Luke Butler’s mental health journey: firsthand advice for PGA Members

06/05/2025

Mental health is a critical topic and a journey many navigate in silence, but for Luke Butler, Bewdley Pines PGA Professional and mental health advocate, breaking that silence became the first step in his recovery. Here, Butler shares his experiences with depression, the lessons he’s learned, and the role that golf and open conversations have played in his journey.

For many male golfers, the stigma around mental health often leads to harbouring feelings, but as Butler demonstrates, vulnerability is a form of strength. His story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of seeking support - a message that resonates with anyone navigating the demanding world of professional golf.

Butler’s journey into professional golf was anything but linear. A more mature PGA student, he had already ventured to the USA on a golf scholarship, pursued business work, and then returned to golf, a passion he couldn’t leave behind. But like many professionals, his path wasn’t without challenges.

Butler recalls how he hit a wall during the second year of his PGA Training, compounded by the loss of his grandmother to COVID-19. “I’d never really dealt with loss,” he says. “I kind of buried myself in it, didn’t open up to anyone, and just tried to battle on and be brave with it all.”

This inability to process his grief eventually spiralled into depression. What began as struggles with assignments - once a strength of his - turned into a complete mental block. “I was finding that I was unable to do anything, actually even get a word down on paper, because my brain just wouldn’t allow me to do anything,” he says.

For Butler, the turning point came when he reached out to The PGA to defer his studies, giving himself the space he needed to heal.

“The PGA were very supportive, and the process was simple,” he explained.

“Simon Hubbard was brilliant with me. When I returned, I was functioning well, but he advised me that there was support available if I needed it, people I could reach out to, so that was really useful to know. I could really be open about my situation rather than feeling like I couldn't speak about it if I was struggling again.”

Here's Butler’s advice for fellow professionals who may need it:

Breaking the silence

Butler’s central message is simple but profound: just talk, but he knows firsthand how hard that can be. “I spent years trying to deal with depression on my own,” Butler admits. “I thought if I ignored it long enough, it would just go away. But it didn’t. It only got worse. Reaching out to someone - anyone - was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it also saved my life.”

He stresses the importance of starting conversations: “It can be as simple as asking a colleague, ‘Are you okay?’ or letting them know it’s okay not to be okay. These small gestures can create a ripple effect.”

Butler’s turning point came during one of his darkest moments when he called the Samaritans, a crisis helpline. “That was the first time I ever said out loud, ‘I’m not okay.’ And honestly, that’s all I had to say. They didn’t judge me, they just listened. That call gave me the courage to keep going.”

Since then, Butler has made it his mission to encourage others to speak up about their struggles. “It doesn’t matter who you talk to - a friend, a family member, or even a stranger on a helpline. Just get the words out. Once you say it, it’s like a weight lifted off your chest. Mental health is so much more accepted now, and you're never going to be made to feel like it doesn’t matter.”

Recognising the signs

One of the key lessons Butler has learned is to pay attention to the small but telling signs of mental health struggles - both in yourself and in others.

“For me, it was the little things that became massive hurdles,” Butler explains. “Getting out of bed in the morning felt like climbing a mountain. Something as simple as making a cup of tea took all my energy. Those are the moments when you know something’s not right.”

“If you’re not functioning as you normally would - whether it’s struggling with work, golf, or personal relationships - it’s a sign to pause and reflect.”

Butler encourages people to check in on friends and family, even if everything seems fine on the surface. “You never know what someone’s hiding behind a smile. A quick ‘How are you, really?’ can open up a conversation that changes everything.”

Finding the right help

Whether it’s through counselling, a psychiatrist, speaking with a trusted colleague, or reaching out to The PGA, getting help is crucial. “The ability to say, ‘I can’t cope right now,’ and seek support is braver than trying to battle through alone,” Butler says.

“Your local GPs, talk to them. They see it day in, day out.”

He acknowledges that finding the right support isn’t always straightforward, but managed to find a counsellor who made a real difference. “The first counsellor I met with was fantastic, but I know that’s not always the case. It’s like finding the right golf club - it might take a few tries, but once you find the right fit, it’s a game-changer.”

“The help is out there, but sometimes you have to look for it.”

Using golf to make a difference

Butler credits two simple activities - walking and talking - with helping him through his toughest times. Early in his journey, his aunt would take him out for long walks, a habit that became unexpectedly therapeutic.

“At first, I’d fight her on it,” Butler says. “I didn’t want to leave the house, let alone go for a walk. But once we got going, it was amazing how much lighter I felt. The fresh air, the movement, and just having someone to talk to made all the difference.”

This concept of walking and talking naturally extended to golf, which Butler describes as a perfect environment for mental health support. “Golf isn’t just a game - it’s a walk with purpose,” he says. “You’re outside, you’re active, and you’re with other people. It’s such an easy way to start a conversation without feeling pressured.”

As a PGA Professional, Butler sees immense potential for the sport to be a tool for mental health advocacy. “Golf is about so much more than hitting a ball,” he says. “It’s about the relationships you build and the conversations you have. Even if you’re playing with strangers, you’ve got four hours together to connect. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone is enough.”

Butler’s journey is a testament to the importance of self-awareness, seeking help and embracing vulnerability. His experience shows that taking time to heal doesn’t derail your career; instead, it sets you up for long-term success.

For any PGA Professional struggling in silence, Butler’s story is a reminder that help is available, and seeking it is a sign of strength, not weakness. As Butler puts it, “A year in the grand scheme of your career is not the end of the world. What matters is coming back stronger and healthier.”

If you think you might be struggling with your mental health, please read more about how The PGA can support you by clicking here.