More Than a Game: How Golf Became a Lifeline for My Mental Health
- Sean Bozzi
- May 16
- 3 min read
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to have honest conversations, reflect on our emotional well-being, and break down the stigma that still surrounds mental health.
At Queen City Golf, this month carries deep meaning. Because for many of us — especially men — mental health isn’t just something we acknowledge once a year. It’s something we live with, manage, and fight for every single day.
The Silent Struggle So Many Face
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. But for men, the numbers often hide a deeper truth: we’re less likely to talk about it, to seek help, or even to admit when something feels off.
For me, I’ve had my own battles — with anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, and the weight of trying to be everything for everyone. There were times I didn’t have the words for what I was feeling. Times I thought I had to tough it out. Times I felt completely alone.
And then, I picked up a golf club.
Golf Became My Therapy
Golf gave me something I didn’t know I needed — space. Space to breathe. Space to think. Space to feel.
Walking 9 or 18 holes offered more clarity than some therapy sessions. The rhythm of a round, the fresh air, the focus on something outside myself — it all helped me get out of my head and into the present moment.
Some of my most honest conversations have happened on a tee box. Some of my most calming moments have come while standing over a putt. Golf didn’t "fix" me — but it gave me a place to start healing.
What I’ve Learned
It’s okay to not be okay. That’s not weakness — that’s being human.
Vulnerability is powerful. Especially in spaces where silence used to dominate.
Community matters. Sometimes you don’t need advice — just someone to walk 18 with.
Help is out there. Whether it’s therapy, medication, support groups, or a trusted friend — asking for help is strength.
Our Mission at Queen City Golf
Queen City Golf isn’t just about the game — it’s about the people who play it.
We’re building a community that values honesty over perfection. A space where it’s safe to say, “I’m struggling.” A place where the connection matters more than the score.
Through our content, our events, and our voice, we aim to normalize conversations around mental health — especially in a sport and culture that too often encourages silence.
If you’re going through something — please know you’re not alone. We’re here. We see you. And we’re walking this fairway with you.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to:
Check in on your friends — and yourself.
Use golf as a tool to reconnect with your mental wellness.
Share your story. You never know who needs to hear it.
💬 If Queen City Golf has helped you or someone you know through a tough time, we’d love to hear your story in the comments.
🧠 And if you’re struggling right now, our DMs are open. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Because sometimes the most powerful words a golfer can hear aren’t “nice shot” — they’re “me too.”
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