Cleveland Cavalier fans — your putting yips aren’t about the stroke

When the Cavs go cold, so does your putter

I’ve coached golf for 45 years, and I can tell you this: the yips don’t always start on the green. Sometimes, they begin in the heart of a Cleveland sports fan watching the Cavaliers blow a 20-point lead in the playoffs.

You line up a six-footer, but your mind’s replaying Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning three-pointer. Your hands tremble, your knees wobble, and the ball veers off like it’s avoiding another postseason disappointment.

Haunted by the ghosts of 2007

And it’s not just this year’s playoffs causing the jitters. Cavs fans carry the weight of past collapses, none more haunting than the 2007 NBA Finals. That year, a young LeBron James heroically led the team to their first Finals appearance, only to be swept by the San Antonio Spurs. Despite averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, LeBron couldn’t overcome the Spurs’ dominance. The memory of that sweep still lingers, adding to the collective anxiety every postseason.

The Browns are always there to remind you it could be worse

But here’s a comforting thought: it could be the Browns. Remember that. Every time your putt lips out, think about the Browns’ last season. Suddenly, a missed putt doesn’t seem so bad, does it?

Breathe, believe, and putt like you made the Finals

So, Cavs fans, take a deep breath. Focus on the ball, not the scoreboard. Remember, your putter doesn’t care about the playoffs. Trust your stroke, keep your head down, and let the ball roll.

Because in golf, as in life, sometimes the best thing you can do is forget about the game and focus on the swing.