by Matt Killen |
November 24, 2008
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.
