tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53820875087424587552024-03-05T11:49:45.674-08:00Niblicks of TruthThinking outside the golf stat box: Accelerate improvement with Analysis, not Just Numbers - shot by shot.Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-81779711718595212292018-06-27T06:39:00.000-07:002018-06-27T06:39:07.106-07:00What really separates your BEST and WORST rounds?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you wonder what changes the most when you're playing your best vs. those rounds you'd like to forget? I've been providing this perspective to pro tour players for years, but golfers at every level can benefit from this information. The good news is that it's readily available on <a href="http://shotbyshot.com/">ShotByShot.com</a>. Here are the steps to running what I call a BEST vs. WORST analysis, or specifically the Best vs. Worst of your most recent 20 rounds.</div>
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Under <b>Analyze</b>, use the <b>Filter Rounds</b> tab:</div>
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1. Run an analysis of the Most Recent 20 rounds. It can be more or less rounds and can also be further filtered by type and format (e.g., Tournament, Stroke play... and even by Course).</div>
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2. From the <b>Rounds/Scoring</b> page of the analysis, record:</div>
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a. Average score</div>
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b. Date of the oldest round analyzed (this will be the anchor date for your BEST and WORST analysis).</div>
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3. BEST - Select: <b>Score Less than or Equal to:</b> The average score AND anchor the analysis on the <b>Start Date</b> (2. b. above). This will produce the BEST analysis. If it is not exactly 10 rounds (or half of whatever # of rounds you're using), simply adjust the score selected up or down by 1. Record the Strokes Gained for each facet as I have done in the chart below.</div>
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4. WORST - Select: <b>Score Greater than or Equal to:</b> One stroke above the score used in the BEST analysis above. Again, anchor the analysis with the <b>Start Date</b>. Record the Strokes Gained for each facet as I have done in the chart below.</div>
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5. Calculate the difference between the Strokes Gained for each facet to determine the greatest differences. You can then re-run the analysis to determine exactly what is causing the differences.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jNmClr5m2uhcJlEsZGW_gEr9hAOULkzs9tEysz7uyG_lelmYREyIRlyhX_GjdFrsRTkPaKuUj-MbRF1ERYAZlgGqC7WSkcOANH2ILgRI4ffqQPKhSzvSwIPaOVd5SLXZyJ2Dfy_pSJeX/s1600/Best+Worst+screen+shot+062118.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="908" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jNmClr5m2uhcJlEsZGW_gEr9hAOULkzs9tEysz7uyG_lelmYREyIRlyhX_GjdFrsRTkPaKuUj-MbRF1ERYAZlgGqC7WSkcOANH2ILgRI4ffqQPKhSzvSwIPaOVd5SLXZyJ2Dfy_pSJeX/s400/Best+Worst+screen+shot+062118.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The case above is an actual study that I did for a Mini Tour player. Putting came as a surprise as it had long been one of his strengths. When we looked closer, we found a fairly dramatic drop in his 1-Putt success in the critical ranges 4 to 10 feet while at the same time his 3-Putts nearly doubled.<b> </b>Clearly<b> good to know,</b> and the information he needed to see where there was <b>work to be done</b>!<b> </b></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-18710304586673317052017-03-23T08:54:00.002-07:002017-03-23T09:00:13.862-07:00ShotByShot.com adds Skills Tests & Practice Applications<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sounds fantastic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell me more about it.</span></b></div>
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These new features can be used by our instructor/coach Group
Leaders to:<br />
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<li>Conduct supervised skills tests to ascertain a
player’s skill level & relative handicap.</li>
<li>Create an ideal first lesson in a specific
skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How good or bad is the player now
and in the case of the latter, identify what areas need the most work.</li>
<li>Assign practice sessions and monitor the
player’s USE and RESULTS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do the
Practice session results compare to those of the supervised test?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is improvement carrying over into the
Complete Game and scoring?</li>
<li>Give users serious tools to help them practice
properly, with purpose, accountability and accurate feedback/analysis.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">How much does it cost?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTHING!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>We have added these new features to
ALL subscribers at no additional cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Further, it provides more to offer your students and can be built into
your lesson plans to add revenue.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where do I find it?</span></b><br />
Go to the top navigation bar in your account and click on <i><span style="color: #274e13;">Skills Practice.</span></i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;">
</span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;">What does it include?</span></b>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Putting</span>
is a stand-alone module, like our Complete Game Analysis, and with all the
important features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once entered, Putting
test/practice sessions will appear under Putting History and can be analyzed
& filtered exactly as Complete Game rounds are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See
the specific instructions for set-up and execution of the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Approach</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Short Game</span> skills tests,
as well as how to differentiate skills tests from practice sessions.</span>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #385623; font-size: 14.0pt;">What if I need help?</span></b></div>
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Please do not hesitate to contact us:</div>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 269.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal">
Peter Sanders,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="mailto:PSanders@shotbyshot.com">PSanders@shotbyshot.com</a></div>
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Office:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>203-968-1608</div>
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Cell:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>203-912-8734</div>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 269.75pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div class="MsoNormal">
Skip Williamson, <a href="mailto:Skip@shotbyshot.com">Skip@shotbyshot.com</a></div>
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Cell:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>203-512-9424</div>
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Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-32575064340066887382016-04-04T05:39:00.000-07:002016-04-04T05:39:05.064-07:00How good is Jordan Spieth's Distance Control?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7h9YzPUpC3FZGIWUleODu9X0kL7kPhBb3JjvObLv8cJm2Jg6Gy1_Qn5dvPH1-lFv1BpLG_60X4YRVHl5RDJKhSjaIIV_L1PauPgyl4iRVrn5WzhNCD9LVGN-OiNfwSgX9w2m163P2bV_1/s1600/Jordan.Putt.03.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7h9YzPUpC3FZGIWUleODu9X0kL7kPhBb3JjvObLv8cJm2Jg6Gy1_Qn5dvPH1-lFv1BpLG_60X4YRVHl5RDJKhSjaIIV_L1PauPgyl4iRVrn5WzhNCD9LVGN-OiNfwSgX9w2m163P2bV_1/s320/Jordan.Putt.03.2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.golfdigest.com/story/stats-show-why-jordan-spieth-is-a-great-putter" target="_blank">Read my article in this month's Masters issue of Golf Digest</a>Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-61086390913243748232016-03-14T18:36:00.000-07:002016-03-14T18:36:53.924-07:00Were the Copperhead greens really that slow?<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is always more fun to watch an event when I have played the course AND when bogeys are more common than birdies as was the case in this week's Valspar Championship. I find myself anguishing along with the contenders over the difficult drives, approaches, short game shots - how about those buried lies - and putts. Speaking of putts, I cannot remember seeing greens as slow in a PGA Tour event. 10.5 was mentioned but they looked more like 9 and Justin Leonard said 9 on the telecast after his round. So what effect did the slow greens have on the field? What would you expect?</div>
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<b>Fewer 3-Putts?</b></div>
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Since one does not have to worry about their lags getting away from them this would make sense. YES! 3-Putt Avoidance was 19% better for the Valspar field than the 2016 Tour average (2.2% vs. 2.79%). This says that the Valspar field 3-Putted on 2.2% of their greens of 1.6 times in 72 holes vs. the Tour avg. 2.0 3-Putts in 72 holes.</div>
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<b>More 1-Putts?</b> </div>
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Players can be more bold? Also YES but not by as much as one might think. The Valspar field</div>
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1-Putted 40.1% of their greens vs. the 2016 Tour average 38.5%.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There was ONE major difference in Distance control: </b></div>
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Lag Putts (20+ ft.) holed or hit past the hole. The 2015 Tour average for this distance control stat was <b><span style="color: blue;">67%</span></b> of lag putts had a chance to go in and, on average, <b><span style="color: blue;">7%</span></b> found the hole. The Valspar field only got <b><span style="color: red;">47%</span></b> of their 20+ ft. lag putts to the hole and only<span style="color: red;"><b> 5%</b></span> went in. That is a major difference.</div>
