10 Key Performance Stats You Need To Know (Pay Attention To No.6)

Albert Einstein once said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" - which is a notion that could not be more true in amateur golf.

Aimlessly blundering into round after round and hoping that your scores will improve is illogical, but perhaps more alarmingly it's also unnecessary due to the vast array of measures and metrics available to amateur golfers through performance data.

At the very least you should understand the basics, like how far amateur golfers hit their irons or how many birdies golfers maker per round, but there are so many interesting stats that point the way to success on a golf course.

In this article, I share 10 key stats that every golfer needs to know to shoot lower scores, using the latest Shot Scope data, making it easier than ever for you to access this crucial information in readiness for your next tee time booking...

10 Key Stats You Need To Know To Shoot Lower Scores In Golf

Before we start, I'd love to hear your experience of using performance data in your own game to drive improvement.

What was that one thing that unlocked the door to better scores? What helped you to break 80 for the first time or finally post a score under 100?

This guide acts as a tool for amateur golfers to pursue progress effectively and efficiently, so why not add your best advice in a comment at the bottom of this article.

1. Double Bogeys

This is going to sound like an obvious statement, so let's get it out of the way early.

Double bogeys are the enemy of every amateur golfer.

Those that successfully reduce their handicap make them less regularly, it's as simple as that.

A scratch golfer makes less than one every three rounds, a 10-handicapper just over two per round and a 20-handicapper more than six per round.

If you can limit the big numbers and play bogey golf on the tougher holes, you'll notice a marked difference in the long run.

2. Scoring Average

Sometimes a lack of strategy and an element of hubris are the reason you can't kick the doubles.

Playing to nett par, and ignoring the number on the scorecard, is a great way to shoot lower scores.

Take advantage of the extra shots provided by your handicap, instead of going for the green in two on the par-5 with practically no chance of success.

This eliminates needless penalty shots, allows you to keep the ball in the fairway and limits the risk of bringing big numbers into play.

The scoring average for any amateur golfer with a handicap of 10 or less, irrespective of the par score of the hole, is a bogey.

There is the occasional par thrown in there for good measure, likely as a result of better strategy, but don't be a hero.

3. Front-Nine vs Back-Nine

I was surprised to find that the scoring average for amateur golfers improves on the back-nine when compared to the front-nine.

This is the case for all golfers with a handicap index of 5 or higher, while the opposite is true for scratch golfers and very-low single figure players.

The difference might be small, around 0.2 to 0.9 shots per round, but it's worth considering a plan to tackle the front-nine on your course.

If you can shave a few shots off before the turn, chances are you might be in for a low one.

4. Short Game

Your ability to get up and down from anywhere around the greens is something that will significantly factor into your handicap index and your scoring.

A scratch golfer gets up and down 54% of the time on average, while a 20-handicapper sees success just 19% of the time.

Spending time focusing on the best short game tips and drills is a great investment, as sharpening up with a wedge in hand could be the key to lower scores.

5. Driving Distance

The old saying 'drive for show, putt for dough' isn't actually that accurate, as driving distance is one of the most important factors in determining success on the golf course.

The driving distance average for a scratch golfer (285 yards) is more than 80 yards longer than a 25-handicapper (204 yards), while there is around a 10-20 yard jump as you move up each handicap index bracket (5 shots).

The best driving tips and drills focus on improving power and therefore distance, but you could also try the 10 best golf exercises to really give yourself the best chance of finding those extra yards.

6. Coming Up Short

On many golf courses, the danger lurks short of the green in the form of protective bunkers and perilous hazards.

Taking more club and finding the safety of the middle or back of the green is always a sensible play, especially when you consider the data.

A scratch golfer comes up short just 14% of the time from inside 100 yards, but the outcomes for other amateurs aren't as positive.

a 10-handicapper comes up short in around one in four attempts from the same distance, while a 25-handicapper suffers almost half of the time.

A straightforward strategy change of opting to take more than enough club instead of pin-seeking on every green is a simple but effective way to shoot lower scores.

7. Bunker Play

Bunkers can make or break your round, especially if you are someone who gets the fear-induced chills every time you see your ball nestled in the sand.

In reality, learning how to hit a bunker shot is not difficult, but this lesson is crucial for anyone who wants to shoot lower scores.

A scratch golfer gets up and down from the sand around 37% of the time, which is significantly better than a 10-handicapper (20%) and a 20-handicapper (15%).

Simple solution - beat the bunkers and reap the rewards.

8. Eliminate 3-Putts

There is very little reward in putting on a tee to green masterclass only to miserably 3-putt.

These costly but all-too-common errors are devastating for your scorecard, and your sanity, which is why working on the best putting tips and drills in practice is absolutely essential.

A scratch golfer makes just 0.8 3-putts per round on average, whereas a 10-handicapper (2.4) and 20-handicapper (4.6) fall foul a lot more often.

9. Playing The Par-3s

Playing the par-3s is important, with little room for error and a big risk of racking up a big number if things go wrong.

Any amateur golfer with a handicap of 5 or higher hits the green on a par-3 less than 50% of the time on average, with high-handicap golfers having a less than 30% success rate.

Any golfer with a handicap index of 20 or higher is immediately staring bogey (or worse) in the face on the tee box, according to the data, so picking a sensible strategy to limit the damage is important rather than going for the Hollywood shot.

10. Try A Hybrid

Investing in one of the best hybrids clubs on the market might not be a bad move, as the success rate for hitting the green increases for most golfers when choosing this club over a long-iron.

In fact, for any amateur golfer with a handicap index of 5 or higher, using a hybrid is statistically the better play according to the Shot Scope data.

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