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Mastering the Art of Golf with Coach Erik Schjolberg

Welcome to my blog at EJS Golf Academy, the premier destination for mastering the art of golf. Here at our Scottsdale location, at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, every golfer who steps into my world-class teaching bay discovers a pathway to enhance their game. My name is Coach Erik Schjolberg, and I am committed to transforming your golf skills through a combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized coaching techniques.

At EJS Golf, we understand that every golfer's journey is unique. Whether you are a PGA Tour professional, a college athlete, a developing junior, or a weekend enthusiast, our blog is designed to provide you with insights and strategies to improve your game. Our posts are not just about golf; they are about becoming a better player through deliberate practice and scientific understanding of golf mechanics.

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A golfer in mid-swing with the text ‘Score Better with Strokes Gained’ displayed prominently.

Score Better with Strokes Gained

September 11, 20247 min read

Score Lower with Strokes Gained and EJS Golf

As a golf coach with over 25 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how traditional golf statistics can be misleading. Hi. My name is Erik Schjolberg and I am a coach in Scottsdale, AZ at McCormick Ranch G. C. You will find me in my private oasis of 3 practice greens w/ bunkers and my high tech teaching bay. I'm excited about the potential of strokes gained analysis to revolutionize how we measure and improve golf performance. Let me expand on this concept and share some insights I've gained from using it with my students at EJS Golf in Scottsdale.The strokes gained approach aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy of "Assess | Analyze | Train | Improve." It provides a more accurate and nuanced way to assess a player's strengths and weaknesses, allowing for more targeted training and measurable improvement.

golfer with text about lowering scores with strokes gained

Strokes Gained: A Deeper Dive

When I first learned about strokes gained, I was intrigued by its ability to quantify performance across all aspects of the game using a single, comparable metric. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how it works for different shot types: Mark Brodie is the inventor of the Strokes Gained System that came out in his book Every Shot Counts.

Strokes Gained Driving

Strokes gained driving measures the impact of a player's tee shot on their score compared to the field average. This metric brilliantly combines both distance and accuracy into a single value.For example, if a player's drive on a par 4 leaves them 100 yards from the hole, while the average player would be 130 yards out, that drive has gained about 0.2 strokes. Why? Because PGA Tour statistics show that players score approximately 0.2 strokes better from 100 yards than from 130 yards.This metric allows us to truly understand the value of driving performance. It's not just about hitting it long or straight - it's about positioning yourself for the best possible approach shot.

Strokes Gained Approach

This metric evaluates shots from the fairway or rough to the green. It's a crucial measure because approach shots have a significant impact on scoring opportunities.Consider this scenario: A player hits their approach to 10 feet on a par 4 where the average approach finishes 25 feet away. This shot has gained about 0.3 strokes. The closer to the hole, the more strokes gained, reflecting the increased likelihood of making the subsequent putt.This metric helps us understand why some players consistently score well despite not being the longest off the tee. Precision with approach shots can be a major scoring advantage.

Strokes Gained Around the Green

This category covers all short game shots within 50 yards of the green, excluding putts. It's a measure of a player's skill in chips, pitches, and bunker shots compared to the field average.For instance, a chip shot that finishes 3 feet from the hole might gain 0.5 strokes if the average player would be expected to leave that shot 10 feet away. This metric helps identify players with exceptional short game skills, which can be a significant scoring advantage.Strokes Gained PuttingAs we've discussed earlier, this measures putting performance based on the starting distance of each putt. It's a more accurate reflection of putting skill than traditional metrics like total putts per round.By breaking down the game into these components, strokes gained allows us to pinpoint exactly where a player is gaining or losing strokes compared to the field. This insight is invaluable for developing targeted practice plans and strategies to improve overall performance.

Applying Strokes Gained in My Coaching

At EJS Golf, I use strokes gained data to provide my students with a clear picture of their game. Here's how I apply it in practice:

  1. Baseline Assessment: When a new student comes to me, I use my TrackMan and 3D motion capture technology to collect detailed data on their shots. This allows me to calculate their strokes gained in each area of the game.

  2. Identifying Weaknesses: By comparing their strokes gained numbers to PGA Tour averages or to players of similar skill levels, we can quickly identify which areas of their game need the most improvement.