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With the majority of lag putts left short, the % 3-Putts from 20+ ft. was exactly the same as the 2015 Tour average - 8%. </div>
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Finally, the dramatically slower greens did not produce a single 4 or 5-Putt.</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-68178957180738612532016-02-24T08:42:00.001-08:002016-02-24T08:42:16.753-08:00How difficult were the poa greens at Riviera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2LKXczPIvyQtWVTrhQD5mV5ab1G7zasbEytKYi-yffjBMcqQvlgVLY-dcH58fsaJa4ZhB9hdHuM0IdF9tuqKctDrsSTRiH39N39mI_VKZRyq2nqzQpmaGzUdvHeCtfVewKhgkqv7rtOe/s1600/Riviera.1-Putts2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2LKXczPIvyQtWVTrhQD5mV5ab1G7zasbEytKYi-yffjBMcqQvlgVLY-dcH58fsaJa4ZhB9hdHuM0IdF9tuqKctDrsSTRiH39N39mI_VKZRyq2nqzQpmaGzUdvHeCtfVewKhgkqv7rtOe/s400/Riviera.1-Putts2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently did a detailed Putting - Distance Control study comparing Jordan Spieth's 2015 year to the most recent five, year-end, Strokes Gained leaders and the 2015 Tour average (please look for my article in the next issue of Golf Digest). Something jumped out in that there were 88 4-Putts and five 5-Putts on Tour in 2015. We obviously don't see these on TV. I typically have one 4-Putt every season so like to get it out of the way early in the year. Have never recorded 5 putts yet - WHEW! In 27 years of Shot By Shot data, we see very few 4-Putts. Why? The vast majority of our rounds are match play format and players tend to very appropriately pick up that 3rd putt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only did the fairly large number of 4+ putts stand out but two courses owned more of them than any of the others:</div>
<ul>
<li>CC of Jackson had the most with EIGHT 4-Putts in 2015. </li>
<li>Riviera was 2nd with SEVEN 4-Putts and, even more surprising, was that FIVE of the seven fell on the 1st hole - a very reachable Par 5. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was quite a bit of discussion during the Norther Trust telecast about the difficulty of the poa greens so I decided to see HOW difficult and WHY; as well as, see if the 4-Putts were repeated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The greater difficulty is not a surprise and was specifically pointed out by Nick Faldo - specifically the ability, or lack thereof, to make the 4-5 ft. putts. Good get Sir Nick! To support your point, the biggest difference between the 2015 Tour average and Riviera performance was the 4-5 ft. range (see graphic above). This key distance led to the highest rate of 3-Putts that I have seen in a PGA Tour event. <b>Riviera = .72/round vs. 2015 Tour avg. = .51/round</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Was it the Lag difficulty?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No! The average start distances and leaves/results were close enough to be a wash but the average leave distances for 3-Putts was telling. In 2015 the Tour's average leave on 3+ Putts was 6.1 ft. (the distance for their 2nd putt). At Riviera the average 3+ Putt leave distance was 5.7 ft. In short, the Riviera field 3-Putted with far greater frequency by missing shorter 2nd putts - on average 5 inches closer to the hole. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What about the 4-Putts? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were TEN in 2016 - up from the SEVEN in 2015. They were obviously caused by unusually difficult pin placements:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li>Round 1, THREE 4-Putts, on three different holes.</li>
<li>Round 2, FOUR 4-Putts, <b>9th hole</b>.</li>
<li>Round 4, THREE 4-Putts, <b>6th hole</b>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder if the Tour officials review their numbers to identify, and avoid, these overly difficult placements? </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-14386610025984872132016-02-08T06:10:00.000-08:002016-02-08T06:10:19.676-08:00Putting: Two important but different skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Putting is 40% of the game at virtually every handicap level. The higher the scoring level, the more putts are needed, but the ratio of # Putts/Score holds steady. That is, up until the 20+ handicaps when the pickup holes, with no putts recorded, slightly lower the percentage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So what are the two skills?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Short putts: </b>Line and accuracy are crucial inside 10 feet. Practicing a solid setup and alignment routine will help insure consistent accuracy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2. Distance control: </b>In longer, lag putts, the most important skill to develop is feel because distance is more important than line.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How much to practice each skill</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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A study of putting distances
faced by the average golfer (15-19 handicap) reveals that practice time should be split
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">80% short putts </b>/ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">20% distance control</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's because 83% of total putts during an average round occur inside 10 feet
(this is all putts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>
and 3<sup>rd </sup>…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When looking at just
first-putt opportunities outside 10 feet, 88% fall between 11 and 40 feet; only 12% at 41+ feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To practice your distance control, I
recommend spending time gaining confidence in your 30 foot
lag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can then make all other
lag putts a function of that stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is very important when playing away from home to set up 30 foot tees and putt
back and forth (I use two balls) until that distance becomes almost
automatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you hit the first green,
you will be ready to stroke the first putt with confidence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Work with your instructor on the specific practice drills
for each skill, but your goals should be:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Short putts:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Increase your 50% Make distance – the
distance from which you hole 50% of your putts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See where you are on the graph below.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b> </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKuKzf64EebbLL8cjZnmthKNs3brt_uHIDn2B6WpvgM0_kYVF0OJV_gYSacOcXPfAKD3s2DxeGkSNyPSG12j0ckO8f9wRXmGscp-Ij5gKMs7XDTUmtyZZ7vFUFM6Tx2CahZTJeXX_0NwC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-07+at+2.49.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKuKzf64EebbLL8cjZnmthKNs3brt_uHIDn2B6WpvgM0_kYVF0OJV_gYSacOcXPfAKD3s2DxeGkSNyPSG12j0ckO8f9wRXmGscp-Ij5gKMs7XDTUmtyZZ7vFUFM6Tx2CahZTJeXX_0NwC/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-07+at+2.49.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Distance control:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Work to expand your 2.00 Putt distance –
the distance from which you two-Putt the vast majority, but one and three-putt
with the same frequency on the rest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, see where you fit on the graph below
and work to extend your 2.00 distance<b>.</b></span></b></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IM6JktHQ-6DV-Cw-xex9IsKqfVPAsDEgNSJ6esO6b0-0o-j26VtAuD16BOPjJtoxSTEmV9cjRt-q6VGU1nKGRkwYSI1PXXJWf5ehdnCZ9re7tapBq_-1fJw3-aqeEs60262LqPvj_LQr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-07+at+2.52.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IM6JktHQ-6DV-Cw-xex9IsKqfVPAsDEgNSJ6esO6b0-0o-j26VtAuD16BOPjJtoxSTEmV9cjRt-q6VGU1nKGRkwYSI1PXXJWf5ehdnCZ9re7tapBq_-1fJw3-aqeEs60262LqPvj_LQr/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-07+at+2.52.06+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You will need a way of accurately
recording and analyzing your putting distances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I recommend ShotByShot.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Self-serving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps, but it's the only place I know where you can easily
and accurately get the information you need to determine your exact strengths and
weaknesses, and why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Determining your putting distances? I recommend
that you build this into your pre-shot putting routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you reach the green, you need to mark
your ball and walk to the flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply
count your steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the longer putts,
get to the midpoint - check the break - and count your steps back to your
ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then double the number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, know the distance of your average
stride – heel to heel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am 6’ 1” and my
average, walking stride is 28 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have to stride out a bit to average 3 feet, something that I actually practiced
in my living room until it became automatic.<b> </b></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-44479967557084596242015-10-08T08:54:00.001-07:002015-10-08T08:54:26.456-07:00Strokes Gained Putting - Why is Jordan Spieth NOT #1?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D_LHpU6Mr7T2fynhQxlCoV1kk42Y0Li8828ZO15Yaj5G-tpY3F9tN0Zz_lpCBU4F7ce1LZjiEKXD5uOT45Z4hlo_2IQj3MfcQQOtKieF4xKCJhOd4ULOlf_MGW4DLuiq8evU2MuxsnVb/s1600/J.Spieth.1-Putt.Best.vs.Worst2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D_LHpU6Mr7T2fynhQxlCoV1kk42Y0Li8828ZO15Yaj5G-tpY3F9tN0Zz_lpCBU4F7ce1LZjiEKXD5uOT45Z4hlo_2IQj3MfcQQOtKieF4xKCJhOd4ULOlf_MGW4DLuiq8evU2MuxsnVb/s400/J.Spieth.1-Putt.Best.vs.Worst2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
