Sports Analytics Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to sports analytics terms, metrics, and abbreviations
Ace
A hole-in-one, where a player completes a hole in a single stroke from the tee box. Most commonly achieved on par-3 holes.
Albatross
A score of three strokes under par on a hole, also known as a double eagle. Most commonly achieved on par-5 holes with a score of 2.
Birdie
A score of one stroke under par on a hole. For example, completing a par-4 hole in 3 strokes.
Bogey
A score of one stroke over par on a hole. For example, completing a par-4 hole in 5 strokes.
Course Rating
The expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap) on a course under normal conditions, used to assess course difficulty and calculate handicaps.
Cut Line
The score that determines which players continue playing for the final rounds of a tournament. Typically, the top 60-70 players and ties make the cut after 36 holes.
Double Bogey
A score of two strokes over par on a hole. For example, completing a par-4 hole in 6 strokes.
Driving Accuracy
The percentage of fairways hit with the tee shot on par-4 and par-5 holes, measuring consistency and control off the tee.
Driving Distance
The average distance a player's tee shots travel on par-4 and par-5 holes, measured in yards. Typically measured on two designated holes per round.
Eagle
A score of two strokes under par on a hole. For example, completing a par-5 hole in 3 strokes or a par-4 in 2 strokes.
Expected Strokes
The statistical baseline used in strokes gained calculations, representing the average number of strokes required to complete a hole from any position on the course.
FedEx Cup Points
Points awarded based on tournament finish position throughout the PGA Tour season, used to determine playoff eligibility and season-long champion.
FIR
Fairways in Regulation - percentage of time a tee shot comes to rest in the fairway on par-4 and par-5 holes. A key measure of driving accuracy.
GIR
Greens in Regulation - when the ball reaches the putting surface in the expected number of strokes (par minus 2). For example, reaching a par-4 green in 2 shots.
Major Championship
One of golf's four most prestigious tournaments: The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Winning a major is the pinnacle of professional golf achievement.
Missed Cut
Failing to score well enough after two rounds to qualify for the weekend rounds of a tournament, resulting in no prize money for that event.
One-Putt Percentage
The percentage of greens on which a player requires only one putt to hole out, indicating excellent putting distance control and hole-making ability.
Over Par
A cumulative score that is above the total par for holes played. Represented as a positive number (e.g., +2 means two strokes over par).
Par
The predetermined number of strokes that a skilled golfer should require to complete a hole or round. Holes are typically par-3, par-4, or par-5.
Playoff
Extra holes played to determine a tournament winner when two or more players finish regulation tied for the lead. Format varies by tour and tournament.
Proximity to Hole
The average distance a player's approach shots finish from the hole, typically measured in feet. A key indicator of approach shot quality.
Putts Per GIR
Average number of putts taken when a green is hit in regulation, isolating putting performance when reaching greens in the expected number of strokes.
Putts Per Round
The total number of putts taken during an 18-hole round. Tour average is typically around 29 putts per round.
Round Score
The total number of strokes taken by a player to complete 18 holes of golf, typically ranging from the mid-60s to low-80s for professional players.
Sand Save Percentage
The percentage of time a player makes par or better after hitting into a greenside bunker, indicating bunker play proficiency.
Score to Par
The relationship between a player's actual score and the par for a round or tournament, expressed as strokes above (+) or below (-) par.
Scrambling
The percentage of time a player makes par or better after missing the green in regulation, measuring short game and recovery ability.
Slope Rating
A measure of the difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers, ranging from 55 to 155, with 113 being standard difficulty.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Measures approach shot performance from 100-250+ yards, comparing actual results to the expected outcome based on distance and lie. Critical for scoring opportunities.
Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green
Assesses short game performance from within 30 yards of the green, including chips, pitches, and bunker shots, relative to tour average.
Strokes Gained: Long Game
Combines driving and approach shot performance, measuring all shots taken from more than 100 yards from the hole.
Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee
Evaluates tee shot performance on all par-4 and par-5 holes, factoring both distance and accuracy. Measures the advantage gained from driving position.
Strokes Gained: Par 3
Specific strokes gained measurement on par-3 holes, isolating performance on these shorter holes requiring precise tee shots.
Strokes Gained: Par 4
Measures performance specifically on par-4 holes, which typically make up the majority of holes on a course and require diverse shot-making skills.
Strokes Gained: Par 5
Evaluates performance on par-5 holes, where longer hitters can gain significant advantages and birdie/eagle opportunities are more common.
Strokes Gained: Putting
Measures putting performance by comparing the number of putts taken to the expected number based on distance to the hole. Positive values indicate better-than-average putting.
Strokes Gained: Short Game
Combines around-the-green and putting performance, measuring all shots from within 100 yards to the hole being completed.
Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green
Combines all aspects of the game except putting, including driving, approach shots, and short game. Measures ball-striking performance overall.
Strokes Gained: Total
A comprehensive metric measuring a player's overall performance relative to the field, combining all aspects of the game including driving, approach shots, short game, and putting.
Top 10 Finish
Finishing a tournament in one of the top 10 positions on the final leaderboard, indicating strong consistent play and often resulting in significant prize money and FedEx Cup points.
Top 25 Finish
Finishing a tournament in one of the top 25 positions, demonstrating competitive performance and earning tournament status points.
Tournament Score
The cumulative total of all round scores in a tournament, typically consisting of four rounds (72 holes) in professional events.
Tournament Winner
The player who achieves the lowest total score over all rounds of a tournament, earning maximum prize money, FedEx Cup points, and often multi-year tour exemptions.
Under Par
A cumulative score that is below the total par for holes played. Represented as a negative number (e.g., -3 means three strokes under par).
World Ranking Points
Points awarded based on tournament strength and finish position, used to calculate the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) which determines eligibility for major championships.
Quick Reference
Common sports analytics metrics you should know
Baseball Metrics
- WAR - Wins Above Replacement
- wOBA - Weighted On-Base Average
- FIP - Fielding Independent Pitching
- wRC+ - Weighted Runs Created Plus
Soccer Metrics
- xG - Expected Goals
- xA - Expected Assists
- PPDA - Passes Per Defensive Action
- PSxG - Post-Shot Expected Goals
Basketball Metrics
- PER - Player Efficiency Rating
- TS% - True Shooting Percentage
- BPM - Box Plus/Minus
- VORP - Value Over Replacement Player
Football Metrics
- EPA - Expected Points Added
- CPOE - Completion Percentage Over Expected
- DVOA - Defense-adjusted Value Over Average
- PFF Grade - Pro Football Focus Grade