A Birdie in the Hand: Asymmetry in Golf Risk Preferences
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2012
Abstract
This study tested whether recreational golfers would prefer to take greater risk when faced with likely losses than with likely gains. Over 2100 avid golfers made choices where gains and losses were framed in reference to par. Based on Prospect Theory, it was predicted that golfers would choose to take more risk when faced with likely losses (bogeys) than likely gains (birdies). The study also tested whether player deliberation, trait risk-taking, and player ability would moderate the bias. Consistent with prediction, players were willing to take greater risk with bogeys than pars or birdies. When players were asked to identify the “smart” course of action, they chose the less risky option. Golfers scoring high on trait risk-taking were generally willing to accept more golf risk than players scoring low on the scale for birdies, pars and bogeys. Low handicap (high ability) players were willing to accept more risk playing for a likely bogey than were high handicap (low ability) players.
Department
Psychology
Publication Title
International Journal of Golf Science
Recommended Citation
Sachau, D., Simmering, L., & Adler, M. (2012). A Birdie in the Hand: Asymmetry in Golf Risk Preferences. International Journal of Golf Science, 1(2), 81-89. doi. 10.1123/ijgs.1.2.81
DOI
10.1123/ijgs.1.2.81
Link to Publisher Version (DOI)
Publisher's Copyright and Source
Copyright © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc. Article published by Human Kinetics, Inc. in International Journal of Golf Science, volume 1, issue number 2, December 2012, pages 81-89. Available online: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijgs.1.2.81
