Experiences of playing golf as a part of the treatment and rehabilitation process among patients in substance use disorder treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The Norwegian organization Golf as Therapy (GAT) offers golf training sessions for patients in mental health care and/or SUD treatment. Our aim for the article was to explore SUD patients’ experiences of playing golf during their treatment. Method We conducted semistructured interviews with seven informants, all of whom were SUD patients or former SUD patients of the Tyrili Foundation. Results A thematic analysis led us to identify three themes. 1) The participants had negative stereotypical perceptions of golf and golf players. When they entered the golf course, these perceptions were largely refuted. 2) The participants enjoyed the versatility that golf demanded but highlighted the social interaction that occurred at the golf course as the most valuable and motivating part of their enjoyment of golf. 3) The participants had positive experiences playing golf that they saw as valuable for developing social networks and for becoming more open-minded about trying new activities. Conclusions Golf seems to potentially stimulate social participation and to develop relations, and it was perceived as useful for the informants’ situations both during and after treatment. This may strengthening the patients’ social identity and social capital. Therefore, golf as an activity could be benefiting for patients in SUD-treatment.