GBR Tuesday | New Research Links Golf to Improved Mental Health: What’s New and Why It Matters for Your Business
Every Tuesday and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What Happened Last Week in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good day, GBR community!
We hope you are all well, enjoyed your weekend, and fighting fit for the week ahead. The Players Championship produced a playoff between Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun, with McIlroy proving to have just a little extra in the tank to secure his 28th PGA Tour title and his second Players.
We have a packed newsletter for you this week with our usual scan through:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People to Watch
Must Read/Watch
Just for Paid Subscribers | Golf and Mental Health: What’s New in the Data — and Why It Matters
Your support means everything to us. Evidence of this came last week with our exclusive for subscribers webinar with Nicholas Callaway. We’re lining up more opportunities like this for our loyal subscribers, and we’ll keep you posted on when the next event will be.
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Without further ado, let’s get into this week’s news.
Thanks,
Tom & Neil
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1. INDUSTRY
RELIAQUEST NAMED OFFICIAL CYBERSECURITY SPONSOR OF THE PGA TOUR
ReliaQuest, an AI-powered cybersecurity firm, has announced a new partnership with the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, becoming the official cybersecurity sponsor. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of cybersecurity challenges and career opportunities through televised content, player features, and onsite tournament activations nationwide.
As part of the partnership, a new "ReliaQuest Better Outcomes" segment will spotlight the PGA Tour's most challenging holes, showcasing strategies from top players. The sponsorship also strengthens ReliaQuest’s support for youth development with initiatives like the Make It Possible Youth Golf Clinic at the Valspar Championship.
ReliaQuest CEO Brian Murphy highlighted the parallels between golf and cybersecurity, emphasizing the focus and consistency required in both fields. PGA Tour Executive Vice President Brian Oliver welcomed the partnership, noting it aligns with the Tour’s mission to connect with leading global companies while promoting fan engagement and industry awareness. More information is available at the PGA Tour.
PGA OF GB&I EXTENDS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH BANYAN GROUP, OFFERING MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
PGA of Great Britain & Ireland has extended its partnership with Banyan Group, offering PGA Members exclusive access to the hospitality brand’s global portfolio of 85 luxury hotels and resorts across 16 countries, including Thailand, the Maldives, and Indonesia. Members will benefit from preferential rates on accommodation, dining, spa services, and an exclusive property referral programme as part of the collaboration, according to the PGA of GB&I. The renewed agreement comes ahead of the 2025 International Members’ Conference, which will be held from April 28 to May 1 at The PGA Golf Academy at Laguna Golf Phuket, a Banyan Group destination. The event will gather PGA Members and industry experts worldwide for networking and professional development opportunities. More information at the PGA.
CABOT COLLECTION ADDS FOUR DISTINCT U.S. COURSES TO ITS MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO
The Cabot Collection has expanded its golf course management portfolio by officially adding four distinct U.S. properties, each offering a unique playing experience.
Cascata Golf Club is 3,200 feet above the Las Vegas desert, offering panoramic views and a newly transformed golf shop.
Rio Secco Golf Club, a Rees Jones design, winds through the Black Mountains with views of the Strip.
Grand Bear Golf Club, a secluded Jack Nicklaus design in Mississippi’s De Soto National Forest.
Indiana’s Chariot Run is a scenic, equestrian-themed course with bentgrass fairways and lakes.
More information can be found in Golf One Media.
TRUMP INTERNATIONAL LIDO OPENS AS INDONESIA’S NEW LUXURY GOLF DESTINATION
Trump International Golf Club Lido has officially opened its championship course in Pasirjaya, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone for luxury golf in the region. Designed by Ernie Els Golf Design and operated by Trump Golf, the 7,200-yard course sits 700 feet above sea level with panoramic views of Mount Salak, Mount Pangrango, and Gede, offering players a world-class golfing experience.
The project, developed by MNC Group, has been hailed as setting a new standard for exclusivity in Indonesia’s golf market. Trump Organization Vice President Eric Trump praised the achievement. At the same time, General Manager Steven Thielke acknowledged the expert team, including Golf Course Superintendent Michael Pascoe and Ernie Els’ design team, for their role in delivering the high-caliber property. More information is available at Trump International Golf Club, Lido.
