GRAPEVINE, Texas — No one would mistake David Voekel's body for that of Tiger Woods.

When Voekel, 71, teed off recently at the Grapevine Golf Course in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth, the retired insurance agent wasn't trying to build a body like the pros. His goal was strengthening relationships with a group of old friends who share a love of the game.

"Fellowship," Voekel said, "and the cheeseburger afterward."

America's amateur golfers are an unhealthy group, according to an unscientific online survey published in the August issue of Golf Digest. Among the results from the 514 mostly male subscribers who responded: 66 percent are overweight.

"I'd go along with that," said Voekel, patting his round belly before heading for the fairways. "Can't you tell?"

Golfers streamed onto the course as the sun rose, attempting to beat the triple-digit temperatures promised later in the day. While some walked, hoisting a big bag of clubs, most hopped into golf carts. Meanwhile, two workers loaded a snack cart filled with pretzels, potato chips, beer and whiskey.

Whatever their physical condition, golfers seem to be enjoying themselves. Among survey respondents, 76 percent consume an average of 6.8 alcoholic drinks per week. Nine percent admitted to drinking 10 or more beers during a round of golf.

The results are published in the "Golf and Health" package of Golf Digest, which has nearly 1.5 million subscribers. Senior editor Craig Bestrom said the issue was an effort to raise golfers' awareness of health care and disease prevention, and he found many of the results surprising.

"Fifty-four percent consider themselves overweight, and the fact is that 66 percent ARE overweight, so some are in touch with reality, and others are not," he said. "I also thought it was really interesting that 80 percent suffer from some sort of pain, injury or illness but continue to play. They're still out there because they love the game."

Thirty percent said they were unable to finish a round because of an ailment.