Beating the bunker: the effect of PETTLEP imagery on golf bunker shot performance

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2008 Sep;79(3):385-91. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2008.10599502.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of physical practice with PETTLEP-based (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion and Perspective; Holmes & Collins, 2001) imagery and PETTLEP + physical practice interventions on golf bunker shot performance. Thirty-two male county- or international-level golfers were assigned to one of four groups; PETTLEP imagery, physical practice, PETTLEP + physical practice, or control. The PETTLEP imagery group imaged 15 bunker shots, their interventions incorporating PETTLEP components, such as physical, environment, and emotion, twice a week. The physical practice group physically performed their 15 bunker shots twice per week; the PETTLEP + physical practice group performed PETTLEP imagery once per week and physical practice once per week. Each group performed their respective tasks for 6 weeks. Pre- and posttests consisted of 15 bunker shots, with points awarded according to the ball proximity to the pin. All groups improved significantly (p < .01) from pre- to posttest, and the PETTLEP + physical practice group improved more (p < .05) than the PETTLEP and physical practice groups. However, there was no significant difference between the physical practice and PETTLEP groups (p > .05). Findings, therefore, support the effectiveness of PETTLEP in enhancing golf performance, especially when combined with physical practice.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Athletic Performance / physiology
  • Athletic Performance / psychology*
  • Golf / physiology
  • Golf / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Imagery, Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Practice, Psychological*
  • Psychomotor Performance