Promotion of the Flow State in Golf - A Goal Perspective Analysis

Every golfer is interested in having more flow or optimal experiences in his or her golf game. It is suggested that golfers will witness a higher frequency and intensity of flow states if they adopt a task-involved (success equals hard work and improvement) in contrast to an ego-involved (success is demonstrating superior ability) goal perspective. With respect to the psychological antecedents of flow, research is reviewed which indicates that a task-involved approach should result in higher perceived competence, a preference for optimally challenging task, perceptions of personal control, more focused attention, and greater intrinsic enjoyment. Suggestions for fostering task involvement are provided.