American golfer Ryan McCormick took an unconventional route to manage on-course frustration during a Korn Ferry Tour event in Savannah, Georgia, by taping his mouth shut during play. The 33-year-old, who played on the PGA Tour in 2024, made headlines at The Landings Golf and Athletic Club as he teed off with adhesive tape over his lips in an effort to silence his emotional outbursts.
McCormick later explained the unusual move stemmed from ongoing struggles with anger and mindset on the course. “Been having not-so-fun times this year… Pretty angry and mad,” he said. “I figured I’ve tried a lot of things, and I just figured I’d shut myself up.”
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The self-imposed silence didn’t translate into improved results. McCormick carded a 1-over 73 in the opening round, followed by a 72, ultimately missing the cut. Still, the moment brought attention to the mental challenges faced by athletes trying to stay competitive under pressure.
Having turned professional in 2014, McCormick has been actively looking for ways to regain his form and composure. He noted that he had read mental coaching books and sought advice from others before landing on the mouth-taping strategy. “I’ve run out of ideas,” he admitted.
While the tape may not have delivered the breakthrough he hoped for, McCormick’s move highlighted the intense mental battles players face and the lengths they’ll go to in order to stay focused—not just for themselves, but for those around them.