How
many times have we heard the TV announcer proclaim that Jordan is the best
putter in the game?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jordan is a GREAT
putter, ranked #8 for the year in Strokes Gained and is clearly a PHENOMENAL
clutch putter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the record, I believe
Jordan is the best putter in the game and that he would be appropriately ranked
#1 if the Majors were included in the ShotLink stats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">[</span>It is often overlooked that ShotLink stats
are not captured for non-PGA Tour events, notably the Masters, US Open and
British Open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Jordan's putting
performance in these Majors were included, it would add <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12 rounds</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">18%)</b> of
superior putting to the his 67 ShotLink rounds for 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case anyone forgot, Jordan's finishes in the
three missing majors were:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Masters - #1,
US Open - #1, British Open - #2.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
All
that said, using the stats at my disposal:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why is he not #1?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple answer
turns out to be consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
compared to the #1's that I have studied over the last four years, Jordan's
WORST putting events (those with negative Strokes Gained totals) are slightly
more frequent than these other players' (@ 5 of 20 (25%), but more importantly, his are more negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jordan's five negative Strokes Gained events
averaged <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">-.99</span></b>/round
while the four most recent Strokes Gained #1's averaged only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">-.44/</span></b>round on their negative Strokes
Gained events.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
follow-up question is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What changes
about Jordan's putting to produce these negative SG events?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To answer this, I ran my BEST vs. WORST
analysis on Jordan's 2015 ShotLink rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[The BEST being the 15 events where Jordan recorded positive SG totals,
and the WORST - the five events with negative SG totals.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The
answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT</b> an uncharacteristic flood of 3-Putts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Jordan's 3-Putt numbers are good
across the board and slightly better in his WORST putting events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jordan ranked 37th in 3-Putt Avoidance - only
3-Putting 2.4% of holes played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tour
average is 3.15%, and Aaron Baddeley (#1 Strokes Gained 2015) ranked 22nd @
2.25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, one of Jordan's strengths
is his impressive distance control - but that is a topic for another day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
major difference was logically a drop off in 1-Putts almost across the board
but specifically in the always critical 6 - 10 foot range. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from the chart above, this
important range involves more 1st Putt opportunities than any other range - just
under one in every four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his WORST
putting events, Jordan fell significantly below his BEST performance AND the
PGA Tour average in this range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just
coincidently, Jordan missed only four cuts this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of the four were also included in the
WORST putting events. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Congratulations on a spectacular year,
Jordan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tighten up that 6 - 10 foot
range a bit and I look forward to studying you as the #1 ranked putter next year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-31373782093946933632015-10-03T12:12:00.001-07:002015-10-03T12:12:09.378-07:00Best vs. Worst Analysis on ShotByShot.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc93xLxoPMBqvZSa37TbiWN4ZIK-xHZOl2jABONxDlDDqk7XMMZbKIBZTjeicHuSXXp8saDO5XjzAb1PpY7DZPUxIaM6u3fUzLw-LAKzZ4wZ_2cEKLj22w8IYiS7YzFGnTHiQISn6vWF3/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc93xLxoPMBqvZSa37TbiWN4ZIK-xHZOl2jABONxDlDDqk7XMMZbKIBZTjeicHuSXXp8saDO5XjzAb1PpY7DZPUxIaM6u3fUzLw-LAKzZ4wZ_2cEKLj22w8IYiS7YzFGnTHiQISn6vWF3/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of our ShotByShot.com users have had a difficult time finding our <b>Filtering Options</b> located below the <b>Pick Specific Rounds </b>screen on our <b>Analyze</b> tab. Sorry, we are correcting this. The Filtering features are robust, and can be used together to produce interesting analysis. I promised one of our new Group Leader instructors that I would share exactly how I run a BEST vs. WORST analysis. I thought that this was something that everyone should see. I have been doing these studies for years for the Tour players with whom I work, but every player can benefit from seeing exactly what changes the most from when they are at their best, playing to their handicap level, versus the OTHER rounds.</div>
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Use the <b>Filter Rounds</b>: </div>
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1. Run an analysis on the Most Recent 20 rounds. It can be more or less rounds and can also be further filtered by type and format (e.g., Tournament, Stroke play... and even by Course).</div>
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2. From the Rounds/Scoring page of the analysis, record: Average Score and Date of the oldest round analyzed (this will be the anchor for the BEST and WORST analysis).</div>
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3. BEST - Select: <b>Score Less then or Equal to</b>: The average score. Also, anchor the analysis on the Start Date of the oldest round recorded in #2 above. This will produce the BEST analysis. If it is not exactly 10 or half, you may have to adjust the Score selected up or down by 1.</div>
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4. Review the BEST analysis and record the numbers listed in the example above.</div>
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5. WORST - select: <b>Score Greater than or Equal to:</b> One stroke above the score used in the BEST analysis above and anchor the start date of the analysis. Record the appropriate numbers listed in the example above and compute the differences.</div>
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The greatest negative difference will be the part of the game that changes the most and is costing the player the most strokes on average when NOT at their BEST. The case above is an actual study that I did for a mini Tour player. It was somewhat of a surprise that Putting was the main culprit as it has long been one of his strengths. When we looked deeper, it was clear as to why. First, his % 1-Putts in the always critical range of 6-10 ft. dropped from 56% (50% is the PGA Tour Avg.) down to 37%. This is a significant drop off. Second, his 3-Putts jumped from a tidy 2% (PGA Tour Avg. is 3%) to 5%. Clearly, good to know! </div>
<br />Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-90584238087841837582015-08-21T06:27:00.001-07:002015-08-21T06:27:16.894-07:00Short Game: When is a missed green NOT an ERROR?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF5HdYELE-ljaM4g8jkdVeOczaSEKGKX6bm61GUL4DjEmHh3fjPowjZt6pi99RMjb-W20B74oc6VmtO9wJaP4DjyLwCn1wZdQWNnnhGJEnfnTcW9qeKNGYsI4uGmza4z5HpyFzGHa-PpY/s1600/ShortGame.Errors%253F08.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF5HdYELE-ljaM4g8jkdVeOczaSEKGKX6bm61GUL4DjEmHh3fjPowjZt6pi99RMjb-W20B74oc6VmtO9wJaP4DjyLwCn1wZdQWNnnhGJEnfnTcW9qeKNGYsI4uGmza4z5HpyFzGHa-PpY/s400/ShortGame.Errors%253F08.15.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shot By Shot was the first statistical program to recognize the importance of errors in the short game and enable our users to record them 25 years ago. When we launched a simplified, web version of the program in 2005, we had users record when their short game shots were successful (hit the green) or missed the green (errors). The subsequent putting distance recorded revealed the exact level of success but we did not know the exact extent of the mistake. The percentage of misses (or errors) has been a valuable component in our short game handicap determinations - a proprietary balance of three factors:</div>
<ol>
<li>Average putting distance when the green was hit;</li>
<li>% of attempts hit close (to within 5 feet for Chip/Pitch, 8 feet for Sand);</li>
<li>% Errors (shots that missed the green). </li>
</ol>
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The PGA Tour data does not include errors or missed greens in the 409+ ShotLink stats. I had my my programmer extract these important pieces of data from ShotLink for use in my work with Tour players. As one can see above, in 2014 the PGA Tour player on average MISSED greens with <b><span style="color: red;">7%</span></b> of their Chip/Pitch shots (within 50 yards of the hole) and <b><span style="color: red;">11%</span></b> for Sand shots from within the same range. If you think these numbers, when viewed as errors, seem high - I agree. </div>
