The Grateful Dead has brought harmony to millions over 60 years, leading the poetic to wax through lyrics and world-famous jam sessions. You often get lost in their music as Jerry Garcia's guitars take you beyond the realm of the universe. Heck, they still have recorded their concerts – anyone listen Live shows from May 1977and you'll hopefully understand.
But the biggest part of this beloved band lies in the community of dead heads. Certainly, dead heads are known to break some social norms, but they are not afraid to lend a helping hand or let others participate in the fun. It is an inclusive community that everyone has a shared interest. They love music. Music loves them. And all life courses are welcome.
Similarly, all golfers are part of a shared society that makes sports unique. We all love the game. We love to play. We love talking about games. And the game goes far beyond any border. Lifelong bonds and relationships take place through golf. It's the same thing that many people have made on Shakedown Street.
While on the golf course, it is often lost in the beauty of nature. This is different from the tickling live cut of “Sugar” which loses control of the sensation.
Certainly, these two spheres are very different, but I know many golfers who are dead heads – I'm proud to say that many of my close friends are. There are so many crossovers, so I embarked on some fun exercises.
What Grateful Dead songs match properly with PGA Tour or LIV golf players? With a bit of help from my friend, here is the list:
Tiger Woods – “I know your rider”
Tiger Woods remains the most popular player on the planet. Sports have never seen anyone like him, but injuries and old men's time keeps up to him. But that never stops golf fans from feeling nostalgic. They just want to see him assert and win.
Thus, Tiger's Grateful Dead Song is “I Know You Rider,” a traditional blues song that was a staple in the band's repertoire. The opening lyrics summarise the feelings of the golf world towards Woods now and forever.I know you, Rider, I'll miss me if I'm gone. ”
We all miss seeing Woods play at his peak.
Phil Mickelson – “The Devil's Friend”
One of the most famous Grateful Dead songs, “The Devil's Friend,” casts a wider net and reach. Given that Phil Mickelson is one of the most famous players in golf, this short melody and his pairing with him feel appropriate.
But the early associations of Mickelson and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) also provide good reason for this choice. Without Mickelson's efforts in 2021 and 2022, Liv Golf probably wouldn't have come to fruition. PIF is the Saudi Kingdom's financial sector and has a long history of human rights abuses and other disturbing issues. They attempt to use sports washing to divert the world from their sin – the Saudi prince himself admitted this.
Therefore, this song is suitable for Mickelson in one or more ways.
Rory McIlroy – “Dark Star”
Another of the Grateful Dead's most famous ballad “Dark Star” often stretches to 30 or 40 minutes during live performances. It's a ridiculous jam and every time you listen, you'll be amazed at the band's ability to play for a long time. This is part of why this song fits Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish has been at the top of the sport for nearly 15 years, has a great major, and has won PGA Tour events with his bundle. His ability to play so well for a long time is incredible.
However, the opening line to the Dark Star, which comes about 15 minutes after the song, reminded me of what happened to McIlroy in Pinehurst No. 2 last summer. “A dark star crashes and pours its light into the ashes. Blurred, the force loosens from the axis. Search light for casting for the delusional cloud fault.”
McIlroy is still searching for the fantastic fifth major title he has been looking for since 2015.
Bryson Deccanbeau – “Altea”
“Althea” is ranked on the Dead Heads list, particularly the youngest list that has established this band on Dead & Company. Mayer's favorite song is “Altea,” which rivals Garcia's picking how he plays it. It's the best song currently played by Dead & Company. Mayer was initially engrossed in the dead through this 1980 classic.
Bryson DeDanbaugh has broadened his golf reach through YouTube and social media channels, bringing a new generation of fans to the sport. That's part of why “Althea” is perfectly matched with Dechambeau. Both are very popular.
Photo by Ross Kinnard/Getty Images
But the lines between these beautiful songs perfectly describe the young decanbeau. “To be honest with the recklessness. Extremely selfish.”
Deccanbeau was always cruelly outspoken, unique and somewhat glamorous about his approach to the game. But he said a few things he regrets, as he plays as a par 68 for him.
There was also a time when the world unfolded around him during a pandemic that probably swelled beyond his beliefs. But that is now in the past. Luckily, Deccanbeau is mature and we've seen his popularity skyrocket, but “Altea” still fits him into the tee.
Scotty Schaeffler – “The Eye of the World”
Scottie Scheffler is the best player on the planet as he ruled the PGA Tour in 2024. He won a ridiculous seven times, including a player, a master, four signature events and a tour championship. Ah, he won the Olympic gold medal thanks to the final round of 62. He then concluded his year with a dominant performance in the Hero World Challenge.
