An investigation of the mediators of talent development in golf

Stoszkowski, John Robert (2011). An investigation of the mediators of talent development in golf. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

The development of talent in sport is a complex process involving the interaction of physical, psychological and sociological factors. Context specific differences undeniably exist across talent development domains, yet to date, relatively little research has investigated the ways elite athletes attain their status in sport. Accordingly, this study was designed to explore the factors that differentiate between those who achieve at the elite level and those who fail to do so in golf. Eight male golf coaches with significant experience in talent development were interviewed using semi-structured interviews to elicit their perceptions of the most influential mediators in reaching excellence. A constructivist, interpretive stance was maintained throughout the research with the data that emerged from the interviews analysed inductively. The findings of this study provide support for golfing achievement being multidimensional in nature with coaches identifying a variety of physical, environmental, psychological, and sociological mediators of talent. Socio-economic mediators and „luck‟ were ascertained to be the key arbitrators of those who transpire as talented and achieve excellence in golf. The connotations for applied practitioners and policy makers are discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

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