Psychology student researches anxiety’s impact on collegiate golfers

May 23, 2026 - 12:22

Anxiety has been a hot topic lately, partly thanks to a certain bright orange character in Pixar's "Inside Out 2." In that film, anxiety takes the wheel and throws a teenager's life into chaos. But for collegiate golfers, the impact of anxiety is not a cartoon plot point; it is a real and measurable challenge on the green. A psychology student has taken on the task of researching exactly how this mental state affects performance in college-level golf.

The study focuses on the unique pressures these athletes face. Unlike team sports where a player can rely on a teammate to pick up the slack, golf is an individual battle against the course and oneself. One bad putt or a moment of self-doubt can snowball into a disastrous round. The researcher is looking at how pre-competition anxiety, often called "the yips" in golf, alters focus, decision-making, and physical execution. Early findings suggest that golfers with higher anxiety levels tend to overthink their swings, leading to a breakdown in the muscle memory they have spent years building.

The goal of the research is not just to identify the problem, but to find solutions. By understanding the specific triggers and physiological responses of anxious golfers, coaches and sports psychologists can develop better coping strategies. This could include breathing exercises, pre-shot routines, or cognitive reframing techniques. For these student-athletes, managing anxiety might be just as important as perfecting their swing. The research highlights that mental health is a critical component of athletic success, especially in a sport where the margin for error is measured in inches.