The Mental Golf Show 270: Steve Wheatcroft - The Unseen Struggles of Being a PGA Tour Player
Dec 23, 2025
Steve Wheatcroft, a former professional golfer with 19 years on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, shares his journey from the greens to mental health advocacy. He candidly discusses the void after retirement and the identity struggles of no longer being 'the golfer.' Steve emphasizes the importance of quality practice, the pressures of tour life, and the weight of early success. He opens up about his battles with alcoholism and depression, ultimately finding purpose in storytelling and founding the Mulligan Foundation to support golfers' mental health.
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Use Humor To Reduce Pressure
- Laugh at yourself and use self-deprecation to defuse pressure and recover from failures in public.
- Teach humility to younger players so mistakes don't become crushing identity blows.
'Not Belonging' Can Persist Despite Success
- Steve felt he didn't belong among elite pros because he grew up blue-collar and idolized golfers as unreachable figures.
- That feeling persisted even after reaching the PGA Tour and influenced his confidence.
Delay Turning Pro To Grow Up First
- Don't rush to turn pro; use college to grow as an adult and protect youth and development.
- Ensure a strong inner circle and life skills before running your career like a CEO at a young age.
