Navigating Personal Identity and Performance in Golf

Individuals often intertwine their identity with their performance in sports, particularly in competitive golf, leading to emotional turmoil during poor performances. The experience of struggling in the game can deeply affect self-worth, especially for younger athletes whose primary focus may be their sport. Recognizing this connection is crucial for personal growth. Over time, it becomes essential to learn to separate scores from self-perception. A good score may lead to feelings of worthiness, while a bad score can evoke feelings of inadequacy. Achieving a balance between performance and personal identity is often a long journey, with insights typically gained after years of experience. This understanding allows athletes to develop a healthier perspective on their performance, fostering resilience and a more stable self-concept regardless of on-course results.