on my golf.” Some players might be getting benefits without knowing it. Without nicotine, regular users often feel withdrawal symptoms – irritability, anxiety, fatigue – and one dose reverses those symptoms. It’s less of a boost, more of a levelling device. Dawson, the no-nicotine pouch user, says, “I don’t know if there are performance benefits to any of it, but if you think there are, that’s probably going to help you.” “It’s like a placebo effect,” says another LIV Golf player and smokeless tobacco user. “I think some players think it makes them feel better, and they start getting positive vibes, and they hit better shots. I wish that were me (laughs). For me, it’s just a nasty habit.” Health Risks and Negative Impacts THE VALUE OF NICOTINE as a performance tool may be debatable, but some health risks from habitual use are not. “People build up a tolerance to nicotine, so the more they
‘Zero effect on my golf’ MOST PLAYERS WE TALKED TO, including those who use tobacco or nicotine pouches, said they don’t think there are performance advantages. They often referred to nicotine as simply a “routine” or “something to do.” “What I know is that the best players in the world, they’re not using it,” Horschel says. “I don’t see guys putting in a pouch and anything changing over the next several holes.” One major-championship winner said players are using nicotine primarily to cope with boredom. “It just helps pass the time. I don’t think there’s anything game-enhancing
about it. It’s just a habit you pick up working outside, nothing more.” Perez was more adamant: “I don’t see one benefit on the course. Zero. It’s just what some people do. . . . If I had to quit today, it would have zero effect
TOUR PROS WERE HERE All in a
day’s work at the practice range.
96 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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