Comparison
PinFlag vs. a Golf Stats Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is free and flexible but computes nothing on its own; PinFlag turns the same round data into strokes gained, benchmarks, and progress reports automatically — and is built for coaches tracking many players.
PinFlag is best for
Anyone who wants strokes gained, benchmarks, trends, and shareable reports without building and maintaining formulas — and any coach tracking more than a couple of players.
a spreadsheet is best for
A tinkerer tracking only their own game who enjoys building their own formulas and wants total control over the layout, at no cost.
| PinFlag | Spreadsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Strokes gained | Computed automatically vs. a tour baseline | Only if you build the model yourself |
| Benchmarks & percentiles | Built in, by level | Manual — you source and maintain them |
| Trends & charts | Automatic | You build and update each one |
| Multiple players | Designed for a whole roster | A tab per player, maintained by hand |
| Progress reports | One-tap branded reports | Copy, paste, and format yourself |
| Cost | Free to start | Free |
What can a golf stats spreadsheet actually do?
A spreadsheet stores whatever you type and does the math you build into it — nothing more. Strokes gained, baselines, and benchmarks only appear if you create and maintain those formulas yourself.
Spreadsheets are great for capturing numbers, and they’re free and flexible. The catch is that they don’t know anything about golf: there’s no strokes gained and no benchmark unless you build the expected-strokes model and source the data yourself — and then keep it all up to date.
When is it worth moving from a spreadsheet to PinFlag?
When you want the analysis done for you — strokes gained, benchmarks, and trends — or the moment you’re tracking more than your own game.
If you only track your own rounds and enjoy building formulas, a spreadsheet can work. PinFlag earns its place when you want the numbers interpreted automatically, or when you’re a coach managing a roster — where a tab-per-player spreadsheet becomes hours of manual upkeep and PinFlag gives you one command center, assignable practice, and branded reports.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t I just track strokes gained in a spreadsheet?
Is PinFlag free like a spreadsheet?
Keep reading
Comparison
PinFlag vs. Arccos
Arccos is best for individual golfers who want automatic, shot-by-shot tracking and will buy and use grip sensors; PinFlag is best for coaches, teams, and players who want strokes gained without any hardware.
Strokes Gained
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide
Strokes gained measures every shot against a benchmark of expected scores, revealing exactly where you gain or lose strokes versus a chosen standard — instead of guessing from fairways, greens, and putts.
Track & Improve
How to Track Your Golf Stats (and Actually Get Better)
Tracking golf stats produces improvement only when you record the right numbers, compare them against a meaningful benchmark, and act on what the data shows — not when you collect more of the same stats you already ignore.