The Psychology Behind Final Round CollapsesWhen players enter the final round with a lead, the pressure changes completely. The final round, especially on Sunday at a major, brings unique stress. • Most final-round leads lost in major history: 54% • Scoring average in final rounds: +1.3 strokes vs earlier rounds • Average putts per round in collapse cases: 34How pressure rewires decision-makingUnder pressure, the prefrontal cortex works harder. Success in the final round often comes from experience, but also from preparation. Why fans should understand the mental side of collapseTo outside viewers, a final round failure looks like a simple loss of skill.