This is the third in the PIIMP Your Game: The 5 Pillars of Better Golf series, in which we focus on the Intellectual aspects of improving your golf game.
Standing in the right rough on the 18th hole of Torrey Pines’s North course, I knew I would break 80 with a par.
The only problem: there was a tree between me and the green.
The 455-yard hole is already a tough par simply due to the distance, and I had room enough to advance the ball down the fairway, but I wanted to get as close to the green as possible. Give myself a chance at getting up and down for that 79. A low punch cut would do the trick if I just…
*CRACK*
I didn’t aim far enough left – the ball came out right, hit the center of the tree trunk, and came bouncing backward toward me. The good news was I had a look at the green. The bad news was that I now had to get up and down with a long iron.
I did get up, but in my frustration I made three putts, walking off the course with my only double bogey and an 81.
I would have been very happy with a double-bogey-free 80 that day. I should have been happy with it.
But I suppose this article wouldn’t exist if golf course strategy were easy. After all, there’s much more to it than simply pitching out when you’re supposed to.
Before we get too far into this, let’s recap…
What is PIIMP? The 5 Pillars of Better Golf
Physical – A long-overlooked aspect of the game, physical fitness is now becoming commonplace for many golfers. We’ll teach you where to start, or how you can make your workouts more golf-specific.
Implemental – This is just a fancy word for the philosophy of equipment, or implements, that you will use to actually play the game. Everything from your shoes to your ball can affect your game, and we aim to cut through the noise of the marketing-heavy language to tell you what you actually need to know.
Intellectual – Golf course management has long been talked about, but the recent acceptance of Strokes Gained analysis and usage of satellite imagery have created an entirely new era of golf course strategy.
Mental – I probably don’t need to tell you how losing your cool can negatively affect your scores, but I will – I’ll also tell you how to increase your ability to stay focused and prime your mind for performance.
Practical – ok, you will have to practice some, and lessons do help. But what should you practice, and how much? How do you know your instructor is helping, and how do you direct them to get you what you actually need? We’ll review this.
Strokes Gained
So what is golf course strategy, and where do we start when we want to get better at it?
While 20 years ago we would have talked about “golf course management” as the end-all-be-all of golf strategy, today we have a more quantifiable method to use as a foundation: strokes gained.
Strokes Gained was first introduced by Mark Broadie, a Columbia Business School professor and golf statistician, in the early 2000s. He developed the statistic as a way to better understand golf performance by measuring how much better or worse a golfer performs compared to the average player on the PGA Tour. He used data from the PGA Tour’s ShotLink system, which uses lasers and cameras to track every shot hit during a tournament, to calculate Strokes Gained for every player in every round.
While Broadie used strokes gained to understand the professional game, it’s not just for Tour pros – you can use it to compare your game to others with the same handicap to find your strengths and weaknesses as well.
Strokes gained is quite simple to calculate. To do so, compare a golfer’s score on a hole or round to the expected score of the average player on the same hole or round. For example, if a golfer scores a birdie on a hole that the average player typically scores a par on, that golfer would be said to have gained 1 stroke on that hole. Similarly, if a golfer scores a bogey on a hole that the average player typically scores a par on, that golfer would be said to have lost 1 stroke on that hole.
This can also apply to a single shot and therefore allow for better decision-making on the course and in matches. For example, the average Tour pro makes 50% of their 8-foot putts. Therefore they know that if they make an 8-footer, they are doing better than half the field, so it’s more important to take their time lining up that putt correctly as it’s more crucial to make than, say a 21-footer.
Or let’s say that you outdrove your opponent on a short par 4. You have 70 yards in and your opponent has 90 yards. While you feel like you may have a better scoring chance, statistically you’re likely to make the same score, so trying to jam one in on the flagstick is more likely to create an unforced error on your part than simple trying to hit the green and 2-putt for a tie. Your knowledge of stats on the course can allow you to be patient and let your opponent beat himself.
One of the most notable examples of a historically great Strokes Gained performance is Tiger Woods during his prime. In the 2000 and 2001 seasons, Woods led the tour in Strokes Gained and in 2000 he set a record for the most Strokes Gained in a season. He had an average of 2.74 strokes gained per round, which was more than double the next closest player. This dominance was a major factor in Woods winning eight of the 24 PGA Tour events he entered that year, and he also won the U.S. Open, the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.
