What does this research mean for the field?

Experienced golf coaches employ a cause-and-effect instructional framework that prioritizes grip and setup for clubface control, utilizing outcome-oriented, variable practice and simple training aids to foster adaptability and long-term skill development. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine how PGA-accredited golf coaches operationalize technical principles, practice design, feedback mechanisms, and training aids to develop clubface control and full-swing performance.

August 27, 2026International Journal of Sports Science & CoachingOpen Access

Effective coaching strategies for clubface control and full-swing skill development in golf: A qualitative study of PGA-accredited coaches

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

WSWilliam B. SheehanUniversity of Technology Sydney ACAaron J. CouttsUniversity of Technology Sydney

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Qualitative study uncovers instructional strategies for clubface control in PGA-accredited golf coaches, highlighting outcome-oriented variable practice for long-term player development.

Key Points

To examine how PGA-accredited golf coaches operationalize technical principles, practice design, feedback mechanisms, and training aids to develop clubface control and full-swing performance.
Conducted an interpretive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 10 PGA-qualified coaches (9 male, 1 female; 6 to 30+ years of experience).
Analyzed qualitative data via reflexive thematic analysis, using reflexive journaling and peer debriefing to reach thematic sufficiency by the tenth interview.
Generated nine themes showing coaches use a cause-and-effect framework that prioritizes grip and setup fundamentals to stabilize clubface angle at impact.
Coaches reported that clubface control is under-emphasized in typical instruction and favored outcome-oriented, variable practice using simple training aids as transitional learning tools.

Cite This Study

Sheehan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fe9c910c91c1e92621acf https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541261481108

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Qualitative study uncovers instructional strategies for clubface control in PGA-accredited golf coaches, highlighting outcome-oriented variable practice for long-term player development.

Effective coaching strategies for clubface control and full-swing skill development in golf: A qualitative study of PGA-accredited coaches

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Effective coaching strategies for clubface control and full-swing skill development in golf: A qualitative study of PGA-accredited coaches

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider