Graham DeLaet might be the most honest golfer on tour

DeLaet has withdrawn from the Memorial Tournament due to short game anxiety

Golfers withdraw from tournaments all the time and for all manner of reasons from injury to overloaded schedules, family matters to fears of catching the Zika virus. 

But it’s not often they admit that they’re withdrawing from a tournament because they’re suffering “incredible anxiety while chipping [and] pitching”. 

You might think that the most surprising part of this story is that an established tour player is suffering anxiety while chipping and pitching. But it’s not. Mental issues affect some of the world’s greatest players just as much as the rest of us. Anyone who has winced watching Ernie Els’ putting yips in the last couple of years knows that. 

Jack Nicklaus, the most successful golfer to ever play the game, lost faith in his short game to such an extent he was reduced to putting around bunkers. He overcame the issue and went on to win three more majors. 

The most surprising fact is actually that DeLaet has been honest and openly admitted the true reason for his withdrawal. It would have been easy to say he had a niggle in his back or a dodgy wrist. He could have taken as long as he needed to overcome the issue and come back without any focus on his short game or mental state. 

But he hasn’t. 

His honesty should be applauded. It should provide comfort to all golfers that you are not the only one who sometimes suffers doubt, particularly when it comes to the short game. It can happen to Graham DeLaet. It can happen to Jack Nicklaus. It can happen to you.

The key is being strong enough to battle through it and come out the other side. 

Jack did it. DeLaet will do it. And if you’re suffering similar issues, you can do it too.