It was a season like Tiger Woods, and it was a season to live in history books for quite some time. Every day, Schaeffler wakes up and is the eye of sports, so it matches one of the most beautiful songs of the dead.
Jordan Spieth – “They love each other.”
Perhaps there's no stronger player-caddy relationship than thick, thin, dynamic duo Jordan Spieth and Michael Greller.
Greller first met Spieth in 2011. Spieth, 17 years old at the time, won the US amateur in Washington. Greller was a mathematics teacher at the time and lived and worked in Seattle. He also came on the side, so when the US junior amateur came to town he picked up a bag of Spieces and you can say the rest is history. Greller has since carried Spieth's Bag, winning three majors and assisting in making five appearances on the Ryder Cup team.
Each week, these two seem to have an enlightening and entertaining conversation as they discuss how to navigate future shots. Find out how Spieth won a par on Par-4 11th at TPC Scottsdale at this year's WM Phoenix Open. His save required a lot of strategy, but also luck, but it never happened without long consultations with Greller.
So Spieth's Grateful Dead Song is “they love each other.” You can see the praise these two have for each other for a week. “Lord, you know that's true.”
Also, Dead & Company's performance Starting June 25th, 2023, the show at Fenway Park could be the best version of this song that everyone has heard. Mayer hears incredible sounds, unlike how Spieth had his own amazing 2023 season.
Maverick McNerry – “Wharf Rat”
One of my favourite moments of the 2025 young season took place in the late stages of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. No, it wasn't a huge tee shot from Rory McIlroy on the par 5 14th hole. Rather, it was the moment when CBS was cut into a commercial. Producer seller panned shy TV broadcasts to an Overhead shot of a w head near meand as the camera moved, the riff from “Warflat” played. This was not only an ode to the scenery, but a nod to the dead themselves formed in San Francisco, two hours up the coast from Pebble Beach.
Given that Maverick McNeely grew up in the area and sneaks into Pebble Beach at night to put on and chip on the Greens, he feels he has an obligation to associate “Warflat” with him after CBS airs the dead I did.
But McNeely is also a licensed pilot and often jumps to his own tournaments – not unlike what Arnold Palmer did. Inside the war flat, Jerry Garcia sings. “I'll get up and fly away. I'll wake up and fly away, I'll fly away.”
John Rahm – “Fire in the Mountains”
Another Grateful Dead best song is sent to one of the best players in the game. John Rahm continues to be the top five player in the world despite joining Liv Golf in December 2023.
He is also the best player in Liv and has recorded a top 10 finish in every event he has played. Rahm has won twice as well, and does so in the UK and Chicago.
The two major winners had a solid start in 2025, finishing second in Leida and sixth in Adelaide. If Rahm maintains this form for six weeks, the Spaniards will arrive at Augusta National as one of their favourites, including three more LIV events. Plus, considering he played under the ranks of his title defense last year, Rahm is hoping to add a chip to his shoulder and get the majors for the first time since joining LIV. If you get another green jacket, your decision will be verified.
Nevertheless, Rahm's relationship with “mountain fire” may be associated with this lyrics.You say it's Livin, we all have to eat. But you're here alone, no one competes. ”
Rahm received $500 million north to join LIV and he stands on LIV Mountain in both career revenue and competitive performance. He is a league class and no one plays more consistently than he.
LudvigÅberg – “Sugar Magnolia”
LudvigÅberg is currently checking all the boxes. He has a perfect swing, an Adam Scott-like look, and an infectious attitude that makes him likable in no time. Everyone is an Oberg fan and we know that over time he will get better.
He is “Sugar Magnolia” and includes this line:She has everything fun. She has everything I need. ”
The Swedes of Swing have no flaws. He can hit the ball per mile, do it with fatal accuracy, and also has a great short game. He's young too, and everyone is even more jealous of everything he has to offer.
Åberg is a force that should be considered for years to come, especially in the Ryder Cup, where his stardom first began taking off in Rome in 2023.
Sam Burns – “A simple wind”
Sam Burns is just as easy as the guys are coming.
His favorite activity is wandering around with his family in his native Louisiana. The former LSU Tiger is also an avid hunter, and he regularly travels during the offseason.
So Burns' Grateful Dead Song is “Easy Wind.” “A simple wind. Please cross the bayou today.”
Burns has already started five starts in 2025 and has made all the cuts so far. His best finish came at the season open event at Sentry. Burns was recently tied for 24th place in Genesis Invitational. This included a 3-under 69 in the final round. His next two starts will come with the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the player.
Jack Mirco is a golf staff writer who plays SB Nation. Follow him with x @jack_milko.
