Influential Factors that Contribute to Black Golfers’ Participation at the Elite-Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine various influences that contribute to Black golfers engaging in golf as a physical activity and competing in it as a sport at an elite-level (i.e., college and professional levels). Given that Blacks are underrepresented as golf participants in general and at the elite-level in particular, it is important to gain insights from those who have excelled at golf beyond the recreational levels. Utilizing a basic interpretive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews with 9 Black males and 1 Black female who were collegiate or professional golfers were conducted. Questions regarding how the participants became involved and interested in golf as a recreational and physical activity, and what contributed to their ability to compete beyond these beginning levels were asked. Findings suggest the following five factors contributed greatly to these participants’ participation and success in golf: 1) Familial Involvement, 2) Grass Roots Golf Programs, 3) Golf as a Means to College Scholarship, 4) Black Golfers as Role Models, 5) Black Golfer as Unique. Future research directions as well as practical implications for increasing racial minority participation in golf as a physical activity and sport at the elite-levels are also provided.

Keywords

• black golf role models
• first tee program
• hbcu golf
• golf scholarships