Selective Optimization and Compensation, Skilled Golf Performance, and Age

The present study tests predictions regarding skilled golf performance and age-based upon Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) theory. Participants were 1,324 adults (17–85 years old) who competed in a three-day major amateur golf tournament. Findings indicated that older golfers were most likely to identify difficulties in their games worthy of remediation, relied on performance-enhancing equipment to the greatest degree, and scored higher on SOC selection. For such players, SOC selection and remaining competitive predicted better tournament performance. Older players were also less likely to rate a variety of game improvement techniques as effective, less likely to engage in preround preparation, and were less likely than younger players to engage in SOC optimization and compensation strategies. This pattern of findings to a large extent also characterized middle-aged players. Despite a mixed picture of support for SOC theory, these findings provide valuable insights into its application to aging and the competitive sport domain.

Weather And Event Visitor Expenditures at a Professional Golf Tournament in The Netherlands

Most event organizers depend on visitor expenditures to generate revenue, yet the full economic potential of many events is not fully exploited. This, unprecedented, research examines if weather conditions contribute to greater visitor expenditures. Data was collected from 2935 in-person administered surveys at a major golf tournament in the Netherlands over a period of three years and examined socio-demographic characteristics, behavior and motive variables, and weather conditions to determine their relationship with visitor expenditures. The results show that the amount of rain was related to visitor expenditures and not air temperature. To maximize the visitor expenditures for events like outdoor golf tournaments it is recommended to choose a dry over a warmer period.