We all know that golf has a good affect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Nobody knows this more than Get into Golf member, George Cody,
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George Cody
George Cody is a Get into Golf member at Goodwood and has an incredible story about how golf has helped him through tough times.
George’s journey has been impressive. Not only is he spending time during lockdown to improve his game, he is also working on changing the stigma’s surrounding golf and Mental Health. George said, “There are a few things in the golfing world and in the world in general I’d like to try to help have an impact on, with removing the stigma around golf and a big thing for me is mental health.
“In November 2019 I was suffering with my mental health ready to take my own life and I’m in a position now where I can openly talk about my experience, but not everyone has that privilege. I want to make the move and make people aware how golf and other sports can help you so much.
“Golf helped me massively during the tough times. It became my sanctuary. Whenever I had bad thoughts, I’d try and get out onto the golf course and be at one with myself. Even during lockdown periods where I haven’t been able to get out onto the course, I’ve picked up my clubs and practised my swing and that has helped.
“If golf wasn’t there, I’d be in a different place. Everything disappears when I’m on the golf course, you can have a laugh with your friends, time for me to get away from my mind and relax and do what I love!
“Mental health for men isn’t spoken about anywhere near as much as it should be, hopefully I’ll be able to make some small impact to help somebody who may be in need.”
We all know that golf is good for your physical health as well as your mental wellbeing. An 18-hole round of golf will see you take around 10,000 steps and burn 2,000 calories, and can also, relieves stress and anxiety. From an England Golf survey, it has been shown those who play golf regularly are well above the national average for their mental wellbeing.
James Ashman who is a PGA Professional and works as a Golf Operations Supervisor at Goodwood has been coaching George during his journey within the game and said, “Golf is a great way of getting outdoors and now more than ever you just miss being outdoors.
“It is a great way of meeting people. You meet these people and don’t know what they have been through, only if they open up to you, so being there as a support mechanism for a bit of guidance is really good.
“George coming down 10 shots is great, but more importantly, where he is at now, mentally, and how he feels in himself, is probably the real winner of it all so take George as an example. To those who are struggling or who are not into their golf, it is definitely worth doing.”
On his golf journey so far, George said “Get into Golf has been an eye opener for me. There is a lot of people who are at the same stage of their golf journey.
“It is very inclusive for everyone and if you want to work hard at it or play with your friends, there are options out there to do so.”
For more on George’s journey, plus the chance to be in with a shot of Golf At Goodwood giveaway, please follow George's Instagram @g3.golf
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