TRIPLE TRACK® ALIGNMENT DESIGN
In an effort to be able to see his golf ball better after teeing off, Ray Barrett drew three lines on his golf ball. The lines didn’t actually help Ray track the ball, but they did seem to help with his putting. Ray would use the lines to better align the ball with the pin and sink more puts than ever. This provided Ray with an idea.
Looking to science for an explanation, Ray called Dr. Carl Bassi at the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ College of Optometry. Dr. Bassi explained that the lines were helping Ray with Vernier Acuity, which is the ability for the brain to detect subtle differences in alignment detected by the eyes. Much like the lines on the deck of an aircraft carrier help pilots land, the lines on the golf ball helped Ray better aim when putting.
Dr. Bassi constructed a series of tests that ultimately proved scientifically that the lines on the golf ball helped to improve a player’s ability to aim and sink a put. In fact, the three lines improved putting accuracy on average by nearly 12 percent from 10 feet away and 11 percent from 5 feet away.
Ray moved quickly to ensure that the lines met the United States Golf Association rules and secure a patent. Ray then began calling on major golf ball manufacturers with the goal of licensing the technology. With the help of golfing professional Jim Holtgrieve, Ray was introduced to Chip Brewer, the president of Callaway Golf Company who is recognized in the world of golf as a proponent of innovation. After performing their own thorough testing, Chip Brewer and Callaway officially licensed the Triple Track® technology.
Today, Callaway uses the Triple Track® technology on its new ERC Golf Ball and has helped to propel sales globally. Callaway has also brought the Odyssey Triple Track Putter to market, using the three lines to perfectly align with the lines on the golf ball.
Triple Track in the News
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The Incredible Story of the Triple Track Golf Ball with Ray Barrett
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Popular New Golf Tech Developed by UMSL Professor
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UMSL-tested aiming system hits shelves on new Callaway golf balls
UMSL Daily
College of Optometry’s Carl Bassi develops $50 optics kits from unconventional materials