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A post-round discussion with my genius programmer led us to the solution of this dilemma. Why not see what percentage of the missed greens actually took the players more than 3 strokes to hole out? Three strokes from a short game situation is not a SAVE, but it is certainly not a stroke lost. The save %'s are: Chip/Pitch - 65% and Sand - 50%. But four or more strokes to hole out is definitely an ERROR.</div>
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Once the programming was done, the answer confirmed that "<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>These guys really are good!</b></i></span>" <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">In</span><b> 75%</b></span></span> of their missed greens with Chip/Pitch attempts, and <b><span style="color: blue;">73%</span></b> of missed Sand shots, the Tour holes out in 3 strokes or less.<br />
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How does your game compare? Just stay tuned. Now that we have been collecting score by hole since last October, we will be able to exactly match our new Tour calculations. I plan to wait until we have a full year of new data but am very anxious to see the results. </div>
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Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-47818561825371387782015-07-31T13:22:00.000-07:002015-07-31T13:22:33.671-07:00How bad could Jordan Spieth's putting be in ANY range?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURc0dxegNEs9zwhQ0PweGUt8pDTGnI83IR3MxVTXE4qYKt_4BslOQPNC0cNtyXLUw61AHCfT6R9S1g6Q5qfz1U45Y6ur_QUOgFDSfZmIwz2KPwY-4mF351RJylNqkUqiEKP_5_6JuwuMW/s1600/Spieth.Rank.by.range2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURc0dxegNEs9zwhQ0PweGUt8pDTGnI83IR3MxVTXE4qYKt_4BslOQPNC0cNtyXLUw61AHCfT6R9S1g6Q5qfz1U45Y6ur_QUOgFDSfZmIwz2KPwY-4mF351RJylNqkUqiEKP_5_6JuwuMW/s400/Spieth.Rank.by.range2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year's Open at St. Andrews was by far the most exciting that I have watched. Forgive me for being a big Zach Johnson supporter - I've been the stat advisor to Zach and his team for the past four years.<br />
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Please don't tell Zach, but I was also pulling for Jordan Spieth. It bothered me to hear the commentators continually refer to Jordan as a poor putter in the important 5-10 ft. range. I understand that this was intended to build suspense as Jordan stood over these critical putts. But let's put the record straight. First, Jordan is by no measure a "poor" putter. Second, the rationale cited was Jordan's Tour ranking of #87 in that range, which is just WRONG. The ranking number is not wrong, but its use to support the assertion is dead wrong. I decided to write this blog when a good friend (a very knowledgeable golfer - but not a ShotByShot.com subscriber?!) quoted this stat in the context of "<b><i>... can you believe how bad Jordan is with these short range putts?" </i></b>I did some homework to set him straight, and realized it was worth sharing. I hope you agree.</div>
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<b>Compaction</b></div>
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First, the Tour maintains a total of 649 Tour Stats. With the exception of the two Strokes Gained stats (Putting and Tee-to-Green), the remaining 647 stats are one-dimensional snapshots of a small slice of performance and can be very misleading. The rankings represent where the player stands relative to his peers. But at this level - the very top of the game - differences are very slight. I refer to it as "compaction." For example, let's examine exactly what Jordan's 87th ranking in the <b>5-10 ft. putt range</b> really means.<br />
<ul>
<li>The #1 ranked player is Troy Merritt (who?) makes 65.15% of his opportunities in this range.</li>
<li>Jordan's 57.3% is <b>better than the Tour avg. of 56%.</b></li>
<li>This stat does not drop below 50% for any player until #190</li>
<li>The worst player in this range, ranked #196, makes 45% of his opportunities.</li>
<li>Like most players, Jordan averaged less that three putts (2.7) in this range per round.</li>
<li>Finally, the range should be 6-10. There is way too much difference in the average make % between 5' 4" and 8 or 9+ ft. so each player's actual spread of distances will influence the result.</li>
</ul>
Bottom line, Jordan's 57% is not bad at all - he's better than average in a very small slice of the overall putting pie.</div>
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<b>Strokes Gained</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jordan Spieth is ranked #6 in this <b>MOST IMPORTANT</b> putting stat. I don't recall this stat being mentioned in the telecast. For those that are unfamiliar, this stat compares the player's
performance for the distance of each putt opportunity to a model of the
average performance of the entire Tour for that distance. It is as
close to perfect as a golf stat can get. For a more complete
explanation see:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5382087508742458755#editor/target=post;postID=294398041" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<a href="http://niblicksoftruth.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-good-is-strokes-gained-putting.html" target="_blank">How Good is Strokes Gained Putting</a><br />
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The graph above displays Jordan's current Tour rankings from each distance range. For perspective, I added his Strokes Gained Putting ranking (6) in blue. When I average all the Tour rankings by range, Jordan would rank #48. This makes no sense as the vast majority of putts fall into the first three ranges. So I performed a weighted average based upon my educated estimates of the # of putts within each range. In theory, the weighted average should approximate Jordan's overall skill level. Instead it bumps Jordan up to #64 - a long way from his real skill level - #6.<br />
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In closing, my plea to broadcasters: If you are going to cite statistics, please understand what they really mean. If you need help, call me!</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-80936917944471919802015-05-14T12:34:00.000-07:002015-05-14T12:34:41.878-07:00It only took 26 years!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyJNJm5aKJcoyS5YBFbhxm4dwPn5gCSmtQLP9LCD4CaIi2uX3jmQL9-ffVJjnxUtd_UYZ5xBqpXFdxcvjNoxpKsz1E8qfOtcTsy_9lo0iiWk4P5B6cwZ99htgA-M_K50U-Ks3y1lkrK6k/s1600/Appr.announce051315.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyJNJm5aKJcoyS5YBFbhxm4dwPn5gCSmtQLP9LCD4CaIi2uX3jmQL9-ffVJjnxUtd_UYZ5xBqpXFdxcvjNoxpKsz1E8qfOtcTsy_9lo0iiWk4P5B6cwZ99htgA-M_K50U-Ks3y1lkrK6k/s400/Appr.announce051315.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1989, I left a successful career in the reinsurance business to, of all things, get into the golf business. Imagine having that discussion with your wife? My idea was to apply what I had learned about computer modeling to radically improve golf stats and performance analysis. There was no internet, apps or even cell phones. It took two years to gather enough rounds to create my first "Scratch" model and another year to launch what I called <i><b>Strokes Lost/Saved Analysis</b></i> - now known as Strokes Gained (read the <a href="http://wwv.shotbyshot.com/About-Us/History-of-Strokes-Gained" target="_blank">History of Strokes Gained)</a>. </div>
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Along the way, I was told by lots of smart people that my system would never catch on - notably, several venture capital specialists and the PGA Tour (but only three times). But there was also a bright side. Some noteworthy instructors took an interest and helped me keep rolling the stone up the hill. Carol Mann was the first and introduced me, and the program, to a host of LPGA players. A few Golf Digest instructors (Hank Johnson, Chuck Cook and Jack Lumpkin) were very helpful and encouraging. Tom Patri was an early and influential supporter. And no one has done more for me and my business than my Canadian brother, Henry Brunton. Could never thank you enough, Hank!</div>
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On Saturday night we launched ShotByShot.com's revised Complete Game Analysis. This new version added Approach shots - the final piece of the complete Strokes Gained puzzle. Keeping the program simple enough that golfers will actually use it, while introducing a very sophisticated analysis, proved to be even more of a challenge than expected. But I believe we have done it! Great thanks to the many users that contacted me with questions in the beta phase, and to two, long-time Group Leaders who spent their valuable time studying the results and discussing them with me. Special thanks to Derek Ingram (another Canadian and the National Team Coach) and Jeff Isler, who runs a great academy in Southlake, Texas (www.jeffislergolf.com).<br />
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I look forward to your feedback on the program and to continued grow and improvement. </div>
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Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-67977829504226881242015-04-22T06:10:00.003-07:002015-04-22T07:06:11.486-07:00Introducing Approach Shots - Now Strokes Gained Analysis for EVERY facet<style>
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We are proud to announce the addition of the Approach Shot
distance and position to ShotByShot.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The distance will be entered and analyzed in the same 25 yard ranges used in the PGA
Tour stats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This adds the final piece of
the Strokes Gained puzzle and completes our Strokes Gained analysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every major facet will be analyzed and included
in the determination of a player's #1 Improvement Priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so proud of the result that this
additional component will not be an option, as anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new information easy, usually only one
additional click, and who attempts an approach shot without knowing the distance. Finally, the complete product is far too good not to be used by all
of our players.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What does this mean for our current subscribers and Group
