Adapting Under Pressure: What Matt Baldwin Learned at the Soudal Open
adminJun 19, 2026
BlogGolf, it’s more than your swing. It challenges your ability to adapt at times.
Matt Baldwin had the greens yips every golfer fears and woke up with it in Round 3 at the Soudal Open. For years he had relied on the same putting stroke, but now it didn’t feel right. Panic might have easily set in with tee time bearing down.
A Late Change
Baldwin instead remained open-minded.
Five minutes before his first tee he found that a forearm lock putting grip gave him an element of stability and confidence he had not had all morning. That wasn't the way it was supposed to be. It wasn’t something he practiced much. But it did.
He preferred to work with what was rather than against what wasn’t.
The result? A wonderful 66, 5-under-par with seven birdies and one bogey.
The Lesson
It’s a reminder that golf and life aren’t always about sticking to the plan. The best performers are those who know when a change is needed, trust their instincts and adapt under pressure.
The same mindset is in play with players who are part of an online golf fitness training program, work closely with a golf fitness coach, or are working on their game through structured online golf coaching.
Many golfers work for months on a golf gym training program or improving performance with the help of an online golf fitness trainer. There's a time to be consistent, but also a time to know when to change direction and have the confidence to do it.
Modern Coaching & Support
Today’s players have more resources available to them than ever before, including:
Online Coaching for Golf, online golf instruction, online golf coaches, online golf lessons, and remote golf coaching.
These are tools that provide ongoing support no matter where a player is in the world. The best golfers are disciplined and adaptable in their use of them.
Last Thought
Matt Baldwin’s third round was more than a showing of skill. It was a masterclass in resilience, problem solving and adaptability when it mattered most.
Sometimes your best breakthrough is five minutes before you start.
