Golf: Steps to Success
Test Questions and Answers
The Sport of Golf
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The area on the golf course where a hole is cut and a flag is placed is called a _______________.
a. fairway
b. teeing ground
c. green
d. rough
On a golf scorecard, the handicap rating for each hole is listed. The most difficult hole on the
course will have a handicap rating of __________________.
a. 1
b. A
c. 18
d. 10
On a golf course, a player may take relief from ground under repair. Ground under repair is
usually marked with a sign or __________ paint.
a. white
b. yellow
c. green
d. red
TRUE/FALSE
When golfers bogie a hole, they play the hole 2 strokes over par. False: They play 1 stroke over
par.
Grounding your club in a hazard results in a 2-stroke penalty. True.
The fundamental purpose of the game of golf is to get the ball in each hole on the course in the
fewest number of strokes. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Your starting time in golf is called a __________. (tee time)
The clubs with the shorter shafts that produce the most loft and the most spin on a golf ball are
called ______________. (wedges)
The golf bag of choice among golfers who prefer to walk is the ______________. (stand bag)
SHORT ANSWER
When designing a golf hole, how does the course designer determine the par rating or score for
each hole? The designer assumes a highly competent golfer needs two putts once the golf ball
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reaches the green. The designer then calculates the number of strokes needed to reach the green
from the teeing ground. For a par-3 hole, one stroke is required; for a par-4 hole, two stokes are
required; and so on.
EXTRA CREDIT
Conduct an online search or visit a golf shop to evaluate three golf balls for beginning or
intermediate players. Write a brief review of each ball, including price, performance
characteristics, and durability.
Step 1 Putting the Ball Into the Hole
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The putting stroke is a/an __________ action.
a. pendulum
b. explosive
c. progressive
d. rotary
It is best to read the slope of a green from __________ the ball.
a. above
b. behind
c. in front of
d. alongside
In the follow-through in putting, the wrists should be __________.
a. released
b. relaxed
c. flipped
d. firm
TRUE/FALSE
The second key to a solid putt is tight grip pressure throughout the putt. False: Light grip
pressure throughout the putt is the second key to a solid putt.
Once your golf ball is on the putting green, you may mark your ball, usually by placing a small
coin or similar object behind the ball, and then lift the ball to clean it. True.
Listening, rather than watching, a ball fall into the hole promotes sound putting technique. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
It is proper etiquette for the player __________ from the hole to putt first. (farthest)
On a putting green, you must not _________ the flagstick or another player’s ball. (hit)
In taking a proper stance for putting, the hands and arms should hang directly under the
___________. (shoulders)
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SHORT ANSWER
Identify the factors affecting the pace of a putt. Factors affecting the pace of a putt include the
slope of the green, the distance of the ball to the hole, and the type and length of the grass.
EXTRA CREDIT
Place five balls each in three different locations 20 feet (6 meters) from the same hole. Putt all
five balls from one location and write a brief description of how the pace and line were affected
by undulations in the green. Repeat this process for the remaining two sets of balls.
Step 2 Setting Up for the Shot
MULTIPLE CHOICE
In a good grip for a right-handed golfer, the Vs formed by the forehand and thumb of each hand
should be angled toward the__________________.
a. nose
b. right ear
c. right elbow
d. chest
The most popular golf grip is the ________________.
a. overlap
b. eastern
c. interlock
d. 10-finger
The setup is the stance a golfer takes in preparation for stroking the ball. The setup is sometimes
referred to as the _____________.
a. start position
b. pose
c. warm-up
d. address
TRUE/FALSE
When looking down at a good grip, a player should see two knuckles of the target-side hand.
True.
The position of the body to the ball and the angles created in the setup have a significant effect
on the shape, direction, and distance of the golf shot. True.
The club should be held in the palms of the hands. False: The club is held in the fingers.
FILL IN THE BLANK
If you pulled your target-side foot back from the target line and aligned the rest of your body
with your feet, this would be called an _________ because your body is now ________ to the
target. (open stance, open)
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The final key element of the setup requires you to bring your hands together by closing the
fleshy part of the nontarget-side hand, snuggly covering the _____________________. (thumb of
the target-side hand)
Begin the setup ___________________your golf ball and facing your target. (a few yards
behind)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe a normal stance. Feet, thighs, hips, and shoulders are aligned directly parallel to the
target line.
