MESSAGE · METHODOLOGY

Measuring Training Effects — What Does That Mean in Senior Golf?

„I practice a lot” isn't enough in senior golf. What does it mean to truly measure training effects – and which three dimensions determine whether training is effective or just a waste of time?

MAt 64, I trained by feel: lots of range time, sometimes at the practice green, occasionally a pro lesson. My score stayed the same. At 65, I started measuring—driving distance via launch monitor, putting percentage via a three-circle drill, wedge median via calibration. Six weeks later, I knew: my wedges were the leverage, not the driver. Without measurement, I would have continued to stay at the range.

Measuring training effects means: capturing the same key figures before and after—and only then changing what demonstrably works. In senior golf, this isn't a luxury, but a necessity. Those with less energy must concentrate it on the effective levers. Three dimensions determine meaningful measurement: what, when, how often.

Three dimensions of meaningful measurement

Dimension 1 — What to measure

✓ SCORE-RELEVANT KPIs ONLY.

Not everything that is measurable is relevant. In senior golf, the following count: driving median (not best), fairway percentage, GIR percentage, putts per hole, wedge median 30/50/70 m, up-and-down percentage. Six KPIs are enough – everything else is noise.

Dimension 2 — When to Measure

✓ BASELINE + EVERY 4–8 WEEKS.

Initial baseline (3 rounds plus practice sessions), then follow-up measurements every 4-8 weeks. Daily measurements generate noise instead of signal — a senior's daily condition naturally fluctuates, obscuring real trends.

Dimension 3 — How much data

Minimum 10 data points.

Statistical significance requires at least 10 data points per metric. A single range session means nothing – ten do. Senior golfers with an honest 10-point rule avoid misinterpretations of current form.

Score-relevant KPIs are sufficient for meaningful senior measurements

MyTPI Senior Performance Methodology 2024

More KPIs create noise instead of information. Focus beats completeness.

Three common putting mistakes that senior golfers avoid

Error 1 — Save Best Instead of Median

Memory Bias.

Senior golfers recall the best 7-iron shot of the season (145 m) – and plan with it. The actual median is 125 m. With best-case scenarios, approaches systematically fall short. The median is the only number relevant for planning.

Error 2 — Overvaluing a Single Round

✗ DAILY FORM FACTOR.

A single 38-putt round doesn't tell you anything. Only ten rounds of comparative data create a trend. The senior's daily form naturally fluctuates by ±3-5 strokes—only averages over several rounds show real improvement.

Error 3 — Too many KPIs at once

OUT OF FOCUS.

Tracking 20 KPIs simultaneously is overwhelming and obscures what's essential. Six senior KPIs are enough – and that with discipline over 6+ months. Depth beats breadth.

If you can't measure it, you can't improve it. And if you measure the wrong things, you'll improve nothing.

— Mark Broadie, Strokes Gained Researcher

Three principles for senior measurement.

Median beats best

Best values are memory biases. The median (50th percentile) is the only number relevant for planning. Senior realism instead of senior wishful thinking.

10 points beat 1

Individual data points are noise. At least 10 data points per metric produce a trend. Statistical patience pays off.

6 KPIs beat 20

Focusing on a few relevant key performance indicators is better than completeness. Senior talent is limited — concentrate on the essential.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three dimensions of meaningful measurement

02 Three ways to avoid measurement errors

03 What measurements cannot replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

Score-relevant KPIs are sufficient.

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 measurements cannot replace

Measurement is the prerequisite for targeted training—but it doesn't replace training itself. Someone who measures perfectly but doesn't train won't improve. Someone who trains perfectly without measuring doesn't know if it's working. Both together are the Senior Score lever.

THREE FIRST STEPS