The Problem with Traditional Stats
Consider two golfers who both hit 10 greens in regulation. Golfer A hit them from 140 yards on average. Golfer B hit them from 190 yards on average. Who had the better ball-striking day? Traditional stats say they're equal. Strokes Gained says Golfer B was significantly better.
What Is Strokes Gained?
Developed by Columbia professor Mark Broadie, Strokes Gained compares every shot you hit to the average performance of a baseline golfer from the same position.
The formula: Strokes Gained = (Expected strokes from starting position) – (Expected strokes from ending position) – 1
If you're 150 yards out (expected: 2.8 strokes to hole out) and you hit it to 10 feet (expected: 1.6 strokes), you gained: 2.8 – 1.6 – 1 = 0.2 strokes on that shot.
The Four Categories
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG:OTT)
Measures driving performance — distance AND accuracy combined. A 300-yard drive into the rough might gain fewer strokes than a 260-yard drive in the fairway.
Strokes Gained: Approach (SG:APP)
Measures approach shots (typically 100+ yards into greens). This is where the largest scoring differences exist between handicap levels. A scratch golfer gains roughly 4 strokes per round on approaches compared to a 15-handicapper.
Strokes Gained: Around the Green (SG:ARG)
Measures chipping, pitching, and bunker shots. Includes everything from within 50 yards that's not on the green.
Strokes Gained: Putting (SG:PUTT)
Measures putting performance. Surprisingly, this category shows the smallest differences between skill levels. The gap between a tour pro and a 15-handicapper is about 1 stroke per round in putting — compared to 4+ strokes in approach play.
Why This Changes Your Practice
If putting has the smallest gap, why do most amateurs spend the most time practicing putting? Strokes Gained data suggests you should prioritize:
- Approach shots (biggest gap)
- Tee shots (second biggest gap)
- Short game (third)
- Putting (smallest gap, still important)
How to Track Your Strokes Gained
Apps like Arccos, Shot Scope, and Garmin Golf calculate Strokes Gained automatically using GPS and shot tracking. If you don't want technology, even a rough manual calculation gives useful data.
Key Takeaway
Strokes Gained reveals the truth about your game. Traditional stats flatter your putting and hide your approach play weaknesses. Follow the data, and practice where the strokes actually live.