In the realm of golf analytics, Strokes Gained has become a pivotal metric for players seeking to understand and improve their performance on the course. It provides a nuanced perspective on different aspects of the game, offering insights into where players excel and where they can make improvements. However, not all Strokes Gained calculations are created equal. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between GameGolf Strokes Gained and the standard method used on the Tour.
Standard Way of Calculating Strokes Gained:
Traditionally, Strokes Gained metrics are calculated based on specific aspects of a player's game compared to the field average. Here's how it's typically broken down:
- Off the Tee: This measures a player's performance with the driver in terms of accuracy. It compares the player's performance on tee shots against the entire field of golfers at a specific course. However, it doesn't factor in Par 3 tee shots.
- Approach the Green: This focuses on a player's ability to hit greens in regulation. It compares the player's performance against the entire field, considering all approach shots except those on Par 3s.
- Short Game: This metric evaluates a player's ability to save par or better after missing the green in regulation. It looks at the player's scrambling percentage compared to the field average.
- Putting: Putting performance is assessed based on the player's average number of putts per hole compared to the field average. Pin location and putt distance are factored in to provide a more accurate assessment.
GameGolf Calculations:
GameGolf takes a slightly different approach to calculating Strokes Gained, offering a more customizable and versatile analysis. Here's how it differs:
- Off the Tee: GameGolf measures driver accuracy based on the player's performance against customizable filters. These filters can include factors such as the number of rounds, date range, or specific GameGolf Handicap (HCP) benchmarks.
- Approach the Green: Similar to Off the Tee, GameGolf evaluates greens in regulation against customizable filters rather than the entire field. This allows players to compare their performance to specific benchmarks or against their own historical data.
- Short Game: GameGolf calculates scrambling percentage based on the player's performance against customizable filters, providing a more tailored assessment of short game proficiency.
- Putting: Putting performance is analyzed in a similar fashion to the standard method, comparing the player's average number of putts per hole against customizable filters. However, GameGolf notes that pin position edits are not guaranteed to be made by users and are only saved for 24 hours, which should be considered when interpreting putting averages.
Conclusion:
While both methods aim to provide valuable insights into a player's performance, the approach taken by GameGolf offers greater flexibility and customization. By allowing players to compare their performance against specific benchmarks or filters, GameGolf Strokes Gained provides a more tailored analysis that can better inform practice and improvement strategies. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, leveraging these insights can help take your game to the next level.
GameGolf Performance Dashboard: https://www.gamegolf.com/dashboard