Money, money, money? An investigation of the mediators of talent development in golf

Abstract

This paper discusses issues surrounding the development of talent in golf; the study utilising qualitative methods to explore some factors that specialist coaches perceived to be critical in the development of young players. Eight golf coaches with significant experience of developing golfers were interviewed to elicit their opinions and perceptions of the most influential mediators in reaching excellence. Following a literature review and outline of field methods a discussion is presented which is based upon data findings. This reveals a significant pressure for young players concerning their financing a pathway through to elite levels. The paper concludes that pure sporting ability may currently not be enough for progression through the sport‟s lower elite stages - that self promotion skills to acquire sponsorship and learning to cope with the vagaries of luck in terms of life-opportunity may be aspects which the coach and performer should consider in their developmental plan.