EXTRA CREDIT
Hit 10 balls each with an overlap, interlock, and 10-finger grip. Write a two- or three-sentence
analysis of each grip. Which one felt the most comfortable and which one consistently produced
the best results?
Step 3 Chipping to the Green
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Because the ball does not need to travel a great distance on a chipping shot, most of the
necessary power is provided by the ___________.
a. fingers
b. hands
c. arms
d. shoulders
At address, the ball should be positioned _________________.
a. in the front of the stance
b. in the back of the stance
c. midway between the center and front of the stance
d. at the center of the stance
The chip shot is most often executed using a/an ________________.
a. fairway metal
b. putter
c. wedge
d. iron
TRUE/FALSE
The length of the shot determines the length of the follow-through. False: The length of the
backswing determines the length of the follow-through.
To help generate power, there should be a noticeable weight shift from the back foot to the front
foot during the chip shot. False: There is little movement of the lower body during the chip shot.
Chipping is most often executed with an iron. True.
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FILL IN THE BLANK
The choice of club will determine both the trajectory and the _______________________.
(amount of ball roll on the green)
To help promote crisp contact with the ball, the hands should be positioned __________ the ball.
(in front of)
At address for a chip shot, the majority of body weight should be distributed ______________.
(on the front foot)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain the term triangle as it relates to executing a chip shot. The arms and shoulders with the
hands and club form a triangle. Because the shoulders provide most of the necessary movement
for the stroke, the triangle is maintained throughout the swing.
EXTRA CREDIT
Experiment by chipping five balls each using a 5-, 7-, and 9-iron to three targets of different
distances, a total of 45 chip shots. Make notes as to the trajectory height and distance roll of each
club.
Step 4 Pitching From Farther Away
MULTIPLE CHOICE
A pitch shot is used when the ball__________________.
a. must fly high and stop quickly on the green
b. must be carried over water
c. is in a hazard
d. is less than 200 yards (183 meters) from the green
A pitch shot is hit with a __________________.
a. 9-iron
b. wedge
c. fairway metal
d. putter
Execute the pitch shot by__________________.
a. flipping your wrists
b. swinging the arms
c. stepping toward your target
d. turning your shoulders and chest
TRUE/FALSE
The pitch shot is used on shots that are less than 100 yards (91 meters) to the green. True.
Because the pitch shot requires accuracy, it is important to have a clear target in mind where you
intend the ball to land. True.
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In the follow-through, the body weight should finish on the nontarget-side foot. False: The body
weight finishes on the target-side foot.
FILL IN THE BLANK
A pitch shot setup requires a ___________ and ___________ stance. (narrow, balanced)
A successful pitch requires _____________ and ______________. (accuracy and distance)
Due to mishits, most golfers tend to land pitch shots _____________. (short of the target)
SHORT ANSWER
Under what circumstances should you consider using a pitch shot? When you have a good lie,
uphill lie, or soft green or an obstacle is in your way.
EXTRA CREDIT
From 10 yards (9 meters) off the green, select a target hole. Pitch 10 balls to the target hole,
gather the balls, and then chip 10 balls to the hole. Move to 20 yards (18 meters) from the green
and repeat. Which stroke (chip or pitch) is most accurate for you at each of these distances?
Step 5 Taking a Full Swing
MULTIPLE CHOICE
In taking a full swing, if you hit behind the ball it means that ___________________________.
a. you did not have a proper wrist cock
b. the knees were excessively bent
c. you didn't get enough weight onto the foot closest to the target
d. you lifted your head
A good way to accomplish the proper weight shift is to start the downswing by _____________.
a. turning the shoulders back to address position
b. letting the weight shift to the left foot
c. turning the hips to the target side of the ball
d. pulling the club back to the address position
In the backswing, the target-side shoulder should continue to turn until it__________________.
a. can turn no more
b. faces the target
c. points past the ball
d. is under the chin
TRUE/FALSE
The follow-through position should be comfortable with the body in good balance. True.
At address for a successful full swing, the ball is in the back of the stance and in front of the
nontarget-side foot. False: It is middle to forward of the stance.
