Q: Hello Daril, first of all, thanks for the tips, I enjoy reading them. My question is, how do I get rid of the yips. I’m OK from about 5 feet and out, but once inside 5 feet I get the dreaded yips. Do you have any thoughts on how I can get rid of these yips? Thank, Jim.
A: I can definitely feel your pain with this question. I had them for a period of time and it’s an awful feeling standing over that 5-foot putt or even closer. The yips are caused by a nervous condition that causes you to break down with your hands through the impact area, causing you to push or pull the putt.
Your eyes are what’s really causing you to have the yips. So here is a simple cure to help you with those 5-footers and in. I want you to line your putt up at the target and once you have done that I want you to look at the hole and continue to look at the hole when you make your putting stroke. By doing this, your eyes will not see impact and you will create a smoother putting stroke. Practice this and your yips will soon be a distant memory. If you have watched golf on TV you may have seen Jordan Speith do this, so if it works for him it can work for you. Have fun and enjoy the game.
Daril’s credentials
Daril Pacinella is a teaching professional with more than 40 years of experience. He was nominated as one of the “top 100 instructors in America,” by Golf magazine; “Best Golf Teacher” in Massachusetts by Golf Digest and Connecticut PGA Teacher of the Year.
He is a certified TPI golf fitness instructor and has developed strength and flexibility programs for golfers of all ages.
To learn more about Daril and his academies, visit darilpacinellagolfacademey.com.
Daril’s question-and-answer column will appear in the sports section of FLORIDA TODAY every week. Readers may submit questions such as swing problems, golf fitness or anything related to golf.
Send your question by email to [email protected].
If your question is selected, it will be published in FLORIDA TODAY. You also will receive a free round of golf provided by Turtle Creek Country Club.
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