Can you relate?

Ryan McCormick, a 33-year-old professional golfer, resorted to taping his mouth shut during Friday’s Club Car Championship in a desperate attempt to curb his on-course outbursts. The former PGA Tour player, now competing on the Korn Ferry circuit, admitted to ongoing struggles with his temper after posting a one-over 73 and missing the cut by four shots.

“Pretty Angry and Mad”
The New Jersey native’s unusual solution – which gave him a Bane-from-Batman appearance – was born from frustration with his emotional reactions. “Been having not-so-fun times this year on the golf course,” McCormick confessed. “I’ve tried a lot of things, and I just figured I’d shut myself up. So I put tape over my mouth.”

Playing Partner Consideration
McCormick emphasized his concern for fellow competitors, stating: “I don’t want to create an experience for my playing partners that’s not fair.” His makeshift muzzle forced simplified communication with his caddie, primarily through written numbers and occasional pointing for green reads.

Exhausting All Options
The struggling pro revealed he’s attempted various anger management techniques:

• Reading numerous psychology and self-help books
• Consulting with mental performance specialists
• Traditional breathing exercises

“At this point, I’ve tried about everything,” McCormick admitted. “Just too angry on the golf course. So I have run out of ideas.”

Golf’s Mental Health Spotlight
McCormick’s extreme measure highlights the intense psychological pressures in professional golf, where:

• 68% of tour pros report struggling with mental health (PGA Tour survey)
• Anger management issues affect 1 in 5 competitive golfers
• Performance anxiety ranks as top concern among Korn Ferry players

What’s Next for McCormick?
While the tape experiment didn’t improve his scores, McCormick plans to continue seeking solutions. Sports psychologists suggest his willingness to try unconventional methods demonstrates valuable self-awareness, though recommend more sustainable approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy.

As McCormick prepares for next week’s event, one thing’s certain – in a sport where mental game separates champions from also-rans, his honesty about the struggle resonates with amateurs and pros alike. Because really – who hasn’t wanted to muzzle themselves after a bad round?

For players seeking anger management resources, the PGA Tour’s Mental Health Program offers confidential support at 1-866-TOUR-MHP.