Introduction

In an unprecedented move, Korn Ferry Tour veteran Ryan McCormick has taken unusual measures to manage his emotional struggles on the golf course. After experiencing significant challenges in controlling his anger during competition, McCormick decided to tape his mouth shut during the second round of the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in coastal Georgia. This extreme approach comes after several unsuccessful attempts to remedy his hostile mindset.

The Event

McCormick, who carded a second-round score of 72, found himself a few strokes shy of the cut line with an overall score of 1-over 145. The event marked the Korn Ferry Tour's first domestic stop of 2025, and although McCormick's performance was less than stellar, it was his uniquely bizarre solution to an emotional struggle that caught everyone’s attention.

McCormick's Perspective

“I've been having a not-so-fun time this year on the golf course—really angry and frustrated,” McCormick explained. “I’ve tried just about everything to calm myself down, but nothing seemed to work, so I thought I’d try taping my mouth shut.” McCormick humorously likened the experience to that of Bane from Batman, stating, “It certainly makes you breathe. I'm not proud of it, but it was my way of keeping the experience fair for my playing partners and for myself.”

Mental Health in Sports

Despite the comedic nature of the situation, it raises serious questions about the mental health and emotional management in professional sports. Athletes often battle the pressure of high expectations and performance anxiety, and McCormick's struggles reflect a reality faced by many in competitive sports. While his artistic approach may seem outlandish, it sheds light on the lengths players may go to in order to regain control over their game.

Performance Trajectory

In terms of his performance trajectory, McCormick’s results have been disappointing. After losing his PGA TOUR card in 2024, he entered the Club Car Championship ranked 126th on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List—a drop that could cost him further ranking if changes aren’t made soon. With the new season in full swing, it remains to be seen whether McCormick’s unconventional methods will yield positive results or if he will need to explore other avenues for improvement.

Conclusion

As McCormick continues his journey in professional golf, we are left to wonder: can taping one's mouth really make a difference on the course? Whatever the outcome, Ryan McCormick's journey is a captivating reminder of the complexities of the athlete's mind, especially when under pressure in the world of competitive sports.