The most commonly used grip used in the full swing is the Vardon grip. True.
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FILL IN THE BLANK
On the downswing, the club should hit the __________and then the __________. (ball, ground)
During the backswing, the weight of the body moves to the inside of the ______________. (right
or nontarget-side heel)
Another term for the backswing is the ______________. (takeaway)
SHORT ANSWER
Concerning the downswing, what is meant by “downward and forward”? At the same time the
club moves down toward the ball, the weight of the body moves forward toward the left foot.
EXTRA CREDIT
Hit 10 balls each with a wedge, iron, and metal (wood) club using the full swing. Write a threeto four-sentence paragraph on any adjustments you needed to make to your setup or swing based
on each club. Also note any differences in ball trajectory produced with each club.
Step 6 Overcoming a Difficult Lie
MULTIPLE CHOICE
On an uphill or downhill lie, which of the following must be parallel to the ground?
a. club
b. feet
c. knees
d. shoulders
To help maintain balance on a downhill lie, it is recommended to shorten the ___________.
a. grip
b. backswing
c. follow-through
d. downswing
On a sidehill lie with the ball above your feet, avoid hitting the ground before the ball by
_____________________.
a. swinging easier
b. taking more club
c. choking down on the club
d. lengthening your backswing
TRUE/FALSE
For a right-handed golfer, with all other things being equal, a ball below the feet will have the
tendency to move to the left. False: It will have a tendency to move to the right.
During the follow-through on a downhill shot, your weight should be on your target-side foot.
True.
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On a sidehill lie, balance can be difficult to achieve. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The key to mastering bad lies is learning to _______________________. (adjust to the ground
on which the ball lies)
On a sidehill lie, the ball is either ___________ or __________ your feet. (above, below)
For an uphill lie, place the ball _______ in your stance, and for a downhill lie, place the ball
__________ in your stance. (forward, back)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain the concept of risk and reward as it relates to bad lies. Because a bad lie will influence
how the ball will react to a shot, you must determine which shot will give you the most reward
with the least amount of risk given the lie of the ball.
EXTRA CREDIT
Hit 10 shots each from uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies (ball above and below your feet) for a
total of 40 shots. After each shot, make notes as to the adjustments you made to produce crisper
ball contact and straighter shots.
Step 7 Escaping From Bunkers
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Because a bunker is considered a hazard, you may not remove _____________ from the bunker.
a. any objects
b. any natural objects
c. a ball from casual water
d. any man-made objects
When playing from a green-side bunker, the clubface should be __________________________.
a. open and facing toward the target
b. facing slightly left of the target to compensate for resistance from the sand
c. in a normal position and aimed toward the target
d. shut and facing the pin or hole
In a green-side bunker, make contact with _______________________________.
a. the ball and then the sand
b. the sand approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) behind the ball
c. the sand and then the ball
d. the sand approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) behind the ball
TRUE/FALSE
Touching the sand with the golf club before the downswing results in a 2-stroke penalty. True.
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Because you hit the sand and not the ball, a bunker shot is considered one of the most difficult
shots in golf. False: For this reason, it is considered one of the easiest shots to execute and
control.
As a matter of etiquette, rake away any disturbances created in the sand from hitting the shot or
walking in the bunker before leaving the bunker. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
A __________________ is a special club specially designed for play from a sand bunker. (sand
wedge)
The two most common lies found in a bunker are __________ and ____________. (regular,
buried)
In a fairway bunker, first contact the _____________ and then the ______________. (ball, sand)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain the setup for a green-side bunker shot. With the clubface open, the left foot is drawn
back to open the stance, allowing the clubface to point toward the intended target. The
shoulders, hips, and knees are aligned with the feet. The club shaft is facing the pants zipper with
the clubhead slightly behind the shaft and the hands. The ball is in the middle of the stance.
EXTRA CREDIT
Hit 10 green-side bunker shots from regular lies and 10 from buried lies. After completing the 10
shots from each lie, write a brief essay describing the adjustments made for each lie that helped
promote the greatest success for each lie.
