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Question
and Answer Page
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(Updated July 26,
1998)
- This page is designed
to provide information for and from anyone who has visited here. My goal is
to have a list of questions and answers that High School golf coaches have
submitted and the answers that they have given. Since I am still new at this
web page stuff, all submissions will have to be e-mailed to me at curran@girard248.org
- This page will only
be as successful as you readers make it!!!
- Question #1. For the
boys golf season I am expecting a large number of players. How many players
should I keep and what criteria and what process should be used to choose
these players?
- Answers:
- ----We select teams for
tournaments based on a ladder. We cut to 19 players based on 4-5 qualifying
rounds, my observation of players on the range, and their general demeanor.
I tend not to keep problems around--regardless of how good their golf is.
- A Kansas High School Coach.
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- ----We typically get
20-30 golfers out every year; including a couple girls. We do not limit or
cut to a certain number but we do spell out from day 1 there is a good chance
some may not ever get to a tournament(we try to schedule 4-5 JV meets) a year.
With that in mind, the athlete makes up their own mind. We will not keep anyone
on the team that is a distraction or chooses not to take golf seriously. -
A Kansas High School Coach
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- ----On the question of
large squads. I am limited to only 15 golfers. I already have 30 signed up
for boys golf. What I do is have 3 to 4 days of qualifying to determine the
top 15. Then we qualify for each tournament. The top three lowest scores of
each tournament are exempt for the next tournament, this gives the 6 that
go to a tourney a little competition between themselves as to who will not
have to qualify for the next tournament. It also helps to keep them pracitcing
on their own, to work harder for each tournament. When we qualify for each
tournament, I have all 15 play 9-holes, then I take the top 6 for Varsity
and next 6 for JV, then we do this for each tourney except after the first
tournament of the year, the top 3, as I discussed above do not have to qualify
for the next tournament. - A Kansas High School Coach
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- ----Our local golf course
that we use for home meets and all practices allows us to keep 12 players
on the team. This keeps the numbers manageable and allows the proprietors
of the course to know all the high school players. We have abided by
their wishes. It sure makes for a better relationship with the course
pro and management. I hold a week of practice, where I can work with
some of the new players and the veterans can work on what they think they
need. The second week is devoted to play-offs. We try to play
at least 4--9-hole rounds on consecutive days to determine the 12 best golfers.
This may not be perfect, but it puts the pressure on the kids and I don't
have to make any judgments about what someone's potential is. They have
to do it on the course. I try to use the same rules in the play-offs
as I do in tournaments. I play with a different group of players each
day or I move around to watch several groups as they are playing. I make them
play with as many different players as possible on different days. The
players are informed about rules, etc. I expect them to show proper
respect for the game of golf. Attitude is important. Their behavior
is the one aspect that could keep them from making the team, even if they
have one of the 12 lowest scores.It has worked pretty well for us, but I guess
everyone has to come up with their own methods. - A Kansas High School
Coach
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- ----I have a 3 phase
tryout procedure. The 3 phases of tryouts invlove putting, driving and accuracy.
It is based on a point value system. Putting - Approximately 40 ft from a
coaches selected spot on the green. Each player has three chances. If they
one putt get 10 points, if a two putt - 5 points, a three putt get 2 points.
Driving - On a hole Each player hits 3 drives. Get points for distance. 50
- 100 yds, 2 points, 100 - 150 yds, 5 points, 150+ yds, 10 ponts. Accuracy
- On a short par 3, Each player hits three shots. On the green - 10 points,
on the fringe - 5 points, in the fairway - 2 points. Total possible score
is 90 points. Tryouts for the golfers that were on the regional team from
the previous year are waived. - A Kansas Golf Coach
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- Question #2. How do
you choose the players to go to each Tournament?
- Answers:
- We determine who goes
to a tournament by qualifying. Before the season starts we have every day
of the season planned out so each golfer knows when the qualifying days are
and how many tournaments it includes. Obviously, if you try to qaulify for
every tournament; there is no time to practice. We will qualify at least 3
times(each time is nine holes), the scores are added up and the lowest six
totals are going to those predetermined meets. In our program, no one is ever
exempt from qualifying; if your best golfer is the best--he or she will perform
that way in qualifying rounds. Qualifying 3 times has worked out well for
us because we get the consistent golfers and not ones who just have a good
day periodically. - A Kansas High School Coach
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- Question #3. How do
you conduct practice so as to be effective?
- Answers:
- We have the luxury two
practice greens and a driving range. We divide into two groups after putting
practice. Group one being 8-10 of the better golfers, group two the weak and
beginning golfers. Group one plays the course on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Group two plays on Tuesday and Thursday. When not playing the course the players
hit balls on the driving range. On rain out days, we hit balls in the gym
and watch videos. - A Kansas High School Coach
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- Question #4. What
are some dress codes for team practices and tournaments?
- Answers:
- No saggy baggies, no
sweats or slacks that drag ground, no gaping t-shirts/muscle shirts, no ripped
out sleeves on t-shirts, etc.