The 19th Hole

Learn how to organize a golf tournament from start to finish. Expert tips on formats, budgets, sponsorships, and using GPS apps like Hole19 for live scoring.

If you're serious about lowering your handicap, you've probably heard the term "strokes gained" thrown around. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how can you use strokes gained analysis to identify your weaknesses and make real improvements to your golf game? Strokes gained is the most powerful tool in modern golf analytics. It's how the pros measure performance, and now - thanks to technology like the Hole19 Golf App - it's available to everyday golfers who want to play smarter, not just harder.

Most golfers practice the wrong way. They show up at the range, empty a bucket of balls by mindlessly hitting driver after driver, and wonder why their scores don't improve.

Great golf isn't just about perfect swings - it's about making smart decisions that play to your strengths while minimizing risk. Golf shot selection separates players who score well from those who struggle despite having solid ball-striking ability. The best part? Improving your decision-making doesn't require swing changes or extra practice time.

The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to transform your golf game. While most golfers make vague resolutions like "play better golf" or "lower my handicap," serious players know that a better strategy for meaningful improvement requires specific, measurable golf goals backed by actionable plans.

Christmas break offers a rare opportunity most golfers never fully exploit - extended time away from work commitments with flexibility to focus on your game. While others are nursing holiday hangovers and binge-watching television, you could be transforming your golf game through dedicated practice and smart training.