Leisure Satisfaction and Identity Formation in University Golf Elective

A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID22411558
AuthorsBowen Yao (0000-0002-8293-0695, Griffith University, corresponding author), Susan Whatman (0000-0001-5793-0952, Griffith University), Zhuohong Zhuang (0009-0008-5965-1883, University of Auckland)
Year2026
Pages1-18
Publication date2026-06-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQuest (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-6297 • E-ISSN: 1543-2750
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00336297.2026.2695365
OpenAlexW7166319279
LanguageEN
References cited37

This study examined how participation in a university golf elective shaped students’ leisure satisfaction and how these experiences were associated with learning and identity development in higher education sport programs. Using a mixed-methods design, survey data were collected from 469 students across 10 Chinese universities, followed by 20 semi-structured interviews with students and course coordinators. Quantitative findings showed that golf participants reported significantly higher leisure satisfaction than students in badminton and fitness training across all six Leisure Satisfaction Measure dimensions, with all comparisons reaching significance at p < 0.005. Qualitative findings further showed that students experienced golf as reflective, low-pressure, and personally meaningful, with educational meaning, psychological satisfaction, and social value emerging as the most prominent themes. Together, the findings highlight the educational and developmental value of leisure-oriented electives in higher education sport programs.

Higher education · Identity (music) · Leisure activity · Leisure satisfaction · Leisure time · Life satisfaction · Physical education · Qualitative research · Value (mathematics) · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts · Sports, Gender, and Society

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