In the final hole of a championship, what likely caused Cheryl to lose after taking extra time to survey the green?

Choosing to focus on fear and the wrong aspects during a critical moment, such as the final hole of a championship, can significantly impact a player's performance. In intensely competitive situations, players often feel pressure, which can lead to anxiety or second-guessing their abilities. This heightened sense of pressure can distract a player from their routine, causing them to concentrate on potential failures rather than the execution of the task at hand.

When a player is consumed by fear or anxiety, they may overlook essential elements such as their established plan, trust in their skills, or their usual decision-making process. In this case, Cheryl's extra time spent surveying the green might have been counterproductive. Instead of reinforcing her confidence and clarity in her strategy, it could have led to overthinking and focusing on possible negative outcomes, thus leading to mistakes.

It’s essential in competitive sports to maintain a positive mindset and focus on execution rather than letting fear dictate actions. Fear can easily shift a player's focus from the necessary technical aspects, like reading the green or aligning the putt, to worrying about the consequences of missing the shot. This mental shift often results in subpar performance during crucial moments.