ABSTRACT

The concept of cohesion is, for good reason, considered a group variable. This is for good reason. It is an emergent property of groups resulting from (and influencing) teamwork processes (McEwan & Beauchamp, 2014), and is facilitated by creating an effective structure marked by clear role responsibilities for group members and strong leadership (Carron & Eys, 2012). However, there is ample evidence in the popular media and in the extant academic literature demonstrating links between the team environment, as represented by cohesion, and important individual athlete outcomes. For example, in explaining the European Ryder Cup win over the United States in 2004, golfer Colin Montgomerie stated “We’re one of the closest teams in international sport. … It’s amazing how well we play for each other” (Shipnuck, 2004, para. 3). Traditionally, golf is not the first sport one thinks of when considering the concept of cohesion. In this example, however, individual performances/behaviors were thought to be enhanced because of the perceived unity and togetherness of this European golf team.