ASU plays part in world golf conference

Revealing the intricacies and latest scientific research involved in the game of golf is the aim of the World Scientific Congress of Golf.

Top golf researchers from around the world will gather to present their findings at the conference March 24-28 in Chandler. Eleven countries from outside the United States will be represented at the World Scientific Congress of Golf this year, and 66 research papers will be presented.

About 75 presentations about the science of golf are scheduled, ranging in topics from brain activity in a golf putting task to unlocking the genetic code to golf.

This is the first time that the event will be held in the United States at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler. The congress also will take place concurrently with the LPGA Safeway International Golf Tournament in the Valley.

The LPGA Foundation is the title sponsor of the golf congress.

Popular subjects covered at the conference include “the zone,” when golfers are on their game, and the “yips” or uncontrollable spasms. Golf course wildlife conservation will examine making golf courses more compatible with native animals.

“Wildlife conservation is a new topic that will be covered during a symposium at the conference,” says Debbie Crews, organizer of the conference and ASU faculty research associate in the School of Community Resources and Development in the College of Public Programs.

Crews conducts golf research in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic on areas such as heart and brain activity while playing the game.

Other areas to be covered at the conference include “Golf and the Subtle Energies,” which examines ways to improve scores through methods such as alternative therapies, chiropractic work, yoga and spirituality.

Speakers are featured from institutions such as Columbia University, Yale University, Mayo Clinic and ASU. Those who research the game of golf will not go unrewarded at the congress. Golf Digest Publications is sponsoring the 2008 Research Awards of $2,500 to be awarded to winning researchers in three areas: “the golfer,” “equipment and technology” and “the golf course.”

Participants also will indulge in their favorite game during an Alternative Ryder Cup Tournament held in conjunction with the conference March 28 at the ASU Karsten Golf Course. Teams consist of United States’ participants against attending countries from around the world. Four ball matches played during the tournament pit two teams of two players against each other using best-ball scoring.

The conference, also sponsored by the World Scientific Congress of Golf Trust, is conducted and organized by ASU’s Golf Research, Education and Training (GREAT) Program.

For more information, visit the Web site www.golfscience.us.