I breakdown the game like this: Let's assume someone shoots 90 on average. Of those 90 strokes there's probably 32-36 putts, let's assume 34 putts. That means the 90 golfer will hit 56 wood and iron shots per round (90 - 34). Subtract 14 driver shots....leaving 42 iron shots of some type. Next, I consider par 3's as being "teed-up approach shots", so 42 - 4 = 38 shots hit off the ground.
A scratch golfer (72) would generally have around 29 putts, thus this golfer hits woods and irons 43 times. Subtract 14 driver shots to reach 29 iron shots of some type. Subtract 4 shots for par 3's for a total of 25 shots "off the ground". Summary....
90 Golfer total of ALL off the ground shots = 38 (52% more than the 72 golfer, more chance for error)
72 Golfer ALL off the ground shots = 25
Of the "off the ground" shots, assume the 90 golfer hits 4 greens in regulation. That would leave 14 short game shots, pitches, chips, bunker shots, etc (18 holes less 4 GIR). The scratch golfer hits 11 greens (60% GIR), leaving 7 short game shots, therefore the 90 golfer has double the number of short game shots (14). So nearly 40% of the 90 golfer's shots are short game shots. The scratch golfer has 7 divided by 26, or 27% short game shots. Now it's easier to calc the number of full iron shots during a typical round....
90 Golfer, full iron shot off the ground = 24 (total 38 - 14 short game shots)
72 Golfer, full iron off the ground shots = 18 (total 25 - 7 short game shots)
------90 Golfer has 33% more full iron shots.
Based on this summary, the typical 90-ish golfer has 33% more full iron shots, 100% more short game shots, and 17% more putts than the 72 golfer. So it seems to make sense for the 90 golfer to focus on the short game, putting, and knowing where to miss their approach shots to avoid more difficult short game shots. And if one misses the green, look at that as an opportunity to practice short game shots because they will never, ever, go away no matter how skilled one gets with longer irons.
In general, it's interesting to me that the shot differential in terms of total "off the ground" shots is not as much as some folks might think, and short game shots can be twice that for the 90 golfer, and the underlying cumulative effect of leaving shots in tough places is an unseen stroke multiplier.
@GolfLivesMatter @Tom Saguto
This RAC thing has really helped me, it clears the cobwebs and doubts that can creep in when standing over a putt. I can't say enough about it. It gives the mind a clear path when putting and a process that is simple for every putt. The last thought being "confidence", the mind can't live in a vacuum, there will always be some thought, doubt and fear have no place in putting, none.
So thank you guys for your support and taking the time. Also to GML, I can't find the exact thread, but your advice with the wedge of thinking of your shoulder being up against a wall, which is still a vague thing in my mind, but that I have implemented, I haven't bladed any. So thank you brother!
Something that has helped me with the long lag putts, is after getting aligned, the last thing I now focus on by turning my head and seeing the hole, the time that I now look back at the ball is a millisecond. I don't focus on the ball, I see it, but the hole/flag is what is in my mind. No point in having a death stair at the ball when the ball is not the target, the hole is. I like to stay looser with my grip as well, compared to the putts that are say, within 8 feet or so, that is much firmer. I keep my left arm locked and use only my shoulders on those shorter putts.
Also, for longer lag putts I think...
Line
Speed
Line
Then my last thought is speed. I picture a 3 foot circle around the cup and that takes some of the pressure off of being "perfect"....just hitting to an area, not the hole.
Bought a new Scotty Cameron milled putter and it's great. But I'm expecting to hate the putter in about 90 days. LOL. Actually the weighting works with my stroke. I do a side-saddle position like Nicklaus because he thought being able to see the hole during his stroke was a huge advantage. 29 putts today.
5, 3 putts today! Ugh, I spent time this weekend working on my chipping. Previous weekend was a lot of putting. It seems for me that putting is SUCH a perishable skill. I have to put in a lot of time to see it manifest on the course, then if I back off on that time, my putting goes down the drain. Frustrating
I had some approach shots today that missed the green and hit cart paths, one ball bounced and then bounced again on the cart path, makes scoring very difficult. I still had fun. lol
Excellent additional points! I totally agree! Thank you
i played today and had some nasty thin PW and 52 degree shots. line drives that would take one bounce on green and go flying long and right. Frustrating, excellent shots leading up to those approach shots. It’s like the flushing of a toilet with that crappy approach.
Well we have all done it, we miss the green by 10-15 yards, duff, or skull your chip. Have to chip again, or a long out through the ruff. You‘re finally on the green, but your 10+ feet away for your first putt, you miss that and two putt for a double bogey. This can happen SO fast and easy it’s not even funny. Those doubles and worse just KILL your score.
@GolfLivesMatter This is excellent and I totally concur with it, without all the numbers. I just know this instinctively as well since it applies to me. I lose so many strokes with my short game. Now that it's cooling off, I've been practicing it more. Thank you
Excellent essay - again - by our resident analyst!! Yes indeed - if you're a 90's shooter and wish to get that handicap down, then the quickest way to do so is through the short game for the many reasons cited. There are other benefits as well. For example, a solid short game in which you have confidence will take a lot of pressure off your approach shots, and then almost magically you'll find yourself hitting more greens in regulation.
So SagutoGolfers, what's your goal at the moment? If you're currently putting the ball in play and really want to get the score down, then @GolfLivesMatter gave you your answer in great stat-backed detail. If the scoring can wait and you're in pursuit of consistently crispy compression, well then as long as you have the work ethic then you have all you need here between the school, this Forum, and the V1 Analysis to make that happen. Or, if you've got the time, desire, and the ability to compartmentalize, do both!
Whatever it is for you, don't forget the primary mission: Have FUN out there!!
@GolfLivesMatter .. great analysis. I've come to the realization that my approach shots rarely hit the green. Thus I concentrated on the short game figuring If I could get close to the green, bump/chip close to the hole still leaves me a good chance for par and I'll settle for bogey. For me the shot AFTER the approach shot is crucial for scoring.