Strokes Gained Putting Calculator

The Strokes Gained Putting Calculator estimates your putting performance relative to tour benchmarks using total putts, holes played, and average distance. This tool helps golfers identify hidden weaknesses to lower their scores effectively. Whether you are tracking improvement over a season, comparing your stats to PGA Tour averages, or refining your practice routine, this calculator offers precise, data-driven insights for your game.

Total number of putts taken during the round
Number of holes played (typically 18)
Average distance of your first putt on each hole
Beginner 50 Professional

How Strokes Gained Putting Is Calculated

Strokes Gained Putting measures how many strokes you gain or lose on the green compared to a benchmark. This metric considers the difficulty of your putts based on distance and skill level to provide a fair analysis.

Strokes Gained = Total Expected Putts - Actual Putts

Where:

  • Total Expected Putts = Average expected putts per hole × Number of holes played

First, the tool calculates the expected number of putts for your round using a standard formula adjusted for your specific skill. This step is crucial because it accounts for how hard a putt is from 20 feet versus 5 feet.

Then, it compares this expected number to your actual total putts. If you take fewer putts than expected, you gain strokes; if you take more, you lose them. This method relies on established statistical models used by professional tours to ensure reliability.

What Your Strokes Gained Putting Means

This number tells you exactly how well you are putting compared to a specific benchmark, such as the PGA Tour average. A positive number means you are putting better than the benchmark, effectively saving you strokes, while a negative number indicates you are losing strokes on the green.

Elite Performance (+0.5 or higher): You are gaining significant strokes compared to the average. This suggests your putting is a major strength. Continue trusting your stroke and focus practice time on other aspects of your game like driving or approach shots.

Needs Improvement (-1.0 or lower): Your putting is costing you strokes relative to the benchmark. Focus your practice sessions on lag putting from long range and consistent mechanics inside 10 feet to stop leaking shots.

Solid Performance (0 to -0.5): You are performing at or slightly below the expected standard. Look at specific distance ranges in your data to find small leaks.

Important

A single round can be misleading due to luck or weather. Track your results over at least five rounds to get a true measure of your skill level.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional coaching. Results are based on statistical averages and individual performance may vary.

Monitor your monthly average to see if your practice routine is effectively raising your strokes gained value over time.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →