Strokes gained against a PGA Tour pro tells you the size of the mountain. Strokes gained against a 10 handicap tells you which step to take next. Here is when the smaller benchmark is the better one.
GPS answers a question about distance. Stats answer a question about improvement. Most golfers have only ever installed one of the two — and it is usually the wrong one.
Paper is fast, free, and gives you nothing back. A golf scorecard app costs a few taps per hole and gives you the rest of your game. Here is the honest comparison.
You do not need to track everything from day one. Start with five simple stats, build the habit, and graduate to strokes gained when you are ready. Here is exactly what to measure and why it matters.
Pin-hunting feels aggressive and exciting, but strokes gained data shows that aiming at the center of the green consistently produces lower scores for amateurs — and even many tour players.
Most golfers have a "favorite" yardage they lay up to — usually somewhere between 80 and 100 yards. Strokes gained data shows this instinct is costing them shots every single round.