If you want to make a put or even sink an eagle as a social player, don’t take that business call or check a work email when you are on the golf course.
This is according to a recent study from researchers from the Department of Information Science at Stellenbosch University that was published in the International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. The study was about the effects of smartphone use during play on performance and enjoyment among recreational golfers.
According to lead researcher Dr. Daniël Roux, their study pointed out the dual-edged nature of smartphones on the golf course. While it is nice and convenient to be connected all the time, their intrusion can impair focus and performance and ultimately make the game less enjoyable.
He said recreational players aiming to improve their concentration during rounds should be mindful of how digital distractions can disrupt performance routines during play. Roux further mentioned a Twitter survey conducted among more than 233 000 golfers by Golf Digest in 2015 on their attitudes about the use of smartphones while playing.
Forty-four percent indicated they check and/or use their phones every couple of holes during a round while 66% said they tried to forget about them during play.
