In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto created a mathematical formula to describe the unequal distribution of wealth in his country, observing that twenty percent of the people owned eighty percent of the wealth. In the late 1940s, Dr. Joseph M. Juran inaccurately attributed the 80/20 Rule to Pareto, calling it Pareto’s Principle. While it may be misnamed, Pareto’s Principle or Pareto’s Law as it is sometimes called, can be a very effective tool to help you manage effectively. (about money)
Eight years ago I wrote an article featuring this principle as a methodology to improve our golf game. The Pareto principle, also known as the 80–20 rule, states that, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. So basically, when working on your golf game, make sure practice time on the 20 percent that really matters. Fast forward eight years and my thinking about this basic rule has not change. By identifying the 20% will go a long way to improving our overall golf game.
After gaining more experience, I realize that the Pareto Principle can be used on that identified 20%. For arguments sake, I will put for that I have 100 issues in my golf game that need addressing. By applying the principle, 20 of those issues will fix the other 80. Inside, that 20 focused challenges there are 4 that would have the greatest impact for improving my game. To simplify my logic, if we could identify one or two impactful fixes, our golf game would take leaps forward on the improvement scale.
The challenge most players have is identifying those two specific changes. I use a process of stepping back and looking at the big picture of my game then start to drill down in that area to find a fix that will have the greatest impact. The challenge many amateurs (including myself at one time) was to zoom into the minutest of errors and start fixing it. This process, without prior analysis of the big picture, was rarely effective and the domino affect became apparent. Other game challenges would unintentionally arise. Then off down another rabbit hole I would go.
When it comes to your golf swing basics, there are four big picture areas that golfers need focus upon before drilling down to more specific areas. These areas are: grip, posture, stance, and setup/impact position. I chose these larger fundamentals because having an understanding and ability to execute them is key before refining our game. If you decide to chose one of the four fundaments, I recommend you start in the order in which I presented them. That way your are building a strong foundation for success moving forward.
Once you are satisfied with the fundamentals, you can move forward with other areas of your golf game. As I have espoused many times, start at the pin and move outwards. Having a strong short game is king and should be developed first. The greatest stroke savings are found in this area when first starting to play golf (and in some cases after you have played for a while). Building a great golf game is like building a pyramid. Without a strong base, the whole structure will just topple.
Parteo’s Principle is a valuable tool for fixing our golf game. On a side note, I use it in all aspects of my life. It helps keep us focused on the big picture first before drilling down to specific areas that we can focus upon to improve our golf scores. This amazing principle has helped my game over the years and I think it will help yours.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
The idea is sound. We do have ways today that can bring us the information we need to determine just exactly where we lack and how we stand against others in our range or against a pro.
I’m now a big fan of the Shot Scope watch and sensor system I bought. It tracks every swing and provides very detailed data. I know that right now, when looking at the data from this years recorded rounds, that the approach shots are where I’m worst at present with most misses this year being short or right. I’m losing 4.55 strokes a round to a tour pro on approach shots. Off the tee and my short game are both losing less than 3 strokes and my putting, thanks to so many rounds on the home course, I’m gaining half a stroke on a tour pro. And I can narrow down where I need the most work in the approach section. I can look at the last round, the last 5 rounds, 10,15, all of this year or last.
It simply takes all the guess work out of where I need to concentrate my next moves. Right now, I’m in settle in mode. My swing is once again feeling mine and the stray shots are disappearing. A couple of weeks of that, and the numbers will guide me to what ranges need the most work first. 50-100, 100-150, etc. I can work through them one by one, or hit the range with a plan of attack to get them all straightened out at once.
Our group was at the tee box but still chatting when another group came up and I tried to allow them to play through but they wouldn’t hear of it. So I got the guys attention and got them moving and went to tee off myself. It’s a very short par 4. Played maybe 215 tonight with the tee box a little up. I hit to just behind and right of the flag with my 5 wood. Left a 12 footer slightly down hill and turning right to left. Two of the guys missed the green, and the 4th ran one on to about 15 feet short and right of the hole. The two who missed the green, missed the chip shots and their birdie putts before we got to take our eagle attempts. He went first. Missed by maybe half an inch. It was hanging over the hole. It just refused to go in. Mine hit the flag dead center and fell in. So with 7 watching I gave them a show and a big fist bump while I danced up to the ball. Took the win in the end too. Only 3 of our foursome were playing in the skins game. The other is still recuperating from too much handyman work for little old ladies here in the complex. lol They keep the poor man jumping. Anyway, we finished 4-2-1. Funny thing about this course is, there’s just not much in the way of approach shots to make. lol That may be hurting my progress, but it’s not hurting my winnings any.
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Kevin,
Using Shot Scope will definitely help with providing data for analysis. Sounds like you are set up with the proper data to improve your game. I would suggest you would figure that info out because of your experience. For those who are not as experienced, Pareto’s Principle would definitely help. Congrats on the eagle.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, a little simple 80/20 rule I have found: 80=strokes. 20 split in half = 10 fairways and 10 greens. Check most of your rounds where you hit the 10 and 10. You almost always break 80.
Brian
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Brian,
That is great analysis. After thinking about it, you are correct. Thanks.
Cheers Jim
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