- Both positively and negatively.  Can you visualize the putt dropping in the cup, or missing?  Can you visualize your shot shape?  Can you visualize your alignment?  How accurate is your visualization?  Visualization is the process of creating internal mental images, largely with the mind and partly with the eyes.  While this is mostly a “mental” skill your visual system still plays a small role.  You can only visualize images as well as you can see them with your eyes.  If your eyes are out of focus then your mind will be out of focus.  These visualization skills are developed through age and, like other skills, some people develop visualization skills better than others.  The good news is these skills can be practiced and improved but understanding whether or not you are a good visualizer and how it affects your game is just as important.

There are quite a few different ways to test your ability to visualize.  In the office we use the Block Flip Test and parquetry patterns.  I’m sure many of you have seen images that test your ability to see different images within one image or convert a 2D object into a 3D object like the one below.

A simple test you can take online is at https://www.123test.com/spatial-reasoning-test/.  When taking these tests you should be able to complete them relatively quickly.  Some people have the ability to use logic to work their way through the problem.  That is not visualization.  Great visualizers will be able to see the answer almost immediately.   Interestingly, these tests also give us a little insight into other mental traits.  Do you get angry or frustrated when trying to figure out these tests?  That can be a sign that you will struggle to maintain focus throughout a round.

Great Visualizers:

●     No lines or alignment of letters on the ball for putting

●     Minimize the amount of lines and alignment markers on the putter

●     Should concentrate on target and trajectory before taking a swing

●     First instinct is usually the best!

Poor Visualizers:

●     Draw a line or align the letters on the ball towards the target before putting

●     Maximize the amount of lines or alignment markings on the putter

●     Can think mechanical thoughts and focus on alignment of body before a swing

●     Make thought out and educated decisions - check and double check!

Good Visualizers:

●     Can go either way - lines or no lines - need to experiment