  3. Targeted Training: Based on this analysis, we develop a personalized training plan. For example, if a student is losing the most strokes on approach shots, we'll focus more of our practice time on iron play and distance control.

  4. Measuring Progress: As we work together, we continually track their strokes gained numbers. This provides objective evidence of improvement and helps motivate my students.

  5. Strategy Development: Strokes gained data can also inform course management decisions. For instance, if a player gains more strokes with their wedge play than their long irons, we might develop a strategy that favors laying up to wedge distances on par 5s.

Real-World Examples

Let me share a couple of examples from my coaching experience that illustrate the power of strokes gained analysis:

Case Study 1: The Misguided Putter

I had a student, let's call him Tom, who came to me convinced that his putting was holding him back. He was spending hours on the practice green but wasn't seeing his scores improve.When we analyzed his strokes gained data, we found that he was actually gaining strokes with his putting compared to players of his handicap. However, he was losing significant strokes with his approach shots, particularly from 120-150 yards. By redirecting his practice time to focus on his iron play, we were able to lower his scores by an average of 5 strokes per round within just a few months.

Case Study 2: The Deceptive Driver

Another student, Sarah, prided herself on her long, straight drives. However, her scores weren't reflecting her perceived advantage off the tee.Using strokes gained analysis, we discovered that while her driving was indeed above average, she was losing all those gained strokes (and more) with her wedge play. Her approach shots from 100 yards and in were consistently falling short, leaving her with difficult up-and-downs.We focused our training on distance control with her wedges, using my TrackMan to dial in her yardages. Within a few weeks, her strokes gained on approach shots improved dramatically, leading to lower scores and more confidence in her overall game.

The Future of Golf Analytics

As a coach, I'm excited about the potential for strokes gained analysis to continue evolving. Here are a few areas where I see room for growth:

  1. Amateur Data: While we have extensive strokes gained data for PGA Tour players, there's still a need for more comprehensive data on amateur golfers. At EJS Golf, I'm working on building a database of amateur shot data to help create more accurate benchmarks for players of all skill levels.

  2. Environmental Factors: Current strokes gained models don't account for factors like wind, elevation changes, or green speeds. Incorporating these elements could provide an even more accurate picture of performance.

  3. Mental Game: While strokes gained is great for measuring physical performance, it doesn't capture the mental aspects of golf. I'm interested in exploring ways to quantify things like decision-making and pressure performance.

  4. Wearable Technology: As wearable tech becomes more advanced, we may be able to incorporate physiological data into our analysis. Imagine being able to correlate strokes gained with factors like heart rate or muscle activation.

  5. AI and Machine Learning: These technologies could help us identify patterns in strokes gained data that humans might miss, potentially uncovering new insights about optimal golf strategy and technique.

Conclusion

Strokes gained analysis has transformed how I approach golf instruction at EJS Golf. It provides a level of insight that simply wasn't possible with traditional stats, allowing me to help my students improve more quickly and effectively.However, it's important to remember that while data is incredibly valuable, golf is still a game played by humans. At EJS Golf, I combine this analytical approach with a deep understanding of the mental and physical aspects of the game. My goal is always to help my students not just improve their numbers, but to enjoy the game more and achieve their personal golfing goals.If you're interested in seeing how strokes gained analysis could help your game, I invite you to book a lesson with me at EJS Golf in Scottsdale. Whether you're a scratch golfer looking to take your game to the next level, or a beginner just starting out, this approach can provide valuable insights to guide your improvement.Remember, every golfer can get better from their very first lesson - I guarantee it! Visit ejsgolf.com to learn more about my coaching philosophy and to book your session. Together, we can use the power of data to take your game to new heights.

