ADHD & Golf!

[OdinSnipes414]

I suffer from ADHD pretty severe and it tends to affect my will to play golf! Added to all the life responsibilities (kids, work, weather, house work, wife, and school) how does one find time for the love of golf? Does anyone else have this issue or something similar?

[Josh Parker]

Why do you say it affects your will to play?  Is that it takes too long for a round?

I have ADHD pretty bad as well.  I find that it actually lets me focus on the game.  I can struggle with it when the course is super slow but have to just re-focus when it's time to hit.  (deep breaths and a few practice swings away from the ball) 

I refuse to take medicine for it because I don't like the feeling so I have really focused on eating better foods and less processed foods.  It was not an overnight fix and still doesn't work all the time but has helped tremendously.

[OdinSnipes414]

6 hours ago, jdparker said:

Why do you say it affects your will to play?  Is that it takes too long for a round?

I have ADHD pretty bad as well.  I find that it actually lets me focus on the game.  I can struggle with it when the course is super slow but have to just re-focus when it's time to hit.  (deep breaths and a few practice swings away from the ball) 

I refuse to take medicine for it because I don't like the feeling so I have really focused on eating better foods and less processed foods.  It was not an overnight fix and still doesn't work all the time but has helped tremendously.

No once I go I love every second of it! But the motivation to set a tee time and actually get out of the house is sometimes hard for me to find! And when I do think of it I think of the many reasons I shouldn’t go or why I can’t!

[Jason Mathwig]

Good topic. I’m diagnosed with it too. I’m not crazy about taking the meds, as I don’t like the side effects. But I’m a way better golfer while taking them. It’s not necessarily a physical performance enhancer, rather an enhanced focus for the entire round. I stay engaged mentally and this allows me to stop the churn of swing thoughts(dozens) on each shot. 
this is my experience and I understand that everyone has “swing thought soup” and that they probably could use the meds too. But I don’t know that everyone understands the extreme flurry of the ADD brain. Without the meds I would quit, as those thought avalanches would cripple my game to the point of exhaustion. 
curious if others have found any methods of coping with the diagnosis on the course, beyond the meds? 

[Jason Mathwig]

12 hours ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

I suffer from ADHD pretty severe and it tends to affect my will to play golf! Added to all the life responsibilities (kids, work, weather, house work, wife, and school) how does one find time for the love of golf? Does anyone else have this issue or something similar?

I get this. Just a suggestion, get something regular on the calendar for yourself. A standing tee time or a weekly league. This has helped me. Good luck. 
 

[OdinSnipes414]

3 minutes ago, Jason Mathwig said:

I get this. Just a suggestion, get something regular on the calendar for yourself. A standing tee time or a weekly league. This has helped me. Good luck. 
 

Thanks for the advice! With two kids under 4 that’s and having to work Saturday is hard thing to do! 

[OdinSnipes414]

8 minutes ago, Jason Mathwig said:

Good topic. I’m diagnosed with it too. I’m not crazy about taking the meds, as I don’t like the side effects. But I’m a way better golfer while taking them. It’s not necessarily a physical performance enhancer, rather an enhanced focus for the entire round. I stay engaged mentally and this allows me to stop the churn of swing thoughts(dozens) on each shot. 
this is my experience and I understand that everyone has “swing thought soup” and that they probably could use the meds too. But I don’t know that everyone understands the extreme flurry of the ADD brain. Without the meds I would quit, as those thought avalanches would cripple my game to the point of exhaustion. 
curious if others have found any methods of coping with the diagnosis on the course, beyond the meds? 

On the course isn’t hard! I do medication regularly to try and manage and it helps with everything once I actually start a round! It’s the getting out the door that is the hardest!

[Blaine Dye]

I have noticed for me personally I joined a leauge and that has helped me alot because with my ADHD i hyper fixate on so much so i also set calendar reminders every so often to remind myself to reach out to my playing group and get on the course i feel like having that reminder really helps make it feel like if i dont set a time and/ or reach out im letting someone down but for me its just tricking my brain  

[OdinSnipes414]

1 hour ago, Blaine Dye said:

I have noticed for me personally I joined a leauge and that has helped me alot because with my ADHD i hyper fixate on so much so i also set calendar reminders every so often to remind myself to reach out to my playing group and get on the course i feel like having that reminder really helps make it feel like if i dont set a time and/ or reach out im letting someone down but for me its just tricking my brain  

Good advice! Yea I’m also one to text first but if I don’t reach out it feels like no one ever really reaches out 

[Josh Parker]

All solid advice!  

ADHD/Anxiety/Depression are all super linked and I have done a ton of homework on this because I deal with these items constantly.  I have talked with Doctors because I don't want to use medicine.

Talking about it, finding healthy outlets, exercise, all play a major role in dealing with it.  For me personally, golf is one of those outlets that lets me get out of my head for a bit and put my focus on that instead of the daily stress, bills, kiddos, etc.