NEWTON GOLF LAUNCHES INVESTOR RELATIONS WEBSITE TO SUPPORT GROWTH STRATEGY
Newton Golf Company (Nasdaq: NWTG) has unveiled a new corporate and investor relations website, furthering its commitment to transparency and proactive communication with stakeholders. The launch aligns with the company’s rebranding, inspired by Sir Isaac Newton's physics principles, which guide its precision-engineered golf equipment designs focused on stability, control, and consistency.
Accessible at NewtonGolfir.com, the site serves as a central hub for corporate updates, SEC filings, and investor resources while offering features like real-time news, financial reports, and investor alerts. The initiative reflects Newton Golf’s strategic push to enhance investor engagement and provide timely access to company developments. More information regarding the updates can be found at Newton Golf.
CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS TRANSFERS TO PRIVATE CONTROL IN £5 MILLION DEAL
Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland has shifted from public to private management after Angus Council approved a £5 million agreement transferring control to Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited (CGHH). The deal includes the sale of the Carnoustie Golf Links trademark and assets, with staff moving to CGHH, which also owns the nearby Carnoustie Golf Hotel. This follows a £3 million refurbishment aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and supporting ambitions to bring The Open Championship back to the venue. The council cited funding constraints as the reason for the transition, which includes a short-term lease through 2033 and ongoing discussions for a potential 100-year agreement. The new private management hopes to unlock significant investment to implement a masterplan that boosts the venue’s global standing and improves facilities, aligning with R&A requirements to potentially host The Open again as early as 2028. You can read more about the new arrangement through Graham Brown’s article in local newspaper, The Courier.
ELEVATE GOLF 2025 TO RETURN TO ST ANDREWS WITH EXPANDED INTERNATIONAL LINEUP
The second edition of Elevate Golf will return to the Fairmont St Andrews this October. It will bring together nearly 180 global golf courses, resorts, and tour operators for a high-level networking event focused on premium golf tourism. Expanding from its UK and Ireland base, this year’s event will feature increased participation from Spain, Portugal, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, including Albany Bahamas and Puntacana Resort & Club, reflecting the growing significance of international markets in golf travel.
Scheduled for October 26-31, Elevate Golf 2025 will open in Liverpool before moving to St Andrews for two days of curated business meetings and networking. Attendees will also have the opportunity to play prestigious courses such as Carnoustie, Royal Troon, and North Berwick. The event culminates in a gala dinner that will once again feature the presentation of Elevate Golf’s lifetime achievement award. More information is available at Elevate Golf.
2. CIRCUITS
PGA TOUR ANNOUNCES 2025 PAC CO-CHAIR CANDIDATES AND GOVERNANCE CHANGES
The PGA Tour has named Rickie Fowler, Maverick McNealy, and Keith Mitchell as the three candidates for Co-Chairman of the 2025 Player Advisory Council (PAC). Voting by Tour membership is underway and closes Monday, April 14, at 5 p.m. ET. The top two vote-getters will replace Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson as Player Directors on the PGA Tour Policy Board, effective January 1, 2026. As part of revised governance measures, only one PAC Chairman will be elected annually from 2026 onward, serving a four-year term. The runner-up will serve as Co-Chair for three years during the transition period. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stated the changes are designed to enhance year-to-year continuity and improve decision-making efficiency at the Board level.
The 2025 PAC includes 16 members divided among four subcommittees:
Business Affairs
Competitions
Pathways
Tournaments, Fans & Sponsors
Each focuses on distinct aspects of Tour operations. Notable appointments include Patrick Cantlay leading Business Affairs, Adam Scott and Tiger Woods co-chairing Competitions, and Camilo Villegas chairing Tournaments. Current Player Directors on the Policy Board are Cantlay, Malnati, Scott, Simpson, Villegas, and Woods. The new structure reflects ongoing efforts to align governance with the Tour’s evolving organizational model. More information on PAC voting is available at the PGA Tour.
MCILROY NEARS $100 MILLION CAREER EARNINGS MILESTONE ON PGA TOUR
Rory McIlroy’s victory at The Players Championship, worth $4.5 million, has propelled his 2025 on-course earnings to $8.7 million, placing him just $290,938 shy of joining Tiger Woods as the second player in PGA Tour history to surpass $100 million in official career earnings. McIlroy’s total now stands at $99,709,062 from 281 starts, averaging $382,027 per event.
