Perception of yips among professional Japanese golfers: perspectives and challenges

Background Yips in golf is a complex spectrum of psychological anxiety and movement disorder that affects competitive sporting performance. Existing literature is limited to several western studies and the manifestations of this problem in Japanese golfers is currently unknown. Objective To quantify self-reported perception and manifestation of yips among Japanese golfers from the professional golfers’ association (PGA). Methods We analyzed 1271 (of 1356) elite golfers in a cross-sectional manner. Golfers were sensitized beforehand about yips by a movement-disorder specialist. Based on a positive history for yips, participants were categorized into yips and non-yips groups. Survey questionnaire focused on demographic information, golfing habits, anxiety and musculoskeletal problems, performance deficits during golfing, changes in training and their outcomes. Statistical procedures included multiple logistic regression and network analysis to assess factors associated with yips. Results 35% (N=450) of the respondents had experienced symptoms of yips in their career, their odds increasing proportionally to their golfing experience. Severity of musculoskeletal symptoms were higher in those with yips. Regardless, about 57% of all yips-golfers attributed their symptoms to psychological causes. Putting, approach and teeing shots, in that order, were highly susceptible to movement problems. Network analysis highlighted characteristic movement patterns i.e. slowing, forceful or freezing of movement for putting, approach and teeing respectively. Golfers’ self-administered strategies to relieve yips symptoms were generally inconsequential, though improvements were seen only for approach-yips. Conclusion Our findings align firmly with prior studies on yips. Though aware of the problem, most Japanese golfers were untouched by yips. Those that were affected, perceived yips to be a psychological issue despite substantial evidence pointing to a movement-disorder. While self-administered interventions for symptom relief in such golfers is satisfactory at best, it may be imperative to sensitize golfers from a movement-disorder standpoint for early identification and management of the problem.