Physical and Mental Health in Male Professional Golfers Participating in the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour: A Cross-Sectional Study of Injury, Illness and Mental Health Complaints

International Journal of Golf Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: William Wynter Bee, Georgios Machtsiras, A. Junge, Margo Lynn Mountjoy, Andrew Murray, Debbie Palmer, David Prossor, Stephen G. West
DOI: 10.64852/001c.156272
Cited by: 1
References: 54

Abstract

This cross-sectional study surveyed 55 male professional golfers at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic to assess the injury, illness and mental health complaints, alongside training and competition environments. In the preceding four-weeks, 74.6% reported injury complaints, most prevalent were lumbar spine (25.5%), wrist (20.0%) and thoracic spine (20.0%), 44.9% reported illness complaints and 43.1% mental health complaints, most prevalent were anxiety (25.5%) and performance anxiety (21.6%). Injury was significantly (Chi2 - 5.9, P=0.015) associated with greater need for psychotherapeutic support and the study suggests a link between injury and mental health problems and a need for enhanced mental health support.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics Sports injuries and prevention Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Golf Science
Publisher
Golf Science
Volume
14
Issue
1
Publication date
6 February 2026
Language
EN