Golf and Anger: A Tough Combo on the Course

Golf is often praised as a game of mental toughness. Yet even the most seasoned professionals are not immune to letting emotions get the best of them. Just ask Adam Hadwin, who, during the 2025 Valspar Championship, made headlines after smashing a sprinkler head in frustration during his round at Innisbrook.

The moment—caught on camera—spread quickly across social media, sparking debates around sportsmanship, mental health, and the psychological toll of high-pressure competition. But while it’s easy to point fingers, the truth is: golf is hard. And controlling anger on the golf course is a skill many of us are still trying to master.

Why Golf Makes Us So Angry

Let’s be honest—golf can feel cruel. One minute you’re striping drives down the fairway, and the next, you’re chipping back and forth across a green like you’ve never held a club before. It’s a game that challenges both your skill and your patience.

The mental pressure in golf is unique:

• You’re often alone with your thoughts.
• There’s time to stew between shots.
• Every swing carries weight, especially in competition.
• And most golfers are their own worst critics.

For pros like Hadwin, there’s the added layer of TV cameras, fans, sponsors, and expectations. But even for weekend warriors, the emotional stakes feel real.

The Consequences of Losing Control

Lashing out in anger might feel good in the moment—but it rarely helps your game. In fact, it often leads to a downward spiral:

• Loss of focus
• Tension in the swing
• Poor decision-making
• Embarrassment or regret afterward

Hadwin’s sprinkler moment is a prime example of how pressure can boil over—even for seasoned tour pros. But it’s also a reminder that anger, if left unchecked, can sabotage your performance and your reputation.

How to Manage Anger on the Golf Course

So what can you do when the frustration starts to build? Here are proven anger management tips for golfers that can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

Before you snap, your body often sends subtle signals—tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Learn to recognize these cues so you can catch yourself early.

2. Have a Reset Routine

Pros like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa use breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or visual routines between shots. Try:

• Taking a deep breath through your nose and exhaling slowly.
• Looking at the treetops or sky for a few seconds to reset your focus.
• Repeating a calming phrase like “next shot” or “stay loose.”

3. Walk It Off

Walking between shots gives you a chance to cool down—literally and mentally. Use that time to reset and detach emotionally from the last swing.

4. Use Humor or Self-Talk

Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. Making a light comment or reminding yourself it’s just a game can diffuse tension and help you stay grounded.

5. Set Process Goals, Not Outcome Goals

Instead of obsessing over score, focus on things you can control—like tempo, alignment, or course management. This shift in mindset can reduce frustration when things don’t go perfectly.

6. Keep Perspective

Ask yourself: “Will I remember this shot a week from now?” If not, it’s probably not worth the outburst. Golf is a lifelong game—one bad hole doesn’t define you.

Golf Is an Emotional Game—But It’s Also a Teacher

Every round presents an opportunity—not just to shoot a lower score, but to practice patience, resilience, and grace under pressure. Yes, moments like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler smash are dramatic. But they’re also human.

The key isn’t to avoid frustration altogether—it’s learning how to respond to it.

So next time you chunk a wedge or lip out a birdie putt, take a breath. Channel your inner pro—not the angry one—and move on to the next shot with purpose.

Because in golf, as in life, how you handle the tough moments says more than any scorecard ever could.

For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, and the WM Phoenix Open taking place from February 6-9 at TPC Scottsdale, sports enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to combine their passion for football and golf through parlay betting.

As of February 7, 2025, the betting lines for Super Bowl LIX are as follows:

• Point Spread: The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points over the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Over/Under Total Points: The total points scored by both teams is set at 49.5.
• Coin Toss: Heads (-105) or Tails (-105)
• First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600), A.J. Brown (+800), Patrick Mahomes (+2000)

The WM Phoenix Open features a competitive field with the following notable odds:

• Scottie Scheffler: 3-1
• Sam Burns: 22-1
• Nick Taylor: 55-1
• Sungjae Im: 22-1
• Jake Knapp: 125-1
• Hole-in-One Prop Bet: Yes (+120), No (-150)

Here are some intriguing parlay combinations that blend outcomes from both the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open, along with their potential payouts on a $100 bet:

1. Favorites Parlay:
   • Super Bowl: Kansas City Chiefs to cover the 1.5-point spread (-110).
   • Golf: Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top 5 (-150).
   • Coin Toss: Heads (-105).
   • Parlay Odds: +450
   • Payout: $100 bet wins $450.
2. Underdog Upset Parlay:
   • Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win outright (+120).
   • Golf: Nick Taylor to finish in the top 10 (+500).
   • Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
   • Parlay Odds: +1300
   • Payout: $100 bet wins $1,300.
3. High-Scoring and High-Performance Parlay:
   • Super Bowl: Total points over 49.5 (-110).
   • Golf: Sam Burns to finish in the top 5 (+450).
   • First Touchdown Scorer: A.J. Brown (+800).
   • Parlay Odds: +2500
   • Payout: $100 bet wins $2,500.
4. Longshot Parlay:
   • Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win by more than 7 points (+275).
   • Golf: Jake Knapp to finish in the top 10 (+1100).
   • First Touchdown Scorer: Patrick Mahomes (+2000).
   • Parlay Odds: +7500
   • Payout: $100 bet wins $7,500.
5. Quick Thrill Parlay:
   • Coin Toss: Tails (-105).
   • First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600).
   • Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
   • Parlay Odds: +1400
   • Payout: $100 bet wins $1,400.

Combining bets from the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open can add an extra layer of excitement to your sports weekend. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!