Golfer tapes mouth shut to combat anger issues

Ryan McCormick’s Unconventional Approach to Managing Anger on the Golf Course

In the world of professional golf, players are constantly seeking ways to improve their game, whether it’s through refining their swing, enhancing their mental focus, or even experimenting with new equipment. However, Ryan McCormick, a player on the Korn Ferry Tour, has taken a rather unconventional approach to managing his emotions on the course. On a Friday in Savannah, Georgia, McCormick decided to tape his mouth shut in an effort to control his anger.

The Korn Ferry Tour, known for being a stepping stone to the PGA Tour, shared a video of McCormick playing with clear tape over his mouth. In the video, McCormick candidly explained his unusual decision. “Been having not-so-fun times this year on the golf course. Pretty angry and mad,” McCormick said. “So I figured I’ve tried a lot of things, and I just figured I’d shut myself up. So I put tape over my mouth.”

While the move certainly caught the attention of fans and fellow players alike, the question remains: did it work? Unfortunately, the results on the scorecard were not in McCormick’s favor. After opening with a 1-over 73 at the Club Car Championship, he followed up with a 72, which meant he was certain to miss the cut.

McCormick’s journey on the Korn Ferry Tour this year has been challenging. After spending a year on the PGA Tour in 2024, he found himself back on the developmental tour. In six starts, he has only played the weekend three times and has yet to finish in the top 40. It’s clear that McCormick is searching for answers to improve his performance and regain his confidence.

In his quest for solutions, McCormick has explored various avenues. “I’ve read books and talked to people. Nothing seems to work,” he admitted. “I’ve run out of ideas, and I thought about the tape thing a couple of weeks ago. So just unfortunately it came down to that today. I was hoping maybe it would help me. Can’t say that it did or didn’t.”

One of the reasons McCormick resorted to taping his mouth shut was his desire to avoid creating a negative experience for his playing partners. “Having a tough time, and that was my solution today,” he said. It’s a testament to his consideration for others on the course, even amidst his own struggles.

• McCormick’s performance this year:
  • Played the weekend three times in six starts
  • No top 40 finishes
• Score at the Club Car Championship:
  • 1-over 73 in the opening round
  • 72 in the second round

While McCormick’s taped-mouth strategy may not have yielded immediate results, it highlights the mental challenges that golfers face. The sport is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical skill, and finding the right balance can be elusive. McCormick’s willingness to try something different, even if it seems outlandish, speaks to his determination to overcome his current struggles.

As McCormick continues his journey on the Korn Ferry Tour, it will be interesting to see if he finds a more effective method to manage his emotions and improve his game. Golf is a sport that demands patience and resilience, and McCormick’s story is a reminder of the mental battles that players often face behind the scenes.

For now, McCormick remains focused on finding a solution that works for him. Whether it’s through further experimentation or seeking guidance from mentors, his journey is a testament to the challenges and triumphs that define the world of professional golf.