Golfer Uses Unconventional Method to Stay Calm Under Pressure
In an unusual yet effective strategy to manage his temper on the golf course, Korn Ferry Tour pro Ryan McCormick has resorted to taping his mouth shut during practice rounds to prevent negative self-talk and frustration from affecting his game.
The 32-year-old New Jersey native, known for his fiery competitiveness, revealed the unique tactic in a recent social media post, explaining that it helps him stay composed and focused during high-pressure moments.
Why the Extreme Measure?
McCormick, who turned professional in 2016 and has been grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour, admitted that verbal outbursts after bad shots were hurting his performance.
“I used to get so mad at myself after a missed putt or a bad drive that I’d spiral for the next few holes,” McCormick said. “Taping my mouth forces me to stay quiet, reset, and move on to the next shot without the negativity.”
The idea came after he noticed that suppressing audible frustration helped him regain focus faster. While he hasn’t used the method in tournament play yet, he’s been testing it in practice rounds with surprising success.
Golf’s Mental Game: A Growing Focus
McCormick’s approach highlights the psychological challenges professional golfers face. Unlike team sports, golf requires extreme mental discipline, and small emotional reactions can derail an entire round.
Sports psychologists have long emphasized breathing techniques, meditation, and positive self-talk to manage frustration. But McCormick’s method—literally silencing negative words—is a new twist.
“It’s extreme, but if it works, why not?” said renowned golf mental coach Dr. Bhrett McCabe. “The key is finding what helps a player reset quickly. If tape does it for Ryan, more power to him.”
Fan and Peer Reactions
The golf world has taken notice, with fans and fellow players weighing in:
- “Whatever works, man. Golf is 90% mental.” – [Fellow Korn Ferry Tour Pro]
- “I might try this during my weekend rounds!” – [Twitter User]
- “Next level mental toughness. Respect.” – [Instagram Comment]
While some joked about the unusual visual of a golfer with his mouth taped shut, others praised McCormick’s willingness to experiment in pursuit of improvement.
What’s Next for McCormick?
McCormick, who is chasing his PGA Tour card, says he’ll continue refining his mental approach. Whether the tape makes an appearance in competition remains to be seen, but one thing is clear:
He’s determined to keep his cool—even if it takes extreme measures.
Do you think more golfers should try unconventional methods to stay calm? Let us know in the comments!
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