A Golf Programme for People with Mental Health Problems

Abstract

Although sport and physical activity have been increasingly recognised as beneficial for people with severe and enduring mental illness (SMI), golf has generally not been considered as a suitable option. The authors suggest this is because—particularly in the case of many private member courses—golf has a reputation for being elitist, sexist, homophobic, racist, classist and able-bodyist. The wide range of playing facilities available in a variety of settings was, however, considered to provide the potential opportunity for golf to be used to contribute to social inclusion with people with SMI. A 9-week, coach-led golf programme was designed and offered to men attending a mental health rehabilitation day centre, nine of whom signed up. Overall attendance was 80 %, which is considered relatively high for this service user group, and outcomes were considered to be positive by both participants and mental health professionals. The programme was set up to progress from a closely guided form of group coaching and structured organisation, towards an independent (service user-led) format with coaching being offered on a one-to-one basis as required. Three settings were used: an initial session with putting tuition in a nearby sports centre; three weekly sessions at a local driving range where participants were taught alongside members of the public; and five concluding sessions at a municipal golf course, where participants were encouraged to play at their own pace. All sessions ended with social time to allow participants to interact and relax together. Features of the programme considered as contributing to its success included: the provision of close support whilst gradually progressing towards participant independence; the low-intensity nature of golf as a form of physical activity (encouraging participation); a ‘caring’ rather than strongly competitive atmosphere; and the opportunity provided for ‘normal’ social experience.