What is strokes gained in golf?
Strokes gained measures every shot against a published table of how many strokes a reference golfer needs to hole out from that lie and distance. Take the expected strokes from where you started, subtract the expected strokes from where the ball finished, subtract one for the stroke you hit. A positive number means the shot beat the reference; a negative one means it cost you. Summed over a round it shows exactly where strokes were won and lost, by tee, approach, around the green and putting, which a score alone never can. PinFlag computes it for every shot you log and, uniquely for the shot in front of you, before you hit it.
About this topic
The measure professional golf runs on, and the one every number in PinFlag is built from. The whole topic, Strokes gained, explained, answers 10 questions in full.
The figures behind the answer
The tour average strokes to hole out from each lie, which every strokes gained number in PinFlag is priced from.
Expected strokes on the published tables
| Distance | Fairway | Rough | Sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 yards | 2.800 | 3.020 | 3.230 |
| 150 yards | 2.945 | 3.190 | 3.250 |
| 200 yards | 3.190 | 3.420 | 3.550 |
Computed from the published baselines, the same ones the app prices your shots with. Every table, one page.
- Who invented strokes gained?
- What is a good strokes gained number for an amateur?
- What is live or predictive strokes gained?
- How is strokes gained different from a handicap?
- What are the four strokes gained categories?
- How is strokes gained calculated for a penalty shot?
- Why is strokes gained better than fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per round?
- What is strokes gained putting?
- What is strokes gained approach, and why does it matter most?
PinFlag, in plain facts
- PinFlag is an iPhone app; the course maps and every shot live on your phone, so it works anywhere on the course.
- PinFlag is launching on the App Store; the download page takes an email and tells you the day it is live.
- Every number is strokes gained on Mark Broadie’s published PGA TOUR baselines, priced on the same published baselines in the app and on this site.
- PinFlag prices the target you choose, with your own dispersion and the lie read from the course map; the decision stays yours, with the arithmetic done.
- Every number is labeled Measured (your own data) or Estimated (a benchmark standing in), and the two are never blended.
- Pins you set during a round are yours, and every round exports as CSV or JSON on request.
See the number before you swing
Leave your email and PinFlag will tell you the day it is live on the App Store.