MESSEN · BASELINE

Baseline measurement — the first day of every training program.

Without a baseline, there's no measurable progress. The first measurement session before every training block is the most important—and the most frequently skipped. What makes a good senior baseline and the three steps to capture it.

MMy first training block without Baseline failed: I practiced wedges for 6 weeks, but in the end I didn't have a clear picture of my improvement. For the second block, I started with a baseline: Three-Circle Drill 27 %, Wedge Median +14 % too long, Long-Lag 31 %. After 8 weeks, follow-up measurement: 41 %, +6 %, 47 %. The improvement was clear—and motivating.

The baseline measurement is the first day of any serious training program. Without it, there's no point of comparison, and without a point of comparison, there's no statement about effectiveness. Three steps make a senior baseline robust: define KPIs, capture multiple data points, document in writing.

Three steps to the senior baseline

Step 1 — Select Six Standard KPIs

FOCUS INSTEAD OF COMPLETENESS.

Driving Median (Carry), Fairway Percentage, GiR Percentage, Putts per Hole, Wedge Median at 30/50/70 m, Up-and-Down Percentage. These six metrics cover 90% of the Senior Score levers. More KPIs create noise.

Step 2 — Three rounds + two practice sessions

Minimum 10 data points.

Three consecutive rounds provide round KPIs (Fairway, GIR, Putts). Two practice sessions provide drill KPIs (Three Circles, Wedge Distances). A total of 10+ data points per KPI — statistically significant.

Step 3 — Document in Writing

NOT JUST AN APP.

Baseline values in writing in a table (Excel or Notion). Even if Bebrassie tracks everything, your own summary with date, weather, and conditions makes later comparison easier. Memos build app trust.

Data points per KPI are the minimum baseline for statistical robustness

MyTPI Senior Performance Methodology 2024

A single range session or round is not enough — day-to-day fluctuations mask true values.

Three tips for good baseline measurement

Tip 1 — Document conditions

Weather + Place + Time.

Baseline data will be compared with follow-up measurements later. If conditions are very different (wind, rain, different location), the comparison will be unreliable. Record conditions in writing.

Tip 2 - Do not train during the baseline phase

NO NEW DRILLS.

During the 1–2-week baseline assessment period: play as usual; do not introduce any new techniques. Otherwise, the adaptation effect will skew the baseline values. Complete the baseline assessment first, then start training.

Tip 3 — Measure Accurately

✓ NO SAMPLE BALLS.

Three-circle drill without warm-up balls. First ball counts. Wedge distance is not memory-based but the median of all ten balls. Senior honesty is the baseline discipline.

The first measurement is the most important. Without a baseline, every claim of improvement is just memory or wishful thinking.

— Dr. Greg Rose, Co-founder Titleist Performance Institute

Three senior-specific baseline aspects.

Accept how you feel today

A senior's daily form naturally fluctuates. Three rounds show the average — one round shows only the day.

Save Pre-Training Statistics

For those already tracking with Bebrassie: the last three rounds before training starts are a baseline. Data already exists.

Follow-up measurement in the calendar

Schedule the follow-up measurement in 8 weeks directly in the calendar – otherwise, you'll forget it. Discipline is a senior advantage.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Steps to the Baseline

02 Three tips for good measurement

03 What the baseline does not replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

10 data points

Minimum baseline per KPI.

REFERENCE

Broadie, M. (2014): Every Shot Counts. TrackMan Performance Database 2024. MyTPI Senior Performance Research. PGA Tour Stats 2014–2024. IAGTO Senior Golf Analysis 2024.

What the baseline does not replace

A baseline is the foundation for measurability — but it neither replaces the training itself nor the follow-up measurement. Someone who records a perfect baseline and then trains nothing has a perfect collection of numbers without meaning. Baseline + Training + Follow-up Measurement is the complete methodology.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Record Your First Baseline in 30 Days

Write down six KPIs

Create a list: which six key figures do you want to track? Standard set: Driving median, fairway percentage, greens in regulation (GiR) percentage, putts per hole, wedge median, up-and-down.

Three rounds + two practice sessions

Within 2 weeks: three rounds plus two structured practice sessions (three-circle drill, wedge calibration). Document the conditions.

Write a Baseline Report

Summary in a table: KPI, Value, Date, Conditions. One A4 page is sufficient. This will be the benchmark for all future measurements.