Comparing rhythm focus and proximal external focus in golf putting

Students: Gabriela Felix Domeni De Goes, Kevin Cameron, Megan Shindelus, Malia Preciado, Max Sandwina

Faculty Mentor: Yonjoong Ryuh

Kinesiology

College of Science, Technology, and Business

This research project explores how different types of attentional focus affect golf putting performance. Specifically, the study compares three types of focus: rhythm focus, which emphasizes the timing or pace of the putting stroke; external focus, which directs attention to the laser on the floor that shows the anticipated trajectory from the ball position to a target hole cup; and a control condition that has no given attentional focus instruction. Previous literature suggests that both rhythm and external foci would perform better than no focus or internal focus of attention; however, there has been no study comparing rhythm focus (i.e., alternative) versus external focus (i.e., traditionally proven) for golf putting accuracy. As there is evidence that controlling ball speed is a significant factor for successful putting, we assume that rhythm focus, which addresses ball speed control, might result in better outcomes than traditional external focus that addresses directional control. The goal of the study is to determine which type of focus leads to better putting performance by examining how these foci influence accuracy and consistency in golf putting skill execution. Results may reveal insights into which mental strategies are most effective for improving performance in a precision-based sport like golf.