To test motor skill competence and athletic performance using alternative auditory feedback techniques.

15 golfers were tested.  They were each instructed to perform a partial wedge swing with the intent to carry the ball 17 yards. 10 shots were measured and scored.  Golfers were then instructed in the auditory feedback technique of sonification. They chose between 2 study phrases, ka chung or ka ching.  Each subject first enunciated these sounds with examiner coaching. Subjects were then instructed to repeat the sounds silently while performing the task, again with coaching, and were also instructed to calibrate the sounds to the target distance.  Subjects were retested.

93% of subjects reduced the distance from the target. There was significant improvement with average proximity to the target improving from 9.51 to 7.68 feet (p =0.0198)    80% improved or equaled the number of shots within 3 feet of target and 67% improved or equaled the number of shots within 6 feet of the target. Proximity to the target was on average 23% improved.

Utilizing auditory feedback improved results of a skilled motor task in a golf model. These findings are consistent with sonification auditory feedback as an alternate technique to enhance athletic performance.  These methods also likely have utility in the rehabilitation setting in multiple neurological disease states.