Why Some Golfers Only Struggle With Long Putts

Long Putting Yips

Dave recently wrote me to say his putting yips are not mechanical nor technique related, but rather between the ears…

Dave said:

“I finished my worst-yipping round ever (42 putts), and headed straight for the practice green.”

He went on to say…

“I tossed down two balls and aimed at a hole about 30 feet away. The first ball went in; the second just missed and stopped a foot past the hole. Two close to perfect putts. So I only yip when it matters on the course.”

He also said he’s had some success with my putting drills

What was different in Dave’s case is the fact that he only struggles with long putts.

He said:

“Long putts are much worse than short putts. Doesn’t seem to affect anything inside 3 feet, and it’s worst when I have to hit a putt 20-30 feet or more.”

The question I have is:

Why would the yips only show up on longer putts from 20-30 or longer?

Related Article: Do You Have The Yips On Long Putts?

Most golfers struggle with the short ones or easy shots.

  1. Is he afraid of three-putting?
  2. Does he feel more uncomfortable from long distance?
  3. Does he need to improve his touch to gain more confidence and freedom?
  4. Are the short putts easier for him?

The answers to all these questions might be “yes.” I’m not exactly sure because I did not talk to him.

I did suggest he first try working on his touch from 30-50 feet to improve confidence that he can roll the ball with the correct pace (this can free up golfers).

He liked that idea… As a matter of fact, I tell all my students to work diligently on touch on the greens.

You should spend as much as 90% of your practice time on touch when putting.

But it still does not solve the fear part. What’s the fear that’s holding him back? Based on his email, he loves the game of golf and wants to be able to perform his best on the greens.

A lot of the golfers I work with on the yips are afraid of NOT performing up to their ability or potential they show on the practice green.

But to break the yips cycle, you have to understand the underlying fear and attack it head on. This is a fact.

Also, if you know anyone that’s about to give up golf due to frustration with the yips, please forward this link to him or her so others can learn how to enjoy golf again.

You can read more about how to break the yips cycle below:


Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!

Golf Yips

Golfers, do you suffer from:

  • Anxiety, tension and over control of the stroke or swing?
  • Performance anxiety about what others will think?
  • Inability to wing the club freely on the course, despite the fact that you can in practice?

Check out: Breaking the Yips Cycle

Golfers: Learn how to overcome the fear that keeps you stuck in a vicious cycle

Instructors: Learn how to give your students the mental game edge.

Coaches: Help your team members play with freedom instead of fear or tension.

Breaking The Yips Cycle: How to Putt, Chip, And Pitch Freely and Enjoy Playing Golf Again

What are Golf Psychology Students Saying?

“I have spent hundreds to dollars on clubs, putters, etc. always looking for answers. But I knew this was not going to work because I have some internal issues I had to deal with on the golf course. Working with Dr. Cohn on mental game by far is the best investment I have made. I have some great tools to work on to see my mental game improve.  I feel better now than I have ever have on the golf course and I thank you so much for helping me with the positive mental direction.”
~Sean McQueary


putting-yips-report-web2

Download Our FREE Anti-Yips Putting Drills

Do you spend most of your practice time trapped by stroke or mechanics on the practice green?

Are you unsure how to practice to hep you overcome the putting yips?

Golfers: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills!

Download our FREE putting report and drills to help you unlock your putting potential today!

What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills?

“I write you because it’s been 6 months since I started the program Breaking the Yips Cycle. Before that I was putting with a long putt and due to the ban on anchoring I switched to a short putt and started your program. The yips program has helped me a lot. I have been able to focus on what matters instead of thinking about the outcome or fearing a yippy stroke.”
~Ricardo Abogabir C.


Overcome The Yips With Expert Mental Game Coaching!

Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.

You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!

What are our mental coaching students saying?

“I’ve had the yips for 30 years. With the anchor ban, I thought I needed to quit golf. It was frustrating hearing golf experts and commentators state that no amateur was going to quit golf because of the anchoring ban. Obviously, these experts don’t know anything about the yips. I’m so glad I found you. Your drills really helped. It might sound silly, but the biggest thing that helped me is knowing that the yips is mental. It might sound crazy, for someone to have the yips for 30 years, and not know it’s mental. I also believe I know my reason for having the yips, and I see how my insecurities in every day life contributed to the yips. Thank you for your help.”
~Kevin Stankewicz

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