Golf putting yips
For context I am now a 4 handicapper. Was previously off 2.
When I was in my late teens was involved with loads of my home golf club teams. Became deadly with the putter which won me matches. Used to walk up to putts and feel like I’ll hole every one.
Took a break in my early 20s to travel. During this went through a pretty bad break up and following this entered a competitive competition with my college. During this round I learned that I had the yips, particularly over short putts. It was devastating. This was now 8 years ago.
Since then I’ve moved abroad and my golf has really taken a hit. I thought during that time my putting would come back and the yips would be no more given the lack of golf I played during this time.
But that is firmly not the case. Have just bought a new odyssey 7 zero torque putter to try something new to see if it would help. But have just played a foursomes match tonight with my dad where every single putt I couldn’t stroke properly.
I can do all the practice on the putting green, lining them up and watching the line trickle end over end but as soon as it becomes a putt on the course in competition my mind almost spasms and I can’t control the putter. I’ve tried a new grip, focusing on an aspect of the grip, focusing on my take back, deep breathing during the putt. All of which have not helped.
I think I’ve always suffered from low self esteem and low confidence. Probably a bit of anxiety too but that may stem from the above. But clearly this is having an impact on my golf now to a point I want to stop playing.
If anyone has advice it’d be much appreciated. Thanks