Why Strokes Gained Fails Amateurs: Simple, Personalized Stats for Real Golf Improvement and Motivation

Statistics have transformed the world of professional golf. Among them, strokes gained has established itself as the benchmark indicator on the PGA Tour. It allows for precise analysis of the impact of each shot compared to a database of professional players. But is it really relevant for amateurs? Spoiler: no.

In this article, we explain why strokes gained can distort your perception of your game, and above all, which actionable and personalized statistics to prioritize in order to improve concretely.

The strokes gained: an impressive tool, but misleading for amateurs

What exactly is strokes gained?

Developed for the highest level, strokes gained measures how many strokes you gain or lose compared to an average PGA Tour player. It is based on millions of data collected during official competitions and applies to every aspect of the game: tee, approach, putting, etc.

A flattering comparison… on paper

The idea of comparing yourself to the golfing elite is appealing:

• It provides an ambitious goal,
• It highlights areas for improvement,
• It seems precise and scientific.

But very quickly, enthusiasm gives way to a harsh reality:

You compare yourself to players who are three times more consistent than you, who train every day, under standardized playing conditions.

The result? A demotivating score, unclear progress, and often, a total misunderstanding of the conclusions drawn.

Why strokes gained doesn’t really help amateur players

1. It assumes impossible-to-reproduce conditions

The model assumes that each course, each green, each weather condition is identical to that of a professional tournament. However:

• You don’t always play the same tees,
• Your greens are slower,
• You don’t have caddies or custom reconnaissance.

2. It gives you averages without concrete solutions

The biggest criticism of strokes gained is that it does not tell you how to improve. You learn that you lose 1.8 strokes on putting… but what do you do with that information?

Actionable statistics to progress effectively

At Teech Golf, we believe in a more concrete and personalized approach. Rather than generating a comparative score that is difficult to interpret, we prioritize indicators directly linked to your training.

The stats that really matter:

StatisticWhat it indicatesWhy it is usefulFairways hitYour accuracy off the teeTargets alignment or rhythm problemsGreens in regulation (GIR)Your ability to reach the green in the correct number of strokesProvides clear benchmarks for your long gameNumber of puttsYour consistency on the greenHighlights holes where you lose pointsShot dispersionWhere your balls actually landIdentifies tendencies (slice, pull, etc.)

How does it work?

The Teech Golf app records this data on every round. It shows you which part of your game is costing you the most points, and then proposes a tailored training plan.

For example:

• You hit few greens? ➝ Work on approach shots from 100 m
• You lose 3 putts per round? ➝ Routine on putts from 1 to 2 m

In a few weeks, your standard deviation decreases and your confidence increases. You improve where it counts.

The right comparison: you vs. your peers, not the pros

The other bias of strokes gained is that it forces you to compare yourself to an unreachable ideal. Result:

• You feel “bad,”
• You lose motivation,
• You forget that the most important thing is your own progression.

A realistic, motivating, and useful comparison

Teech Golf offers an intelligent alternative: compare yourself to golfers of your profile:

• Same index or handicap range,
• Same age group,
• Same playing frequency.

You get a clear position within your reference group, which makes:

• Your progress measurable,
• Your goals achievable,
• Your training more motivating.

Conclusion: forget the pros’ model, adopt useful data

Strokes gained is a technological marvel… for the PGA Tour. But in the amateur world, it often proves counterproductive. On the other hand, by following the right indicators (and not the most complex ones), you can turn your stats into a concrete lever for improvement.

Data should serve you, not judge you.

With the right tools, you advance faster, more calmly, and regain control of your game.

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