Miles Bennett
Golf rankings are a way to rate the performance of professional golfers. There is no universal system for ranking players, but the most prominent ranking systems are the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and the FedEx Cup points system. The OWGR ranks male professional golfers based on their performance in recognised tournaments over a two-year period. The number of points awarded depends on the tournament's prestige and difficulty. The FedEx Cup system is specific to the PGA Tour and focuses on performance across a season. It is used to determine the player of the year and playoff qualification. Other ranking systems include the money list, which ranks golfers based on the amount of official prize money earned, and the Sports Illustrated World Golf Rankings, which uses AI to refine its system. To improve your golf ranking, it is important to keep track of your scores and practice your putting and chipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking calculation | The ranking is calculated using a points-based system. The winner's ranking points are the same as the ranking of the event. The second-place golfer gets 60% of the winner's points, 40% for 3rd, 30% for 4th, 24% for 5th, down to 14% for 10th, 7% for 20th, 3.5% for 40th, and 1.5% for 60th. |
| Ranking criteria | The ranking is based on a player's position in individual tournaments (not pairs or team events) over a "rolling" two-year period. |
| Ranking frequency | New rankings are calculated each week and released every Monday. |
| Ranking significance | A ranking in the World Top 50 grants automatic entry to all the majors and World Golf Championships. Rankings are also used as a criterion for selection for the International Team in the Presidents Cup and the European Ryder Cup team. |
| Ranking systems | There are various ranking systems, including the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), FedEx Cup points system, and the money list. |
| Ranking factors | Ranking factors include tournament performance, field strength, and points decay. Major tournaments like the Masters or the U.S. Open offer more ranking points due to the higher competition level. |
| Strokes Gained World Rating | Based on a player's actual scores in Eligible Tournaments from completed rounds of 18-hole stroke play, adjusted for difficulty. The minimum rating is -14.6466, and the maximum is 2.8981. |
| Performance Points | Each Strokes Gained World Rating has a corresponding value of Performance Points determined by the Performance Curve. Players with 10 or fewer recorded scores are assigned 0.01 Performance Points. |
| DPS (Distance Per Shot) | A new calculation for world rankings, invented by Golf Intelligence. It considers a player's average best scores over the last 12 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf ranking systems
Golf is a game that is loved and played by millions of people around the world. While some play it for leisure, others play it professionally and compete in tournaments. For those who play it professionally, their performance is rated through a ranking system.
Official World Golf Ranking
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is a system for rating the performance level of professional golfers. It was started in 1986 and is based on a player's position in individual tournaments (i.e., not pairs or team events) over a "rolling" two-year period. New rankings are calculated each week, and players are ranked according to their average points during the relevant ranking period. The rankings are of considerable significance to a golfer's career, as a ranking in the World Top 50 grants automatic entry to all the majors and World Golf Championships.
The rankings are calculated by dividing a player's total points by the number of eligible tournaments they have played during the relevant ranking period, with a minimum divisor of 40 eligible tournaments over the ranking period. Only the most recent 52 eligible tournaments are considered for calculating a player's ranking. The OWGR System is administered over a two-year rolling period, and ranking points are maintained at full value for a 13-week period from the relevant Ranking Date on which they were awarded. After this period, the points are reduced in equal decrements for the remaining 91 weeks of the relevant Ranking Period.
Strokes Gained World Rating
A player's Strokes Gained World Rating is based on their actual scores in eligible tournaments from completed rounds of 18-hole stroke play, adjusted for the relative difficulty of each round played over the relevant Ranking Period. There is a minimum Strokes Gained World Rating of -14.6466 and a maximum of 2.8981. Players with 10 or fewer recorded scores in Eligible Tournaments in the relevant Ranking Period are assigned a value of 0.01 Performance Points.
Other Ranking Systems
While the OWGR is a widely recognised ranking system, there are other ranking systems as well. For instance, TUGR (The Universal Golf Rankings) provides golf rankings and analytics for Pro and Junior players worldwide. Additionally, there are ranking systems that provide an unofficial handicap estimate, which can be a free way to measure your game if you don't have access to an official World Handicap System index.
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Handicap and how it affects ranking
Golf is a game of numbers, and the handicap system is an integral part of it. A handicap is a great way to get a real measure of your playing ability. It is a universal measure of playing ability under the World Handicap System. It allows golfers of varying skill levels to compete with each other on an equal basis. For example, if Tom's average score is 80 and Meaghan's is 95, the handicap system will allow Tom to 'give' Meaghan a calculated number of strokes to level the playing field, giving them both an equal chance of winning.
The handicap system is based on a player's best scores, not their worst or even middle-of-the-road scores. The USGA (United States Golf Association) calculates the Handicap Index by averaging the best eight Score Differentials out of the player's most recent 20 scores. This value may be adjusted if the player submits an exceptional score, which is 7.0 strokes or better than their Handicap Index at the time. The Handicap Index is distinct from the Course Handicap, which is a whole number representing the number of strokes needed to play to the level of a par golfer on a particular course or set of tees.
