Nov 12, 2014 03:56 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Listening to jazz music could improve golf skills, according to a recent study.

Researchers from Clarkson University in New York found that while any kind of music improves performance compared to listening to no music at all, jazz is the most effective musical genre for improving putting.

For the study, researchers collected data from 22 participants.

The volunteers participating in the study were university Division I golfers, an average of 20 years old with at least eight years of golf experience. Each of them completed a series of six trials, which comprised attempting five putts at four pre-designated locations around a hole. In a randomized order, participants were required to listen to either no music or a musical genre that included classical, country, rock, jazz, and hip hop/rap while putting.

Researchers Ali Boolani says that music can enhance performance in other sports too.

"Other research has shown that country music improves batting, rap music improves jump shots and running is improved by any up-temp music. But the benefit of music in fine motor control situations was relatively unknown. Hopefully, this is the first step in answering this question," Boolani said in a statement.

Boolani conducted the study along with Assistant Professor Timothy Baghurst, Assistant Professor Tyler Tapps, and Regents Professor Bert H. Jacobson of Oklahoma State University, and student Richard Gill of Tennessee State University.

The findings are detailed in the Journal of Athletic Enhancement.

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