“You’re only as good as your weakest link”: Implicit theories of golf ability

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the antecedents, specificity, and ceiling effects of golfers’ implicit theories of sport ability.DesignThe present study employs a qualitative research design. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted.MethodParticipants (N = 8) were asked to describe their conceptions of golf ability. All responses were recorded, transcribed, and the data were analyzed through a series of iterations, which led to the identification of three dimensions that constitute golfers’ beliefs about ability.ResultsThe three dimensions were: acquirable ability, stable ability, and developing natural attributes. Categories within these dimensions offer initial evidence for the role of social agents and the inherent culture of golf in shaping co-existing beliefs in relation to sport ability. Beliefs with regards to ceiling effects of ability are reported, with one theme proposing a ceiling to sport ability, and a contrasting category exemplifying the belief that there is always room for improvement.ConclusionsThe present study contributes to the field by offering initial evidence for the antecedents, specificity, and ceiling effects of golfers’ conceptions of their sport ability. Implications, both theoretical in terms of future research, and practical with regards to practitioners’ role in educating athletes and cultivating an environment conducive to the perception that sport ability is acquirable, are offered.

► We examine golfers’ implicit theories of sport ability.
► Social agents shape beliefs about the nature of sport ability.
► Implicit theories may co-exist and operate at the sub-component level of skills.
► Ceiling effects of sport ability are highlighted.
► It is key to foster the perception that sport ability is acquirable.