How to break 80

[jvincent]

GIR is the most important stat in golf.

I partially agree. GIR and total putts per round are the most strongly correlated to low scores of all stats.

When we last had this debate I popped the PGA tour data (for all 180 somthing active players) into a spreadsheet and GIR and PPR had exactly the same correlation (positive) to scoring average.

IIRC they were also substantially more strongly correlated than any other stat.

So, to summarize, hit lots of greens, make lots of putts, and you will score well.

[mberube]

I partially agree. GIR and total putts per round are the most strongly correlated to low scores of all stats.

When we last had this debate I popped the PGA tour data (for all 180 somthing active players) into a spreadsheet and GIR and PPR had exactly the same correlation (positive) to scoring average.

IIRC they were also substantially more strongly correlated than any other stat.

So, to summarize, hit lots of greens, make lots of putts, and you will score well.

I do agree for tour players but for us amateurs, missing the green will bring bogey or higher more often then par. On GIR you will par more often then bogey. Although 3 putts are a possibility you have less 3+ putts in a round then missed up and downs resulting in higher score when you miss the green.

Tour player have a higher GIR percentile then amateurs and there missed GIR are a lot closer to the green then amateurs. They have a better chance for an up and down meaning that PPR is the key to succeed on tour.

[goley]

Hit the ball in play off the tee and have a good short game.