Short Game Research and Methodology

Ballistic Movement (Full-Swing Mechanics) 

Pre-planned in the motor cortex, full swings are initiated as a pre-programmed action, which is critical for achieving a powerful swing. Released by the basal ganglia, once selected, the movement is triggered and sent automatically, ensuring a consistent golf swing. No mid-swing adjustments are allowed; the sequence runs to completion—fast, powerful, and not correctable once started. This stability under pressure is essential because the brain runs this as an 'open-loop' program, allowing full-swing mechanics to remain effective even in high-stress situations.

Fine Motor Skill (Wedge Play, Chipping & Putting) 

Planning occurs in the prefrontal and parietal cortex, where the brain plans a precise shot for wedge play, integrating sensory and spatial information. The initiation phase, managed by the primary motor cortex (M1), sends the first command down the corticospinal tract for controlled muscle activation essential for putting performance. The basal ganglia handle gating and sequencing by selecting the correct movement pattern and suppressing unwanted motion. Coordination and error correction, facilitated by the cerebellum, compare intended versus actual movement, which is critical for speed control, face angle, and tempo in the short game. The thalamus relays refined signals from the basal ganglia and cerebellum, creating a feedback loop that allows for real-time adjustments throughout the stroke—vital for distance control, loft, and face rotation.