Golf Glossary/Strokes Gained
Stats & Handicaps

Strokes Gained

A statistical method that measures a golfer's performance relative to the field average at every shot, identifying strengths and weaknesses across all aspects of the game.

What does strokes gained mean in golf?

Strokes gained revolutionized golf analytics by replacing traditional stats (fairways hit, GIR, putts per round) with a single framework that measures how much each shot contributes to a player's score relative to the field. Developed by Mark Broadie at Columbia Business School, strokes gained breaks the game into categories: off the tee, approach, around the green, and putting. A player who gains 0.5 strokes per round putting is half a stroke better than the average player on the greens. PGA Tour leaders in total strokes gained are consistently the game's best players.

GolfN Tip: GolfN's advanced analytics compare your stats against similar handicaps — the foundation for understanding where you gain and lose strokes.

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