Editor Emma Ballard speaks to Andy Dixon, the founder of Golfer's CBD, to dispel some myths and find out more about the health and golf performance benefits of CBD and functional mushrooms
Golf can be both mentally and physically challenging, with nerves, frustration, and physical aches often interfering with performance. Long rounds and repetitive movements can exacerbate discomfort, making it harder to enjoy the game. Many players now seek natural solutions to enhance focus and ease pain without relying on traditional painkillers and stress-relief methods.
Enter CBD, a cannabis-derived product gaining traction in the golf world, particularly among women golfers. However, misconceptions about its origin and effects often cloud its benefits. Let’s clear the air, explain how Golfer’s CBD works, and highlight why it’s making waves, especially for women in golf.
What is CBD, and why is it different?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two main components derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t produce a “high.” Instead, it provides benefits like relaxation, improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and enhanced focus - all without psychoactive effects.
“CBD is the calming side of cannabis,” explains Golfer’s CBD founder Andy Dixon. “It gives you the good bits of the plant without the psychoactive element”. This clarity is essential to debunk the myth that CBD is akin to taking recreational drugs.
Golfer’s CBD products comply with strict regulations and are safe for use by athletes, including tour players such as Catriona Matthew and Whitney Hillier, who have openly endorsed them.
How does CBD help golfers?
CBD’s effects align well with the physical and mental demands of golf. Key benefits include:
- Nerve management: Golfers often face jitters, particularly on the first tee or during high-stakes moments. CBD can help steady nerves, allowing players to stay calm and focused.
- Focus and endurance: Many amateur players struggle to maintain concentration, especially late in a round. CBD helps golfers “stay in the moment” and avoid overthinking.
- Recovery: Golf can take a toll on muscles and joints, particularly for older players or those with chronic conditions like arthritis. CBD topicals and oils offer a natural alternative to ibuprofen or paracetamol, easing post-round aches and pains.
“For many, it’s about balance,” says Andy. “CBD helps you enjoy the game without distractions, whether it’s physical pain or mental stress.”
Women golfers and Golfer's CBD
Interestingly, while over 85% of UK golfers are men, 75% of Golfer’s CBD sales are to women. Why? Andy believes women are often more open to exploring wellness products and sharing solutions with peers.
Women golfers report using CBD for:
- Aches and pains: Creams and topicals are popular for joint relief after a round.
- Relaxation and confidence: Golf environments can be intimidating for new players, particularly women. CBD helps alleviate performance anxiety.
- Recovery and sleep: Products promoting better sleep also lead to improved energy and mental clarity on and off the course.
“Golf can be nerve-wracking, especially for women entering male-dominated clubs. Anything that helps them relax and feel more comfortable is a win.”
Functional Mushrooms: The next frontier
As the CBD market matures, Golfer’s CBD has expanded into functional mushroom products, another natural remedy gaining traction. These products support focus, recovery, and physical endurance.
Key strains include:
- Lion’s Mane: Improves mental clarity and focus.
- Cordyceps: Enhances athletic performance and stamina.
- Reishi: Boosts immunity and reduces stress.
Professional golfer Whitney Hillier praises the benefits of Lion’s Mane for overcoming brain fog after long COVID. These products complement CBD’s effects, offering golfers a broader range of benefits for both performance and recovery.
Functional Mushrooms and menopause
Cordyceps and Reishi, adaptogenic mushrooms, naturally support menopause by promoting hormonal balance, reducing stress, and enhancing vitality.
Cordyceps: combats fatigue by improving ATP production and supporting adrenal function, boosting energy and stamina. It helps regulate cortisol, reducing stress and mood swings, and supports libido and sexual health, which can decline during menopause.
Reishi: the “mushroom of immortality,” promotes calm and restful sleep, alleviates anxiety, and reduces irritability. Its anti-inflammatory properties may protect against osteoporosis while balancing the body’s response to hormonal changes.
Together, Cordyceps energises and restores stamina, while Reishi calms and balances, providing comprehensive menopausal support. Both are key ingredients in CBD Golfer’s new Performance Capsules, designed to target symptoms and enhance overall well-being.
Breaking misconceptions
Despite its advantages, CBD and functional mushrooms still face stigma. Some associate it with recreational drug use or even consider it “performance-enhancing.” Golfer’s CBD counters these myths by emphasising its natural, non-psychoactive properties.
“CBD and functional mushrooms aren’t about cheating. It’s about well-being, much like meditation or other relaxation techniques,” explains the team. “If pro golfers trust it, club players shouldn’t hesitate.”
The brand avoids using terms like “enhance” in marketing to steer clear of connotations tied to banned substances. All products are rigorously tested and approved under Novel Food regulations.
What’s in the Golfer’s CBD range?
Golfer’s CBD offers an array of products tailored for golfers, including:
- Oils: Taken under the tongue for overall wellness.
- Gummies: Easy, portable, and great for relaxation.
- Topicals: Creams for targeted relief of sore muscles and joints.
- Mushroom Capsules: Focused on performance and recovery.
The latest innovations include sugar-free edibles and transdermal creams that penetrate the skin to deliver CBD directly into the bloodstream.
Golfer's CBD: a natural solution for modern golfers
From calming nerves to relieving pain, Golfer’s CBD provides a versatile toolkit for players seeking natural alternatives. Women golfers, in particular, are leading the charge in embracing these products, both for their game and their overall well-being.
“Golf is about enjoying the moment,” says the brand. “Our products aim to make that experience smoother and more rewarding.”
With CBD and functional mushrooms, golfers can take care of their bodies and minds, ensuring that every round is played at their best – without any of the myths holding them back.
Women & Golf Reader Offer - Use code WG20 for 20% off your first order via the Golfer's CBD website
Find out more about the full range from Golfer's CBD by visiting their website here.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. No material on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have.
