Greens In Regulation Research Articles

스크린 골프 이용자의 수준별 경기력 비교 분석 및 스코어 예측

This study aimed to analyze and compare various performance variables, such as hole-by-hole scores, putts, greens in regulation, and par save rates among screen golf users at different skill levels, to identify their characteristics and predict round scores based on these variables. To achieve this, images of 'screen golf score cards' were collected from an internet portal using the keyword, resulting in a total of 441 records. Performance variables, including putts per hole, greens in regulation, and par save rates, were input into an Excel program for calculation. The analysis revealed differences in performance variables such as hole-by-hole scores, total putts, occurrences of three-putts or more, greens in regulation, and par save rates across different skill levels. Specifically, greens in regulation was found to have the greatest impact on scores. The proportion of putts in scores did not differ between the under and single handicap groups, and differences in par save opportunities were not observed except in the double bogey group. Therefore, it is essential to focus on improving greens in regulation through accurate iron shots and developing the ability to finish with a one-putt even if greens are missed. Future research should consider including variables related to tee shots, such as driver distance and fairway accuracy.

Evaluation of golfers’ performances in the ladies professional golf association tour based on bootstrapped data envelopment analysis and latent growth curve model

A latent growth curve model and bootstrapped data envelopment analysis were used to examine the performance and changes in professional golfers on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. The panel data for both analyses were obtained for the last three seasons (from 2020 to 2022). The dependent variable was the official money list of players, whereas the independent variables consisted of efficiency factors, technical factors (number of birdies, eagles, and hole-in-ones), mental factors (driving and putting accuracies), and career length. Each factor, other than the efficiency factor, was determined by the weighted combination of parenthesized variables using principal component analysis and was measured as two latent variables of the intercept and the slope of the growth pattern for the three seasons. The efficiency factor was measured using data envelopment analysis and its z with the output factors of scoring average and the percentage of rounds in the 60s, and the input factors of driving distance, greens in regulation, number of putts per green hit in regulation, and sand savings. The results confirm the homogeneity in players’ efficiency and prove Penick’s claim that golf performance is dependent on various factors and that golf is psychological.

A Study of Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Injury in Female Elite Junior Golfers

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the group differences in musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation and physical exercise according to the level of handicap for female elite amateur golfers.METHODS We sampled 191 female golfers (mean age 17.61, SD=1.50) and examined individual and golf-specific characteristics, and medical history. Subgroups with different handicaps (<0, 0–3, 4-6, 7-9, >10) were compared using one-way analysis of variance and frequency analysis tests.RESULTS In the sub-group divided by handicap level, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of career, scoring average, and greens in regulation, and in the injury-related questions, they responded in the order of muscle pain, blisters, and ligament rupture. The response rate for the body parts of injury was high in the order of wrist, lower back, and shoulder, and statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of fracture and shoulder, hand, and lower back. In the questionnaire on warm-up, stretching and practice swing showed significant differences between groups, and cool-down exercise showed significant differences only in practice swing. Finally, Fitness training time showed a significant difference between groups.CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the purpose of this study is to provide data for understanding golf injury and prevention of injury, and the results of this study can help inform further research on preventing injuries in golfers' most frequent injury areas and further establishing injury prevention management strategies.

A Bayesian approach to exploring expertise and putting success in adolescent and young adult golfers

ObjectivesPutting behaviour was examined to explore if age influenced performance and the development of motor and perceptual-cognitive expertise during late adolescence and early adulthood. We also examined if motor control and perceptual-cognitive expertise was related to performance on a representative putting task. MethodTwenty elite golfers (15 male; 17–24 years old; mean handicap of 0.5) completed eight straight and eight sloped putts at two distances (8ft/2.44m and 15ft/4.57m), on an indoor golf surface. Participants wore an eye tracker whilst putting and putting performance was assessed via putts holed and eye-movement behaviour, examining Quiet Eye (QE, the duration of the final fixation on the ball). A baseline profile for each participant was created using kinematic stroke data (collected using SAM PuttLab), average putts per round, greens in regulation and current practice hours (subjective self-report measures). ResultsBayesian statistical analysis revealed ‘moderate’ evidence that age and baseline kinematic factors did not influence putting success rates. Eye movement data revealed ‘moderate’ evidence that i) successful performance was associated with less variability in QE duration and ii) extended periods of QE were associated with a decline in performance. Previous experience and current skill level were ruled out as potential confounds. ConclusionOur findings reveal that performance and perceptual-cognitive expertise, did not improve with age. We suggest that post 18 years, age should not be considered a factor in talent development programmes for golf putting. We discuss the benefits of adopting a Bayesian approach and suggest future studies employ longitudinal designs to examine changes in expertise over time.

경기력분석을 통한 LPGA선수의 우승예측분석: 2011~2020년 종단분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance factors to produce results by analyzing the performance data of LPGA players for 10 years from 2011 to 2020. The scoring average, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting average, sand saves, birdies, eagles, and rounds in the 60’s were selected as performance factors to predict winning probability, and the prize-winning ranking up to 60th’ data group which had 95% of winning probability, was analyzed.<BR> Method: Technical statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the trend of performance factors for 10 years from 2011 to 2020. Also, the independent sample t -test was conducted to verify differences between winners and non-winners. Lastly, the decision tree analysis was used to verify performance factors affecting the winning probability.<BR> Results: Players in the top 60th in the LPGA’s prize money ranking steadily had improved their performance factors over the past 10 years. Those who had winning experiences differed significantly in scoring average, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting average, and saves, birdies, eagles, and rounds in the 60’s. The factors that determined the winning were driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting average, and scoring average.<BR> Conclusion: In order to achieve good performance in the LPGA, training to increase the birdies would be necessary. Also, unlike in the past, training to increase driving accuracy would be necessary. This implies that short game capability can be a direct factor for winning than power game capability in the future. This shows that focusing on training the accuracy of shots is very effective to win for KLPGA players who want to enter the LPGA.

Victory Prediction of Ladies Professional Golf Association Players: Influential Factors and Comparison of Prediction Models.

This study aims to identify the most accurate prediction model for the possibility of victory from the annual average data of 25 seasons (1993–2017) of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), and to determine the importance of the predicting factors. The four prediction models considered in this study were a decision tree, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and artificial neural network analysis. The mean difference in the classification accuracy of these models was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). When the prediction was based on technical variables, the most important predicting variables for determining victory were greens in regulation (GIR) and putting average (PA) in all four prediction models. When the prediction was based on the output of the technical variables, the most important predicting variable for determining victory was birdies in all four prediction models. When the prediction was based on the season outcome, the most important predicting variables for determining victory were the top 10 finish% (T10) and official money. A significant mean difference in classification accuracy was observed while performing the one-way ANOVA, and the least significant difference post-hoc test showed that artificial neural network analysis exhibited higher accuracy than the other models, especially, for larger data sizes. From the results of this study, it can be inferred that the player who wants to win the LPGA should aim to increase GIR, reduce PA, and improve driving distance and accuracy through training to increase the birdies chance at each hole, which can lead to lower average strokes and increased possibility of being within T10.

Investigating factors that improve golf scores by comparing statistics of amateur golfers in repeat scramble strokes and one-ball conditions

This study investigated how scores and statistics of amateur golfers changed when self-scramble (SC) was compared to normal play. Participants took two (SC2) to three (SC3) golf strokes each. Scores under these conditions were compared with those from normal round (NR) play to determine to what extent the scores and statistics would improve. Means, standard deviations, repeated measures one-way ANOVA, and a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis were performed for data analysis. The mean total score over nine holes by NR plays was 46.6 strokes, with a significant reduction of 7.7 strokes and 10.6 strokes under SC2 and SC3 conditions, respectively. Even when the three play conditions’ total scores decreased significantly for all subjects, the putt rate was around 38%, suggesting that the ratio of the number of putts per score did not change when play conditions changed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis for NR and SC2 using total score as the dependent variable and each statistic as the independent variables showed that greens in regulation (GIR) predicted 51.2% of the total score for NR; GIR and the One-Putt rate predicted 87.3% of the total score for SC2. These findings indicate that GIR is the most important factor for reducing non-professional golfers’ total scores. This study suggests that players gain experience in reducing their golf scores in a format that is similar to an actual game of golf.

The most important “factor” in producing clubhead speed in golf

Substantial experiential research into x-factor, and to a lesser extent crunch-factor has been undertaken with the aim of increasing clubhead speed. However, a direct comparison of the golf swing kinematics associated with each ‘factor’ has not, and possible differences when using a driver compared to an iron. Fifteen low handicap male golfers who displayed a modern swing had their golf swing kinematic data measured when hitting their own driver and five-iron, using a 10-camera motion analysis system operating at 250Hz. Clubhead speed was collected using a validated launch monitor. No between-club differences in x-factor and crunch-factor existed. Correlation analyses revealed within-club segment (trunk and lower trunk) interaction was different for the driver, compared to the five-iron, and that a greater number of kinematic variables associated with x-factor, compared to crunch-factor were shown to be correlated with faster clubhead speeds. This was further explained in the five-iron regression model, where a significant amount of variance in clubhead speed was associated with increased lower trunk x-factor stretch, and reduced trunk lateral bending. Given that greens in regulation was shown to be the strongest correlated variable with PGA Tour earnings (1990–2004), the findings suggests a link to player performance for approach shots. These findings support other empiric research into the importance of x-factor as well as anecdotal evidence on how crunch-factor can negatively affect clubhead speed.

Return to Elite Level of Play and Performance in Professional Golfers After Arthroscopic Hip Surgery.

Background:Hip conditions, such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral injury, can cause pain and limit the ability to play sports at a professional level.Purpose:To evaluate performance metrics of professional golfers prior to arthroscopic hip surgery and after surgery.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This study included professional golfers who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery. Primary outcome variables were greens in regulation and driving distance. Metrics were recorded for 2 years prior to arthroscopic hip surgery and 1, 2, and 5 years after arthroscopy.Results:A consecutive cohort of 20 male professional golfers (27 hips) from 2000 to 2011 underwent arthroscopic hip surgery by a single surgeon. All players were on the PGA Tour with a mean age of 38 years (range, 26-54 years). Eleven hips had labral repair and 16 had labral debridements. Four hips required microfracture of a chondral lesion. All players returned to play at a mean of 4.7 months (range, 1 month to 2 years). The mean number of years played after surgery was 5.72. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative greens in regulation (P = .227). The mean distance per golf drive was significantly longer at 1 and 2 years postoperative compared with prior to surgery (P < .01), and driving distance at 5 years was also longer than preoperative (P = .008).Conclusion:Arthroscopic management of chondrolabral dysfunction due to femoroacetabular impingement in the professional golfer allowed the golfer to return to the same skill level prior to surgery. Mean driving distance was found to increase after arthroscopy, demonstrating not only a return but also an improvement in driving performance from prior level of play.

Effect of Caffeine on Golf Performance and Fatigue during a Competitive Tournament.

This study aimed to determine the effect of a caffeine-containing supplement on golf-specific performance and fatigue during a 36-hole competitive golf tournament. Twelve male golfers (34.8 ± 13.9 yr, 175.9 ± 9.3 cm, 81.23 ± 13.14 kg) with a United States Golf Association handicap of 3-10 participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in which they played an 18-hole round of golf on two consecutive days (36-hole tournament) and were randomly assigned to consume a caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) or placebo (PLA). CAF/PLA was consumed before and after nine holes during each 18-hole round. Total score, drive distance, fairways and greens in regulation, first putt distance, HR, breathing rate, peak trunk acceleration, and trunk posture while putting were recorded. Self-perceived ratings of energy, fatigue, alertness and concentration were also recorded. Total score (76.9 ± 8.1 vs 79.4 ± 9.1, P = 0.039), greens in regulation (8.6 ± 3.3 vs 6.9 ± 4.6, P = 0.035), and drive distance (239.9 ± 33.8 vs 233.2 ± 32.4, P = 0.047) were statistically better during the CAF condition compared with those during PLA. Statistically significant main effects for condition (P < 0.05) and time (P < 0.001) occurred for perceived feelings of energy and fatigue. Compared with PLA, CAF reported more energy (P = 0.025) and less fatigue (P = 0.05) over the competitive round of golf. There were no substantial differences in HR or breathing rates, peak trunk acceleration, or putting posture between conditions or over the round (P > 0.05). A moderate dose (1.9 ± 0.3 mg · kg(-1)) of caffeine consumed before and during a round of golf improves golf-specific measures of performance and reduces fatigue in skilled golfers.

