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Peer Effects In A Competitive Environment: Evidence From The Pga Tour

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  • Daniel C. Hickman
  • Neil E. Metz

Abstract

This study uses putting on the PGA TOUR to examine peer effects in a competitive setting. The nature of play in golf, in which players complete tasks in a discrete order with a group of randomly assigned peers, provides a unique opportunity to observe these effects among individuals competing in a high‐stakes tournament. Players have the chance both to learn from their peers, as well as to be psychologically impacted by peer success or failure. We find that learning by observing peers has a positive impact on a player's performance, while peer outcomes are negatively correlated with a player's own performance. (JEL D03, D83, L83)

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel C. Hickman & Neil E. Metz, 2018. "Peer Effects In A Competitive Environment: Evidence From The Pga Tour," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 56(1), pages 208-225, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:56:y:2018:i:1:p:208-225
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.12476
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Matteo Pazzona, 2022. "Peer interactions and performance in a high‐skilled labour market," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 124(4), pages 1087-1116, October.
    2. Brady, Ryan R. & Insler, Michael A., 2019. "Order of play advantage in sequential tournaments: Evidence from randomized settings in professional golf," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 79-92.
    3. Daniel C. Hickman & Craig Kerr & Neil Metz, 2019. "Rank and Performance in Dynamic Tournaments: Evidence From the PGA Tour," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 20(4), pages 509-534, May.
    4. Raja Kali & David Pastoriza & Jean-François Plante & Ekaterina Turkina, 2024. "Migrants Networks and Survival in the Job: Evidence from Foreign Newcomers on the PGA Tour," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 25(4), pages 443-471, May.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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