A Stroke Of Genius: Putting And The Visual System.

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the visual system's effect on golf,
specifically in putting. By inspecting different aspects of this system, we are able to
describe visual efficiency in relation to putting. We look at phoric posture and it's
correlative relationship with putting and underhand golf ball tossing accuracy.
Methods: Fifteen subjects from an accredited Professional Golf Management program were tested. Visual testing involved visual acuity, eye dominance, stereopsis, phoric posture and comitancy, and saccadic efficiency as measured by NSUCO testing. Accuracy of putting was measured by recording number of putts made and distance from the hole of missed putts during testing.
Results: Outcome variables measured in this project will include (1) putting accuracy (2) ball tossing efficiency and (3) visual efficiency measured by the battery of visual skills testing as stated in the 'Methods' portion. Statistical analysis with a correlation coefficient was used to compare visual skills to putting and tossing accuracy. Conclusions: This study will provide insight into the level of significance the visual system plays while putting in golf. We will be able to determine if there is a correlation between normal visual skills and putting accuracy.