Skip to main content
Leaderboards iconLeaderboards Become a Member iconBecome a Member Shop iconShop , external transformedLinkTrade In iconTrade In , external transformedLink
quick coaching

Analyze Your Game and Tell the Story Beyond the Scorecard

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

“What did you shoot?” One of the most common questions asked upon the completion of a round. In reality, the score on your card can only tell you so much. The story behind the score is what really matters.
The story of how a round of golf was played can be as unique as the person that played it. There are countless ways to skin a cat, and we see examples of this in both the amateur and professional ranks all the time. The “Bomb-and-Gauge” player has a strategy to hit the ball as far as possible in order to have the shortest approach they can into the green. They throw caution to the wind and live and die based solely on hitting bombs. On the flip side, the old, grizzled veteran only hitting it 175 yards off the tee, never missing a fairway, relies heavily on a world-class short game…and how many times have you played with this guy?
For the vast majority of golfers, tracking their rounds and being able to properly analyze the results can help them see where they can cut the most fat from the final number on the card.
How to Analyze your Round (
The Basics:
  • Fairways in Regulation
  • Greens in Regulation
  • Up and Downs
  • Putts
  • Penalties
Tier 2 Stats:
  • Driving Distance
  • Drive Direction in relation to Center Fairway (Left, Straight, Right)
  • Approach Direction in relation to Center of the Green
  • Distance Approach was off in relation to Center of Green
  • First Putt Distance
From here, you need to know what to do with this information based on your game and not based on any other person’s game. I would never suggest that a golfer compare their game to TOUR averages. That is especially the case in the Greens Hit in Regulation statistics. Those, along with many of the Putting stats, are the areas that really separate TOUR Professionals from the rest of us. 
However, with putting, an amateur can surely aim to achieve TOUR level putting averages. This is an area I believe most golfers are capable of practicing enough to see substantial improvement.  
Again, there are so, so many different types of players that enjoy the game in so many different ways. You can literally play a round and not hit a green in regulation but still shoot in the 70s for 18 holes if your short game is strong.
The secret to analyzing your unique stats is to be dedicated enough to keep them in the first place. Secondly, get a good sampling size, approximately 10 rounds, to initially work from. Next, comb through the statistics to find trends in the averages…in doing so, you should strive to find at least 2-3 areas that are likely causing the most harm to your final score. Lastly, work hard at improving those 2-3 areas. Since our games are always evolving and changing, this is a process you may go through frequently. I would suggest just getting into the habit of keeping track of your statistics every time you play.
In the end, doing this and making it the norm, will make you a golfer that is very in tune with their game, by knowing how you score and what your strengths and weaknesses are.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon

We also recommend

5 Steps to Keep Your Tee Shots Out of Trouble
quick coaching
5 Steps to Keep Your Tee Shots Out of Trouble
Lower Your Scores by Developing a Purposeful Game Plan
quick coaching
Lower Your Scores by Developing a Purposeful Game Plan
Swing Away from Trouble Like Nelly Korda
quick coaching
Swing Away from Trouble Like Nelly Korda
PGA Home Page
PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, composed of PGA of America Golf Professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

Follow Us
FacebookXLinkedinInstagramYouTubeTikTok
ExploreFind a Coach Find a Course PGA Events Leaderboard Stories PGA Shop , external transformedLink
ContactContact About Media Center , external transformedLinkPartners
JoinBecome a PGA Member Work In Golf PGA Sections PGA of America Careers , external transformedLink
ImpactPGA REACH , external transformedLinkPGA Inclusion Make Golf Your Thing , external transformedLink
© Copyright PGA of America 2024.
Privacy Policy California Privacy Notice Terms of Service Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information , external transformedLink
Official Technology Services AgencyCapTech