Coach Erik Schjolberg

EJS Golf Academy

Scottsdale Golf Lessons

Online Golf Lessons

(480) 861-9370

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Coach Erik Schjolberrg

Are you lost at times on the golf course or the driving range and just don’t know how to correct your slice, hitting it fat, topping the ball, etc.? What if you had a plan, maybe even on a notecard in your golf bag as many of my student do, that is your simple blueprint towards your desired shot? This isn’t a pie in the sky dream. These are the tools I want to give you so that your athletic ability, mobility, strength, etc. are working as one for you! I will liberate you from those thoughts of where your body parts should be during the golf swing. In turn, you will give yourself the chance to self organize and focus on either some external cue I will develop with you or just being in the flow state. In my system you will no longer be subject to golf myths, swing tips of the day, guessing, etc. ​

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What You Can Expect from Our Blog

1. Expert Insights on Swing Mechanics:

With over 25 years of experience as a PGA Professional Golf Instructor, I delve deep into the nuances of golf swing mechanics. My articles break down complex theories into understandable concepts, focusing on ground reaction forces (GRFs), biomechanics, and efficient energy transfer.

2. Advanced Technological Guidance:

Our academy is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the Trackman 4 Launch Monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and Hackmotion, among others. On the blog, I share how to leverage these technologies to gain precise feedback on your swing, helping you make informed adjustments and see measurable improvements.

3. Tailored Practice Routines:

My philosophy is built on the belief that improvement should be evident from the first lesson. I advocate a '15 minutes per day' practice model, designed to fit into your busy schedule while ensuring consistent progress. Each blog post aims to offer practice drills and routines that are easy to implement and effective in refining your skills.

4. Real Success Stories:

Read about the experiences of those who have trained at EJS Golf Academy. These testimonials not only inspire but also illustrate the practical application of our teaching methodologies and the real results achieved.

5. Interactive Learning:

We occasionally feature video tutorials and interactive content that allows you to visually grasp techniques and corrections. This blended approach helps reinforce learning and allows you to engage with the content actively.

How Our Blog Helps Golfers Get Better

Every post is crafted with the intent to educate. We cover everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, ensuring there's something valuable for every skill level. By presenting data and evidence-backed strategies, our blog demystifies the 'why' and 'how' behind effective golf training. This analytical approach empowers you to make smarter decisions about your practice and play. We understand that generic advice does not suit everyone. Our blog posts are designed to help you identify your own needs and adapt our techniques accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting your grip, stance, or swing path, you’ll find personalized tips that resonate with your specific challenges. Beyond just reading, our blog serves as a community hub where you can interact with fellow golfers and share your experiences. This supportive environment encourages learning and improvement through collective wisdom.

Join Us on Your Path to Mastery

Whether you’re looking to refine your swing, understand the biomechanics of your body, or simply get more enjoyment out of the game, our blog at EJS Golf Academy is your go-to resource. Bookmark our page, subscribe to updates, and start transforming your game today.

Remember, at EJS Golf, we don’t just teach golf; we craft master golfers. Let’s begin this journey together. Visit us atEJSGolf.com to learn more about our programs and start your training online or at our Scottsdale location. Let’s make every swing count!

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Apostrophe

I've taken multiple private lessons with Erik and he's been by far the best swing coach I have ever worked with. He has the ability to dissect your swing and make small changes for big improvements. What I love most about his lessons is they go far beyond the 1 or 2 hours you're with him. He follows up with videos of how you can improve at home and on the range. The value he provides is absolutely worth the cost of his sessions. I would recommend any golfer at any level who truly wants to get better to go see Erik.”

- Reanol H.

Apostrophe

Erik is the best! and that is not an exaggeration. There has not been a single lesson where I haven't walked out and felt like a far better golfer than before. What can't be praised enough is the effort and dedication that Eric puts into each of his students, as his approach to fixing and improving my golf swing was specific to me. While teaching, Erik takes the extra time to truly dive into what he is trying to convey rather than just telling you, allowing for a better understanding. Beyond the instruction at the course, Erik sends specific drills to you from an app that allows for slow motion replays, letting you break down everything and work on your game at any time. I genuinely mean it when I say that I would recommend Erik to anyone wanting to improve their golf game, as he is not only a top not instructor but also a top notch person who cares about his students.

- Brennan K.

Apostrophe

Erik is flat out a great coach and mentor! I highly recommend him! Working from the ground up, my swing is healthier and smooth! I wanted a coach that shared the same main principles as the late Tony Manzoni and Erik hits the mark! Found Erik by listening to the Golf Smarter podcast by Fred Greene and connected with EJS Golf through the Perfect Motion app. Erik is motivated and incredibly gifted at his craft!

- Bryan B., Indiana, USA

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