Traditional statistics such as fairways hit and putts per round only tell part of the story. A golfer who misses many greens might have few putts simply because they chip close. Strokes gained solves this by measuring every shot against a benchmark: how many strokes it should take, on average, to hole out from where you started and where you finished. It's become the leading way to analyse golf performance, and amateurs can use it too.
How strokes gained works
Every position on a course has an expected number of strokes to hole out, based on large amounts of data. For example, from a certain distance in the fairway, a benchmark golfer might average around three strokes; from a short putt, just over one.
The formula for each shot is:
Strokes gained = expected strokes before the shot − expected strokes after the shot − 1
A worked example
The figures below are illustrative:
| Shot | Expected strokes before | Expected strokes after | Strokes gained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach from 150 yards (fairway) to 10 feet | 3.0 | 1.6 | 3.0 − 1.6 − 1 = +0.4 |
| Approach from 150 yards to a greenside bunker | 3.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 − 2.5 − 1 = −0.5 |
| 10-foot putt holed | 1.6 | 0 | 1.6 − 0 − 1 = +0.6 |
| 10-foot putt missed, tap-in left | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 − 1.0 − 1 = −0.4 |
Add up all the shots in a category to see your total for the round.
The main categories
- Off the tee: drives on par 4s and 5s.
- Approach: shots into the green from outside about 30 yards.
- Around the green: chips, pitches and bunker shots near the green.
- Putting: all putts.
Some systems also split approach shots by distance, which helps identify weak ranges.
What it reveals
Strokes gained often challenges assumptions:
- Driving matters more than many golfers think: distance and avoiding penalties both count.
- Approach play is often the biggest difference between handicap levels.
- Putting is important, but rarely the only issue.
- Penalty shots are costly and show up clearly.
Benchmarks for amateurs
Professional benchmarks make most amateurs look negative in every category. Many apps let you compare yourself with a target handicap, such as a scratch or 10-handicap golfer, which gives more useful feedback. Read what is a good golf score?.
How to use strokes gained
- Track at least five to ten rounds with an app or shot-tracking system. Read shot-tracking systems.
- Find your weakest category compared with your target benchmark.
- Plan practice around that category. Read short-game practice plan.
- Review regularly to see whether practice is paying off.
Limitations
- Needs accurate data: every shot must be recorded with the correct position.
- Benchmarks vary between providers.
- Doesn't explain why: it shows where you lose shots, not what's wrong with your technique.
Frequently asked questions
Can I calculate strokes gained by hand?
It's possible with benchmark tables, but apps make it much easier.
What's a good strokes-gained number?
Anything positive against your chosen benchmark is good. Improvement over time matters most.
Is strokes gained useful for high handicappers?
Yes, especially when compared with a realistic benchmark, such as a golfer a few shots better.
The bottom line
Strokes gained measures every shot against a benchmark, revealing where you truly gain and lose strokes. Track your rounds, compare yourself with a realistic target and focus practice where the numbers point. For simpler stats, read golf statistics to track.