Step 8 Hitting Shots From the Rough
MULTIPLE CHOICE
To get as much clubhead on the ball while catching as little grass in the rough as possible, on the
downswing __________________________________.
a. lift the clubhead abruptly on the takeaway
b. grip the club loosely
c. swing harder
d. play the ball forward in your stance
A general rule of thumb when playing a ball from the rough is the deeper the lie, ____________.
a. the harder the swing
b. the steeper the descent
c. the shorter the swing
d. the bigger the club
When playing from the rough, putting the ball back in your stance will ________________.
a. cause the ball to move left
b. cause the ball to come out low
c. cause the ball to move right
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d. help promote cleaner contact with the ball
TRUE/FALSE
Shots from the rough must be hit aggressively to get the clubhead through the tall grass. True.
When a ball is buried in heavy rough, the primary objective is to get the ball as close to the green
or hole as possible. False: The primary objective is to get the ball back onto the fairway.
The tall grass has a tendency to catch the club around the hosel, twisting the clubface open and
sending the shot right for a right-handed player. False: The clubface is twisted shut and sends the
shot to the left.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The rough closest to the fairway is called the _______________________. (first cut of rough)
A golf course superintendent will grow more rough in an effort to increase the course
________________. (difficulty)
When a ball is perched on top of heavy rough, it should be struck more like a _____________.
(tee shot)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe the three levels of rough. The first level is the lowest cut and closest to the green,
varying in height from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 centimeters). The second level is cut 4 to 6 inches
(10 to 15 centimeters). The third level of rough is normally grass left uncut.
EXTRA CREDIT
From green-side rough, hit five balls with three different clubs—a wedge, an iron, and a fairway
metal. Describe the ball flight and your success with each of these three clubs. Which club do
you believe you would use most often if presented with this situation on the course?
Step 9 Selecting the Right Club
MULTIPLE CHOICE
According to the rules of golf, a player may carry no more than _____ clubs.
a. 10
b. 12
c. 14
d. 16
A longer club shaft will __________________.
a. be found on higher numbered clubs
b. increase clubhead speed
c. affect trajectory height
d. cause the ball to spin more
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A new golfer’s challenge when mastering club selection is to understand the different ways the
clubs ____________________.
a. can be used to hit different shots
b. comprise a set of clubs
c. need to be swung
d. affect the ball
TRUE/FALSE
The lower the number on a club, the shorter the ball will travel. False: The farther the ball will
travel.
Wedges produce the most spin on the ball. True.
Higher numbered clubs are more difficult to control. False: Lower numbered clubs are more
difficult to control.
FILL IN THE BLANK
A higher trajectory ball flight is produced by a ___________ numbered club. (higher)
According to some tour professionals, amateurs should consider replacing long __________ with
____________. (irons, woods or metals)
Club selection is done during the ______________ phase for the shot. (preparation)
SHORT ANSWER
What should you consider when selecting a club for the tee shot? Are there hazards that you
need to carry or avoid? Are there other obstacles that need to be avoided? How wide, straight,
or long is the fairway? Which club do you have the most confidence in for the shot you are about
to hit?
EXTRA CREDIT
Construct a hypothetical club set of 14 clubs. Identify the clubs you would include and provide a
one- or two-sentence justification for each club you would put in your golf bag.
Step 10 Managing the Course
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Good course management requires ____________________.
a. the ability to match your game to a particular golf course
b. a knowledgeable caddy
c. extensive knowledge of the golf course
d. highly developed golf skills
When on the tee, a good strategy is to consider the total distance of the hole and then ________.
a. hit your drive as far as possible with your driver
b. decide which series of clubs will give you the greatest chance of success
c. determine how many strokes it will take you to reach the green
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d. select the highest numbered club that will reach the fairway from the tee box
Which of the following features is the most significant in terms of strategy?
a. water hazard
b. severe rough
c. bunker
d. out of bounds
TRUE/FALSE
Knowing your game begins with knowing which skills are your strengths and which are your
weaknesses. True.
The best way to plan a course strategy is by starting on the tee and working forward to the green.
False: The best way to plan a course strategy is by starting at the green and working backward
to the tee.
