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Want to improve your putt? Try listening to jazz

Date:
November 12, 2014
Source:
Clarkson University
Summary:
Listening to jazz music while putting can boost your performance on the putting green, according to new research. While any kind of music improves performance compared to listening to no music at all, jazz is the most effective musical genre for improving putting.
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Listening to jazz music while putting can boost your performance on the putting green, according to new university research.

While any kind of music improves performance compared to listening to no music at all, jazz is the most effective musical genre for improving putting, according to a study, which was recently published in the Journal of Athletic Enhancement.

The 22 participants in the research were university Division I golfers, an average of 20 years old with at least eight years of golf experience. Each of them completed a series of six trials, which comprised attempting five putts at four pre-designated locations around a hole. In a randomized order, participants were required to listen to either no music or a musical genre that included classical, country, rock, jazz, and hip hop/rap while putting.

Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy & Physician Assistant Studies Ali Boolani says that music can enhance performance in other sports too. "Other research has shown that country music improves batting, rap music improves jump shots and running is improved by any up-temp music. But the benefit of music in fine motor control situations was relatively unknown. Hopefully, this is the first step in answering this question."

Boolani conducted the study along with Assistant Professor Timothy Baghurst, Assistant Professor Tyler Tapps, and Regents Professor Bert H. Jacobson of Oklahoma State University, and student Richard Gill of Tennessee State University.

The paper indicates that future research will be needed with a larger sample to see if the findings can be replicated.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Clarkson University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Timothy Baghurst et al. The Influence of Musical Genres on Putting Accuracy in Golf: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, November 2014 DOI: 10.4172/2324-9080.1000165

Cite This Page:

Clarkson University. "Want to improve your putt? Try listening to jazz." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 November 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112102515.htm>.
Clarkson University. (2014, November 12). Want to improve your putt? Try listening to jazz. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112102515.htm
Clarkson University. "Want to improve your putt? Try listening to jazz." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112102515.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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