Exploring agreement between golfers and coach in evaluating a putt

This study aimed to examine the previously unexplored area of agreement between golfers and a coach when assessing putts across two testing sessions. Eleven right-handed golfers (n = 6 males, 5 females, with the average putts per round 32.9 SD = 5.0) completed a 12-putt task, and a SAM PuttLab baseline at each session. The 12 putts varied by distance; short: 6–9 ft (1.83- 2.74m), medium: 12–15 ft (3.66–4.57m), long: 18–20 ft (5.49–6.10m), and slope (limited <1%, moderate >1% <2%, severe >2%). Following each of the 12 putts, the golfers and coach independently rated five variables: green reading, setup, pace, aim, and execution, using binary yes/no ratings. The coach had access to feedback via TrackMan. Cohen’s Kappa was used to assess agreement for each variable. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined predictors of putting performance, including hours of practice, SAM PuttLab consistency scores, and average putts per round. Results demonstrated low overall agreement across the two testing sessions. Regression analyses indicated that average putts per round was a significant predictor of performance at both testing sessions. Baseline kinematic consistency predicted performance at the first session, while practice hours did not predict performance at either session. These initial findings highlight the complexity of the perceptual-cognitive-motor skill of putting. Future research should continue to investigate how golfers and coaches develop shared affordances, using mixed method approaches, incorporating measures of expertise to gain greater understanding of how expert putting performance emerges and is maintained under variable environmental and individual conditions.