Highlights • Think Aloud data reported by 17 golfers in competition were analysed inductively. • Some consistent pre-shot and post-shot cognitive processes were evident. • Golfers also reported context-specific cognitions before and after shots. • A framework depicting cognitive processes during competitive golf is presented. • Future Think Aloud research should consider inductive analysis. Objectives: Most research to date that has investigated cognitive processes in golf using the Think Aloud (TA) method has analysed data deductively and using statistical methods. Such an approach, however, can lead to potentially relevant data being overlooked and assumes that a priori coding schemes are valid reflections of a phenomenon. Therefore, to enable the generation of novel insights, this study sought to qualitatively explore cognitive processes in golf by inductively analysing TA data captured during competition. Method: Seventeen adolescent golfers (male n = 16; female n = 1, M handicap = 5.43) were asked to verbalise their thoughts while playing a 6-hole competitive round of golf. Data were analysed thematically in relation to the pre-shot and post-shot phases by each author independently, with the final findings produced collaboratively and through the use of trustworthiness procedures. Results: Cognitive processes during the pre-shot and post-shot phases were each captured by six themes. Some cognitive processes were consistently evident across shots, while others differed depending on the context. Before shots, the players consistently reported: monitoring; planning; and situational appraisals. Additionally, shots were followed by: monitoring; reviewing, evaluating, and planning; and situational appraisals. Before and after shots, the players also described context-specific: affective responses; distraction; and psychological skills. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the benefits of moving beyond deductively analysing and quantifying cognitions by using an inductive approach to analyse TA data. The findings extend current knowledge by illustrating the dynamic and often deliberative process that occurs during the decision making process in golf.
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