Observational Report of the Effects of Performance Brain Training in Collegiate Golfers

There has been a recent interest in the use of neurofeedback to enhance sports performance. Our goal is to report the effects of performance brain training (a specific neurofeedback training paradigm with protocols based on the NeuroPerformance Assessment) on specific measures of golf performance in a group of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) golfers. Participants included 16 golfers. Baseline performance data was collected prior to grouping athletes (Time Point 1). Initially, both groups continued as normal with team practice, tournament play, and sport-related coaching, while only Group 1 completed performance brain training (Time Point 2) due to limited athlete availability. Subsequently, only Group 2 completed while both groups maintained normal team activities (time point 3). Performance data was collected at each time point. Paired t-test analyses were completed for five performance variables from Time Point 1 to Time Point 2 and from Time Point 2 to Time Point 3 for each group. When comparing Time Point 1 to 2, Group 1 showed significant improvements in several golf performance indices: with increases in greens in regulation, decreases in the putting average, and decreases in the average number of three putts per round. Between Time Points 2 and 3, Group 2 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in greens in regulation, fairways in regulation, putting average, and average of three putts per round. It appears that Performance Brain Training may contribute to improvement in sport measures. Broadly, these findings lend support to previous studies illustrating that brain training improves performance outcomes, yet replication in a large sample size is required for further conclusions to be drawn.

Effects Of Acute Caffeine And B-vitamin Consumption On Golf Performance During A 36-hole Competitive Tournament

Studies have validated the performance enhancing properties of caffeine and its effects on sports performance. However, little is known about the effects of caffeine and B-vitamins on golf performance. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of acute caffeine and B-vitamin supplementation on psychophysiological measures of golf-specific performance during a competitive golf tournament. METHODS: 12 healthy caffeine- habituated males (34.8 ± 13.9 yrs, 175.9 ± 9.3 cm, 81.23 ± 13.14 kg), with a USGA handicap of 3-10, participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants played two 18-hole rounds of golf on separate days and were randomly assigned to consume either a placebo (PLA) or caffeine and B-vitamin (CAF+B) supplement. PLA/CAF+B were consumed before and after 9 holes during each 18-hole round. Golf-specific measures of performance (total score, drive distance, fairways in regulation (FIR), greens in regulation (GIR), and putt distances were recorded. Heart rates (HR), breathing rates (BR), peak trunk accelerations (g’s) and trunk posture (deg) immediately before drives and putting were collected using a Zephyr Bioharness. Self-reported perceptual measures of energy, fatigue, alertness and concentration were collected before, during and following each round using a visual analogue scale questionnaire. RESULTS: total score (76.9 ± 8.1 vs 79.4 ± 9.1, p=0.039), GIR (8.6 ± 3.3 vs 6.9 ± 4.6, p=0.035) and drive distance (239.9 ± 33.8 vs 233.2 ± 32.4, p=0.047) were significantly better under the CAF+B condition compared to PLA, with no difference (p>0.05) in FIR, number of putts or putt distance. Perceptual measures of alertness and confidence significantly decreased over the round regardless of condition (p =.006). However, there were significant main effects for condition (p<0.05) and time (p<0.001) for perceived feelings of energy and fatigue. Compared to PLA, CAF+B had higher (p=0.025) energy and experienced less fatigue over the round. There were no differences in peak acceleration, putt or drive posture between conditions or across the round (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Consumption of CAF+B improves golf-specific measures of performance. This effect appears to be due to central rather than peripheral mechanisms. Financial Support Provided by MusclePharm Inc.

LPGA 선수들의 시즌성적에 영향을 미치는 경기 기술요인 탐색

The purpose of this study was to explore which factors mostly influenced players` tour results employing tour skill factors provided by LPGA. For this study, Top 10 LPGA players` stats during 9 years (2004 2012) were used. As matter of fact, 10 variables were used like average score, top 10 finish, average putt, average birdies, average eagles, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves, putts per GIR. and prize money earning. Stepwise multiple regression was conducted using SPSS win 20.0. Results indicated that the most influential tour skill factor to 9 seasons` results was average score, second influential factor was average putt, and the third factor was driving distance, and then top 10 finish was the fourth. Also on a year on year basis, 2004 was average score, 2005 was GIR., 2006 was average eagles, 2007 was top 10 finish, 2008 was average score, 2009 was average putt, 2010 were average score, GIR. and putt per GIR, 2011 was average birdies and 2012 was putt per GIR.

골프 선수들의 프리 샷 루틴과 심리적 기술 및 경기력의 관계

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of a Pre-Shot Routine, Psychological Skills and Golf Performance of Korea College Golf Association Championship and to investigate closely the cause-effect relationship between variables. Frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted using SPSS 15.0 program. Results revealed from these research methods and analyses of data are as follows: First, as a result of verifying difference in a pre-shot routine by demographic characteristics, there was the statistically significant difference in behavioral factors by gender, in cognitive factors by scoring average and professional certification. In psychological skills by demographic characteristics, there was the statistically significant difference in self-confidence, arousal control and anxiety by scoring average, in arousal control by the best score. In performance by demographic characteristics, there was the difference in score, putting, birdies, greens in regulation and recovery percentage by career, scoring average, the best score and professional certification. Second, A pre-shot routine had significant influences on psychological skills. A pre-shot routine had significant influences on self-confidence, on visualization, on challenge and on anxiety in the order of cognitive and behavioral routines. A cognitive pre-shot routine had not significant influences on arousal control but a behavioral routine had. Third, A pre-shot routine had not significant influences on performance. Forth, Psychological skills had significant influences on performance. Self-confidence(β=-.341) had significant influences on birdies and visualization(β=-.298) had on greens in regulation.

Competitive Elite Golf

Elite golfers commonly use fitness and technical training to become more competitive. The aim of this paper was to review the literature regarding the relationships between elite golfers' playing results, technique and physique. The competitive outcome is a direct function of the score. The three golf statistical measures that show the strongest correlations to scoring average are greens in regulation (GIR), scrambling, and putts per GIR. However, more detailed game statistics are needed where the distances to the targets are known before and after the strokes. Players affect ball displacement by controlling clubhead velocity and clubface angle during club and ball impact. X-factor studies have produced ambiguous results, possibly caused by different definitions of upper torso, rotation and top of backswing. Higher clubhead speed is generally associated with larger spinal rotation and shoulder girdle protraction at the top of the backswing. It is also associated with higher ground reaction forces and torques, a bottom-up and sequential increase of body segment angular velocities, a rapid increase of spinal rotation and a late adduction of the wrists during the downswing. Players can increase the clubhead speed generated by a swinging motion by actively adding a force couple. Wrist, elbow and shoulder force couple strategies should be differentiated when investigating the technique. Physical parameters such as anthropometrics, strength and flexibility are associated with skill level and clubhead speed. Current studies have investigated the linear correlation between arm and shaft lengths and clubhead speed, but a quadratic relationship may be stronger due to changes in moment of inertia. Fitness training can increase and perhaps decrease the clubhead speed and striking distance, depending on training methods and the player's fitness and level of skill. Future studies may focus on individual training needs and the relationship between physique, execution and its relation to accuracy of impact and ball displacement.

Performance analysis of golf: Reflections on the past and a vision of the future

Notational analysis of golf involves using either outcome measures, namely scores (hole and round) or process measures which can be independent (e.g.driving distance) or composite (e.g.greens in regulation) elements of the game. Research suggests that there is a relatively large variation in round scores for successive rounds although this paper shows the way in which this finding is interpreted is related to the data sample used. This paper re-analyses previous data to suggest that the most consistent finding is that a bad score on one hole increases the likelihood of a bad score on the subsequent hole irrespective of the standard of the player. Greens in regulation (GIR) along with putting leaders (putts per GIR) have consistently been shown to be the best indicators of overall scoring with driving distance and driving accuracy the others of significance. Here a form chart was used to show how inaccurate these variables (with scrambling added) were as predictors of Tiger Wood’s scoring performance during the years 2000 and 2007. It was hence argued that it is only independent elements of the game that need to be analysed to determine the true worth of the different elements e.g.putting, approach shots and driving measures, to scoring ability. It is further argued here, that performance improvement in each element of the game may be related to the availability of relevant performance measures for that element.

