Having a conversation

Let’s clear this up straight away.

A “mental health conversation” at the golf club isn’t some deep, candlelit chat about your childhood. Nobody’s asking you to cry on the putting green or start hugging it out in the locker room.

It’s way simpler. It’s noticing when a friend looks off their game and saying something small instead of nothing. That’s it.

Most of these chats don’t even sound like “mental health.” They sound like:

“You alright, mate? Seem a bit flat today.”
“Haven’t seen you in the group chat much—everything good?”
“Rough week? Fancy a pint or a coffee?”

It’s the same conversations golfers already have. Just with a little less sidestepping and a bit more honesty.

Truth is, people already drop hints. They say they’re knackered. They start playing on their own more. They go quiet when divorce or money comes up. That’s mental health talk, it just shows up in code.

This guide isn’t about turning golf into a therapy session. It’s about making those little moments less awkward and more useful. Honest, low-key, and woven into the same banter that makes golf fun in the first place.

What Gets in the Way

Even when you know it’s simple, your brain still throws up excuses. You start second-guessing. You tell yourself you’ll say something later. You convince yourself it’s not your place.

Here are some of the classics that get in the way:

"I feel awkward even bringing it up."

Of course you do. No one gives you a playbook for this stuff. But awkward passes; regret lingers. You'll feel better for trying.

"I don't want to make it a big deal."

It doesn't have to be. You're not staging an intervention. You're just checking in. A simple "You okay?" can mean more than you think.

“I’m not good at this stuff.”

You don't need to be. You're not their therapist. You're their friend. Show up with care, not credentials.

"What if they feel judged?"

Then keep it kind and casual. You're saying, "I've noticed something," not "What's wrong with you?".

"What if I say the wrong thing?"

You’ll be fine. A clumsy check-in is still miles better than silence.