Bangkok, Thailand: The sports turf industry is built on passion and dedication, but it also demands long hours, high-pressure responsibilities, and physically demanding conditions. Turf professionals work tirelessly to maintain golf courses and sports fields in the best condition. Yet, the mental health struggles that come with this profession are rarely discussed.

Nigel Taylor, an experienced golf course superintendent with 28 years in the industry – 20 of which have been spent in international roles across the United States, England, Barbados, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia – knows these challenges all too well.

Now based in Malaysia and working for Sports Turf Solutions (STS), Taylor has personally faced the weight of depression and burnout, a battle he fought for longer than he cares to admit.

In 2024, after reaching a particularly low point, he turned to one of his lifelong passions – cycling – as a way forward.

A dedicated cyclist since the age of 12, Taylor took his love for the sport to new heights by competing in ultra-cycling events. However, he wanted to do more than just ride; he wanted to use his experience to inspire change within the sports turf industry. That’s when the idea of an Everesting challenge took shape.

Everesting is a gruelling endurance challenge where a cyclist picks a single hill and rides up and down repeatedly until they accumulate 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) of elevation – the height of Mount Everest – all in a single, continuous effort, with no prolonged breaks.

The challenge is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one, making it the perfect metaphor for the resilience required to confront mental health struggles.

But for Taylor, completing just one Everesting wasn’t enough.

Determined to make a lasting impact, Taylor has committed to completing 12 Everesting challenges in 2025 – one every month – while riding solo and fully self-supported. His goal? To raise awareness about mental health in the sports turf industry, break the stigma surrounding depression and burnout, and inspire others to seek help.

Through his journey, he aims to create a story people can follow – a journey that resonates with those struggling in silence. By sharing his vulnerabilities, he hopes to encourage others to step forward, acknowledge their struggles, and take the first steps toward recovery.

This mission is bigger than one individual – it’s a call to action for the entire sports turf industry and beyond.

Taylor is seeking support from companies and individuals to help spread awareness, encourage open conversations about mental health, and provide resources for those in need.

A spokesperson for STS said: “Sports Turf Solutions is proud to support Nigel on this remarkable journey. Mental health is an issue that affects so many, yet it remains under-discussed in professional settings, especially in industries where toughness and resilience are often valued above all else. By sharing Nigel’s story, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations and drive real change.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, remember – you are not alone. Help is out there, and speaking up is the first step toward healing.

“Follow Nigel’s journey and support this worthy cause here. Let’s work together to break the silence and create a healthier, more supportive sports turf industry for everyone.”

*Sports Turf Solutions is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.