If you are actively pursuing a sport, mental health is as important as your physical health. Even the current World No.1 in golf, Scottie Scheffler, feels the same. “I think mentally fatigued. I think with golf, the physical aspect of it is something you can really train for. The mental part is, I would say, more difficult to train for,”  the World No.1 stated after a disappointing performance at the 2024 US Open.

So, the initiative from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson event in Dallas to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is very apt. The event features green ribbons for the players to show their support, and caddies are involved too. Caddies are wearing special bibs with messages from players that reveal how they try to improve their mental health in the midst of a heavy season. And it has garnered a lot of support from the rest of the golfing world as well.

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Amanda Balionis shows support for the initiative

Famous CBS Reporter Amanda Balionis took to Instagram to share her appreciation for the initiative from the organizers of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson Tournament. She put a story with an Instagram post from the PGA Tour’s official page and added a note that said, “Loving this initiative for #mentalhealthawareness month.” Having interacted with a fair share of top golfers in the world, Balionis knows the mental struggles the stars go through.

The CBS reporter has had her fair share of mental health struggles. Back in 2018, post her dad’s death, Balionis struggled emotionally and mentally. She saw a therapist and a few doctors, and then resorted to taking up healthy habits to work on feeling mentally better over the next few months.

She shared her journey on Instagram, with the hope that it would give her followers a sense of understanding regarding mental health and the need to keep it steady. “The biggest lesson (I learned) probably being, (you) can’t fool your body, listen to what it has to say. Also, ask for help when you need it. It’s not easy to deal with or talk about, but I promise you’re not alone and that it’s not a permanent time in your life.” Balionis explained on Instagram back then.

Several players have shared their personal modus operandi for working on their mental health. For Scottie Scheffler, it is spending time with family, while for Chandler Phillips, it is hanging with friends. South African golfer Erik Van Rooyen relaxes by playing Call of Duty, while Doug Ghim wants to smile more. The initiative from the CJ Cup organizers goes beyond the field as well.

The effective campaign  at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson

The CJ Cup has previously worked on fundraising to support the mental health of several stakeholders within the communities, including children and families. Since 1968, the event has helped 1 million children and trained 4,000 educators, mental health professionals, and caregivers to help the future generation of our community. Annually, upwards of 2,000 people get mental health services and parent education.

The PGA Tour event has raised an amazing $190 million for the activities they conduct with regards to mental health services. With the continuous impact on society, the “Green Out” is a great campaign that sparks change in the most important areas of the community.

Here’s to having more such relatable campaigns and initiatives from the PGA Tour’s side.