With a potential start in one of the upcoming Texas events, McIlroy could cross the $100 million mark before the 2025 Masters. His recent win was the 28th of his career, tying him with Paul Runyan and Leo Diegel and leaving him one victory away from equaling Gene Littler, Lee Trevino, and Harry Cooper for most PGA Tour wins by a European golfer. Todd Kelly’s full article can be found in Golfweek.
LIV GOLF EXPANDS GLOBAL PRESENCE WITH DAZN PARTNERSHIP. LIV Golf has announced a long-term global partnership with sports streaming platform DAZN. Through the LIV Golf+ service, fans in over 200 markets can view all LIV Golf events and exclusive content free of charge. As part of the agreement, DAZN secures exclusive broadcast rights in nine countries, including Canada, Japan, France, and Germany, significantly expanding LIV Golf’s international reach. More information on the new partnership is available via LIV Golf.
TGL EXPANDS COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR INAUGURAL PLAYOFFS. TGL, presented by SoFi, has added a roster of new commercial partners ahead of its inaugural playoffs, including AG1, Hard Rock Bet, Mastercard, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Stanley 1913, and Verizon. The partnerships will be activated during the March 17-18 semifinals and the best-of-three finals series on March 24-25, when the SoFi Cup is awarded. Highlights include AG1’s integration during tee box changes, Hard Rock Bet offering live betting as TGL’s official sportsbook, and Mastercard as the official payment provider. Additionally, Stanley 1913 will provide sustainable drinkware, Verizon will power broadcast and Drone Cam activations, and Seminole properties will enhance local visibility during the playoff series. More information on the expanded commercial partnerships can be found at The Golf Wire.
PINNACLE NAMED OFFICIAL GOLF BALL PARTNER OF WORLD LONG DRIVE TOUR FOR 2025. World Long Drive has announced Pinnacle as the official golf ball partner for its 2025 season, with Pinnacle Distance designated as the official ball for all tour events. The partnership includes Pinnacle’s presenting sponsorship of three key events—the Clash in the Canyon, Bluff City Shootout, and Rocky Mountain Rumble—as well as official sponsorship of The Fight at the Fort, marking the debut of the Pinnacle Distance ball in competition at Mesquite, Nevada. The agreement also introduces the Pinnacle Series and professional ambassadors, with 2024 World Champion Sean Johnson and World No. 4 Jack Smith promoting the ball’s performance attributes throughout the season. The nine-event 2025 schedule begins next week in Mesquite, Nevada, and concludes with the World Championship at Bigfoot Turf Farm, La Salle, Colorado, between September 24th and 28th. The full press release announcing the partnership is available at World Long Drive.
3. EQUIPMENT
EVNROLL UPGRADES V-SERIES AND INTRODUCES CARLSBAD PUTTER LINE
Evnroll has refreshed its V-Series putters with modular technology, allowing players to swap between short slant and short plumber hosels, adjust sole weights, and utilize rear flanges for precise customization. The 2025 V-Series lineup features one blade and three mallets, all milled from stainless steel and aluminium, and includes the brand’s SweetFace™ grooves to improve distance control and accuracy on off-center hits. Alongside the V-Series, Evnroll has launched the Carlsbad line, offering one blade and one mallet model designed as a budget-friendly alternative. Both lines feature fully milled construction and adjustable sole weights for performance tuning. The updated V-Series putters are priced at $429 (£330, €395), while the Carlsbad models come in at $249 (£195, €228), providing golfers with premium technology at multiple price points. Both putter lines are available now, you can find the full putter range available at Evnroll.