You can calculate the range of yardages for each club in your bag by hitting 10 balls with each
club on the practice range and averaging the distances for the 10 balls. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
White stakes on a golf course designate _______________________. (out of bounds)
Hitting a ball into a water hazard is less damaging to your score than ____________________ or
_________________________. (hitting out of bounds, losing a ball in the rough)
The weather condition that most affects ball flight is ______________. (wind)
SHORT ANSWER
What advantages do you gain by an accurate, honest assessment of your golf game with respect
to course management? An honest assessment allows you to set realistic expectations for the
course, play successfully within your limitations, and know when to be conservative and when to
be aggressive on the course.
EXTRA CREDIT
Select a course you enjoy playing or would like to play and develop a shot-by-shot game plan for
the course. Designate how far you believe each shot will travel and mark areas on the course you
would like to avoid.
Step 11 Maintaining Focus on the Course
MULTIPLE CHOICE
If you get distracted for any reason just before executing a shot, you should ______________.
a. increase your concentration and hit the shot
b. consider whether to start your preshot routine again or hit the shot
c. ignore the distraction
d. step back, clear your thoughts, and go again
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The state of performance when everything is effortless is called __________________.
a. the zone
b. nirvana
c. psychological readiness
d. the meditative state
The most important part of a preshot routine is _________________.
a. deciding which club to use
b. determining the conditions that will affect your shot
c. the mental state in which you immerse yourself
d. using the exact same number of rehearsal swings every time
TRUE/FALSE
The “click on, click off” method refers to the technique of regulating concentration to maximize
focus at crucial times. True.
Research has revealed that winners on the PGA and LPGA tours have a higher level of selfconfidence and do not stop believing in themselves when they are playing badly. True.
The decision line refers to the level of decision required for a particular shot. False: The decision
line refers to making a decision on how to play a shot and then stepping across the line to
execute the shot without further thought.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Because PGA and LPGA tour winners have a narrow focus, it helps them __________________.
(gather their attention for every shot)
A preshot routine can be thought of in two ways: as the _________________ and the
_________________. (physical routine, state that players set themselves in)
A good game plan should include an analysis of the course to determine where you can play
______________ and where you need to play _______________. (aggressively, safe)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain the idea of “stepping into the bubble.” Stepping into the bubble means concentrating
fully so that nothing disturbs you just before hitting a shot.
EXTRA CREDIT
Recall a time when you felt you were in the zone. It may have been on or off the golf course, in
another sport, or not related to sport at all. Write a brief essay on that experience. How did you
get into the zone? How did it feel? What were the outcomes?
Step 12 Closing In on Par
MULTIPLE CHOICE
If you want to improve as a player, a general rule of thumb is that for every three hours you
practice, two of those hours should be devoted to ____________________.
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a. long drives
b. irons and tee shots
c. the short-game skills of putting, chipping, and pitching
d. your full swing
Successful performers in any endeavor share one common approach to getting better:
a. talent
b. hard work
c. setting and achieving realistic goals
d. relying on extensive resources to provide the latest information
When scheduling practice sessions, it is more effective to schedule ________________.
a. daily practice activities
b. long practice sessions that cover all the necessary skills of golf
c. several hours each session so a targeted skill may be thoroughly practiced
d. short but frequent practice sessions
TRUE/FALSE
To maximize the usefulness of practice, it is best to have as many goals as possible to work on.
False: Because it is critical to achieve the goals you set, you should have no more than three
goals at a time.
The easiest and most efficient way to determine a sufficient amount of practice is to practice as
much as possible given the time available. False: Set realistic, purposeful practice goals and
practice until those goals are achieved.
All players will benefit from practicing putting. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Setting practice goals and planning improvement begin with _______________________.
(selecting skills that will make the biggest difference in performance)
To help you monitor skill development, keep four basic statistics during each round of golf:
____________, ____________, ____________, and ____________. (fairways hit, greens in
regulation, putts, short-game skills)
Practice without a purpose achieves ______________. (nothing)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain the difference between a performance goal and a practice goal. A performance goal is
intended to improve an aspect of performance. A practice goal is a measurable goal for a
practice session intended to improve a specific aspect of performance.
EXTRA CREDIT
For one month, monitor your vital statistics on a goal course. After two weeks, identify the skills
that, if improved, would make the biggest difference in your game. Create three performance
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goals and then design a practice schedule of activities to be completed one hour a day, three days
a week for the remaining two weeks of the month. Did your performance statistics improve in
these areas?
 2006 Human Kinetics, Inc.