We use different color hats as our ranking system (similar to karate’s belt colors to show skill levels). The hats have color accents (corresponding to the next level) between each stage and can be handed out as kids move up the rankings. The following outlines the required proficiency level for each of the caps that make up the grading structure of the TPI Junior Program. We have broken our grading system down into three levels.
The Novice levels should focus on establishing the basics of the game; Swing, Skill and Playing. Gradings are made up largely of outcome based demonstrations of swing fundamentals by the junior. Any skills tests included require a 25% success rate for that particular test to pass at these early levels.
The Intermediate levels continue to build on the foundation created in the Novice levels. More skills are taught and each grading progressively introduces more skills tests that have to be successfully completed in order to pass the grading. By Blue Green Stripe Hat Grading, most of the skills tests require a 50% success rate to pass that particular test.
In addition, the Intermediate levels mark that start of the junior being required to prove that they can achieve set standards for areas such as Scoring Average, Greens in regulation, Putts per round and Scrambling (relative to the appropriate modified course).
The advanced levels require highly developed shot-making and playing standards in order to pass the gradings, which implies a well developed swing. The Black Silver Stripe Hat Grading requires amongst other things a low single figure handicap and most of the skills tests contained within the grading require a two-thirds success rate to pass the individual test.