Leaders? </b> Everyone currently using the program will simply have the
benefit of the new feature at no additional cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>may</u></b>
be a price increase at renewal?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The retail price of the program for new subscribers will
increase from $59 to $79.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A premium
price for a premium product.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The app has been submitted for
Apple's approval and considering that it is simply an upgrade of an existing
app, approval should come quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How will you know?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will announce it, but when you login you will see the Approach shot
feature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply download the App's
update. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What about an Android App?</b> Soon! It was nearly complete when we decided to move Approach shots to the top of our list. Further, it did not makes sense to release it without the Approach feature. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Skip and I look forward to your feedback.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLubN0utcXFJbV1BSM-tE_hA3Q65kX6RSNVgygXodrHr7k3VWw3O75fqOG8_3qJImRHyin2ZMUrlJQzTZvgKApFaGyv2g57GsWbxDIz4Hp7fowg49kZI_bENn8A1_CLUpDkmnjEfu8YcRi/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLubN0utcXFJbV1BSM-tE_hA3Q65kX6RSNVgygXodrHr7k3VWw3O75fqOG8_3qJImRHyin2ZMUrlJQzTZvgKApFaGyv2g57GsWbxDIz4Hp7fowg49kZI_bENn8A1_CLUpDkmnjEfu8YcRi/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="400" width="233" /></a></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-4257669972269005652015-02-22T10:41:00.000-08:002015-02-22T10:41:13.517-08:00What is your 2.0 Putt Distance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyrl7_q-SdoPWwU4LRsNjw3mF6IwKwTXWOZ3o9truh8fvmRRsqNX-W8wxgEPeH0coyfq_L9hOH_4sKVbablQMTQixQRtnQYsHhXedo4kC2DK9Jj5Pjr95tbYGP-0HlaE52YcUO74yiE3w/s1600/2.0+Putt.graph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyrl7_q-SdoPWwU4LRsNjw3mF6IwKwTXWOZ3o9truh8fvmRRsqNX-W8wxgEPeH0coyfq_L9hOH_4sKVbablQMTQixQRtnQYsHhXedo4kC2DK9Jj5Pjr95tbYGP-0HlaE52YcUO74yiE3w/s1600/2.0+Putt.graph.png" height="327" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
In
studying performance at all levels for more than 25 years, I have found that
there are two distinct skills needed to become a good putter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alignment and Distance Control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proper alignment is especially critical in
the 1-Putt range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distance control is
critical to avoid 3-Putts from longer range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is important to practice both skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I recommend spending 60% to 70% of your practice time on the former, or
putts inside 10 ft., with special emphasis on 3, 4 and 5 footers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carry the SeeMore Triangulator in my golf
bag, and do not let a week go by during the season without using it to sharpen my
short putt alignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
like to measure skill levels in these two important skills in terms of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">50%
Make</i></b> distance - the distance at which a player consistently makes 50%
of their putts; and, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2.0 Distance</i></b> - the distance from
which a player averages 2.0 putts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simply stated, from your 2.0 distance, you 2-Putt the vast majority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you don't, you 1-Putt and 3-Putt
with the same frequency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The graph above displays the 2.0 Putt distances for an array of handicap
levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The <i><b>50% Make</b></i> distances are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Tour - <span style="color: red;">8 ft</span>., 0 Hcp - <span style="color: red;">7 ft</span>., 5 to 15 Hcp - <span style="color: red;">6 ft</span>. 20 Hcp - <span style="color: red;">5 ft</span>.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Over your next few rounds try to
get a feel for where your skills stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you would like to know precisely, log on to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">www.ShotByShot.com </i></b>and
register for our FREE Trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
been providing Strokes Gained Analysis to all golfers since 1992.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-28929315178350051262015-01-29T13:34:00.001-08:002019-09-20T06:58:18.266-07:00Why do we NOT include Direction of Missed Shots?<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We
get this question all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years
ago, a potentially large "partnership" opportunity was lost<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>simply because we would not add this to our
existing analysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is simple:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is an option, players will not do it
with enough consistency for the data to be of value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is mandatory, it is too much extra work
and players will not use the program at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How do we know? Two
examples:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an option in my original Shot By Shot
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Players would simply mark little
arrows indicating Left, Right, Long or Short when fairways or greens were
missed - SIMPLE?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results were
displayed in the analysis of each facet as % of misses in each direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We consistently found that the directions
were marked with such inconsistency and infrequency that the resulting analysis
was worthless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E4uXoUR4sBF1Dn7q9HmSV8HAJliq_6VFKH4xdo54NfdkggcwcI4NGFvmiSucz11TOZUQHP6wz60X42uB423tuOlZBKaG-9VRMsvJ9cdo5d5fpm6BClbxaPK5lZbweA7I9fSB_ntK-mGq/s1600/Old.scorecard.w.arrows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E4uXoUR4sBF1Dn7q9HmSV8HAJliq_6VFKH4xdo54NfdkggcwcI4NGFvmiSucz11TOZUQHP6wz60X42uB423tuOlZBKaG-9VRMsvJ9cdo5d5fpm6BClbxaPK5lZbweA7I9fSB_ntK-mGq/s1600/Old.scorecard.w.arrows.png" width="147" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Group of my LPGA players requested
direction of miss on putts along with the distance of the 2nd putt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was such enthusiasm that we did the
programming and created special scorecards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the 2nd month, every single player had stopped recording the new
putting data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because determining the distance of the 1st
putt becomes an integral part of the pre-shot routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The direction of miss and 2nd putt distance
are afterthoughts and frankly become annoying when focusing on the positive
routine of MAKING that 2nd putt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We
recently were sent a new, competitor stat program for review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try to keep up with the ever-growing competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set up an "average" test round
(an 81) and entered the data in our program and the competitor's to see the
differences in work needed by the player vs. analysis/feedback.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ShotByShot.com</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We counted every click needed to enter the
round with and without our soon to be added Approach shot analysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Total
clicks w/o Approach data:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>76</b> clicks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Total
clicks with Approach data:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>103</b> clicks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The competition:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>451 clicks </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- 5 times the work and time to enter the same
round.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be noted that their interface <u>required</u>
the miss direction for Fairways and Greens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In
closing, we've learned the hard way that less is more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to create something that can
easily become a part of every player's on-course routine without becoming a distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best program in the world is useless if
players will not do it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By
the way, that potentially big "partner" that dug in their heels about
direction of miss, AND started their own stat program, is no longer in
