Preston Combs is the PGA Teaching rofessional at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, New Jersey.

Preston Combs on the importance of hosting skills challenges with an action plan:
This past summer, I hosted a series of skills challenges on our 55 acre practice facility. One of the more successful ones was our 100 Yard Challenge. Members and their guests hit three shots from 100 yards with their best result counting as their final score. Using Trackman, I was able to accurately measure the carry distance as well as dispersion. This challenge allows me to identify a player’s skill set which in turn promotes a dialogue about practicing effectively to shoot lower scores.

Preston Combs on the business impact of hosting skills challenges with an action plan:
The 100 Yard Challenge was offered on Saturday morning (our busy time) from 7:30-10:30AM in which we saw 30 individuals partake. Of those 30, 75 percent were members and 25 percent were guests. The top finishers were awarded a free putter fitting and stroke analysis on SAM PuttLab. Not only did the skills challenge help raise awareness about incorporating technology in practice, but also allowed me to take action and drive participation in areas that target individual needs. I spoke with this captive audience about practice habits, wedge fittings, and upcoming short game schools.