Another example is Jordan Spieth, in the 2015 season, he led the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained and became the youngest player in PGA Tour history to win the FedEx Cup. He also set a record for most strokes gained per round in a season, with an average of 2.62 strokes gained per round. His performance that season was a major factor in his winning the Masters, the U.S. Open and the Tour Championship, and he also finished tied for 4th in the Open Championship.
This statistic is important for both professional and amateur golfers as it allows them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their own game and how they compare to other players. Strokes gained can be used to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time, allowing for the setting of more realistic goals and greater achievement of them. Thus, it is widely used as a measure of player performance in golf analytics and golf instruction.
Strokes Gained can be a valuable tool to understand your game and track progress over time. For example, if a golfer finds that they are losing a lot of strokes on the greens, they’re going to want to focus on improving their putting. Similarly, if a golfer finds that they are gaining a lot of strokes off the tee, they may want to focus on their driving.
Overall, Strokes Gained has become an essential statistic in golf analytics and instruction, and it has given us a better understanding of golf performance by measuring how much better or worse a golfer performs compared to the average player. The examples of Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth show how it can be used to identify and understand historically great performances, and how some players have been able to gain strokes over the average player in a way that is not visible by just looking at the scores.
Golf Course Management
Golf is a game that requires a combination of skill and strategy. Managing your game effectively can make the difference between a good round and a great round. In this section, we will discuss the best and worst ways to manage your game of golf around the course, as well as some key decisions that you may have to make during a round.
The best way to manage your game of golf is to have a game plan before you even step onto the course. This means taking the time to study the course layout, understanding the hazards, and identifying the best places to land your shots. It also means being prepared physically and mentally. You can read more about that in other parts of our 5 Pillars series.
The key aspect of managing your game is being able to make good decisions on the course. This means being able to choose the right club for each shot, making smart decisions about risk and reward, and being able to adapt to changing course conditions. It also means being able to read the greens correctly and make accurate putts.
Some examples of smart decision-making on the golf course include:
- Choosing the right club for each shot: This means considering factors such as the distance to the hole, the lie of the ball, and the wind conditions.
- Making smart decisions about risk and reward: This means being able to weigh the potential benefits of going for a shot against the potential risks of hitting it into a hazard or out of bounds.
- Adapting to changing course conditions: This means being able to adjust your strategy and club selection based on factors such as the weather, the time of day, and the condition of the greens.
- Reading the greens correctly: This means being able to accurately gauge the slope and break of the greens, and make the appropriate adjustments to your putt.
- Club selection around the green: Making smart decisions on using wedges, putter or other clubs based on the lie of the ball, distance from the hole and the situation.
- Playing conservatively in certain situations: Knowing when it’s better to play for a bogey instead of risking a double bogey by trying to go for a difficult shot.
- Using course knowledge: Knowing how to play certain holes, knowing where to miss the shots and where to avoid, and how to position your ball for the next shot.
- Being aware of your own capabilities: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and playing accordingly.
By making smart decisions on the course, you can improve your chances of playing a good round of golf and lower your score.
Creating and Executing a Strategy
Golf is a game that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and mental preparation. In order to play your best round of golf, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out plan before you even step onto the course. This includes studying the course layout, understanding the hazards, and identifying the best places to land your shots. It also means being prepared physically and mentally, and being able to make good decisions on the course. In this article, we will discuss the process of golf course strategy planning, documentation, and execution, including real-life examples from PGA Tour events.
The first step in preparing a strategy for playing a round of golf is to study the course layout. This means looking at a course map or yardage book to familiarize yourself with the layout of the course, including the location of hazards, fairways, greens, and tee boxes. In addition, you should check the weather forecast to understand the conditions you will be playing in, and review your past performance to identify areas where you struggled or excelled. It’s also important to practice your skills and set specific goals for the round.
Once you have prepared your strategy, it’s essential to document it in a way that allows you to refer back to it during the round. This can be done by writing it down in a notebook or golf planner, using a golf GPS or App, making a video, or taking notes. It’s also a good idea to share your plan with a coach or a friend, who can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your strategy.
By documenting your strategy, you can refer back to it throughout the round and make adjustments as needed. This will also help you to evaluate your performance after the round and identify areas for improvement. It’s also a great way to analyze and track your progress over time.
When it comes to executing your strategy on the course, it’s essential to stay focused and stay in the present moment. This means not getting too caught up in the past or worrying about the future, and avoiding distractions such as cell phones or conversations with other players. It’s also important to stick to your plan as closely as possible, even if you encounter obstacles or challenges during the round. Remember that it’s okay to make adjustments if necessary, but try to stick to your overall strategy as much as possible.