Physiological Correlates of Golf Performance

Golf is now a sport where physical training is an integral component of elite players' practice and contributes to the ability to play at a high level consistently and without injury. Relationships between physical conditioning and golf performance have not been reported. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify physiological correlates of golf performance in elite golfers under laboratory (ball speed and distance) and tournament conditions (average score, greens in regulation, short game measures, and putting accuracy).The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between mass, height, body mass index, sit height, arm length, and predicted Vo2max and golf measures. Significant correlations were noted between anterior abdominal muscle endurance and driver carry distance (r = 0.38; P = 0.04) and average putt distance after a chip shot (r = -0.44; P = 0.03), between dominant side abdominal muscle endurance and average putt distance after a chip shot (r = -0.43; P = 0.03), and between nondominant-side abdominal muscle endurance and average putt distance after a sand shot (r = -0.59; P = 0.001). Further correlations were found among sit and reach and driver carry distance (r = -0.36; P = 0.04), 5-iron ball speed (r = - 0.41; P = 0.02), 5-iron carry distance (r = -0.44; P = 0.01), and score (r = 0.43; P = 0.03). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among peripheral muscle test results, golf driver results, 5-iron ball measures, score, and putting efficacy.These results may be important for developing training programs based on sound physiological rationale and for the development of talent identification programs. Results suggest that core strength and stability, flexibility, balance, and peripheral muscle strength are correlated with golf performance and should be included in golf training programs.

Approach Shot Accuracy as a Performance Indicator for US PGA Tour Golf Professionals

Composite measures of golf performance, such as ‘greens in regulation,’ need to be improved upon as they cannot distinguish whether a player was good, bad or indifferent on each individual aspect of the performance, in this instance, driving and approach shots. Consequently, approach shot accuracy was assessed in terms of the distance that shots into the green finished in relation to the pin. Approach shot data (starting position, finishing position and lie) were collected from the PGA TourCast web site for 14 PGA Tour players, playing in randomly selected tournaments during 2006. Median approach shot errors (finishing distance as a percentage of starting distance) of 4.6% to 5.3% were found for fairway shots between 100 and 200 yards, rising to 6.2% to 9.6% for distances over 200 yards, suggesting some increased difficulty at longer distances. Errors tended to increase (5.2% to 6.5%) for fairway shots between 50 and 100 yards, thought to be due to the increased use of less-than-full swing shots at these distances. Shots from the rough increased the error by an average of 4.3%. It is suggested that approach shot accuracy is a viable performance indicator as it correlated strongly with World Ranking and clear individual differences allowed specific strengths and weaknesses to be ascertained. Future research should consider analysing shots from closer to the green.

Maintenance of Skilled Performance with Age: A Descriptive Examination of Professional Golfers

Demographic studies indicate a remarkable aging trend in North America. An accurate profile of the decline in physical and cognitive capabilities over time is essential to our understanding of the aging process. This study examined the maintenance of skilled performance across the careers of 96 professional golfers. Data were collected on scoring average, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putts per round, and number of competitive rounds played using online data archives. Analyses indicate that performance in this activity can be maintained to a greater extent than in activities relying on biologically constrained abilities. Although the generalizability of these results to "normal" aging populations is not known, they suggest that acquired skills can be maintained to a large extent in the face of advancing age.

The Statistical Analysis of Golf Performance

This paper reviews the limited published research on golf statistics, including round scores from amateur and professional golfers, in terms of understanding golf performance. The statistical analysis of golf involves using either scores (hole and round) or particular elements of the game that are thought to be indicative of success called performance indicators. The author reflects upon and extends some of the published research with some small studies he carried out over the last few years with his colleagues. The main conclusion is that the commonly collected performance indicators, such as ‘greens in regulation,’ need to be improved upon. In this regard, the ShotLink statistics, such as how close to the hole a player gets from within 100 yards, which are now collected at most US PGA tournaments using specialist distance-measuring devices, would seem to be the future of performance analysis in golf.