MAXFLI RETURNS TO CLUB MARKET WITH FORGED XC2 AND XC3 IRONS
Maxfli is re-entering the golf club market after nearly 30 years, unveiling the XC2 and XC3 forged irons designed for a range of players from novices to scratch golfers. Both models are crafted from 1025 carbon steel with co-forged tungsten and ceramic weighting, optimizing feel, balance, and forgiveness. The XC2 leans towards the player’s distance category with a thinner topline, while the XC3 offers wider soles and enhanced game-improvement features. Blending a modern aesthetic with forgiving performance, the irons aim to deliver consistency even on off-center hits. Maxfli suggests players could mix both sets—XC3 for long irons and XC2 for scoring clubs—to maximize performance. Available exclusively through DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, the XC2 and XC3 iron sets are priced at $999.99 (£769.99, €919.99) for a seven-club set (4-PW), launching April 18.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
Simulator technology company PLATFORM Golf has named renowned instructor Claude Harmon III its latest global ambassador, expanding its roster of elite coaching partners. Harmon will promote PLATFORM’s advanced simulator system, which allows players to take full swings and putt directly into the simulator. He joins PGA coaching legends Brad Faxon and Stephen Sweeney, who helped develop PLATFORM’s patented TrueSlope technology designed to elevate the accuracy of simulated golf experiences. More information is available at Golf Business News.
Jimmy Wisinski, Director of Instruction at Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has achieved PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational honor awarded by the PGA of America. A member of the Michigan Section PGA, Wisinski becomes the 453rd PGA Member to receive this designation, specializing in Teaching and Coaching. More information is available at The Golf Wire.
GolfN, the world’s first golf-to-earn digital caddie app, has signed PGA Tour player Emiliano Grillo as its inaugural brand ambassador. Grillo, a two-time PGA Tour winner, will help promote the app’s mission of rewarding golfers for playing the game. The partnership aims to expand global awareness of GolfN’s innovative play-to-earn platform, offering golfers of all skill levels the chance to earn rewards on the course. More information on Grillo’s partnership with GolfN is available here.
5. MUST READ/WATCH
In his article for Golfshake, writer Andy Waple examines the challenges facing traditional golf clubs and outlines key strategies for survival in a changing market. Waple highlights the importance of adapting to modern demands, including flexible memberships, embracing technology, and improving customer experience to attract younger players and retain existing members.
Gary Van Sickle sat down with longtime PGA Tour caddie Cayce Kerr in his feature for The First Call. Kerr recalls some memorable moments in his 44-year career looping for players like Peter Jacobsen, Fred Couples, and Ernie Els. Kerr shares stories from life inside the ropes, his start in the caddie yard, and memorable moments on tour, showcasing the unique role caddies play in professional golf.
Professional golf can be incredibly fickle. This is highlighted perfectly by DP World Tour player Eddie Pepperell, who went from playing The Players Championship to teeing it up in a challenge tour event in India in the space of six years. Pepperell’s latest blog post tracks the journey of his fall from the top and his attempt to fall in love with golf again.
Bob Vokey’s first wedge went into play in 1997. From that point, Vokey hasn’t looked back, as his wedges are trusted by the best players in the world and amateurs at every level. This interesting YouTube video charts the process Vokey goes through to build arguably the best wedges in the world.
6. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
NEW RESEARCH PROVES GOLF BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH — HERE’S HOW THE INDUSTRY CAN USE IT
The idea that golf is good for mental health isn’t new — but now it’s backed by hard data, thanks to a March 2025 peer-reviewed study titled “Beyond the Handicap: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Amongst Registered Golfers in Spain” (Martín-Escudero et al., 2025). Published in the journal Sports, this research does something no other recent paper has done: it quantifies mental health benefits among golfers at a national scale and identifies specific habits and profiles that maximize those benefits.
This is big news for industry professionals. Golf operators, marketers, and instructors can now reference scientific evidence showing that playing golf correlates with a dramatically lower prevalence of mental health issues — and use this to attract newcomers, work with wellness partners, and boost the game’s reputation as a powerful mental health tool.
The study surveyed 298 adult golfers across Spain using the GHQ-28 mental health questionnaire, a respected clinical tool. The headline result:
Widespread Mental Health Benefits: Nearly three-quarters (73.5%) of golfers reported that playing golf improved their mental health, and 77.2% said they would recommend golf as a way to boost mental well-being. This self-reported benefit underscores what many in the sport have long suspected – golfers feel better because they play.
