The Self-Regulatory and Task-Specific Strategies of Elite-Level Amateur Golfers in Tournament Preparation

in The Sport Psychologist

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Jarred Pilgrim Victoria University

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Peter Kremer Deakin University

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Sam Robertson Victoria University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2017-0056
Keywords:
coaching; golf; self-regulation; sport psychology
In Print:
Volume 32: Issue 3
Page Range:
169–177
Restricted access

Little is known regarding the factors that are important for tournament preparation in golf. Eighteen elite amateur golfers and 12 expert coaches/practitioners were interviewed to identify the self-regulatory and task-specific strategies important for tournament preparation. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: understanding tournament preparation, planning, tournament preparation strategies, and self-reflection. Players used specific strategies to optimize their physiological and psychological state, develop course strategy, and structure and implement preparatory routines. The findings of this study have implications for coaches and players in developing a system for preparation, and could provide a framework to improve coaching curricula and guide further research.

Pilgrim and Robertson are with the Inst. of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Kremer is with the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Centre for Sport Research, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.

Pilgrim (jarred.pilgrim@live.vu.edu.au) is corresponding author.
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