PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Advanced Fellow Professional, Ian Peek, will speak at the 2016 A.S.K. Workshops in Hungary on 26th July – Here Ian explains more about his chosen subject matter…

Q: What is the similarity between someone winning a fortune in the lottery draw (lotto) and an elite amateur golfer turning professional?

A: Their sudden change of status means both undergo the process of ‘transition’ and managing that process well is easier said than done.

The challenge of  successfully ‘transitioning’ is highlighted by the fact that up to 70% of all major lottery winners worldwide end up bankrupt within a few years of their big win and less than 1% of elite amateurs make the ‘grade’ in big-time professional golf.

For my Sports Coaching MSc dissertation I was lucky enough to interview nine former elite male amateur golfers about their experiences following their transition to professional golf. My presentation at the first A.S.K workshop in Hungary will cover some of the findings of my research and possibly challenge those present to see the process of ‘elite players turning professional’ through new eyes.

‘Barriers and coping resources’ is an expression coined by Dr Natalia Stambulova, one of the world leaders in understanding why some athletes make the grade while most do not. It refers to Dr.  Stambulova’s ‘formula for success’ for elite athletes.

During my presentation I will draw on some of her research work as well as that Dr. Nancy Schlossberg; a leading authority of ‘life transitions’.

Suggested pre-reading for ASK delegates:

Stambulova, N., Alfermann, D., Statler, T., & CôTé, J. E. A. N. (2009). ISSP position stand: Career development and transitions of athletes. International journal of sport and exercise psychology, 7(4), 395-412.

Henriksen, K., Stambulova, N., & Roessler, K. K. (2010). Successful talent development in track and field: considering the role of environment. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 20(s2), 122-132.

For more information and to register visit http://eur.pe/ASKWorkshops-Hungary

For more information about the 2016 A.S.K. Workshops visit http://eur.pe/ASKWorkshops-Hungary, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search #ASKWorkshops, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.