Hey all,

I know that it’s a short week for many of you, so I decided to get my post up a bit early this week.

It’s been a good week so far. I have been teaching all week at Old Stone Country Club in Kentucky where I hold the Killen Golf Academy. This time of the year is colder than what most golfers are accustomed to, but I have an interesting teaching system that continues as far into the winter season as possible. I am able to do so because the driving tee is located in a heated facility with a larger door that opens to the driving range. You can view my teaching facility here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_jKsVsU9_0. This gives golfers the opportunity to utilize the driving range in all weather conditions.

This week wasn't all golf for me. Many of you may not know that I am an avid hunter - yet another activity where vision is key to performance. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go duck hunting in Missouri with my father. The hunt was a success; we were able to bring home several ducks. If you ever want to exchange hunting stories, I would love the opportunity to do so.

Next week I will be in Florida with one of my clients, PGA TOUR pro J.B Holmes, to play a few rounds of golf.

Alright well its time for me to head to the gym, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday and look forward to speaking with you next week.

Best,

Matt

One of the best things about living in Florida is there is no off-season for golf. Scratch golfers and weekend warriors can both be found on the course no matter the time of year.

Whenever I am at the golf course I always notice people lathering up with sunscreen before their round to stay protected from the sun. I also catch quite a few players with sunglasses on top of their hat, or wearing no eye protection at all. While I’m glad to see people taking the proper precautions to protect their skin, it pains me to see how few remember to protect their eyes.

Most people are aware of the damage UV rays can cause the skin - but very few realize how it also poses a threat to the eyes.

As an optometrist and sports vision specialist, who has worked with both professional and amateur athletes, I’m eager to join Transitions in educating athletes and outdoor enthusiasts about the importance keeping their eyes protected when out in the sun.

Taking simple steps to protect your eyes while outdoors can help prevent many long-term eye health problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which can lead to premature blindness. One important fact to remember is that UV damage is cumulative, so it is never too early - or too late - to start protecting your eyes.

Each week I will be offering up tips and information about eye health, and will also be discussing how enhanced vision can help improve both your quality of life and your athletic performance.

I’m really excited to have this opportunity to raise people’s awareness about the importance of healthy sight. Please feel free to write in with your questions and comments about eye health, and the relationship between optimal vision and sports performance.

It’s been another wonderful year for the game of golf and for the PGA TOUR. 

As a professional golf instructor and swing coach to many of the TOUR pros, I have had the privilege over the years of gaining an “insider’s perspective” through the players’ eyes and my own.

I’ve also had the great opportunity to coach one of the TOUR’s top performers – and my good friend – Kenny Perry.  Kenny just finished up one of his most successful seasons on the TOUR.  Probably the most exciting moment this year had to be the Ryder Cup, where Kenny, JB Holmes, Chad Campbell and the rest of the Team USA clinched the victory … and I was right there providing guidance throughout each day. 

It’s critical that golfers – amateurs and pros alike – have the right equipment to optimize their performance.  In my opinion, vision ranks at the top of the “must have” equipment list.  As a coach, my eyes are the connection to my clients and to the game, and I instruct my players to rely heavily on their vision and visual cues to enhance their performance.  Most of the information provided to the brain when reading the contours of the green and setting up a shot comes from the eyes.  If vision is compromised in any way due to glare or shadows, etc., the ability to set up the shot is compromised.

As we continue this weekly dialogue, I am eager to continue to share my experiences and what I’ve found to be key factors for success.  

I am excited to be a part of the Transitions team’s efforts to educate golf enthusiasts and consumers around the world about the importance of healthy sight and its connection to optimal sports performance. 

Until next week, please write in with your questions and observations about the game, vision and golf or anything else that is on your mind.