The present study tests predictions regarding skilled golf performance and age-based upon Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) theory. Participants were 1,324 adults (17–85 years old) who competed in a three-day major amateur golf tournament. Findings indicated that older golfers were most likely to identify difficulties in their games worthy of remediation, relied on performance-enhancing equipment to the greatest degree, and scored higher on SOC selection. For such players, SOC selection and remaining competitive predicted better tournament performance. Older players were also less likely to rate a variety of game improvement techniques as effective, less likely to engage in preround preparation, and were less likely than younger players to engage in SOC optimization and compensation strategies. This pattern of findings to a large extent also characterized middle-aged players. Despite a mixed picture of support for SOC theory, these findings provide valuable insights into its application to aging and the competitive sport domain.

本研究基于选择、优化和补偿 (SOC) 理论测试有关熟练高尔夫表现和年龄的预测。参与者是 1,324 名成年人（17-85 岁），他们参加了为期三天的主要业余高尔夫锦标赛。调查结果表明，年龄较大的高尔夫球手最有可能在他们的比赛中发现值得补救的困难，最大程度地依赖提高性能的设备，并且在 SOC 选择上得分更高。对于这样的球员，SOC 选择和保持竞争力预示着更好的锦标赛表现。年长玩家也不太可能将各种游戏改进技术评为有效，不太可能参与赛前准备，并且与年轻玩家相比，不太可能参与 SOC 优化和补偿策略。这种发现模式在很大程度上也体现了中年球员的特点。尽管对 SOC 理论的支持喜忧参半，但这些发现为其在老龄化和竞技体育领域的应用提供了宝贵的见解。