Strokes gained vs. different handicaps

For comparison, Shot Scope publishes average Strokes Gained gaps between different handicap levels (from scratch to +25).In my opinion, it’s not very relevant to compare yourself with a player whose handicap differs by more than 5 points. Except for beginners with high potential for improvement, comparisons beyond this range bring little value.

Based on available data, the differences between SG percentages (vs PGA) and (vs Hcp -5) remain small. This shows that the SG values versus PGA Tour players already give a good indication of which parts of the game should be prioritized to lower one’s handicap.

Note: as Mark Broadie explains in Every Shot Counts, SG values are averages and must be interpreted carefully. The key is to assess the balance between the different areas of your game: for instance, a 10-handicap player can have Tour-level putting but weaker approach shots.

For the developers, even though comparing SG by handicap level could be an interesting feature later on, it would be better first to expand the depth of SG data within each game area (Driving, Approach, Short Game, Putting).

For example, if my putting SG is -1.80 versus the Tour, it would be helpful to understand what causes that loss:

• Putts from 3–8 meters?

• Putts under 1 meter?

• Uphill or downhill putts?

• Left-to-right or right-to-left breaks?

Adding this kind of breakdown (non-exhaustive list) would provide much more actionable insights to identify which specific aspects of each area need improvement.

I’ve also noticed an inconsistency in the current version of the app:
The total SG often differs from the sum of the individual SG values (Driving + Approach + Short Game + Putting).
Could you explain this difference?
In theory, the total SG should equal the sum of these components. If not, it could be due to rounding, different reference models, or misclassification of certain shots.

In summary, the current SG implementation is a great foundation, but its potential could really grow with:

• more detailed breakdowns in each area,

• full consistency between total SG and subcategories,

• and, eventually, the option to compare performance with players within ±5 handicap points.

Let's hope this update is soon. I have been using Golf Pad for a year, but I don't love how the statistics are provided, and the Strokes Gained vs different handicaps is something I really miss having.

Strokes gained vs. different handicaps is a statistical comparison used to analyze how a golfer performs relative to players of varying skill levels. "Strokes gained" measures the number of strokes a golfer gains (or loses) compared to a benchmark — typically scratch golfers or professionals. 

Alona, any idea how long it will be before the new stats update goes live? Throw us a bone please! 

We're preparing a major update to the statistics feature, and we do plan to include more detailed comparison options. We know how valuable this kind of breakdown can be for improving your game. Stay tuned!

We should all be Pro by the time they solve this.... right?!

only been 8 years so far, give it another 5 :p

Is there any update to whether this feature will be added or is even being considered? I absolutely love GolfPad but comparing my strokes gained against a tour pro is not extremely helpful when trying to track my progress and using strokes gained to try to improve. 

+1 for adding this. What I score vs a pro is not super helpful, would be much easier to compare against someone closer to my skill level. Just find some averages for different handicaps, and make them selectable.

Curt - thanks for sharing your feedback. While it's not on the immediate roadmap, we understand golfers would like it, and it's not off the table. Right now, we're actively working on features like greens undulations and contine to add more automatic distance to hazards, both significant undertakings. Also, we have another big update coming soon, addressing another huge feature request. 

We value your input and take each major undertaking one step at a time with our available resources. Thanks for understanding, and your continued support means a lot to us!

Someone from Golfpad commented on this THREE YEARS AGO saying this was a feature they were planning to add... So where is it? This is a badly needed feature. I don't really need to know how I compare to the pros. I will never be a pro. At least get this to compare to scratch players. Please!

Old thread, but this is really badly needed from a stats point of view.