I've kept my stats for every competitive round since 1987. They tell me where I stand, and how I'm progressing. I mark them in the margins on my scorecard and pin sheet, and later transfer them to my computer. Every month or so my caddie, Terry McNamara, and I take a close look.
Here are the stats I record: fairways hit, greens hit, number of putts on each hole, up-and-downs, and how close I get the ball on chips and bunker shots. Those are the basics, so try tracking them yourself. After just a few rounds, you'll see where you're struggling.
I go a step further, with three more stats: up-and-downs from 100 yards and in, where my approach shots end up, and missed putts under six feet. For approach shots, I put a mark on the pin sheet (the ones we use on tour have green diagrams) where my ball comes to rest relative to the pin, like long-left or short-right.
Last year my stats showed I wasn't hitting enough fairways (66 percent versus 80 percent in my best driving year, 2005). So I focused my off-season work on driving accuracy. I'm sure that will help me hit more fairways and greens. And that means more birdie putts.
YOUR STATS MADE EASY
Check out the stat-tracking program on the 2008 Golf Digest Challenge. Using a special printable scorecard, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. Click golfdigest.com/challenge.
Annika Sorenstam writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest Publications and runs the Annika Academy at Ginn Reunion Resort near Orlando. Click here for more tips from Sorenstam.
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY