Peculiarities of Pre-Competitive Psychological Factors, Sport Performance Indicators and Physiological Demands in Youth Golf

Abstract

Background. Sport performance indicators, physiological demands and psychological hallmarks are the key
factors in the development of golf performance. However, no research was found in youth golf. We hypothesized
that the peculiarities of pre-competitive psychological factors, sport performance indicators, physiological demands
in youth golf are not adequate compared with adult golf.
Methods.  Ten male golfers participated in this study. The aim of the research was to assess and evaluate the
peculiarities of pre-competitive psychological factors, sport performance indicators, physiological demands in youth
golf. Sport performance indicators in golf were recorded using a personal sport performance statistical protocol.
Locomotion and physiological demands were recorded using the FRWD W 400  Series (Finland) device. Competitive
state anxiety was assessed with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). The CSAI-2 assesses two
components of state anxiety, cognitive and somatic anxiety, as well as a related construct, self-confidence.
Results.  The subjects’ long-game skills were at a higher level than their short-game skills. Pre-competitive
cognitive and somatic anxiety was low, but self-confidence was high. Training effect on young golfers’ aerobic
fitness was low (1.28 – recovery zone).
Conclusions. Opposite to elite golfers, the long-game skills of youth golfers are more developed than their
short-game skills. Playing golf does not have a positive training effect on young golfers’ aerobic fitness. High level
of self-confidence in youth golfers, which is adequate to elite golfers, could be determined by the similar level of  mastership among competitive participants.

Keywords: cognitive and somatic anxiety, self-confidence, long-game skills, short-game skills, aerobic fitness.