admission tickets, please visit: www.dubaidesertclassic.com and download the Hero Dubai Desert Classic app available now on App Store or Google Play.

Organisers are inviting volunteers from the UAE and beyond to assist with the 36th edition of the tournament offering a range of roles for individuals aged 16 and over to gain experience and contribute to the event’s success. Registration is now open https://www.dubaidesertclassic.com/home