Introduction to Strokes Gained

In the world of professional and amateur golf, analyzing performance has evolved significantly beyond traditional statistics like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round. One of the most revolutionary advancements in golf analytics is strokes gained (SG), a metric that provides a more precise way to measure a player’s performance relative to the competition.

Strokes gained data offers insights into different aspects of the game, helping players and coaches identify strengths and weaknesses with far greater accuracy than conventional stats. It has become an essential tool on the PGA Tour and among serious golfers looking to improve their game.

What is Strokes Gained?

At its core, strokes gained is a statistical method that compares a player’s performance in specific areas of the game to a benchmark, usually the field average or a reference set of golfers (such as PGA Tour pros). Instead of simply counting shots, strokes gained measures how many strokes a player gains or loses compared to the average golfer in a given situation.

For example, if a player takes fewer strokes than the average player to hole out from a specific distance, they gain strokes. If they take more strokes, they lose strokes.

The Different Categories of Strokes Gained

Strokes gained data is broken down into several key categories, each assessing a different part of a golfer’s performance:

1. Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (SG:OTT)
   This measures performance on drives and tee shots, typically on par 4s and par 5s. A golfer who consistently drives the ball longer and straighter than their competitors will gain strokes off the tee.
   
2. Strokes Gained: Approach (SG:APP)
   This evaluates shots hit on approach to the green, usually from the fairway or rough on par 4s and par 5s. Approach play is considered one of the most critical factors in determining success on the PGA Tour.
   
3. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green (SG:ARG)
   This metric focuses on shots taken within 30 yards of the green, excluding putts. It includes chip shots, pitch shots, and bunker play. Players with a strong short game will gain strokes in this category.
   
4. Strokes Gained: Putting (SG:PUTT)
   This measures a golfer’s performance on the greens by comparing their putting efficiency to the field average. It accounts for factors such as the length of putts made and the likelihood of making a putt from a given distance.
   
5. Strokes Gained: Total (SG:TOT)
   This is the sum of all the strokes gained categories and represents a player’s overall performance relative to the competition.

How is Strokes Gained Calculated?

Strokes gained in it’s simplest form is calculated using the formula:

Strokes Gained = Expected Strokes Taken – Actual Strokes Taken

For example, if a golfer is 150 yards from the hole, the average number of strokes for a PGA Tour player to hole out from that distance is 2.9. If the player takes two strokes to hole out instead of the expected 2.9, they have gained 0.9 strokes.

Conversely, if they take three strokes, they lose 0.1 strokes.

This methodology is applied across all aspects of the game to determine where a golfer is gaining or losing strokes compared to their competition.

Why Strokes Gained Matters

1. More Accurate Performance Evaluation
   Unlike traditional stats like greens in regulation (GIR) or putts per round, strokes gained accounts for the difficulty of each shot. For example, a player who makes 30 putts in a round may not necessarily be a better putter than someone with 33 putts, since the first player may have hit approach shots closer to the hole.
   
2. Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses
   By breaking the game into different components, golfers can pinpoint exactly where they need improvement. A player may realize they are losing strokes around the green despite strong driving and approach play, allowing them to focus on short game practice.
   
3. Helps with Course Strategy
   Golfers can use strokes gained data to make better strategic decisions on the course, such as whether to lay up or go for the green on a par 5, or whether to take a more aggressive or conservative approach on certain holes.
   
4. Used for Player Comparisons
   Strokes gained provides a better way to compare golfers across different courses and conditions. Since every golf course is unique, traditional statistics don’t always reflect true skill levels. Strokes gained normalizes performance by comparing players to the field on the same course.