Strokes Gained Calculator: Analyze Your Golf Performance
Use this strokes gained calculator to measure your performance relative to PGA Tour averages.
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Understanding Strokes Gained in Golf
Strokes Gained is a powerful statistical method that evaluates a golfer's performance in every facet of the game by comparing their performance to a benchmark (typically PGA Tour averages). Rather than relying solely on traditional stats like fairways hit or greens in regulation, Strokes Gained accounts for the actual value of every shot, providing a much clearer picture of where a golfer excels or struggles.
How Strokes Gained Works
The concept is based on calculating the difference between the expected number of shots a professional would take to complete a hole from a given starting position and the actual number of shots the player took. This allows players to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses across different areas of the game:
- Strokes Gained: Off the Tee — Driving distance and accuracy
- Strokes Gained: Approach — Shots into the green from fairway, rough, or other positions
- Strokes Gained: Around the Green — Short game shots near the green
- Strokes Gained: Putting — Performance on the green
Strokes Gained Formula
The general formula is:
Strokes Gained = (Expected Strokes) - (Actual Strokes)
For example, if you're hitting from 150 yards in the fairway where the expected strokes to hole out are 2.9, and you take 3 strokes, your strokes gained for that shot would be:
Strokes Gained = 2.9 - 3 = -0.1
Expected Strokes Benchmarks
Professional data provides expected strokes based on distance and lie condition. Below are approximate PGA Tour benchmarks:
| Distance (yards) | Tee | Fairway | Rough | Sand | Recovery | Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 3.95 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 200 | --- | 3.05 | 3.20 | --- | --- | --- |
| 150 | --- | 2.90 | 3.05 | --- | --- | --- |
| 100 | --- | 2.65 | 2.75 | --- | --- | --- |
| 50 | --- | 2.30 | 2.40 | --- | --- | --- |
| 30 | --- | 2.05 | 2.15 | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 | --- | 1.20 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Green (8 ft putt) | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 1.50 |
Practical Applications
By tracking strokes gained, golfers can:
- Identify which area of their game costs them the most strokes
- Prioritize practice sessions effectively
- Compare performance across rounds and courses
- Benchmark progress against professional or peer standards
Limitations and Accuracy
While strokes gained provides deep insight, its accuracy depends on the quality of data and expected strokes models used. The PGA Tour uses ShotLink data; for amateurs, simplified models (like this calculator) offer reasonable approximations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the expected strokes numbers come from?
They are derived from millions of shots tracked by professional tours, primarily the PGA Tour ShotLink system.
Is strokes gained only for professionals?
No. While developed for professionals, strokes gained is incredibly useful for amateurs seeking targeted improvement.
Can strokes gained be used for short game?
Yes. There are subcategories like "around the green" and "putting" strokes gained specifically for these areas.
How often should I track strokes gained?
Ideally, track every round to build enough data for meaningful analysis.
Improve Your Game with Strokes Gained
Quick Tips
- Use strokes gained to evaluate coaching progress
- Compare strokes gained trends over time
- Target weak areas for focused practice
- Understand where your practice time is best invested