Most of the players I see at the driving range only practice their favorite shots, and if they're short on time, they only practice their long shot, which is usually their favorite. But this doesn't mean those are the most effective shots for improving their scores, or maybe they are…

Statistics don't lie: they show us the reality of our game and allow us to be 100% objective about our needs. I'm going to show you how to compile statistics so you can see where you're falling short and thus plan your training more effectively.

For these statistics to be effective, you must complete them every time you play a tournament or a serious 18-hole round: we need a minimum of 4 completed scorecards to obtain reliable and accurate results.

At the end of your game, sharpen your memory – with practice it becomes easier to remember – and write down the results corresponding to each of the categories I indicate in the card of the field where he played.

In the FAIRWAYS row (these boxes will only be filled in if the hole is not short enough to reach the green with an iron shot, i.e., a par 3; in this case, we would fill in the greens box instead) we will write:

– OK, if our next shot isn't affected by our tee shot, that is, if we consider that the ball has ended up in a good place, and allows us to hit the green without any problem: on the fairway, the edge of the fairway…

– D, if our ball has gone into the right rough.

– I, if our ball has gone to the rough on the left.

In the GREENES/DISTANCE row (these boxes will only be filled in when we have the opportunity to hit with an iron at a distance from which we believe we should reach the green) we will write

– OK/7, if our shot ends on the green or at the edge. The number refers to the approximate distance in meters between the ball and the flagstick.

– D, if our ball ends up to the right of the green.

– I, if our ball ends up to the left of the green.

– C, if our ball ends up short of the green.

– L, if our ball ends up past the green.

– DC, if our ball ends up to the right and short of the green.

– DL, if our ball ends up to the right and long of the green.

– IC, if our ball ends up to the left and cuts off the green.

– IL, if our ball ends up to the left and long of the green.

In the SHORT GAME-DISTANCE row (these boxes are filled in if the ball has not finished on the green) we will note:

– 5. The number refers to the approximate distance in meters between the ball and the flag in this approach.

– B3, if it's a bunker shot. The number refers to the approximate distance in meters between the ball and the flagstick after this bunker shot.

In the PUTTS row we will write:

– 2, the number of putts we have hit on this green, even if we have made them from the edge of the green.

In the RESULT/PENALTY row we will write:

– 6/1: the score we have achieved on this hole/ the number of penalties on this hole, if any.

Finally, in the TOTAL column we will write:

– STREETS 14/7: out of 14 times I have hit on the tee, I have achieved my goal (putting it into play) 7 times.

– GREENES 16/3: out of 16 opportunities to put my ball on the green, I have managed 3.

– SHORT GAME: no refills.

– PUTTS 30: is the total number of putts we have hit in the 18 holes.

– RESULT 84/2: 84 is the result of the strokes made in the 18 holes and 2 is the number of penalties in the 18 holes.

Naturally, and depending on your current or desired level, your success rates should increase over time. Don't hesitate to consult your coach for help interpreting your statistics. And remember, better time management will increase your productivity and improve your results.