Extra - Skills Tests
As part of your practice schedule regularly include Skills Tests to achieve maximum benefit, fun and interest on the range. Copy and paste each test into a Word Document. When Gary is using Skills Tests for his students he prints them onto card to give durability
LONG GAME SKILLS TEST
On the range hit 3 shots in each test and score 1 point for each successful shot that PITCHES within target area. Record your score in a notebook or create an Excel bar chart and test yourself regularly to monitor your progress
Test 1 Drive between 2 Markers-approx 25 yards wide
Test 2 Mid Iron to Hit Green-approx 15 yards wide
Test 3 Fairway Wood Between 2 Markers-approx 20 yards wide
Test 4 Short Iron to Hit Green-approx10 yards wide
Test 5 Low Shot under the Wind Between 2 Markers-approx 20 yards wide
AUSSIE RULES
One of the most revealing indicators of your game that I know and one of my favourite tests. Can be used with any club and requires simple preperation to set up. Suggestion is to play your final 10 focus shots at the end of your practice session.
If working on a mid- iron from 160 yards place a target cone at 160 yards. Now place 2 targets or cones 10 per cent of distance apart, ie 8 yards either side of the main target at 160 yards. Now place two more targets 5 per cent apart ie 4 yards either side of the central target, so 5 cones in all. Score 10 points for each shot that pitches within 5 per cent area, 5 points if pitching within the 10 per cent area and minus 20 points if missing overall target area.
The scoring system above is designed for handicaps of single figures and better. For teen handicaps, reduce missed target penalty to minus 10. If your handicap is in the 20`s and above then only minus 5 for shots off target.
Repeat this test regularly to record info on your consistency of direction, quality of strike, and dispersion. ENJOY THE CHALLENGE !!
DOUBLE CROSS
This fun and revealing challenge for two players will test even the very best of you so take it on only if you are both fully prepared! Suggested club- 6 iron.
With you both aiming down the range and standing approx 10 yards apart, and in line, the player in front (aiming slightly left) is attempting to strike the shot with a fade exactly in unison with the player behind who (aiming slightly right) hits their shot with a draw. The objective is for both balls, struck at exactly the same time, to cross around the same height and cross again as the spin of each ball takes effect! When successful swop over to play opposite spins .
Gary`s tip is to verbally count down from 10 to 1 and both start each swing together at the count of 1. HAVE FUN !!
SHORT GAME SKILLS TEST
Hit 3 shots in each test and record your score in a notebook or create an Excel bar chart and test yourself regularly to monitor improvement
Scoring
Shot in the hole - 4 points
Inside 3 feet - 3 points
Between 3 – 6 feet - 2 points
Between 6 – 9 feet - 1 point
Outside 9 feet - 0 points
Test 1 - 10 Yard chip and run
Test 2 - 30 Yard chip and run
Test 3 - 20 Yard greenside bunker shot
Test 4 - 40 Yard pitch shot
Test 5 - 25 yard lob/flop shot
ON COURSE - PRESSURE STABLEFORD
Play 9 holes. Start each hole with 6 POINTS. If you miss fairway-lose 1 point - If you miss green in regulation-lose 1 point. If you fail to get up and down from off the green-lose 1 point. If you 3 putt-lose 1 point. If you birdie a hole-gain 1 point. If you eagle a hole-gain 1 point.
The aim is to avoid losing points by playing straight steady golf.
Gary's tip - fairways and greens - don't go for tight flags
ON COURSE - WORST BALL CHALLENGE
When playing a single, this really tough on course test is great for challenging yourself to be consistent and play straight.
Using 2 balls each time, pick the worst shot, playing to the green including putts
SHORT GAME - PAR 18
Play 9 different shots from around the green to include 3 chips, 3 short pitch/lob shots and 3 bunker shots and set yourself 18 shots to get up and down including putts. To make it even tougher, roll the ball under arm and play from that lie. The challenge is to hit each shot within 6 feet and hole each putt. Repeat this test regularly and record the data to see if you improve. Good Luck!
More skills tests will be added shortly