business.</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-41417382047939805012014-05-27T05:31:00.003-07:002014-05-27T05:31:33.080-07:00A Nice Story!<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the summer of 2012 I was contacted by a young man requesting that I review his stats to help him decide exactly where he needed to improve his golf game. I am always flattered when ShotByShot.com users reach out to me for my insight so I responded accordingly asking for his User Name and Password. He responded that he did not use ShotByShot.com but would I look at his GolfStat data. (GolfStat is a competitor program that offers traditional golf statistics.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My first thought was to suggest that he contact GolfStat, but softie that I am, I agreed and he emailed me a summary of his 2012 season data. As I suspected, the limitations of the data resulted in limited insight - his GIR's were very good but the rest of the one-dimensional stats were just numbers. I felt bad and offered to give him an explanation of why traditional stats don't tell the story and what ShotByShot.com does differently to provide answers. I also had to ask: WHY DID HE REACH OUT TO ME? He said that he was on the Stanford University golf team and that his coach had the team routinely read my blog and that he was impressed with what he had learned from it. Again, I was flattered. But then why wouldn't his coach also use ShotByShot.com? His response was that his coach is committed to the other program. I said, Oh well, I understand.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A week later, I received a call from the Stanford coach, Conrad Ray. His pointed question: What can I get from ShotbyShot.com that I cannot get elsewhere? I was prepared and ran down my list. His next question was how much and when can we start? Further, when his team had gotten into the program Conrad asked if I would consult periodically to help set improvement goals for the players. Coach Conrad and his assistant Phil Rowe and I have had some lively and fun conversations during which I reveal what I see as the strengths and weaknesses of each player. I am also able to throw in the added perspective that I have gained from the PGA Tour's Shotlink data.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fast forward to yesterday when I had the thrill of watching the aforementioned young man, Cameron Wilson, win the NCAA Division 1 National Championship. CONGRATULATIONS Cameron! Keep up your great play thru the match play.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks again for your interest and for contacting me. I look forward to watching you and perhaps helping you at the next level. </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-49398206526940098492014-04-21T04:36:00.003-07:002014-04-21T04:36:26.866-07:00Kuchar's improbable finish at Harbour Town
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A good friend texted me after Matt Kuchar's improbable
closing holes to ask:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span><b><i>Which is more
likely, a 3-Putt from 4 ft. or to hole out from a greenside bunker?</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">" </span>I do not have this stuff on the top of my
head but was intrigued, so looked into ShotLink.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The greenside bunker shot holed is not that uncommon on
Tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2013, there were 252 instances
in 20,741 attempts or <b>one in every 82 attempts</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Since 2003, there have been 499 3-Putts from 4 ft. in
143,788 attempts or <b>one in every 288 attempts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If my math is correct, the bunker holed is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3.5 times more likely</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not able to calculate the odds that one
player would do both on consecutive holes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Nice to see Kuchar close this one out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is interesting to note how the tables turn on these two outcomes as we move into the amateur ranks. Let's take the average <b>10 handicap</b> - The <b>3-Putt from 4 ft. </b>becomes<b> 2.4 times more likely</b> than the hole out from the greenside sand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
3-Putt from 4 ft.:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1
in every 170 attempts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hole out from greenside sand:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 in every 408 attempts </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-18697981778704653892014-03-07T04:29:00.000-08:002014-03-07T04:29:39.884-08:00Shot of the Year?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rory's 5-wood to last weekend's final hole of regulation
from 245 yards in the fairway was remarkable for many reasons. Had he made the putt and won the Honda Classic, that approach shot would be in the conversation for best all-time clutch shots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The announcers did give the shot appropriate praise, but after Rory missed the 11-foot putt and didn't win, it was virtually forgotten. Tiger used to WOW us with just that kind of pressure shot, but more often than not finished it by making the putt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By ShotLink standards Rory's shot was great because of its relative proximity to the hole. The ShotLink average proximity from 225-250 in the fairway is 53 feet. OK, 11 feet is worlds closer, but it is actually much more than that. The problem with the
"Proximity" stat is that it includes all shots - whether they successfully hit the green or
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A ball can be 15 feet short and in
the water, or 10 feet away and buried under the lip of a bunker - and still be included in the average proximity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
ShotLink also reveals that tour players will hit the green-in-regulation from 200+ yards in 43% of their tries. This is nice but it mixes all conditions (fairway, rough, bunkers, etc.). Further, there is a large distance span of attempts greater than 200 yards. Players are
attempting to hit greens from 260+ these days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I believe the best way to judge Rory's accomplishment is by comparing apples to apples. Accordingly, I have looked a bit deeper. The 2013 tour average for greens hit from 225 - 250 yards in the fairway was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">36%</b> (just over 1 of every 3). When successful, the average putting distance from
this range was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">33 feet.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So Rory's success in hitting the green was impressive, but<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> 11'4"</b> from the pin was over the top,
especially under the circumstances, and the looming downside of water short, right and long. Missed putt notwithstanding, I think it qualifies for Shot of the Year so far.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br /></div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-21479112200336289962014-02-20T05:05:00.000-08:002014-02-20T05:05:14.328-08:00Apologies, Bubba, but I could not help but notice...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CvCYoFhJitRqMCNHK-oLPHtaGaVV4Vha6MHEkCzqZpi6-fpqJ6ne-9nE-20jREQlzWFzq7bXeonciwf2wgBdLiKUgrqGYbF4GhKYQL1z8jlszlEa8I3qxGl0PGjFmpR4Dzq5SPm6N1MO/s1600/Scr.Sht.BubbaSandX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CvCYoFhJitRqMCNHK-oLPHtaGaVV4Vha6MHEkCzqZpi6-fpqJ6ne-9nE-20jREQlzWFzq7bXeonciwf2wgBdLiKUgrqGYbF4GhKYQL1z8jlszlEa8I3qxGl0PGjFmpR4Dzq5SPm6N1MO/s1600/Scr.Sht.BubbaSandX.png" height="298" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Background</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Going into this weekend's event at Riviera, I noticed that greenside sand was rated 5th most difficult of the 43 PGA Tour courses rated in 2013 based upon % saves. This made me take a look at the other side of the sand game - Errors (shots that miss the green). This number was surpisingly high (17%) when compared to the Tour average for 2013 (11%). I thought it worth pointing out to the tour players with whom I consult. I also gave it to Damon Hack, host of Morning Drive on the Golf Channel, labeling it as a "Thing one can't find in the Tour stats." Damon was then good enough to mention it and Shot By Shot.com on the air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Followup </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The errors from the sand for the field at Riviera were down just a bit
from last year, to only 16%. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps some players took my warning to
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it interesting that the
TOP-5 finishers were worse than the field in this relatively unknown and undesirable stat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The TOP-5 sand errors were 19% (7 of 37
attempts from greenside sand missed the green).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unbelievable? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I thought so until
I looked at the Winner's sand game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bubba Watson committed <b><span style="color: red;">four errors</span></b> in only nine attempts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<span style="color: red;"><b>44%</b></span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It is </span>unusual for the Winner to have ANY errors let along FOUR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These errors resulted in the only 3 double bogies
that he made this week and a bogey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be fair, Bubba also holed out from the sand for birdie in the 4th round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I entered Bubba's sand results into ShotByShot.com, his average putting distance of 13 feet and 44% errors produced a robust 32 handicap. So the sand is clearly not Bubba's strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus far this year, Bubba is ranked #170 in
saves @ 27.5%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tour Average is
46.7%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My guess: Bubba's Riviera errors were
not a fluke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, when one has the
power to bring a course to its knees and a hot putter, he can overcome a few
errors...</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-66982863010547377582013-07-12T06:39:00.000-07:002013-07-12T06:39:25.661-07:00Publicity for ShotByShot.com and me!<div style="text-align: justify;">
