Calculating Strokes Gained
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Quick Answer
- Strokes gained is your golf scorecard’s secret weapon. It tells you how many shots you saved or lost compared to a standard player.
- You figure it out by comparing your actual shots to what an expert would take from the same spot.
- The difference shows you exactly where you’re crushing it and where you need to step up your game.
Who This is For
- Any golfer who’s tired of guessing where to improve. This is for the player who wants real data.
- Coaches and instructors. Give your students the hard facts, not just feelings.
What to Check First
- Know your scoring game. Are you playing stroke play, Stableford? This matters.
- Get your hands on good benchmark data. Think PGA Tour averages for pros. You need something to measure against.
- Understand the different strokes gained buckets: off the tee, approach shots, around the green, and putting. Each tells a different story.
- Make sure your stats tracking is solid. You can’t fake this stuff.
Step-by-Step Plan for Calculating Strokes Gained
1. Track Every Shot: As you play, log where you hit from and how many strokes it took to get to the hole. What to look for: Accuracy is key. Don’t guess distances or lie. Mistake to avoid: “Eh, close enough” data. It’ll mess up your whole analysis.
2. Note the Situation: For each shot, record the type of shot it was (tee shot, approach from 150 yards, chip from the fringe, putt from 10 feet). What to look for: Clear categories. Be consistent. Mistake to avoid: Mixing up an approach shot with a recovery shot.
3. Find Your Benchmark: Look up the average strokes it takes a pro golfer from that exact situation (e.g., PGA Tour average for a drive from the fairway, approach from 100 yards). What to look for: Data that matches the course and your skill level as closely as possible. Mistake to avoid: Using a scratch golfer’s stats if you’re a 20-handicapper.
4. Calculate Strokes Gained for the Shot: Subtract the pro’s average strokes from your actual strokes for that shot. If you took 3 shots and the pro takes 2, you gained +1 stroke. If you took 2 and the pro takes 3, you lost -1 stroke. What to look for: Positive numbers are good, negative numbers mean you lost ground. Mistake to avoid: Flipping the subtraction (pro minus you). That’ll give you the opposite result.
5. Sum by Category: Add up all the strokes gained (positive and negative) for each shot category (off the tee, approach, etc.) over your round or a series of rounds. What to look for: The total for each category. Mistake to avoid: Just looking at the overall total. You need to see where the wins and losses are happening.
6. Analyze Your Performance: Review your totals. Big positive numbers mean you’re money in that area. Big negative numbers? That’s your target for practice. What to look for: Trends over time. Mistake to avoid: Panicking over one bad hole. Look at the big picture.
Common Mistakes in Calculating Strokes Gained
- Inaccurate Shot Data — Why it matters: If you’re not honest about where you hit from or how many strokes it took, your numbers are garbage. — Fix: Be meticulous. Use a rangefinder and a consistent tracking method. Double-check your entries.
- Using Incorrect Benchmark Data — Why it matters: Comparing yourself to the wrong group (e.g., comparing your driving to a Tour pro when you’re a bogey golfer) skews everything. — Fix: Find data that’s relevant to your skill level or the specific tournament field you’re aiming for.
- Misclassifying Shot Types — Why it matters: Putting a bunker shot into the “approach” category distorts your analysis of short-game vs. long-game performance. — Fix: Define your categories clearly and stick to them. Know the difference between an approach and a recovery shot.
- Not Tracking Enough Rounds — Why it matters: One round can be an anomaly. You need a solid sample size to see real trends. — Fix: Track your stats for at least 5-10 rounds before drawing major conclusions.
- Ignoring the “Around the Green” Category — Why it matters: This is where many amateurs bleed strokes without realizing it. It’s crucial for scoring. — Fix: Pay special attention to chips, pitches, and bunker shots. They add up fast.
FAQ
- What is the definition of strokes gained?
Strokes gained is a statistical metric in golf that measures how many shots a player gains or loses on the field on a hole-by-hole or category-by-category basis, compared to a standard or benchmark player. It’s essentially a way to quantify how much better or worse you are than an average player from a given situation.
- How do I find reliable benchmark data for strokes gained?
You can find reliable benchmark data from sources like official PGA Tour statistics, data providers like ShotLink, or golf analytics websites that often compile this information. Many golf apps also offer benchmark comparisons, often using PGA Tour averages or specific tour data. For amateurs, some resources might offer benchmarks for different handicap levels.
- What are the main categories of strokes gained in golf?
The primary categories are Strokes Gained: Off The Tee (SG:OTT), Strokes Gained: Approach The Green (SG:APP), Strokes Gained: Around The Green (SG:ARG), and Strokes Gained: Putting (SG:PUTT). These cover all the major phases of play from tee to green and on the green.
- Do I need special software to calculate strokes gained?
While dedicated golf stats apps and software make it easier to track and calculate strokes gained automatically, you can certainly calculate it manually with a spreadsheet if you’re diligent with your tracking and have access to benchmark data. It just takes a bit more time and attention to detail.
- How often should I calculate my strokes gained?
It’s best to track your stats consistently. Reviewing your strokes gained after each round gives you immediate feedback on that specific day’s performance. However, looking at trends over a larger sample size, like 5-10 rounds, provides a much clearer and more reliable picture of your overall game and areas needing focused practice.
- Can I calculate strokes gained for my specific handicap level?
Yes, ideally. While PGA Tour benchmarks are the most common, some advanced statistical sites or apps might offer data for different handicap levels, allowing for a more accurate comparison to players closer to your own skill. If not, using Tour averages is still a valuable starting point to understand your relative strengths and weaknesses.
- What’s the difference between “Approach” and “Around the Green”?
“Approach The Green” (SG:APP) generally refers to shots taken from the fairway or rough when you are aiming to hit the green, typically from over 30-50 yards out, depending on the system. “Around The Green” (SG:ARG) covers shots taken when you are very close to the green but not on it, such as chips, pitches, bunker shots, and delicate recovery shots. It’s all about proximity to the putting surface.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.