From the boardroom to the clubhouse: using a novel qualitative data collection method to inform interviews exploring the role of golf club membership in the retirement transition process

Abstract

Research has shown that having meaningful occupations and active, valued social roles is important in successfully transitioning into retirement. Golf is often associated with retirees and studies show participation can have generic health benefits. However, this research aims to explore if golf club membership can satisfy a deeper need for meaning and social interaction in the absence of the work role. Eight retirees who were active members of a golf club participated in the study. A novel methodology was utilised, involving a five-minute writing task designed to elicit spontaneous thought about the subject of retirement. Themes derived from the writing task were used to inform semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of combined data from interviews and the writing task generated four themes: keeping busy, freedom from the work role, the social side of golf, and continued sense of purpose. The writing task proved successful in summoning succinct yet rich data that tapped into spontaneous and raw thoughts about retirement and should be considered for use in future qualitative work. Results demonstrate that golf club membership can offer volunteering and personal development opportunities in addition to being a place where social identity can be re-negotiated, helping to replace the social roles and meaningful occupations lost in the transition out of work.