If you're a fan of professional golf, you may have noticed that many PGA Tour golfers have a statistician on their team (see Dan Rapaport's Golf Digest article on the support team of a PGA Tour player.) But what exactly does a statistician do in the world of golf? And how can they help a golfer lower their score and perform better on the course?

Determining What Areas of Game Need Work

First, let's start with the basics. Statisticians on the PGA Tour typically work with golfers to analyze data from previous rounds, including things like club selection, approach shots, and putting. By analyzing this data, statisticians can identify patterns and trends in a golfer's game and provide recommendations for improvement. For example, a statistician may discover that a golfer consistently underperforms on long lag putts and recommend practicing those specific shots more.

Optimizing Based on Typical Miss

One way a statistician can help a golfer lower their score is by analyzing data on the golfer's past performances. This might include data on their driving distance, accuracy, greens in regulation, and more. By looking at this data, the statistician can identify patterns and trends that can help the golfer make better decisions on the course.

For example, if the data shows that the golfer tends to miss left on approach shots, the statistician might recommend that the golfer's address an issue with their alignment or take on pins tucked on the right side of the green and aim more towards the center of the green when the pin is tucked on the left side.

Optimizing Based on Course Setup

Statisticians also use data to help golfers prepare for upcoming tournaments. They may analyze course data and provide recommendations on club selection or strategy based on the golfer's strengths and the specific characteristics of the course.

This might include data on the length of the holes, the slope of the greens, and the types of hazards on the course. By analyzing this data, the statistician can help the golfer determine the best approach to each hole and make better decisions on optimal club selection and optimal shot placement.

Developing the Strategy for a Tournament Week

But the role of a statistician in golf goes beyond just analyzing data and providing recommendations. They can also serve as a sounding board for the golfer, helping them think through their decisions and providing a different perspective on their game. This can be especially helpful when a golfer is struggling and is in need of some fresh ideas and outside perspective.

Providing Objective Analysis

But perhaps the biggest advantage of working with a statistician is that they provide objective, unbiased analysis. Golfers can be their own worst critics and may not always see their own strengths or areas for improvement. A statistician, on the other hand, can provide a fresh perspective and objective analysis that can help golfers make better decisions on the course.

How Effective Are Statisticians?

So, how effective are statisticians at improving golfers' performances? The short answer is that it depends. Some golfers have reported significant improvements in their scores after working with a statistician, while others may not see as much of a difference. However, most professionals agree that having a statistician on their team can be a valuable asset.

One reason for this is that golf is a highly mental game. By analyzing data and providing recommendations, statisticians can help golfers approach each shot with a clear and informed strategy, rather than relying on intuition or gut feelings. This can lead to more confident and consistent play, which is key to success on the course.

In conclusion, many professional golfers on the PGA Tour utilize the services of a statistician to help them improve their game. These specialized analysts use data and statistical analysis to provide recommendations for improvement, prepare for tournaments, and offer objective, unbiased analysis. While the effectiveness of a statistician can vary from golfer to golfer, most professionals agree that they can be a valuable asset on the team.

P.S. If you think you need support with your course strategy, you can try a free trial of Under Par's coaching platform. As part of your free onboarding week, we will review the stats from a past round and give you feedback on how to optimize for lower scores.