Professional golfer Matthew Gregory, a former Amateur Championship winner, has transitioned into a coaching career after battling the psychological impact of a high-profile performance at the 2018 US Open. According to interviews with Today’s Golfer, Gregory now serves as a professional at Corhampton Golf Club, citing the move as a necessary step to overcome the “yips” and financial instability that followed his professional tour years.
How Mental Health Impacts Professional Golf Performance
Elite golf requires extreme emotional regulation, yet public scrutiny can significantly alter a player’s trajectory. After shooting a 92 in the first round of the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, Gregory reported that negative social media feedback and self-doubt created a lasting psychological hurdle. According to Gregory, this experience triggered “driver yips,” a common but debilitating condition where a player loses the ability to execute consistent tee shots under pressure.
The 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills was widely noted for its extreme difficulty. According to USGA course official John Bodenhamer, the venue’s dry, fast greens were described as having “golf demons,” contributing to high scores across the field, including an 80 from Rory McIlroy and a 79 from Jordan Spieth.
The Financial Realities of Touring Professionals
Success on the professional circuit often masks the underlying financial risks for players outside the top 100 world rankings. Gregory detailed that he typically spent approximately £2,000 per event on travel, lodging, and caddie fees. Without consistent cut-making, these costs become unsustainable. According to Gregory, he relied on support from equipment manufacturers like Cobra and Mizuno, but ultimately had to source private funding from family members to continue his 2018 season.
Comparison: The Cost of Competition
| Factor | Elite Touring Pro | Developmental Pro (Gregory’s experience) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Expenses | Corporate-backed | ~£2,000 (Self-funded/Sponsorship) |
| Financial Buffer | High | One bad season from unemployment |
Why Career Transitions Are Rising Among PGA Professionals
Many professional golfers are increasingly seeking stability through coaching and club-based roles as an alternative to the volatility of the tour. Gregory’s decision to pursue PGA training and coach junior players at Corhampton reflects a broader trend of athletes finding renewed purpose in mentorship. According to Gregory, the joy of watching young players hit their first successful shots helped him reconcile his own competitive frustrations and move past the resentment of his earlier career.
When facing a “mental block” in sports, experts often recommend returning to the fundamentals of the game or changing the environment entirely. Gregory suggests that shifting focus from personal performance to helping others learn can alleviate the pressure that leads to performance anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Matthew Gregory to step away from the tour?
Gregory cited a combination of “driver yips,” financial strain, and the psychological impact of a difficult 2018 US Open performance as the primary reasons for transitioning away from full-time professional competition.
Is it common for professional golfers to struggle with the “yips”?
Yes, the “yips” are a well-documented phenomenon in golf, often linked to anxiety and high-pressure environments. Gregory noted that his issue was specifically focused on tee shots following his experience at Shinnecock Hills.
Can professional golfers successfully transition into coaching?
Many professionals transition to PGA coaching roles to maintain a career within the industry. Gregory reports that coaching has helped him fall back in love with the game after years of professional pressure.
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