“A Prayer Before Teeing Off” — Cannabis and Mental Health

Male golf player teeing off golf ball from tee box to beautiful sunset

A green for golf, silence and inner dialogue

Golf is a silent sport

A single shot of golf is filled with moments that cannot be put into words. The green spreads out before you, the silent fairway, the birds singing in the distance. Your hands gripping the club get sweaty, and your heart beats a little faster. And the moment you step onto the tee, all sounds sink inward. How much can you calm your mind in that moment? Golf is a game that requires mental stability more than technique.

The "spiritual lifeline" that professional golfers secretly rely on

Long-term tours, pressure, criticism from social media, anxiety about contract renewals — modern professional golfers fight invisible stress every day. It has become commonplace for top players to adopt “mental coaches” and “meditation apps.” And now, “cannabis (THC)” and “CBD” are about to be added to the options for mental care.

THC brings "tranquility" rather than "intoxication"

When we hear the word “marijuana,” images of euphoria and escape come to mind. However, very small amounts of THC are said to have the effect of calming nervous excitement and easing anxiety. One tour pro spoke anonymously: “I took a little THC during my Sunday round after I had been eliminated from the qualifying round. Then, I felt the trees in front of me and even the flow of the wind slow down. I just hit the ball where I wanted to. Each shot was calm and in sync.” It may have been a state close to “prayer.” Time to face “this shot right now” without blaming yourself or fearing the future.

CBD and the "preparation ritual"

On the other hand, CBD does not have the euphoric effect of THC, but it is known to balance the nervous system. Golfers such as Bubba Watson, Billy Horschel, and Morgan Hoffman have incorporated CBD oil and gum into their pre-play routine. Polish your clubs. Tighten your gloves. Take a deep breath. Take CBD. All of these are part of the “prayer ritual” before teeing off. There is no hesitation, just a conversation with yourself.

Another "achievement" that cannot be measured by scores

In the world of competitive golf, the score is everything. However, the “peace of mind” that produces that score is the most difficult condition for victory to see. Marijuana does not give you the magic of a better score. It is a tool to help you breathe again, and a “cradle” to restore emotional balance. When an athlete who is tired of life chooses to “not punish their own emotions,” it is by no means weakness. It is their own wisdom to continue playing without getting hurt.

The tee ground can be a place of prayer

If you feel a little tension or impatience in your chest before a round, it is a sign of your will to improve and grow. But when you feel like you are being crushed by that will, cannabis can quietly support you. Is cannabis a drug, a relaxation, or a “modern prayer”? The answer is different for each person. But now, in the lonely sport of golf, the green is spread out equally in front of everyone who seeks tranquility.