Michael Wellington

Michael Wellington is a professional golfer, mental health activist, author, broadcaster, and keynote speaker whose career bridges competitive sports and mental health advocacy. Wellington was a collegiate golf All-American at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, where he earned a degree in broadcast journalism before beginning his athletic career. Shortly after graduation, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and transitioned from amateur to professional golf.

To support his golf career, Wellington worked in broadcasting for the University of Missouri baseball program and in sports-talk radio in St. Louis. During this period, he privately managed the challenges of bipolar disorder and addiction. Wellington later decided to stop drinking alcohol, established the charitable foundation Birdies4Bipolar.org, and authored his memoir, "Birdies, Bogeys & Bipolar Disorder." The book, which features a foreword by NBC Sports Golf Channel host David Feherty, details Wellington's experiences with mental health and addiction, offering insights and practical tools for managing mood disorders.

In "Birdies, Bogeys & Bipolar Disorder," Wellington shares his journey with bipolar disorder, providing readers with educational and relatable perspectives. The book introduces "The Fourteen Clubs," a set of strategies for maintaining mental balance. Wellington, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 23, discusses how he reframed his condition as an opportunity to support others facing similar mental health challenges.

As the founder and chairman of Birdies4Bipolar.org, Wellington leads initiatives to raise awareness and funding for mental health. The organization hosts golf and stand-up comedy events in St. Louis and New Orleans and supports U.S. veterans living with mental illness through recreational golf therapy programs in Missouri and Illinois. Birdies4Bipolar has expanded its charity golf tournaments from 12 to more than 110 participants.

Wellington is recognized for his advocacy of effective mental health treatment, particularly within the golf and sports communities. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics such as bipolar disorder, depression, professional golf, and addiction, drawing on his personal experiences to engage audiences and promote mental health awareness.