I have also found that running has allowed me to sleep better at night and not get stuck in thoughts. (and I hate running even though I played soccer my entire life)

[elvis14]

14 hours ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

I suffer from ADHD pretty severe and it tends to affect my will to play golf! Added to all the life responsibilities (kids, work, weather, house work, wife, and school) how does one find time for the love of golf? Does anyone else have this issue or something similar?

You are not alone.  One of things that are difficult with ADHD are consistency and also getting started on things.  Makes it more difficult to play often enough to get good at the game.  Sometimes when playing the hyper-focus kicks in and my ADHD becomes a positive.  Sometimes I'll hit some bad shots and realize that I didn't really focus on any of them.  

I see a lot of good advice on this thread.  Good reminders for me.  Playing league where you HAVE to show up helps.  Exercise and diet as mentioned helps a lot...not just with golf but life (I do Camp Gladiator). I don't take the meds very often (vyvance) because like others it's not preference but if you have't tried any, it's worth a shot.

Appreciate all the good responses on here.  Always good to hear different ways people deal with similar issues.  A lot of people really don't understand how profound an effect ADHD can have.

[OdinSnipes414]

4 hours ago, jdparker said:

All solid advice!  

ADHD/Anxiety/Depression are all super linked and I have done a ton of homework on this because I deal with these items constantly.  I have talked with Doctors because I don't want to use medicine.

Talking about it, finding healthy outlets, exercise, all play a major role in dealing with it.  For me personally, golf is one of those outlets that lets me get out of my head for a bit and put my focus on that instead of the daily stress, bills, kiddos, etc.

I have also found that running has allowed me to sleep better at night and not get stuck in thoughts. (and I hate running even though I played soccer my entire life)

I would love to! How does one get the motivation to keep it up though

[OdinSnipes414]

3 hours ago, elvis14 said:

You are not alone.  One of things that are difficult with ADHD are consistency and also getting started on things.  Makes it more difficult to play often enough to get good at the game.  Sometimes when playing the hyper-focus kicks in and my ADHD becomes a positive.  Sometimes I'll hit some bad shots and realize that I didn't really focus on any of them.  

I see a lot of good advice on this thread.  Good reminders for me.  Playing league where you HAVE to show up helps.  Exercise and diet as mentioned helps a lot...not just with golf but life (I do Camp Gladiator). I don't take the meds very often (vyvance) because like others it's not preference but if you have't tried any, it's worth a shot.

Appreciate all the good responses on here.  Always good to hear different ways people deal with similar issues.  A lot of people really don't understand how profound an effect ADHD can have.

Amen to thy buddy! I am on adderal (took vyvance) didn’t work for me! I knew I wasn’t alone in the struggles and I appreciate all the great feedback so far! It’s slowly a struggle that’s becoming more known! It’s the darker side of ADHD that’s hard for some to grasp! Game one brother ! Pm me and tell me more on the camp gladiator 

[Josh Parker]

2 hours ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

I would love to! How does one get the motivation to keep it up though

Sometimes it's just getting thru that first time and then pushing for the second.

[Eartpukaem]

Hey, I feel you! Balancing ADHD with life's craziness is a challenge. Golf, being your passion, deserves its time. Maybe set small, dedicated slots in your schedule, involve the family, or explore quick rounds. MentalHealth.com could have tips too. Remember, it's about enjoying the game, not just finding time for it. Swing stress away!

Edited November 20, 2023 by Eartpukaem

[OdinSnipes414]

1 hour ago, Eartpukaem said:

Hey, I feel you! Balancing ADHD with life's craziness is a challenge. Golf, being your passion, deserves its time. Maybe set small, dedicated slots in your schedule, involve the family, or explore quick rounds.

I get in some rounds in the morning! That’s the easiest for me to do with no hold up in front of me! And very rare to have someone behind me! And to be home in time to make breakfast for the kids!

[Josh Parker]

2 hours ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

I get in some rounds in the morning! That’s the easiest for me to do with no hold up in front of me! And very rare to have someone behind me! And to be home in time to make breakfast for the kids!

I do this as well.  I am typically the first one on the course and can play a full 18 right at 2 hours.  

[chris_]

My struggle is being patient. Which also means I play too fast. When I'm calm I can play pretty well but I definitely lose strokes when I'm pre occupied. It also makes me kind of obsessed. My body won't tolerate playing every day but with a SIM in my house, I still swing every day, even when it hurts. Definitely related. 

[Josh Parker]

7 minutes ago, chris_ said:

My struggle is being patient. Which also means I play too fast. When I'm calm I can play pretty well but I definitely lose strokes when I'm pre occupied. It also makes me kind of obsessed. My body won't tolerate playing every day but with a SIM in my house, I still swing every day, even when it hurts. Definitely related. 

