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