In a surprising turn, the world of golf is witnessing a shift in how elite players approach mental wellness. While traditional pharmaceuticals have long dominated the landscape, some golfers are now turning to psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca in search of a competitive edge. This unorthodox approach, fueled by a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of these substances, is raising eyebrows and sparking debate within the sport.
Microdosing, the practice of taking very small amounts of psychedelics, is gaining traction among golfers seeking to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance performance. The idea is that these substances can help players unlock their mental potential on the course, allowing them to perform at their peak.
One top PGA Tour player, who requested anonymity, spoke to Golf Digest about his experience with psilocybin. He described how microdosing allowed him to find a sense of calm and focus he hadn’t experienced in years. This newfound mental clarity, he explained, enabled him to approach each shot with less judgment and fear, resulting in measurable performance gains.
DJ Trahan, a two-time PGA Tour winner, provides another compelling example. After struggling with his game, he turned to psychedelics with the help of his friend, Taylor Massey, a former amateur champion who now works as a “psychedelic advisor” for golfers. Trahan credits ayahuasca with transforming his perspective on golf, saying, “My golf had been struggling, and I felt completely lost. I never understood that the answers were within me. Plant medicine gets an unfortunate reputation because people look at it as drugs. They’re not honoring it for what it is.”
Massey, who advocates for the use of psychedelics as natural stress remedies, believes these substances offer an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals like Zoloft or Wellbutrin. He sees plant medicine as a powerful tool for managing the intense pressure and anxiety inherent in professional golf.
This trend has caught the attention of researchers. Juniper Reserve, a wellness facility in Oregon, is collaborating with psychedelics expert Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris to study the impact of psilocybin on golf performance. The study involves golfers taking a microdose before teeing off, with a one-hour waiting period for the effects to kick in. Melissa Sanchez, Juniper Reserve’s wellness director, believes the study could help golfers break through mental barriers developed over years of repetitive practice. “This is as cutting-edge as health and wellness can be,” she said. “In golf, there’s this idea that once you’ve been playing for long enough, you develop specific habits that are hard to break out of.”
While psilocybin and DMT are not banned by golf’s anti-doping rules, the use of psychedelics in sports remains unconventional. However, the growing interest in their therapeutic benefits is slowly changing the landscape of sports wellness. As more athletes explore the potential of psychedelics to enhance focus, manage stress, and improve performance, the traditional reliance on pharmaceuticals is facing a new challenge. The future of golf, and perhaps sports as a whole, may hinge on the evolving relationship between athletes and the mind-altering power of psychedelics.
