Managing psycho-social factors to develop junior golf players

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY : Golf has evolved into a professional sport, which places greater demands on golf coaches and managers to deliver players with high skill levels. There is a paucity of research regarding the developmental pathway for junior golf players to reach professional level. The purpose of this study was to determine how to effectively manage the transition of junior golf players to a professional level. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 former or current Sunshine Tour players, Professional Golfers Association of South Africa (PGA of SA) members, PGA of SA teaching professionals and/or golf administrators. FINDINGS : The Professional Golfers Development Framework (PGDF) for junior golfers in the South African context was developed. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE : The PGDF suggests that social support, coaching, specialisation, financing, psychology, lifestyle and branding are aspects that have a significant influence on golf player development. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : By utilising the PGDF, junior golf players may achieve greater success in their transition to become a professional golfer through developmental programmes.