Haotong Li's Journey: From Missed Cuts to BMW Championship Win

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

Overcoming Golf Slumps and Rediscovering Form

In a candid discussion from fall 2021 into 2022, a professional golfer shares his challenging journey through a significant slump in his career, experiencing a disheartening streak of 18 missed cuts out of 20 attempts, including 14 consecutive missed cuts in 2021. He describes a period where his technique faltered to the point where he couldn't make a backswing or even "pull the trigger," struggling with inconsistency in his shots going left and right.

During this time, he often played with Robert McIntyre, who humorously pointed out his struggles. To manage possible shortages in golf balls due to his erratic play, he mentioned carrying up to 15 balls, as opposed to now, where he carries a maximum of six.

The golfer recounts reaching a turning point as his exemption was coming to an end by the close of 2021. Needing to change his approach for the subsequent season, he gradually found his form, eventually leading to a significant win at the BMW Championship. Reflecting on his journey, he shared the emotional relief and celebration that came with overcoming such a demoralizing stretch.

Additionally, he touched on the social challenges faced during his slump, where feelings of isolation emerged as colleagues and peers seemed less friendly, marking a change in how he viewed the golfing world. However, overcoming these obstacles, he secured a three-year exemption, allowing him some breathing room, and took a few months off from competitive golf to rejuvenate.