THE BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH REFLECTIVE PRACTICE WITHIN ELITE LEVEL GOLFER

Abstract

This study explored the reflective process of elite level golfers within a national golfing squad, post practice and post competition. Six participants (2 females and 4 males), with playing experience ranging from 0-5 years, were interviewed about their experiences of reflective practice. Participants suggested that reflective practice benefited their performance through increased self-awareness, informed learning and future practice, enhanced confidence and coping. This was consistent with the finding of Cropley (2007) and Faull and Cropley (2009), however what was discovered from this research project was that golfers felt they attained a better ability to cope as a result of post competition reflections. The individuals perceived that the post round reflections had more meaning, which resulted in the individuals gaining more confidence. This impacted on the way in which the individuals perceived they could cope in future situations (Connaughton, Hanton, & Jones, 2010).