Goal Orientation of Recreational Golfers

Abstract

Over 2,400 active, adult, recreational golfers completed a golf-related goal orientation questionnaire. This measure included a six-item task orientation scale and a six-item ego orientation scale. The scales were reliable and the factor structure of the questionnaire was consistent across gender, age, and ability groups. Golfers scored considerably higher on task orientation than ego orientation. Players scoring high on task orientation were more likely to take a golf fitness course, practice at a range, practice at a simulator, practice at home, and read about golf than players who scored low on the scale. Golfers who scored high on the ego orientation scale played more golf and had a somewhat lower handicap than golfers who scored low on the scale. The benefits of task and ego orientations are discussed.