Low Prevalence of Distress: Using the GHQ-28 measure, only 6.7% of surveyed golfers showed signs of impaired mental health. In other words, fewer than 1 in 15 golfers in the sample were experiencing poor mental well-being. This is a notably low rate, especially when compared to general population levels of mental distress (often in the teens or higher percent). It suggests that golfers, as a group, may be mentally healthier than the average person.
Notable Demographic Differences: The study found mental health benefits were not uniform across all golfers – certain groups fared even better. Golfers above 45 years old had dramatically lower rates of mental health issues (only about 4–5% of older players scored as having impaired mental health) compared to golfers under 45 (where 28.6% showed some mental health impairment). Married golfers also had a lower prevalence of mental health problems (4.6%) than those single, divorced or widowed (14.8%). Even the time of day mattered: those who played in the morning had a mental health issue rate around 3.3%, versus about 10% for those who played later in the day. These differences hint that lifestyle factors – age, social support, routine – can influence how much golfers benefit mentally from the game.
What’s Original About This Study?
What makes this study fresh is not only the data on how few golfers experience mental distress, but also these nuanced insights into who benefits the most. The finding that older adults and morning golfers report the best mental health aligns with general health trends (retirees and early birds often have less daily stress), but it challenges any assumption that only young, active people gain psychological benefits from sports. In fact, the opposite appears true here – golf might be especially valuable in maintaining mental wellness for older adults. The authors conclude that the low incidence of mental health problems among golfers “indicates that [their] playing habits and characteristics may have a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of golf players.” In short, the study provides concrete, data-driven confirmation that golf isn’t just fun – it’s good for your mind.
Comparing with Past Research: How Does It Stack Up?
This new Spanish study builds on a growing body of research examining golf’s mental health benefits. In the past, evidence linking golf and mental well-being was somewhat limited or anecdotal. A 2017 scoping review noted at the time that there was “limited evidence related to golf and mental health”. That review, which looked at hundreds of golf and health studies, found plenty of physical benefits of golf but called for more research into mental health outcomes. The researchers even highlighted mental health as a priority for future golf studies – and the new Spanish research directly responds to that call. Fortunately, in recent years, several studies have started filling this gap. The findings of the Spanish survey are very much in line with other cross-sectional studies from around the world: golfers tend to report better mental health and well-being than non-golfers.
U.K. – Higher Well-Being and Social Trust: A 2020 comparative study in the UK found that golfers scored significantly higher on personal well-being and even social trust than the general population. In other words, people who play golf were not only physically active but also felt more satisfied with their lives and more connected to their community. This echoes what golf insiders often say – that the camaraderie and community at the golf course can be as important as the exercise itself.
Australia – Less Psychological Distress: Research published in 2023 in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed that Australian golfers had markedly lower levels of psychological distress and better self-rated general health compared to non-golfers. In a survey of 459 older adults with osteoarthritis (a group prone to health issues), over 90% of those who played golf rated their health as “good” or better, versus only 64% of non-golfers with the same condition. Moreover, only 8% of the golfers reported high levels of psychological distress, compared to 22% of non-golfers. That’s a nearly three-fold difference in mental distress between those who golf and those who don’t. The Spanish study’s finding of roughly 6–7% of golfers with mental health difficulties fits right into this context – reinforcing that golfers, as a group, experience less distress than we might expect, even when accounting for age or health conditions.
Global – Longevity and Happiness: Broader golf-and-health projects have also linked the sport to longer and happier life. For instance, an international consensus report backed by the World Golf Foundation noted that on average golfers live five years longer than non-golfers, and highlighted improved mental wellness as a likely contributor to this longevity. While living longer involves many factors, the social and mental perks of golf are thought to play a part in keeping people healthy into older age.
The Spanish study ties it all together — confirming prior evidence and adding unique, national-level data. It’s also the first study to highlight time of day (morning play) as a possible factor in mental health outcomes, aligning with circadian rhythm research (Shen et al., 2023).
Turning Evidence into Action: Implications for the Golf Industry
For golf industry professionals – from course managers and marketing directors to instructors and policymakers – this study offers powerful evidence to promote the game as a mental health booster. In an era when mental wellness is a top priority for many, being able to cite scientific research that “playing golf is associated with improved well-being and lower stress” is a huge advantage. Here’s how the industry can leverage these findings:
[Subscribe to read how to turn this data into growth for your golf business.]