About a month ago, I received a phone call from Josh Sens, a writer for GOLF Magazine. Josh was researching an article on the relatively new trend of PGA Tour players adding stat experts to their support teams. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Josh had done his homework. He had spoken to Zach Johnson and gotten my name and number from Dr. Morris Pickens (Zach's Sports Psychologist) - Thanks Mo! Our discussion was a lively one that lasted approximately an hour with a few follow up calls and questions about points that I had raised.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Josh's article was published on GOLF.com on Monday, July 8. I think he did a great job and included quite a few of my quotes and was kind enough to plug my website. By far my favorite quote is from Zach, talking about my work: <b><i>"He's able to find holes in the stats and magnify other stats by clearing out the junk," Johnson says. "He chews on it, digests it and then spits out something a lot more practical than 'You've got to hit more fairways.'" </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Way to go Zach! Very high praise and I could not have said it better myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you enjoy the article: <a href="http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/golf-performance-statistics-are-advancing-leaps-and-bounds">GOLF.com - It All Adds Up</a> </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-17988899941719755872013-06-13T04:18:00.000-07:002013-06-13T04:18:24.613-07:00What makes a great putter?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brandt Snedeker ranked #1 in Strokes Gained Putting for the 2012 PGA Tour year. Quite an accomplishment to be considered the best of the best. I decided to see if I could find the key to his putting prowess - was there something that clearly separated Brandt from the rest? My conclusion: Two things stand out.<br />
1. Consistency<br />
2. Distance control<br />
<br />
<b>Consistency</b><br />
In 18 events covered by ShotLink, Brandt recorded a negative Strokes Gained total in only five (28%). While negative, these five poor putting events were not horrible. The average of the five was only <b><span style="color: red;">-.325</span></b> (only giving up .325 shots per round to the field) and his worst was only <b><span style="color: red;">-.64</span></b>. <br />
<br />
Brandt's other 13 events were positive SG numbers and for the year Brandt averaged <span style="color: blue;"><b>.860 </b></span>strokes gained on the field. This profile is the picture of putting consistency.<br />
<br />
But what exactly does he do to achieve this high level of consistent performance? The answer does not exactly leap out of the Tour stats. Speaking of the ..., there are <b>NINE</b> putting stat categories and <b>110</b> individual putting stats. Each is expressed in a number or percentage with a ranking for perspective. Further, there is a high degree of compaction which causes the rankings to sometimes be misleading. That said, rankings in the TOP-20 on Tour are good in ANY stat. The Tour average tends to be around 75.<br />
<br />
Brandt's ranking for the year in a few stats stood out and lead me to my conclusion:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 Putts 10-15 feet - <b><span style="color: blue;">rank 4</span></b> (this range consistently shows up in the Winners on Tour)</li>
<li>1-Putts > 25 feet - <span style="color: blue;"><b>rank 8</b></span></li>
<li>Putts made over 10 feet - <span style="color: blue;"><b>rank 3</b></span></li>
<li>Putts made over 20 feet - <b><span style="color: blue;">rank 4</span></b> </li>
</ul>
I believe that Brandt's high level of success in the four stats mentioned above comes from a great confidence in his distance control and the relative absence of fear about the length of the next putt.<br />
<br />
<b>Distance control </b><br />
In 2000 and 2001, when Tiger was the dominant player on tour, I did a study of his distance control as it related to the other top players at the time. I found that they all tended to average 7% of their start distance (40 foot start ==> inside 3 feet = 7%). I also found that Tiger set himself apart by getting a higher percentage of his long distance lag putts to or past the hole.<br />
<br />
ShotLink makes this exercise quite a bit easier and precise. A study of Brand Snedeker's 2012 putts of 25 feet and greater revealed a similar result:<br />
<ul>
<li>His overall average lag distance - <span style="color: blue;"><b>6.5%</b></span></li>
<li>2-Putts - <span style="color: blue;"><b>5.8%</b></span></li>
<li>3-Putts - <b><span style="color: red;">14.2%</span></b></li>
</ul>
In both instances above (2 and 3 Putts), Brandt got <b><span style="color: blue;">63%</span></b> of these long putts to or past the hole. I can't help but think of the annoying refrain: <i><b>Never up, never in!</b></i> Obviously, Brandt has taken it to heart.<br />
<br />
Finally, we amateurs should take heed and work on distance control. I like to focus on 10% of the start distance as my goal and highly recommend it. First, we don't do this for a living and second, the math is much easier.</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-65953429033721570482013-06-05T06:59:00.000-07:002013-06-05T06:59:53.842-07:00Muirfield brings out the worst in most - not Matt Kuchar<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have said for years that the frequency and severity of our mistakes in golf have a far greater influence on our score and handicap level than do our good shots. Jack's event this weekend proved to be a great example of my point. The table below displays the errors (mistakes) made by Matt Kuchar in his four rounds on Muirfield Village as compared to the average of the field. For perspective, I added the average number of errors made by the PGA Tour in 2012 for an equivalent four rounds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNmPRadPdP9yzPaX-iH2-7cAaYrh_XkXU8SOueW3DxJ6Hylt0F4HiezpBiscn5m_K_EAds-CuqIyF862QKIqNdpTgWhPrIOGao2u_TXOPWJxc99R1ZsVzvtrMOFUhB8ug3Er_cNhXrT7d/s1600/2013.Memorial.Errors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNmPRadPdP9yzPaX-iH2-7cAaYrh_XkXU8SOueW3DxJ6Hylt0F4HiezpBiscn5m_K_EAds-CuqIyF862QKIqNdpTgWhPrIOGao2u_TXOPWJxc99R1ZsVzvtrMOFUhB8ug3Er_cNhXrT7d/s400/2013.Memorial.Errors.png" width="400" /></a>Muirfield Village is, without question, one of the most difficult courses visited by the Tour. It is ranked the 3rd most difficult this year, based upon score over par, just behind PGA National - Champion (#2) and Augusta National (#1). While I have yet to be invited to play Muirfield, I did walk (actually run) the course some years ago to record Shot By Shot data for Jack and his three pro am partners. Not quite as much fun as playing but I did not lose a single ball. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What did I learn?</div>
<ul>
<li>Playing is more difficult than walking. The three amateurs, not bad golfers, picked up almost as often as they finished holes.</li>
<li>Muirfield has lots of water that comes into play around the greens. (Note the approach shot penalties are more than 2x the 2012 Tour average.)</li>
<li>The greens and green complexes are very severe and present difficult short game shots. </li>
</ul>
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In my study of the event this week, I was surprised to see that aside from the difficulty of the approach shots to the greens, it was the greens and their surroundings, <i>especially the bunkers</i>, that presented the greatest relative difficulty. (Note the average number of short game errors were more than 50% higher than the 2012 Tour averages.) The Muirfield field made an error from the greenside sand <span style="color: red;"><b>19.5%</b></span> of the time - one in every five attempts. This compares to <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b>12%</b><span style="color: black;">,</span></span> </span>or one in every nine attempts in all of 2012. </div>
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Matt Kuchar obviously had his sand game ready for Muirfield's test. In seven attempts, his average putting distance was 6.7 feet (1.3 ft. closer than the field). And he saved all seven (100% vs. 49% for the field), obviously with ZERO errors. Well done, Matt!</div>
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How do your errors match up? </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-69023174540376887382013-05-31T03:51:00.000-07:002013-05-31T03:51:48.417-07:00How Important are Fairways?<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my college coaches asked my help to provide some perspective for his players - I love when my clients do that - it's a compliment!</div>
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Thanks to my genius programmer, I was able to run a query on the last two years of PGA Tour ShotLink data - 28,272 rounds to be exact - a pretty solid sample. I looked to see how players score from the fairway vs. rough as well as their relative accuracy from various distances from each. To be clear, the "rough" locations that I reviewed did not include the intermediate rough, fairway bunkers or any of the many "Other" results. </div>
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<b>Score </b></div>
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The cost or scoring difference between hitting the fairway vs. rough is: <b>.315 strokes </b></div>
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<li>Results from the fairway = -.156 (under par)</li>
<li>Results from the rough = +.159 (over par)</li>
</ul>
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This means that a golfer who misses half the fairways (7) in a given round loses over 2 shots to par - not counting any Penalty or No shot results driving results that we consider to be errors. </div>
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<b>Accuracy</b></div>
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The affect on accuracy is even more dramatic than that on score. Bottom line, in order to achieve the same accuracy from the rough as the tour enjoys from the fairway at 151 to 175 yards, the players must move as much as <b>75 yards closer to the target. </b></div>
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Accuracy from <b>151 to 175</b> yards: </div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Hit Green from Fairway: <b>71%</b>; Hit Green from Rough: <b>49%</b></li>