To give you a real-life example of golf course strategy planning, documentation, and execution, let’s look at the way Tiger Woods approached the 15th hole during the final round of the 2019 Masters. Tiger, who was leading the tournament at the time, knew that the 15th hole was a difficult par-3 with a narrow green and a deep bunker guarding the front. Instead of trying to hit the green, he decided to play a conservative shot to the middle of the green, leaving himself a relatively easy two-putt for par. This smart decision ultimately helped him to secure the victory, as he was able to par the hole and maintain his lead.
Another example is from the 2020 U.S Open, where Bryson DeChambeau put a lot of emphasis on his physical preparation and studied the Winged Foot Golf Club course in depth. He took detailed notes of each hole, the wind direction and velocity, and the type of grass on the greens. He also calculated the optimal launch conditions for each hole, and made sure he had the necessary club and ball speed to achieve those conditions. He went on to win the tournament, and while his intense training proved unsustainable, his major championship title endures.
Playing Style
Like any sport, different golfers have different approaches to the game – you know this from your rounds with your friends. There are five distinct styles of golfer: power player, precision player, short game specialist, strategic player, and all-around player. Once you identify your playing style you can look more closely at certain golfers to identify how you should be thinking about your game.
The first style is the power player. These players are characterized by a long, aggressive swing and a focus on hitting the ball as far as possible. They are known for their ability to generate incredible distance on their drives and for their powerful approach shots. Some of the most notable power players in the history of the game include Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Tiger has always been known for his powerful swing and ability to hit the ball a long way. Rory is also known for his long drives despite not having the size of peers like Tony Finau, which have helped both of them become top players in the world.
The second style is the precision player. These players are characterized by a more controlled swing and a focus on accuracy over distance. They are known for their ability to hit the ball exactly where they want it to go and for their consistency on the greens. Some of the most notable precision players include Luke Donald and Zach Johnson. Luke Donald was the world’s top-ranked golfer for a time, and Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson won two major championships on the back of his fairway-finder ways.
The third style is the short game specialist. These players are characterized by a focus on mastering the nuances of the short game, such as chipping, pitching, and putting. They are known for their ability to get the ball up and down from around the greens and for their great touch on the greens. Some of the most notable short game specialists include Phil Mickelson and Seve Ballesteros. Phil Mickelson, who has won five major championships, is known for his creativity and touch around the greens. Seve Ballesteros, who is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, is also known for his short game skills and his ability to get the ball up and down from difficult positions.
The fourth style is the strategic player. These players are characterized by a focus on course management and shot selection. They are known for their ability to think ahead and plan their shots accordingly. Some of the most notable strategic players include Tom Watson and Nick Faldo. Tom Watson, who is a five-time major champion, is known for his ability to think ahead and plan his shots. Nick Faldo, who is a six-time major champion, is also known for his ability to think ahead and plan his shots.
The final style is the all-around player. These players are characterized by a balance of power, precision, short game, and strategy. They are known for their ability to play well in all areas of the game. Some of the most notable all-around players include Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Jack Nicklaus, who is considered the greatest golfer of all time, is known for his ability to play well in all areas of the game. Arnold Palmer, who is also considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, is also known for his ability to play well in all areas of the game.
Conclusion
While it’s fun to go out and knock the ball as far as you can, it behooves you to take step back and analyze what you’re trying to do. Strokes gained will give you a quantifiable base for your analyses, managing course conditions and obstacles with a cool head, and planning and implementing a strategy that aligns with your playing style will greatly improve your chances of hitting that low handicap that you’re looking for. Know the course, know thyself, and make good decisions – it’s all you can control on the golf course.
After failing to hit a curveball, Ryan turned to golf more seriously as a teen. He played in high school in and around Scottsdale, Arizona before taking a break through college and his 20s. Today, Ryan spends his weekends playing Torrey Pines as a San Diego resident, working to chip away at his single-digit handicap.
While he's had great mentors along the way, much of Ryan's game improvement has been from study of the game itself. Ryan hopes to give these keys to success to other golfers through his work here at Better Golf Online.
- Intellectual Golf: Better Golf through Strategy - January 17, 2023
- Implement Your Game: Equipment for Better Golf - January 11, 2023
- Golf Fitness: Better Golf Through Exercise - December 10, 2022