Golf for Women with ADHD: How the Game Helps Calm the Mind
Golf for women with ADHD offers a surprisingly supportive and calming experience for the busy, often overwhelmed neurodivergent brain.
Have you ever felt like your brain runs at full speed, even when your body’s trying to rest?
You’re not alone — especially if you’re a woman who’s only recently discovered she might have ADHD.
Many of us go undiagnosed until later in life. We’ve been taught to stay quiet, stay organised, stay polite. We learn to mask – even from ourselves. But under the surface, the mental load builds: forgotten tasks, restless energy, emotional overwhelm, burnout.
If this sounds familiar, you might be surprised to learn that something as simple as playing golf could offer more than just a hobby — it can be a wellbeing tool.
ADHD in Women Often Looks Different
ADHD in women can look like:
- Constant mental chatter or overwhelm
- Difficulty switching off
- Emotional sensitivity
- Trouble focusing (or hyperfocusing)
- Perfectionism or people-pleasing
- Fatigue from masking or overcompensating
You may not have the “hyperactive” symptoms often associated with ADHD — which is why so many women go unnoticed or misunderstood. But the internal chaos is real, and it can leave you feeling stuck, stressed, or isolated.
Why ADHD is often missed in women →
Why Golf Might Be the Support You Didn’t Know You Needed
Golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of mental wellbeing — but it’s surprisingly supportive for ADHD brains. Here’s why:
🌿 1. It Calms the Nervous System
Golf gets you out of your head and into your body — walking, swinging, breathing outdoors. This rhythmic movement helps regulate your nervous system and reduces sensory overload.
“The fresh air, the space, the focus – it’s the first time I felt calm without trying.”
🧩 2. It Has Structure Without Pressure
ADHD brains thrive with some structure, but too many rules or high expectations can cause shutdown. Golf provides just enough clarity — with freedom to learn at your pace. No competition. No rush. Just space to show up as you are.
What if I’ve never played golf before?
🫶 3. It Eases the Mental Load
Many women are juggling careers, families, and an invisible to-do list. Golf offers mental space — when you’re playing, you’re only thinking about your next shot, not everything waiting for you at home.
🤝 4. It Offers Low-Pressure Social Connection
Unlike noisy gyms or chaotic team sports, golf is quietly social. You can chat if you want to — or enjoy moments of silence. It’s a great way to connect with others without the overwhelm.
💡 5. It Builds Focus, Memory and Confidence
Golf gently engages your executive function skills — like memory, decision-making, and planning — in a way that feels enjoyable and manageable. You’ll leave feeling more centred, more capable, and more you.
Read more about golf and mental health benefits →
What Women Say
“I always thought golf was for other people. But it’s the one place I can go where I don’t feel behind.”
– Sarah, 44, newly diagnosed with ADHD
“I didn’t know I was masking until I stopped. Golf helped me realise how much I’d been holding in.”
– Emma, 36
Evidence on golf’s benefits to mental and physical wellbeing →
Ready to Give It a Go?
You don’t need to own clubs. You don’t need to know the rules.
You just need a safe, friendly space to try something new.
That’s exactly what our beginner sessions are for — especially for women who are unmasking, burning out, or simply needing room to breathe.