I can relate to this statement!  I have found that when I start getting pre-occupied and starting to lose focus, I will focus on breathing and set-up for the next few shots until I get back to the game.  

[chris_]

21 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

I can relate to this statement!  I have found that when I start getting pre-occupied and starting to lose focus, I will focus on breathing and set-up for the next few shots until I get back to the game.  

On the flip side, I just got home an hour or so ago and just played 18 holes on my sim at my speed, which is way too fast. Got my golf fix in for the day and it didn’t cost me a dime. 

Edited November 14, 2023 by chris_

[Josh Parker]

1 minute ago, chris_ said:

On the flip side, I just got home an hour or so ago and just played 18 holes on my sim.l at my speed, which is way too fast. Got my golf fix in for the day and it didn’t cost me a dime. 

When I finally build our addition I'm making room for a SIM.  

I get out to the course at sun up during the week and can typically finish 18 in about 2 hours and be home before 9am most days.

[chris_]

18 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

When I finally build our addition I'm making room for a SIM.  

I get out to the course at sun up during the week and can typically finish 18 in about 2 hours and be home before 9am most days.

Been worth every penny. I will say that I definitely have the obsessive part of ADHD and being able to play every day is fantastic for that part of me. I'm actually seeing a specialist this week for the first time in 30 years and hoping to get set up with some meds. I think it was you that mentioned Vyvance. My 16 year old son is on that and it's made a huge difference for him in the last few months. 

[elvis14]

22 hours ago, chris_ said:

My struggle is being patient. Which also means I play too fast. When I'm calm I can play pretty well but I definitely lose strokes when I'm pre occupied. It also makes me kind of obsessed. My body won't tolerate playing every day but with a SIM in my house, I still swing every day, even when it hurts. Definitely related. 

I was playing Saturday with a few guys that I know but haven't played with before.  We played best 2 balls first 9, Captain's choice the second 9.  So my score mattered to others.  At one point one I was about to chip or putt from just off the green and a guy says "This is make able, just take your time".  I just kept going (didn't make the bump and run chip but got up and in).  My golf partner has said the same to me as well.  What they don't realize is that I'm not rushing, I just play fast.  Once I know what club I want to hit and the shot I want to take I don't overthink it, I just step up and hit it.  

Having said that I know that this is part of that same struggle, being patient and playing too fast.  It probably costs me some strokes.

[Josh Parker]

2 hours ago, chris_ said:

Been worth every penny. I will say that I definitely have the obsessive part of ADHD and being able to play every day is fantastic for that part of me. I'm actually seeing a specialist this week for the first time in 30 years and hoping to get set up with some meds. I think it was you that mentioned Vyvance. My 16 year old son is on that and it's made a huge difference for him in the last few months. 

I play just about everyday in some form or fashion.  

It wasn't me about the meds.  I have tried them but didn't like them much.

[Megable]

Managing ADHD alongside life's demands can indeed be quite the juggling act, leaving little room for hobbies like golf. It's tough trying to find that balance, especially with all the responsibilities on your plate – from work and family to household chores and more.
But hey, you're not alone in this struggle! Many folks out there face similar challenges. One suggestion could be to carve out dedicated "golf time" in your schedule, even if it's just a small window each week. And hey, have you ever considered seeking support from a San Antonio therapist who specializes in ADHD? They could offer some helpful strategies to better manage your symptoms and free up some mental space for the things you love, like golf.

Edited March 3 by Megable

[OdinSnipes414]

Alright had to re read through this thread, been kind of up and down after the family vacation! Need to scoop my ass off the couch and get on the course more! This once a month thing isn’t helping my sanity lol! How’s everyone else doing!

[elvis14]

2 minutes ago, OdinSnipes414 said:

Alright had to re read through this thread, been kind of up and down after the family vacation! Need to scoop my ass off the couch and get on the course more! This once a month thing isn’t helping my sanity lol! How’s everyone else doing!

On the golf front, I feel like I'm treading water. My scores stay the same and what betrays me changes week to week.  I've always been able to hit hybrids and my Driver well.  Have 5 hybrids in my bag. 3-7.  This past weekend, my driver was fire.  Sadly my chipping was poor (not unusual)....but I coudn't hit a hybrid to save my life.  Wasn't even sure what to fix because I generally don't have to fix my hybrids.

On the ADHD front, it's a constant battle.  Behind at work right now and still have days where I have trouble engaging (getting started). With golf I often find that after I hit a poor shot that I wasn't really focussed on it.  

[ThomH]

I have severe ADHD and I cannot take medication for it because it turns me into a zombie. Of course at 63 the H is more mental than physical, lol. I find practice more challenging than playing a round, repetitive muscle memory drills are excruciating to me mentally. However, I am so competitive that I “suck it up” and do them, I really would like to get down to the handicap of my youth which was 18, now it is 35+ due to spine issues and age .