Our research project will, at a high level, explore the effect that video games can have upon one’s learning of a task. At a lower level, we will explore how Tiger Woods PGA Golf 2004 will affect the golf games of multiple people of varying ability.

We propose the following project:

Four people, each with a different ability level, will go play a round of golf. After this, two of the people will play the Tiger Woods game for a significant number of hours over the period of one week. Following that week, the same four people will play golf again at the same course.

• Details:

The basic idea of club selection and swing execution is as follows:

You know the the average distance that each of your clubs sends the ball (Ddw, D3w, D5w, etc.)
You know the distance from your current position to the hole (Dhole).
You select the club that has the distance rating that is closest to the distance measurement from the hole such that DClub >= DHole. You can slightly alter your swing speed to shorten the distance that you hit the ball with a given club.

There are, however, many other factors that you must consider when planning your next shot. It is with these auxiliary considerations that Tiger Woods golf can help the golfer.

MODIFICATIONS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE:

• Sand Trap:

Tiger Woods golf teaches us that, when your ball is in a sand trap, there are various techniques which can be utilized to the player's advantage. Observe the following relationships:

1. Ball is unburied, sand is dried and raked, no modifications are necessary.

2. Ball is half buried, the sand is EITHER damp OR not raked, add a club and swing twice as fast.

3. Ball is completly buried, the sand is BOTH damp AND not raked, add two clubs and swing as fast as possible.

• Wind and Weather:

Tiger Woods golf teaches us that you should change your club selection and aim based upon the speed and direction of the wind.

• Grass Condition:

Based upon the general condition of the grass, Tiger Woods golf tells us to alter club selection and swing execution.

• Elevation Change:

Based upon the difference in elevation between current ball position and the intended ball position, there are modifications that you must make.

MODIFICATIONS OF MINOR IMPORTANCE:

• Backspin:

If the green is very small and surrounded by obstacles, it is desirable to have the ball stop immediately upon impact. To do this, backspin must be induced by changing the attitude of the club and the shape of the swing.

• Fade/Draw:

Dog-leg holes can be effectively negotiated by changing the direction of your drives by induced spin.

• Clothing/Auxiliary Equipment:

Wet grass = Spiked Shoes

Rain = Golf glove for slick grips