Tips

Golf Stats – Strokes Gained

/ The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

This is my last installment on golf stats. As previously discussed in two different articles (1,2), golf stats are deceiving. As with all stats, the analyst can draw many different conclusions depending on the criteria that the data is measured against. The PGA Tour is trying to rectify the confusion by introducing a new set of statistics that measure the player’s performance against the field. Sounds interesting.

I decided to copy Mark Broadie’s explanation directly from this website. I thought by trying to simplify this new golf stat, I would just muddy the waters. So here it is in its entirety.

“Mark Broadie is at the forefront of a revolutionary new approach to the game of golf that uses analytics from the financial world to uncover the secrets of the game of golf. He crunches data to show both professional and amateur golfers how to make better decisions on the course.”
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The Difference Between Teaching or Coaching Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / 14 Comments

Lowering your score in golf is a key to most players. We spend time practicing, reading, watching videos, and taking lessons to improve our game. This post was sparked by a question from a grateful golfer, Sharkgolf13, “Could you explain the difference between coaching and teaching?” Thank you Sharkgolf13 for this very interesting question.

At the same time, golf is a very simple and complex sport. There are many moving parts to a swing, different ways to play a round, and infinite possibilities on how to improve. During the journey to improvement, it is important to understand the difference between being taught and coached. This distinction is important because both can have a positive impact on your game in different ways. Continue reading →

Golf Stats vs Golf Stats – Pt 2

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments
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Scrambling for Par

My last post talked about four common stats track by amateur golfers. These stats are easy to record while playing, however if find that your playing partners are waiting for you to record you data, I suggest finding a quicker way to record the data (little slow play plug). These and other stats can provide valuable indicators on where to focus your practice to improve your game.

The four stats in question are driving percentage, GIR, # of Putts, and scramble percentage. These particular stats are enough for most players to understand their strengths and weaknesses in their game. However, it is important to properly interpret the results to find the root problem that causes a lower stat percentage. As I analyze the data I make try to determine the root-cause of my challenges, not just the obvious! Continue reading →

Different Golf Swings – Pt2

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Last night during my indoor golf league at Rhino Sports, I realized that a different golf swing is required for different course conditions. It was strange, but I had to adjust my swing to fit the hard playing surface of the indoor simulator to get distance with my clubs!

Normally, I trap the ball as seen in the video below. I have found that trapping the ball offers more distance and better control with my irons. However, this style of swing does not fit my woods or hybrids; so like many players I play a more of a sweeping swing with them. Continue reading →

Course Management – Crazy Man Style

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Grip it and rip it!

The only way to play golf is to hit the ball as hard as I can and as far as I can every time! The initial logic of this style of course management may have you shaking your head, but let me lay out my reasoning.

  • By hitting the ball as far as we can off the tee, a shorter second shot awaits the daring;
  • A shorter second shot, means a even shorter iron and a greater chance to improve our GIR stat;
  • Attacking the pin on every shot results in shorter putts;
  • Hitting long irons and fairway woods when possible improves our changes at eagle; and
  • Putting the ball with enough speed to roll past the hole ensures the ball always has a chance to drop in.

Continue reading →