Out of the Rough

Combating mental health with a club, a ball, and a smile

How do you conquer the struggles that race through your mind?

When the days get dark and your mind gets darker, what can you do to make everything go away?


Amateur golfer and Youtuber Joe Pye has struggled with both physical and mental health throughout his life. He was never the fittest, nor the happiest and spent a lot of time indoors looking at the computer screen.

Joe never quite felt fulfilled as a person until his father invited him out for a game of golf.

Photography by Joe Pye

Photography by Joe Pye

Photography by Joe Pye

All Photography by Joe Pye

Photography by Joe Pye

Photography by Joe Pye

Although Joe admits he was ‘rubbish’, he spent the entire day hitting the ball and walking the course with a smile on his face. This experience came with mixed emotions for Joe. On the one hand, he was ecstatic that he found an activity that filled him with pure joy, but on the other hand, he never quite grasped how impacted he was with his mental health until then.

According to Global Health Metrics, at least one in eight adults worldwide suffer from mental health issues each week. But psychologists believe that the combination of physical activity and socialisation throughout the open lush environments of a golf course is an effective method to cure anxiety and depression amongst individuals.

Years have passed since Joe went out for his first hit with his father, and now he loves to get out on the golf course whenever he can to “relieve stress, and clear the mind”.

Since Joe’s first time out on the course, he now hates being stuck indoors as the lack of space and overuse of technology contributes to his stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts, but once Joe received his first set of clubs for Christmas, he claims “the rest is history”.

To promote World Mental Health Day in 2020, a survey was conducted with over 250 golfers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and United States, which indicated that over half (55%) of the golfers who had recently started playing, stated their psychological well-being was their main reason for signing up. This abolishes the myth that golf is only an activity for business associates trying to secure a deal with their clients over a quick round.

A study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that mental health issues are rapidly increasing, especially throughout the younger community. This is a concerning matter as it shows just how much our current society is psychologically impacting our youth.

Psychologist Dr. Marny Lishman discusses the benefits of playing golf, referring to it as “a multi-pronged positive effect” because it has exercise, socialising, and nature, combined with purpose and mindfulness all rolled into one. Dr. Lishman continued by talking about the positive effect an open environment has on individuals. “Being able to stand up, take in the fresh air, and see the whole environment surrounding you can change your mindset instantly.”

IF YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU ARE STUCK IN A SAND TRAP

JUST REMEMBER

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE THERE TO HELP YOU

After years of playing, Joe decided to document his rounds of golf and upload them to YouTube under the account Average Joe Golf. During these videos, Joe narrates his golfing experience and comments on how he felt during play, and how the weather and environment contributed to those emotions. Joe says he hopes his story will inspire people to get outside and combat their mental health issues. “If I can influence just one person, I have done a good job.”

When Joe is having a bad day, or his anxiety is getting the best of him, he heads to the golf course. “If I’m not in the best of moods, I look forward to playing as it helps me relieve stress and relax.” Along with the beneficial aspects golf has brought to his mental health, Joe also states that he is reaping the physical rewards too. From hours of practice, playing, and generally enjoying his day, Joe feels happier and healthier than ever.

Although Joe feels on top of his mental health, he points out that a lot of individuals are not able to feel in control and still need a helping hand from friends and family.

Both Joe and Dr. Lishman discuss the benefits of getting outdoors, and most importantly having someone there for socialisation. Joe loves playing golf by himself but prefers having people to talk to and play against. He jokes that the main reason he likes to play with friends is that it makes him happy when he beats them. But he also went on to say it also makes the day “more enjoyable as you have a chance to socialise with both new and old friends”.

When asked about who should play golf, Dr. Lishman says it does not matter how old you are, or how you a feeling, everyone that is able, should try and get outdoors and have fun. Playing with friends and family, enjoying the fresh air, and having a fun time is a great anxiety and stress reduction technique that can go to great lengths to help individuals with mental health issue

“When you play golf by the rules, you defy mental demons, overcome every challenge, and enjoy a walk in the country at the same time—that’s being alive.” - Arnold Palmer