Putting Yips And Fear Of Failure
Many different fears underlie the concept of fear of failure in golf… And fear of embarrassment is one of the main fears I see in golfers today.
Why is fear of embarrassment such an issue with golfers who have the yips?
In the yips cycle, it’s the main reason golfers tighten up and jab at the ball—because they desperately don’t want to look silly…
Here’s what one golfer said about the yips cycle recently:
“Your analysis of fear is dead on. Other pros focus on grip or mechanics. I have been working on your drills for last couple of days trying to get to a free swing.”
Another golfer said this about the panic he feels playing with others:
“The practice is almost addictive and I got my handicap down to 8 but the thought of playing with others fills me with near panic.”
Why would it be scary to play with others?
You don’t want to look silly or feel embarrassed in front of others.
The roots of fear of embarrassment are from the concept of social approval…
Related Article: Your Mindset And The Yips When It Means More
Social approval is when golfers worry too much about what others think about you and your game. If you hit a bad shot or miss a short putt, you might wonder what others are thinking.
I call this both a distraction and source of pressure for golfers. It distracts you from focusing on the right stuff when you play.
It’s also a source of pressure when you play golf because social approval makes you mind read.
Okay, you can’t really read the mind of others, but you do a process I call mind reading, which is when you wonder what your playing partners think about your game.
So what’s the solution?
First, you have to understand what your source of fear all about.
What are you trying to avoid or gain when you play?
Second, you have to attack the reason behind the fear. Is it valid?
Do others really think you look silly when you miss a two-footer?
Third, you want to change your philosophy of golf so you are not playing to gain approval from others (or avoid disapproval).
These steps are not easy, but they are the most important part of breaking the yips cycle and overcoming the pressure golfers feel about playing well.
Check out “Breaking The Yips Cycle” and learn all my strategies for overcoming fear and putting freely again!
Related Golf Psychology Articles
- Do You Focus on Making or Fear Missing?
- Top Fears Related to Putting Yips [Video]
- Great Putters Don’t Fear The Putting Game
Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!
Breaking The Yips Cycle Video and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer who wants to break out of the putting, chipping, or pitching yips.
Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach “Breaking The Yips Cycle” principles to their players who struggle with tension in their swing or the full-blown yips. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance by swinging freely again!
I have always been a 10 handicapper + / -. First got the putting yips in my late 20’s, out of the blue. Putted crosshanded, left handed, long putter, etc..and never more than mediocre putter at best, always trying to find something that worked. Competition only, no problem in practice. Played yip free for several years up until a year ago. Now quite severe again. I honestly think in my case, it is fear or success, not fear of failure. This has happened to me in other sports, not to mention life also (I have significant stress issues that require medication). Basically, I seem to sabotage myself when I start getting too good at something.. I don’t care what others think, but I for some reason don’t deserve to ‘win’ (that’s what my unconscious is saying). or want the responsibility that goes with it (Feherty). Maybe some of it is I’m profoundly hard of hearing from birth, and deep down think myself unworthy or something, which is not true. Very frustrated with it. Hard to explain it to others, and good way to lose golf partners..
Yes, does sound like fear of success today, but the putting yips may have started with the fear of failure. Self-sabotage when doing well is a sign of fear of success.