ABSTRACT
The use of performance assessment is commonplace in most sports with participants of all ages and ability levels. Such assessments typically consist of a measurement or a series of measurements that are used to determine the sport-specific ability of a particular individual (Currell & Jeukendrup, 2008). Performance assessment can be used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an individual (Pyne et al., 2005; Robertson et al., 2013), identify a talented potential athlete (Ali, 2011, Lidor et al., 2009) or help to determine the effectiveness of an implemented coach intervention (Currell et al., 2009; Robertson et al., 2012). Despite relatively common use, skill assessment has, nonetheless, experienced some debate in the literature (Lidor et al., 2005; Anshel & Lidor, 2012). One major criticism relates to the use of testing that does not accurately reflect the demands of competition, which in turn can lead to incorrect conclusions being made relating to the ability of a performer (Lidor et al., 2005). When used to inform decision-making in talent identification settings, early assessment of players may also lead to their premature de-selection from the sport. Therefore, establishing the measurement qualities of an assessment prior to use or development can help to avoid these potential pitfalls. This chapter provides a review of research that has utilised skill assessments in golf, as well as develops an awareness and understanding of the advantages and disadvantages relating to their use. This chapter also delivers literature-based guidance as to how the quality of a skill assessment can be measured. Readers can use this information to make informed decisions on test selection in coaching and research settings.
