Three Ways Golf Course Businesses Can Support Mental Health
In the latest Changing the Business of Golf podcast, host Gary Firkins speaks to mental health professionals Dr. Stacy Stellflug and Kee Dunning on the challenges that continue to affect so many within the profession.
The episode outlines three essential changes every golf course business can make to build healthier workspaces, including:
- Recognize mental health – prioritise wellbeing to improve performance and retention.
- Create safe spaces – foster openness and support to strengthen teams.
- Communicate better – apply Kee’s six principles to build trust and collaboration.
*This episode contains discussion of mental health and suicide, which some listeners may find sensitive.*
Practical Steps to Improve Mental Health in Golf
The latest episode of the Changing the Business of Golf podcast explores how golf course businesses can take action.
Host Gary Firkins speaks with mental health professionals Dr. Stacy Stellflug and Kee Dunning, who share proven ways to create safer, more supportive workplaces for superintendents and their teams.
Dr. Stacy Stellflug is an Associate Professor at the University of Montana-Bozeman, and Kee Dunning is a Clinical Professional Counselor based in Billings, Montana. Both have extensive experience supporting mental health and wellbeing within the golf industry.
Together, they highlight three essential changes every golf business can make.
Recognize Mental Health
A Syngenta mental health survey in 2021 revealed that more than 60% of greenkeepers and superintendents had experienced increased work-related mental health challenges since the start of the pandemic.
Following a particularly demanding few years for turf professionals, Stacy and Kee share why prioritizing superintendent wellbeing is key to better performance and higher retention.
By recognizing mental health, golf course businesses can better identify early signs of stress and provide the right support.
Create a Safe Space to Talk about Mental Health
According to Stacy and Kee, listening is the first step toward building a healthier team.
Reaching out and listening without judgment opens the door for real conversation. Therefore, golf course businesses should create safe spaces where those conversations can happen.
While these initiatives require some investment, clubs that prioritise wellbeing see stronger morale, improved satisfaction, and reduced employee turnover.
Communicate Better
Kee Dunning explains her six concepts of communication to help improve collaboration, trust, and everyday communication across your team.
As Kee reminds us, everyone is doing their best - some just haven’t been shown how to communicate well. When leaders model active listening and empathy, teams feel supported, work more cohesively, and perform at a higher level.
Listen to the Full Episode
The latest Changing the Business of Golf podcast with Dr. Stacy Stellflug and Kee Dunning is now available to watch and listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Useful Links:
Syngenta’s 2021 Mental Health Survey
Stacy & Kee My Best Advice: Creating Safe Spaces in Golf for Mental Health
Changing the Business of Golf Podcast on YouTube
Follow our guest:
Connect with Dr. Stacy Stellflug on LinkedIn
Connect with Kee Dunning on LinkedIn
Connect with us:
Follow Syngenta Turf & Landscape on LinkedIn
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