Effects of Trust Training on Tee and Pitch Shots in Golf

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of a training program designed to enhance trust in the performance of a full swing tee shot and a greenside pitch shot using a repeated measures design with a cohort group. Skilled golfers with an average age of 21.3 years, average golf experience of 11.6 years, and a USGA handicap index of less than 7.0 served as participants. Following baseline performance assessment of six pitch shots, each participant completed a 2-day trust training program. Post-training measurements were taken during blocks of 10 trials for each test shot condition, a 25 m (30-yd) greenside pitch shot and a full swing tee shot with a driver, at 1 and 2 weeks following training Dependent measures included effective distance from a target, self-report measures of tempo, target and trust; process measures of last look at target to backswing start; and body position measures using both digital video and the GolfTEC system Statistical analyses revealed that tempo, target, hip and shoulder tilt were significant predictors of trust, while tempo and trust were significant predictors of effective distance. Results for the pitch shot revealed that when golfers trusted their swing, tempo was rated high and they hit their target, resulting in a 60% improvement in getting closer to the hole. Results for the tee shot suggest that when subjects trusted their swing and tempo was rated one interval higher than when they didn't trust their swing, effective driving distance increased an average of 18.3 m (20 yards). These results suggest that when skilled golfers access trust, their execution of golf shots markedly improves.