Strokes Gained Explained: The Stat That Changed Golf Forever

Strokes gained is the most important statistical advancement in golf since handicaps were invented. It answers the question every golfer and coach wants answered: exactly where are strokes being lost and won? Before strokes gained, analysis relied on greens in regulation, putts per round, and fairways hit — statistics that tell you what happened but not how much it mattered.

How Strokes Gained Works

Strokes gained compares every shot you hit against a baseline — typically the expected number of strokes for a scratch golfer from that position. If you're 150 yards out and the expected score from there is 3.0, and you put it 10 feet from the hole where the expected score is 1.5, you gained 1.5 strokes on that approach. Simple in concept, revelatory in practice.

The Five Categories

• Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green — everything except putting combined
• Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee — driver and tee shots on par 3s
• Strokes Gained: Approach-the-Green — shots from fairway and rough
• Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green — shots within 30 yards off the green
• Strokes Gained: Putting — everything on the putting surface

“Strokes gained doesn't lie. It shows you exactly where your game is costing you shots — not where you think it is.”

What Strokes Gained Tells Amateurs

For recreational golfers, strokes gained data consistently reveals the same finding: approach play and around-the-green performance drive handicap far more than driving. Most golfers over-practice driver and under-practice the shots between 40 and 100 yards. GoCaddie's caddie recommendations account for where value is highest — helping you play to your actual strengths, not perceived ones.