Revealed: Aussie golf star reveals the dark side of the sport as he battled anxiety which saw him binge drink until he reached 'blackout levels'
Aussie golf star Harrison Endycott has opened up about the personal demons he battled when on the PGA Tour - and why asking for professional help potentially saved his life.
Endycott, 28, was a child prodigy in Sydney and turned professional in 2017, joining the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Many people figured Endycott was living the dream - but living out of his suitcase and constantly waking up in a different hotel bed was anything but glamorous.
And if Endycott missed the cut at tournaments around the world - meaning he collected limited prizemoney - he would 'self medicate' via binge-drinking alcohol.
When his anxiety levels sky high before playing an event in Kentucky last year, Endycott had enough.
He couldn't get out of bed, so Endycott rang his agent Matt Broome and the pair decided to withdraw from the Isco Championship on the morning of his second round.
When his anxiety levels sky high before playing an event in Kentucky last year, Endycott had enough - he sought help and is loving his new lease on life
'I was drinking to blackout levels after a missed cut. I would be in tears. I got in a very, very dark place,' he told News Corp.
'How can you beat (the likes of Masters winner) Rory McIlroy when you're doing that?
Once Endycott reached out to the PGA Tour's player relations team, he soon began seeing a therapist.
He didn't play golf for four months, with his mental health the priority.
These days Endycott barely drinks, virtually lives in the gym and he recently returned to the sport.
While Endycott missed the cut at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson event in Texas, he didn't drink his sorrows away at a local bar.
It was progress - and Endycott knew it.
'I've found the love of the game again. Results are part of the journey,' he said.
'Every week feels like a stepping stone now. An alarm at 4am to go and play...I can't wait for that. And I've learned it's OK not to be OK.
'The second chance I've been given, whatever I do in life is always going to be filled with joy because of what I've dealt with.'
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