Ian,
Not certain that I agree with you, I might in the end. Given that very rarely is there a uniform distance between a set of objects and their respective backdrops, I think the backdrop often makes things look closer than they are. On our course holes 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, & 17 have backdrops. Number 2 is the first taste and due to the frontal ramping I think it really messes with depth perception. Most folks are a good six yards short of their target if they hit from the valley. When they get to three, which is very well framed, they are short all day. I bet 80% of those playing for the first time don't even reach the green on this par 3. Seven has so much going on I don't think the backdrop can be given too much weight. Number eight is often shorted on 100 yard and less third shots as the distance between the backdrop and back edge of the green really play with the mind. Number 11 is a short par four that from 120 out looks like about 60 yards as the wood line is right up snug behind it. 12 is a monster par three with only a visual of the lead line of the front bunker, folks are short most of the time regardless of tees they play. 13 has a wood line snug up behind it and a good drive on this par five that leaves a long iron shot in regularly ends up short. 14 does the same trick with a wooded frame to the left and wetland open view right. Folks always hit too much club on 16, but I think that has more to due with the fact they forget the slope of the green and the fact that the shot is actually downhill. 17 is shorted about 50% of the time as well. Perhaps varying the distance between backdrops and greens is a good tool in deception. I wouldn’t say that a backdrop in and of its own right solidifies depth perception.
As for hoop dreams, I played in a regional final game in an open arena gym with white walls and threw up a bunch of long shots / bricks for the first quarter. Coach told me to start looking at the front of the rim instead of the front of the back of the rim, had 28 that night. Do any of you look at the front or back of the green for depth conceptualization given different settings?
Cheers!
JT