How pro golfer Rob Labritz finds balance on and off the course

When you think of professional golf, you might picture a view of serene fairways, hear the thwack of a perfectly struck ball after a good swing, and imagine the spirit of competition. But for Rob Labritz, a professional golfer, the game is much more than the coverage you see on TV — it’s a daily exercise in resilience, balance, and self-care.

What’s your well?

Rob’s definition of well-being is refreshingly relatable: “Being well for me is really just being balanced — physically, mentally, with family, and of course, my golf game.” For Rob, these pillars are interconnected. If one is out of sync, it throws everything off. He emphasizes that it all starts with taking care of his own physical health, which then allows him to nurture the other areas of his life.

Financial wellness: The unsung hero

In Guardian’s most recent Mind, Body, and Wallet® research brief, we found that mental and physical health overwhelmingly top the list of the most important factors in being well. But while we know that financial stability is also critical, for most people, it doesn’t seem to follow closely behind. The same is true for Rob. Early in his career, finances were on the back burner — he assumed they’d take care of themselves. But as his family grew, so did his awareness of the need for financial wellness. Rob credits his financial advisor for helping him to create a solid financial foundation. “It’s nice not to have to think about it,” he says, “and focus on my game and my family instead.”

Rob’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Over a decade ago, he was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. For Rob, this was a scary time marked by rapid weight loss and uncertainty. “It was the seven scariest days of my life,” he recalls. But even in the midst of health fears, Rob found comfort knowing his family would be cared for financially. With the right medical support and a resilient mindset, he bounced back, regained his strength, and returned to the Champions Tour.

The physical demands of tour life

Golf might look leisurely, but Rob insists it’s anything but. “The travel alone is an amazing challenge,” he says, describing the constant changes in time zones, food, and sleep schedule. Staying “tour ready” means focusing on nutrition, rest, daily workouts, and stretching.   

A back injury last year tested his limits, requiring cortisone injections, spinal epidurals, and hours of daily therapy. “It took five or six months to feel normal again,” Rob shares. Now, he’s religious about following a stretching and strengthening regiment that includes exercises like bridges and clamshells. “It’s a daily life choice to make sure my body is limber and ready to go.”

The mental game: Where champions are made

Rob loves the Bobby Jones quote: “Competitive golf is played mainly on a 5 1/2 inch course — the space between your ears.” The mental aspect, he says, is the hardest part. “You have to be happy, confident, and ready to go all the time.” Even when dealing with injuries or tough rounds, Rob relies on mental fortitude, meditation, and visualization techniques (like imagining himself as a tree rooted on a calm island) to stay focused and perform at his best. He also finds energy and support in connecting with the crowd. “I love to connect with the fans — it gets the energy up for everyone,” he says. For Rob, building community on the course is part of his mental support network.

Tips for achieving balance

So, how does Rob keep it all together, especially with so much time spent on the road? Here are his top tips:  

• Eat right and stretch daily: Nutrition and flexibility are nonnegotiable.  

• Find a mental health solution that works for you: That might be visualization techniques, meditation, meeting with a therapist, or using tapping to calm anxiety.  

• Stay connected with family: FaceTime is a lifesaver for keeping in touch and maintaining emotional balance.  

• Lean on your support network: Whether it’s a financial advisor, mental coach, or family members, having trusted people in your corner makes all the difference.  

• Keep improving: Rob aims to get “1% better every day,” staying focused on progress rather than perfection.  

Carrying on through highs and lows

What keeps Rob showing up, even on tough days? “I’ve always had a deep drive to succeed and get better,” he says. Even when things aren’t going well on the course, he keeps grinding, convinced that persistence will pay off. “If I can keep convincing myself of that, I’ll push through anything.” Rob’s story is a reminder that well-being is about finding balance in every aspect of life, including (and especially) your finances. Whether you’re a golfer, a parent, or just someone trying to juggle it all, Rob’s approach offers inspiration: focus on what you can control, lean on your support systems, and keep striving for balance.