<li>Average Proximity to Hole from Fairway: <b>28 feet;</b> from Rough: <b>45 fee</b>t</li>
</ul>
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To attain the same the fairway accuracy cited above from the rough, we need to get to the <b>76 to 100</b> yard range:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Hit Green from Rough: <b>71%</b> </li>
<li>Average Proximity to Hole: <b>27 feet</b></li>
</ul>
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Mid point to mid point of these ranges is <b>75 yards</b>. </div>
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One might ask, how does this relate to amateur golfers. I do not have that data, but my slightly educated guess is NOT SO MUCH. Why? Because amateurs do not have anywhere near the accuracy from any position and certainly not from the greater distances. Thus, it can only fall off so much when faced with shots from the rough.</div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-21840460777900265312013-05-04T04:46:00.005-07:002013-05-04T04:46:30.015-07:00iPhone App Now Available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHB5f-SM5C8AsTTgRRJH9nCXcAmo7Wz-2NehzpHs_RXbUKEUUlQNZdJhUxws_Aop010NGChWlfN8HZuz-Bm7McBNPPCECuJ5QTAQKCs9FLjVBZjV2N07Pw3iA7es1pOfXFOPzhkFxBxSE/s1600/AppScreenShot041013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHB5f-SM5C8AsTTgRRJH9nCXcAmo7Wz-2NehzpHs_RXbUKEUUlQNZdJhUxws_Aop010NGChWlfN8HZuz-Bm7McBNPPCECuJ5QTAQKCs9FLjVBZjV2N07Pw3iA7es1pOfXFOPzhkFxBxSE/s400/AppScreenShot041013.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Finally, the App was approved by Apple yesterday morning 5/3/13 and is available as a FREE download from the App Store. Follow this link: <a href="http://bit.ly/16DgWBh">Download App</a><br />
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Some of the features that I believe make it appealing:</div>
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<li>Large buttons and numeric keypad makes data entry easy, especially while walking. I am able to use it on the course WITHOUT my reading glasses.</li>
<li>No data connection is required while entering data - works perfectly in "offline" mode.</li>
<li>We added Front nine and Back nine review screens to help ensure data accuracy.</li>
<li>Missing data is highlighted, with easy navigation to fix them.</li>
<li>"Jump to Hole" feature makes navigation simple.</li>
<li>Bonus stat summary, such as Driving - Fairways and Errors as well as Short game Saves vs. Errors. Instant feedback on your round.</li>
<li>Courses - Choose from your entire course list, or add a new course on the fly.</li>
</ul>
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It has been a long time coming but I am excited to finally have a product of which I am very proud. I used it every round during my recent 6-round trip (Field tests). It was quick and easy - not at all a distraction. Best of all, when I finished my round I had checked and entered it by the time I had changed my shoes.</div>
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I will be very interest in your feedback. </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-84821330561508791452013-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:002013-04-24T19:53:09.551-07:00What's so hard about Harbour Town?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoLM723hgeyw9ojXiI7jRCvzOm3qCfx0060HZWcvoHu0rm5WSXPz56QqSkHDIAuM_1MxZbJHo7zyWu1ZqlK2E2VJ09E3IMauc3AOnmCFhbSoaOZ3wjtjNuy-t2cq71q07hZP1rmgwS6Ia/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoLM723hgeyw9ojXiI7jRCvzOm3qCfx0060HZWcvoHu0rm5WSXPz56QqSkHDIAuM_1MxZbJHo7zyWu1ZqlK2E2VJ09E3IMauc3AOnmCFhbSoaOZ3wjtjNuy-t2cq71q07hZP1rmgwS6Ia/s400/Slide1.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I spent much of this weekend camped out in front of my TV multi-tasking - watching the golf (RBC Heritage Classic), while happily collecting data on my players. It is a special event because it is a special course. Short by today's standards at 7,101 yards (Par 71), and tight by any standards. The greens are the smallest on tour and well protected by the thin fairways, towering pine trees, water and SAND.<br />
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Accordingly, it plays like a mini-major and tends to bring the very best players to the top. Tom Watson and Hale Irwin are multiple winners and Davis Love, III has won FIVE times. The King won the first in 1969 taking home $20,000. I found it interesting that only 44 years later Graeme McDowell multiplied Arnie's cash by just over <b>50 times</b> to earn $1,044,000. My Dad said I should focus on golf NOT football - what did he know?<br />
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While the telecast was focused on the leaders, I noticed some uncharacteristic short game errors by some players not quite on camera. When the event was over, I looked closer and noticed that the frequency of errors from the sand at Harbour Town was unusually high. I compared the Tour average YTD, just prior to Harbour Town, to the average for the field in this event. The errors from the sand were UP by 55%! The chart above displays the percentage of Sand shots hit to within 8 feet (a good shot by ShotByShot.com standards) as well as the % Errors (shots that miss the green). Note, the Harbour Town field would no doubt be proud to fall in the <b>6 to 9 handicap</b> group based upon the frequency of their faux pas in the sand. <br />
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Why so many mistakes? My somewhat educated guess is that it was due to the small greens and the severe, collection areas adjacent to most of the greens. First, given the small greens, the normal miss in the sand tends to be further into the sand - leaving more sand to cover and less green. Second, the poor (or safe) sand shot that would come to rest on a larger green tends to run off into the collection areas. <br />
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One might say: "<b><i>It was the wind on Sunday!</i></b>" My thought exactly, so I compared the first 3 rounds to the wind-blown 4th - NOT so. In fact, the sand errors in the 4th round dropped slightly to only 15% (3 to 5 Handicap).<br />
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So, whatever your handicap, when you plan to tee it up at Harbour Town, bring your A sand game. </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382087508742458755.post-4170372012285580292013-03-27T18:08:00.000-07:002013-03-27T18:08:37.081-07:00Is Tiger Back? His Putting certainly is!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YJ8k5-yxXCMsTOt20_tvjWZCjW-7VH4DI-OWKsgGo-IE_IOE3rPfzpkeHe7Bhn7jgqV8YLKwnTW5U7qOTxrfpq8T_oHtkp4BNQvz3kpyO7J50sf60xd_GEhFFMzYN6E23_5hToA8Eb6f/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YJ8k5-yxXCMsTOt20_tvjWZCjW-7VH4DI-OWKsgGo-IE_IOE3rPfzpkeHe7Bhn7jgqV8YLKwnTW5U7qOTxrfpq8T_oHtkp4BNQvz3kpyO7J50sf60xd_GEhFFMzYN6E23_5hToA8Eb6f/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As an admitted statistical stalker of Tiger, I have good perspective on the parts of his game that separate him from the rest and punctuate his wins. Until his two most recent wins, the dominant facet of his game has not been his putting. An outrageous statement? Let me explain:</div>
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It has been his <i><b>Long Game Efficiency</b></i>! Tiger consistently hit more greens in regulation in fewer long game strokes than anyone in golf. When I discovered this 2000 and 2001, I created my patented <i><b>Long Game Efficiency Index</b></i> to quantify his prowess. The index also works well for amateurs, and is the foundation of the Long Game analysis contained in ShotByShot.com and fully explained in: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5382087508742458755#editor/target=post;postID=844545667523461222">A Better Way to Track Long Game Improvement</a>. <br />
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This is not to in any way diminish Tiger's putting. His has been consistently ranked near the top since Strokes Gained Putting has been used to analyze putting by the PGA Tour. Further, we have all witnessed over and over that Tiger is one of the best clutch putters of all time. So what is my point?<br />
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In my analysis of the Winners on the PGA Tour, putting is more often than not the difference maker and the Winners often record 'Strokes Gained' totals above 2.00 and even 3.00 (meaning that they have "gained" 2+ or 3+ strokes on the field PER ROUND. Not so with Tiger.<br />
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Since 2004, Tiger has recorded 29 wins in which Shotlink captured his putting and Strokes Gained numbers were published. Here are the Strokes Gained putting highlights of his prior 28 Wins:<br />
<ul>
<li>2013 Bay Hill was the first event with a SG total above 2.00 (an impressive 2.798)</li>
<li>Tiger's prior high was 1.981 @ 2013 Honda - just 2 weeks ago. </li>
<li>The average of his 28 prior wins was 1.087 vs. 1.398 and 1.360 for 2012 and 2011 winners respectively.</li>
<li>Tiger posted a win at the 07 WGC Cadillac Champ. with a <span style="color: red;"><b>-.793</b></span> SG Total. This means that he won despite giving back over 3 strokes to the field in four rounds. I have seen this once before BUT in a much reduced field. It was Rory McIlroy's <span style="color: red;"><b>-.21</b></span> in the BMW Championship semi-finals of the FEDEX Cup. </li>
</ul>
Perhaps Tiger simply putts as well as needed when he feels a win coming. He needed to putt well this week because he made FIVE driving errors (1-Penalty, 4-No Shots) and only hit 11.5 GIR's. Not his, or ANYONE's typical winning numbers.</div>
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Finally, it should be noted that two of his best statistical putting performances EVER came in very close succession in his most recent two wins. If Tiger has found something and can hold onto it for a couple of weeks, I make him a clear favorite at the Masters. Ignore this if you are part of my Master's Weekend Pool! </div>
Peter J. Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10642233435413747708noreply@blogger.com0