WHEN PGA TOUR PLAYER Sam Ryder found himself 6 over par through eight holes in the first round of the Honda Classic, he knew he needed to do something to change his mojo. He had sometimes used oral nicotine pouches to rev up for gym workouts or on the range before super-early tee times. So he popped one in and went to the next tee.
in. . . . For me, they have a calming effect.” Studies have shown nicotine can increase physical vigour and mental acuity. Since 2012, the World Anti-Doping Agency, an organisation funded in part by the Olympic Movement, has been monitoring the drug to determine if it (a) enhances performance (b) presents health risks or (c) goes against the spirit of sport. At present, all athletes can use nicotine freely and legally. ‘It’s Over Half of the Guys’ GOLF HAS A LONG HISTORY WITH NICOTINE. In the 1960s and ’70s, tour players walked the fairways with cigarettes dangling from their mouths. Next came smokeless tobacco, fine cut and long cut that players would pack into the lower lip, then tobacco-filled oral pouches. On tour today, smoking is almost non-existent, and tobacco-free nicotine pouches have replaced much of the smokeless stuff, often called “dip” or “chew” or “dirt.” Away with the halos of smoke and bulging cheeks went much of the cancer risk. “Nicotine without tobacco, when used in moderation, is not a major health issue, but I’m concerned about the need for increasing doses,” says Frank Etscorn, PhD, professor emeritus at New Mexico Tech and inventor of the nicotine patch in 1986. “The more people use nicotine, the more the body craves it. All too often it becomes a lifelong addiction.”
Ryder birdied six of the last 10 holes, following his front- nine 40 with a 31 on the back. “I needed a little jolt there, and I went on a nice run. I left the pouch in for the rest of the round,” Ryder says. “There are times like that when you don’t feel like you’re clicking, and nicotine can help. I’m not going to do it when I’m 3 or 4 under par.” “I’ll have one (a “dip” of smokeless tobacco) after I make bogey,” says Pat Perez, a three-time PGA Tour winner now playing on LIV Golf. “Some people say you’re supposed to have it after you make birdie because it’s like a reward (laughs). But I get mad and put one in. If I don’t make a bogey, I might not have one all day.” In all, we talked to nearly 100 pro golfers to learn more about the popularity and usage patterns of nicotine on the major professional tours. Some told us they turn to tobacco or nicotine products for an energy boost; others say it helps them concentrate or feel relaxed. But for many, it’s just about keeping on. “When I’m putting in a long practice session, I’ll put in a ZYN (a brand of nicotine pouches) to kind of maintain my focus, stick with my routine and get things done,” says Tim Herron, who plays on the 50-and-over PGA Tour Champions. “I think my mind would maybe wander a little bit if I’m not doing it.” One PGA Tour rookie told us he breaks out the pouches as soon as he gets to the course. “I won’t play golf without them, even when I’m warming up,” he says. “If I’m snacking, I take it out, but as soon as I’m done, I’ll put one right back
92 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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