However, if too many receptors are used, the brain gets overloaded with information, causing confusion and uncertainty. Accuracy improves as more grouped receptors are used. His research revealed humans have over 100,000 grouped receptors, which allow them to accurately determine straight lines. Lennart Högman developed MLA (Multiple Line-detector Activation) technology after 20 years of researching and analyzing the connection between motor skills and perception, and applying it to putting. While so many manufacturers of putters have been trying to optimize a combination of weight, balance and style, one scientist has been working on something far more effective: alignment technology.Īlignment technology is based on what is seen, or rather, what is thought to be seen. Many professional golfers, who had extolled the virtues of the belly putter, including USPGA winner Keegan Bradley, are now searching for an alternative they can use in confidence. This January sounded the death knell for ‘belly’, or long-handled putters, and all eyes were once again focused on the short-handled putter. From then on the doors were opened to a dazzling array of putters that seemed to have been designed more for their aesthetic and marketing appeal than practicality and accuracy. Golfers have witnessed the birth (and death) of a remarkable number of revolutionary putters, from Willie Wilson’s hickory shafted putter, with a simple thin single blade, to John Letters’ ‘Golden Goose,’ which took the world by storm. The search for a great and reliable putter has been equated to the golfer’s search of the Holy Grail. MLA is a name that is gaining traction in both amateur and professional circles, not just because of their use of innovative design, but also because of their proven and effective results. The price is $299 at their site MLA.golf if you want to purchase or for complete technical details.MLA putters introduced their new line of putters to the US market at the 2016 PGA Merchandisers Show on January 26th to 29th, resulting in tremendous consumer interest in the company’s use of groundbreaking technology. The MLA Tour XDream is a solid, efficient putter and if you like the looks of the unique crown alignment aid it could be a very good choice. Also at 375 grams the Tour XDream is at the upper end of what might be considered ideal weight range for typical green speeds. MLA does make several blade models, which we did not test. The flattened horseshoe alignment aid took time getting accustomed to and several players, who tried the Tour XDream felt a smaller, blade style head would work better. As a result, the wrists arch slightly, which facilitates the modern shoulder, big muscle stroke. The stock grip is a Forward brand designed with extra thickness under the flat top of the grip, where the left palm sits in a normal placement of the hands. Putting a 5-gram weight in both the heel and toe positions added balance. The milled 375-gram head has two changeable weights in the sole and three additional weights are included with purchase. Feel was excellent and distance control was never a problem, even on very fast surfaces. I used the Tour XDream for ten rounds on greens from Florida to Alabama and it did help correctly line up putts, particularly left to righters, which for a right-handed player are the most trying. There’s a much longer and more technical explanation of why the white horseshoe works, but the proof is in the putting. Lennart Högman, Ph.D, who has studied the brain’s perceptual process for over 20 years. This large white flattened horseshoe is distinctive in shape, prominent in appearance, visually striking and meant to aid a golfer’s brain to correctly perceive the proper line of a putt.Īccording to the company, based in Switzerland, MLA stands for Multiple Line-Detector Activation and the clubhead pattern is the result of working with Dr. I agreed to include the MLA Golf Tour XDream in the rota of clubs for the “Ten Rounds with…” series, and I’m glad I did.įirst, the putter’s most obvious feature separates it from the rather crowded field of flat sticks, namely the alignment aid on the top of the putter head. “If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” I have lost track of the number of putters I have tried over the years, many of which, never made it into a column, since I believe what my mother always told me, My first reaction was, “Oh goodie, another putter.” A friend, who handles publicity for several golf equipment companies, called to say he had just taken on a new putter company and would like me to test their product.
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