Strokes gained is a statistical measure that has revolutionized how we analyze golf performance. Unlike traditional statistics like scoring average or driving distance, strokes gained provides a more accurate and holistic view of a golfer's game.
How Does Strokes Gained Work?
Instead of simply looking at the final score, strokes gained breaks down a player's performance into specific areas:
- Off the Tee: Measures how many strokes a player gains or loses compared to the field average based on their driving distance and accuracy.
- Approach the Green: Evaluates a player's ability to hit greens in regulation and their proximity to the hole when they miss.
- Around the Green: Assesses a player's skill in recovering from missed greens
- Putting: Measures a player's putting performance based on the number of putts taken compared to the field average at each hole.
- Tee to Green: Combines off-the-tee and approach-the-green statistics to assess overall ball-striking.
- Total: Represents the overall performance of a player compared to the field, combining all the above categories.
How is Strokes Gained Calculated?
Strokes gained is calculated by comparing a golfer's performance to a benchmark. This benchmark is typically the average performance of professional golfers in similar situations.
The basic formula for calculating strokes gained on a single shot is:
Strokes Gained = Expected Strokes from Starting Position - Expected Strokes from Ending Position - 1
The "-1" accounts for the shot the golfer has just taken.
Example: Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
- Scenario: A golfer hits a drive 300 yards down the middle of the fairway on a par 4. The benchmark data suggests that, from that position, the average PGA Tour player would be expected to reach the green in 2.2 strokes.
- Calculation:some text
- Expected strokes from starting position (tee box) = 4 (par of the hole)
- Expected strokes from ending position (fairway, 300 yards out) = 2.2
- Strokes Gained: Off the Tee = 4 - 2.2 - 1 = 0.8
- Interpretation: The golfer gained 0.8 strokes on this tee shot compared to the average PGA Tour player.
Example: Strokes Gained: Putting
- Scenario: A golfer has a 10-foot putt for birdie. The benchmark data suggests that the average PGA Tour player would be expected to hole this putt 30% of the time.
- Calculation:some text
- Expected strokes from starting position (10 feet from the hole) = 1.7 (based on the 30% hole out percentage)
- Expected strokes from ending position (hole) = 0 (holed the putt)
- Strokes Gained: Putting = 1.7 - 0 - 1 = 0.7
- Interpretation: The golfer gained 0.7 strokes on this putt compared to the average PGA Tour player.
Note: These are simplified examples, and actual calculations are much more complex, taking into account factors like lie, distance, green undulation, and other variables such as current wind & weather conditions.
Why is Strokes Gained Important?
- Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses: By breaking down performance into specific areas, golfers can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in their game.
- Improves Decision Making: Understanding which areas of the course contribute to the lowest scores.
- Accurate Player Comparison: Strokes gained provides a more accurate comparison between players, as it accounts for different course conditions and playing styles.
