COVID-19 disruptions: impact on athletic identity, career transitions, and life of a developmental tour golfer

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose The purpose of the study was to understand the lives and careers of developmental tour golfers through the lens of athletic identity and social identity theory (SIT), with emphasis on decisions related to transition out of golf caused by COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach Eight developmental tour golfers (4 male; 4 female) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide during the COVID-19 shutdown of professional sport. Interviews went through a six-stage coding process by two of the authors to produce the final themes of the study. Findings Results indicated that developmental tour golfers (a) faced tougher competition during the lockdown; (b) financial difficulties of developmental tour life were exacerbated by COVID-19; and (c) consequential athletic identity and uncertainty of future career in golf due to COVID-19. Practical implications The study highlights the sometimes-impractical decisions and lifestyle choices golfers will make to achieve their dreams. From a governance standpoint, suggestions of tour consolidation, emergency financial assistance to players, and educational programming are recommended for more successful transitions out of golf. Research Contribution This study contributes to the growing body of athletic identity literature and provides empirical insight into how developmental tour golfers navigate tumultuous career paths, both in normal times and with the added constraints of COVID-19.