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The ‘Yips’ in Golf

A Continuum Between a Focal Dystonia and Choking

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Abstract

The definition of the ‘yips’ has evolved over time. It is defined as a motor phenomenon of involuntary movements affecting golfers. In this paper, we have extended the definition to encompass a continuum from the neurologic disorder of dystonia to the psychologic disorder of choking. In many golfers, the pathophysiology of the ‘yips’ is believed to be an acquired deterioration in the function of motor pathways (e.g. those involving the basal ganglia) which are exacerbated when a threshold of high stress and physiologic arousal is exceeded. In other golfers, the ‘yips’ seems to result from severe performance anxiety. Physically, the ‘yips’ is manifested by symptoms of jerks, tremors or freezing in the hands and forearms. These symptoms can result in: (i) a poor quality of golf performance (adds 4.9 strokes per 18 holes); (ii) prompt use of alcohol and β-blockers; and (iii) contribute to attrition in golf. Golfers with the ‘yips’ average 75 rounds per year, although many ‘yips’-affected golfers decrease their playing time or quit to avoid exposure to this embarrassing problem. While more investigation is needed to determine the cause of the ‘yips’, this review article summarises and organises the available research. A small study included in this paper describes the ‘yips’ phenomenon from the subjective experience of ‘yips’-affected golfers. The subjective experience (n = 72) provides preliminary support for the hypothesis suggesting that the ‘yips’ is on a continuum. Based on the subjective definitions of 72 ‘yips’-affected golfers, the ‘yips’ was differentiated into type I (dystonia) and type II (choking). A theoretical model provides a guide for future research on golfers with either type I or type II ‘yips’.

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Acknowledgments

These authors would like to acknowledge the Johannson-Gund Endowment Fund, Lila Burnett, and Joseph Roberts for their assistance with this paper. The authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the contents of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Desk L-C, Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Aynsley M. Smith, Edward R. Laskowski, Kelly Barnes, Carolyn Valone Bell, Ruth D. Brennan, Jay Smith & Matthew C. Sorenson

  2. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

    Charles H. Adler

  3. Department of Exercise Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA

    Debbie Crews

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

    Robert E. Wharen

  5. Pelz Golf Institute, Austin, Texas, USA

    Dave Pelz

  6. Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    Kenton R. Kaufman

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  1. Aynsley M. Smith
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Smith, A.M., Adler, C.H., Crews, D. et al. The ‘Yips’ in Golf. Sports Med 33, 13–31 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333010-00002

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