An exploratory study of the meaning and experience of strategic decision-making for elite level golfers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of strategic decision-making for elite level competitive golfers. Research in this area is scant. Therefore this study used phenomenological methods to gain an understanding of the experience of strategic decision-making for eight elite level competitive golfers. Analysis of the data was philosophically informed by Hermeneutic and Heideggerian principles. As such, five common components emerged from the data: Strategies, The-Swing, Flow-like-States, Disruptions-To-Flow, and Mind Games. The experience of strategic decision-making for these eight golfers describes a dynamic process that is effortless and natural in times of flow, frantic yet exciting during disruptions, and seemingly an effort to enhance the execution of their swing. For these golfers decision-making involved identifying a strategy with which they were most comfortable. As a result, while the process and overall goals appear consistent and potentially generalizable, the methods are idiosyncratic. Thus, the applied practitioner can utilize these results both to inform a general approach to working with elite-level golfers, but must be cautious to avoid a single, "one size fits all" solution for each situation