ABSTRACT
As golfers take part in competition, it is inevitable that they will experience situations of pressure, for it is not always possible to eliminate stressors or influence their intensity. Stress is a multifaceted construct that can positively and negatively impact our thoughts, emotions, and physical responses under pressure. The TCTSA suggests that an athlete will typically respond to pressure in one of two ways: in a challenge state or in a threat state. Challenge and threat states significantly influence the psychological and physiological approach of athletes. The weight of evidence that supports challenge states as a predictor of enhanced performance is growing. Researchers have suggested that beliefs can contribute towards adopting challenge states. There is a growing weight of evidence to suggest that when athletes are in a challenge state, they are more likely to perform well under pressure compared to a threat state. Importantly, the chapter highlights that challenge states can be manipulated by golfers, parents, and coaches.
