By Rahil Gangjee

They say golf is a game played on a five-inch course—the distance between your ears. Personally, I feel that is an understatement. I’d say it’s more like a chaotic circus tent set up between your ears, with your brain acting like a clown juggling confidence, anxiety, doubt, and hope – all while you are trying to putt for par.

Trust me, I have been there.

If you have ever wondered what separates the winner lifting the trophy from the guy signing autographs near the portable toilets, it’s not always swing speed, ball flight, or short-game wizardry. It’s what’s going on inside their head on the 72nd hole. At the pro level, everyone hits it a mile, spins wedges, and sinks putts on the practice green. But under pressure? Ah, that’s when the circus music starts playing.

When golf turns into Greek tragedy

Take Jean van de Velde, for instance. The poor man was one hole away from a career-defining victory at the 1999 Open Championship in Carnoustie. All he needed was a double-bogey on the 18th. A double-bogey. In his sleep, he could probably make a double with a cricket bat.

But on that day? He turned into golf’s version of Shakespearean drama. One poor decision after another. A shot off the grandstand, a swim in the Barry Burn, a failed barefoot rescue attempt—he basically gave a TED Talk on how not to finish a major. I wasn’t even on tour then, but I watched in disbelief, feeling both horror and comfort—comfort because, let’s be honest, we’ve all had our Van de Velde moments… just without the cameras.

Then there’s Phil Mickelson’s infamous 72nd hole........

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