| This study identified and examined the reasons individuals chose to participate in the game of golf. It analyzed the extent of these reasons based on ethnicity, gender, age, and annual household income. The study also examined introductions to the game, the ages individuals became passionate for the sport, the intrinsic and/or extrinsic motivations, and past and present perceptions of the game of golf and its industry. Literature was reviewed and analyzed relative to historical occurrences and African American golfers; as well as sociological, psychological, and theoretical perspectives related to golf and participation rates. The study was a quantitative design using survey and internet research. A total of 145 adult golfers participated in the research (n=145), and two sponsoring golf organizations supplied a purposeful sampling that assured diversity. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to measure the extent of differences in each category. The findings concluded that significant differences existed in several of the categories, with the most between Caucasian and African American golfers and their perceptions of the game of golf and the golf industry. Recommendations were offered as to methods for increasing future participation from African American people. |
