ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a critical review of the key psycho-social factors affecting golf development, progression, and performance under pressure. First the chapter considers approaches to golf psychology; the second offers a critical review of the psycho-social and environmental factors affecting golfing development; and the final section presents the key psychological determinants of effective golf performance under pressure. Hence, the chapter presents a detailed account of how golfers can develop healthy and positive responses to the demands of competitive golf by addressing and replacing any irrational beliefs. Overall, the text provides information that is relevant for golfers, coaches, parents/guardians, golf organisations, psychological practitioners and scholars, and anyone who has an interest in the psychology of golf under pressure. Indeed, considering the acute interest in theoretically informed and evidence-based information pertaining to golf psychology, there is a surprising lack of research attention directed towards certain key psychological determinants of golfing development and performance under pressure.
