The Psychology of Golf Performance under Pressure

The Psychology of Golf Performance under Pressure offers contemporary, research-informed information regarding the key psychological factors affecting golf development and performance under pressure. Through the authors’ substantive expertise – all of whom are notable scholars and/or practitioners in the field of golf psychology – the text provides a highly accessible “real world” application of theory to practice, through the provision of evidence-based guidance regarding how to maximise golf performance under pressure.

Golf is a sport that has embraced sport psychology, with many of the highest ranked players in the world (male and female) openly working with a sport psychologist and advocating their importance. As a result, an increasing number of high-profile practitioners are working full-time within the sport around the world, encouraging trainee sport psychology practitioners to pursue their career within golf. Accordingly, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality information pertaining to the psychological demands of golf; the key psychological variables that affect golfing development and performance; and evidence-based strategies which enable effective golf performance under pressure.

This novel text provides a comprehensive portrayal of the psychological factors which enable effective golfing development and optimal performance under pressure. A theoretical review of the pertinent psychological factors followed by the practical application of theory for the provision of “take home messages” will ensure that this book is of value, interest, and benefit for golfers, coaches, golf organisations, and even the parents of golfers, alongside sport psychology scholars, students, practitioners, and researchers alike.

Denise M. Hill, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Applied Sport Psychology at Swansea University, a BPS Chartered Psychologist, and HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist. She is also a Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Psychology and has been an Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist for over 20 years. She is a keen amateur golfer, having played internationally for Wales, UK.

Jamie B. Barker, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University, a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. As an applied sport psychologist, Jamie has over 20 years of experience working in business, professional sport, and the military.

Karl Steptoe, PhD, is the Sport and Performance Psychology Lead at Loughborough University, a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council, and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapist. In addition, Karl is a Qualified PGA Golf Professional with over 20 years of coaching experience.