A Lengthy Pre-Shot Routine Sparks Debate
During the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Champions Retreat, USC junior Bailey Shoemaker drew significant attention—and not entirely for her performance. On the par-3 eighth hole, spectators and viewers watching the Golf Channel broadcast observed an unusually long pre-shot routine. As the camera remained fixed on her, Shoemaker spent approximately 1 minute and 16 seconds waggling the club and preparing before finally striking her tee shot.
Predictably, the moment quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from fans who viewed the delay as further evidence of the ongoing slow-play crisis in competitive golf.
The Underlying Medical Struggle
While slow play is a legitimate concern in the sport, the context behind Shoemaker's actions paints a different picture. Following last year’s ANWA, the 21-year-old began experiencing severe physical distress. She was eventually diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition causing nerve compression in the elbow.
«Once I’d get to the top of my swing, I’d get a shooting pain down my arm, and then in my ring and pinkie finger they’d come up off my club. I lost motor control of them. I didn’t have any function over them, which was scary. It was bleeding into my sleep and just sitting, which was kind of tough. Very scary for a while.»
Shoemaker underwent surgery last October to address the issue. While she reports being 100 percent physically recovered, the trauma of the experience has left a lingering psychological hurdle.
The Mental Battle to Rebuild Confidence
Even though the physical pain is gone, Shoemaker is currently navigating a significant mental recovery. She admitted that she is still fighting the internal anticipation of pain when preparing to swing, which frequently causes her to hesitate or restart her routine.
Regarding this challenge, she noted, «Just trying to reassure myself that there isn’t pain anymore. I’ve been struggling with it for the last four months, just being fully committed to hitting the ball.»
Coach’s Perspective and Future Outlook
Those familiar with Shoemaker’s game emphasize that this behavior is not indicative of her normal tempo. USC head coach Justin Silverstein told the Golf Channel that Shoemaker is actually one of the fastest players he has ever coached. He explained that her current hesitation is a manifestation of her brain still bracing for the pain that defined her playing experience last spring.
Despite this mental adjustment, Shoemaker has remained competitive, securing five top-10 finishes this spring. She maintains a positive outlook, noting, «I am just glad to be here right now. I have a new perspective on the game for sure, knowing what can happen if I don’t end up playing and it’s taken away from me. I love this game.»