Counselling, but not as you know it
Sometimes, the perfect place to open up is outdoors, surrounded by nature, and engaged in an activity you love. That's why The Golfing Counsellor offers an innovative approach to therapy—on the golf course.
We understand that traditional counselling settings can feel intimidating, but by combining the mental benefits of counselling with the physical and emotional perks of playing golf, we’re breaking down those barriers. Over 9 holes, you can engage in a session while walking, talking, and hitting a few shots, all in a relaxed and familiar environment.
How counselling on the golf course works
We have all played with friends and been paired up with a single golfer and have had those conversations, what do you do for work? How are the kids?
Rather than a surface level conversation, let's dive a little deeper and take it to the next level in a structured therapeutic setting with a qualified counsellor.
The cost of a round of golf is additional and varies by golf course. Clients are encouraged to select their preferred golf course, and we will facilitate the booking process. The cost of the golf round will be added to the counselling session fee.
Scheduling: Please book at least one week in advance to ensure availability both for the counselling session and golf course tee times.
Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept all major credit cards.
*Lukas also offers counselling sessions off the golf course; he can come to your location or meet at a mutually convenient place to ensure comfort and accessibility for all clients.
Who is this fore?
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, or even if you've never picked up a club, Lukas Winward can help you navigate life’s challenges in a supportive and unique way. As both a counsellor and an experienced golfer, Lukas works with a wide range of clients, including:
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Kids and Teenagers: Helping young people manage stress, navigate relationships, and build emotional resilience.
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Families: Supporting families to communicate better, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships.
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Pre-Retirees and Retirees: Assisting those in transition to reflect on their legacy, manage life changes, and find purpose during retirement. Find out more here
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Golfers of All Levels: From casual weekend players to dedicated golfers, anyone who loves the game can benefit from talking while playing. Sometimes, the best conversations happen outside of the office and on the course.
If you’re someone who heads to the driving range each week, Lukas encourages you to swap one of those sessions for a meaningful conversation with him. No matter your age, stage of life, or level of play, Lukas offers a space where you can unwind, reflect, and address any struggles you're facing, all while enjoying the game you love.
Flexible Counselling Options: On-Course and Off-Course Sessions Available
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Price Free
1 hr
$180 Plus Golf Fees2 hr
$360 Plus Golf Fees
Book a group session for you and 2 friends on the Melbourne Sandbelt or the Mornington Peninsular
2 hr
$500 Plus Golf Fees
2 hr
450 Australian dollars
Lukas will come and meet at a mutually convenient place. I'll meet you at home, a library or a cafe
1 hr
180 Australian dollars
Available OnlineYou don't have to be in Melbourne. Lukas offers a 60min session on phone or zoom
1 hr
165 Australian dollars
The Mental Health Caddy program is about more than just having casual conversations about the game—it’s about teaching golfers to ask the next important question. On the golf course, it’s common to check in with your mate about their new driver or their latest score, but this program aims to take that check-in further, encouraging men to also ask, "How are you really doing?"
Program Overview (with Next-Level Check-In)
The Mental Health Caddy program encourages golfers to move beyond surface-level conversations. While it's easy to chat about a new golf club or swing technique, men often struggle to talk about their mental well-being. This initiative will train golfers to ask that next question—to go beyond the golf-related check-in and genuinely ask about their mate's life and mental state.
For example, instead of just asking, "How's the new driver working for you?", golfers will be encouraged to follow up with, "And how are you feeling off the course? Is everything going well?" This simple shift can open up space for meaningful conversations that might not otherwise happen.
Join the Fore Mates Movement and help support your mates on and off the course. Whether you're a regular golfer or just starting, you can make a real difference by checking in and asking the next question.
Contact Lukas Winward today to learn more about how you can get involved in the Mental Health Caddy program. Together, we can create a positive impact through the game we love.
Fore Mates: Become a Mental Health Caddy and Support Your Mates On and Off the Course
What is
Golf Therapy?
Through the years of practice (counselling, not golf) I have found that clients get more out of a session when they are moving. Walking and talking work. The evidence base for Behavioural Activation is growing and the links between physical movement and mental health are becoming harder to ignore
Studies indicate that children, young people and adults can find improvement in mood and improve resilience to stressful situations when they spend more time outdoors.
Topics To Cover With Your
Mental Health Caddy
Purpose and Meaning
Fear and anxiety
Education
Family Dynamics
School Refusal
Loneliness
Making New Friends
Cyber Security
Grief and loss
Social Isolation
Life's Surprises
Community/Altruism
Anxiety
Personal Identity
Activities
Legacy
Health
Peter Attia states “Once you hit the age of 65, if you fall, which happens, you have a 15%-30% chance of dying within one year, it’s time to get serious about your health.
*Some topics are not appropriate for the golf course but don't worry, if something comes up during a session we'll make a time to meet off the course. The environment is key. Just like your physical safety, the mental health caddy will provide an emotionally safe environment on course.
About Me
I'm a qualified Counsellor registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) level 4 and I have extensive experience working in the mental health sector.
I have been a golfer for 30 years (Handicap 12) and a Counsellor for 10 and I think that the golf course is the perfect place to for a counselling session.
During my research into retirement I had an epiphany; From the time we are 4 years old we are structured and scaffolded, what does that mean? It means that there is a trajectory all the way throughout school, then University, TAFE, travel, apprenticeship, bachelor’s degree maybe post grad, then a job, promotions etc. Then the floor falls out at retirement and all the information you can find about retirement goals is through financial advisors. They have a very important role however I have found that finances are much further down the needs hierarchy than you may think.
What if (like my mum) you break your ankle a couple of times, hurt a shoulder or wrist and it keeps you out of the game? Where are you socialising, where are you spending your time and with whom? How are you achieving and finding purpose and meaning? How are you making new friends; a crucial aspect to a healthy and fulfilling retirement?
Contact me and get the ball rolling.
