Golf term
Strokes Gained
Strokes gained is a measure of how much better or worse a shot (or round) is than a benchmark, calculated from the expected strokes to hole out before and after each shot.
Developed by Mark Broadie and used on the PGA Tour, strokes gained prices every shot in strokes versus a chosen baseline — a scratch golfer, a tour pro, or your own handicap level. Read the complete guide for the full method and worked examples.
Related terms & guides
Glossary
Baseline (Expected Strokes)
A baseline is the average number of strokes a benchmark golfer needs to hole out from a given distance and lie — the reference every strokes gained calculation is measured against.
Glossary
Scratch Golfer
A scratch golfer is a player with a Handicap Index of 0.0 — someone who, on average, plays to the course rating from the tees they use.
Glossary
Proximity to Hole
Proximity to the hole is the average distance your shots finish from the cup, usually measured for approach shots from a given range.
Guide
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide