This study assessed; (i) the prevalence of symptoms of mental health disorders among a cohort of professional golfers and (ii) players` views on the mental health support services available to them. The 2020 Challenge Tour players were sent a questionnaire which assessed symptoms of depression, distress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The two-week symptom prevalence was 10.3% for depression, 51.7% for distress, 8.6% for anxiety, 10.3% for sleep disturbance, 13.8% for obsessive thoughts and 27.6% for compulsive behaviour. 67% of players who had experienced a mental health issue did not seek professional help at the time and 61% of players did not think sufficient support was available to them. Following discussion of this study, the European Tour Group now provide a 24/7 mental health crisis hotline for players and have educated staff-members on how to identify players with mental health issues and signpost them to the appropriate support.
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