Handicap systems are not generally used in professional golf. The Official World Golf Ranking system rates the performance level of professional golfers. Rankings are based on players' positions in individual tournaments over a "rolling" two-year period, with new rankings calculated each week. Rankings are of considerable significance to a golfer's career, with a ranking in the World Top 50 granting automatic entry to all majors and World Golf Championships.
While the handicap system is a great way to measure your playing ability, it is important to note that it is not directly correlated with total score. Instead of focusing solely on scores, golfers can also track other important statistics such as the number of fairways hit from the tee, greens hit in regulation, and putts taken per hole. These metrics can help golfers identify their strengths and weaknesses and practice with purpose to improve their game and lower their scores.
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How to lower your golf score
To lower your golf score, you need to put in the time and effort. While there is no "eureka" moment, you can make quick gains by focusing on your short game, including putting and chipping. Practice your tempo and impact tendencies, but avoid constantly changing your swing. Work on your mental game and strategy, and be realistic about your expectations.
It is important to track your scores and some key statistics. Know your fairways hit from the tee, greens hit in regulation, and putts taken per hole. This will help you identify areas for improvement and practice with purpose. For example, if you are wasting shots with 3-putts, focus on improving your long lag putts and making 3-footers.
You can also improve your course management skills to score well even when your swing is not at its best. Think your way around the course and play conservative, "boring" golf. Avoid unnecessary risks and penalties, and focus on consistent, confident play.
Additionally, consider investing in tools such as a rangefinder to dial in your distances. This can help you make better decisions on the course and lower your scores without requiring significant changes to your technique.
Finally, if you want to make more significant improvements, seek guidance from a qualified teaching professional. They can help you refine your swing and ball-striking ability, which can lead to dramatic drops in your scores. Remember, the amount of time and effort you put in will directly impact your progress.
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Calculating your ranking
While there is no universal system for ranking golfers, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is the most prominent ranking system. It ranks male professional golfers based on their performance in recognised tournaments over a two-year period.
To calculate your ranking, you must first keep track of your scores. This will give you real information about your golf scores and can also help you improve your game. You can use a booklet to track your scores and other important statistics, such as the number of fairways you hit from the tee, the number of greens you hit in regulation, and the number of putts you take per hole.
Once you have your scores, you can use a system such as OWGR to rank yourself. The OWGR ranks golfers based on their Strokes Gained World Rating, which is calculated using their actual scores in eligible tournaments from completed rounds of 18-hole stroke play, adjusted for the relative difficulty of each round played over the relevant ranking period. The OWGR also takes into account the field strength of the tournament, with major tournaments like the Masters or the U.S. Open offering more ranking points than smaller events due to the higher competition level.
Another factor that can affect your ranking is the number of tournaments you play. The OWGR is based on a player's performance in individual tournaments over a two-year period, so playing in more tournaments can give you more opportunities to accumulate ranking points.
It's also important to note that your ranking is based on your average performance levels, not just your cumulative success. This means that playing in more tournaments can either help or hurt your ranking, depending on your performance in those tournaments.
Finally, you can also use other ranking systems as a reference, such as the money list, which ranks golfers based on the amount of official prize money they've earned, or the FedEx Cup points system, which is specific to the PGA Tour and focuses on performance across a season.
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Different scoring formats
Golf scoring formats vary, and the choice of format depends on the players' skill levels and preferences. Here are some of the most common scoring formats:
Stroke Play
Stroke play is one of the most common scoring formats in golf. The objective is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible. Players must record their score on every hole, regardless of the number of shots taken. At the end of the game, the scores are added up, and the player or team with the lowest number of strokes wins.
Stableford
Stableford is a variation of stroke play that has gained popularity among amateur golfers worldwide. Instead of focusing on the lowest total or net score, players aim to accumulate the highest number of points over the round. Points are awarded based on performance on each hole, and golfers with a bad hole can remain in the game.
Par and Bogey Competitions
Par and Bogey competitions are forms of stroke play where golfers compete against a fixed score on each hole (par). These formats incorporate the winning or losing of individual holes, as seen in match play, into the overall stroke play competition.
Four-Ball (Four-Ball Better Ball)
Four-ball is a team format where two golfers play their own balls. The team's score for each hole is determined by the lower score between the two teammates. This format differs from foursomes, where players take alternate shots with the same ball. At the end of the round, the lowest scores from each teammate are summed up, and the team with the lowest total score wins.
Texas Scramble
The Texas Scramble, also known simply as a 'Scramble', is a popular team format. In its basic form, all team members get a chance to hit every shot. After the initial tee-off, the team decides on the best drive, and all members play their next shots from that position.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to rank your golf score. One is to keep track of your scores and important statistics such as the number of fairways you hit from the tee, the number of greens you hit in regulation, and the number of putts you take per hole. Another way is to get a handicap estimate, which is a great way to measure your playing ability. You can then refer to a USGA handicap analysis to see where you rank.
You can get a free unofficial handicap estimate from websites such as GroupChips.
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) ranks male professional golfers based on their performance in recognised tournaments over a two-year period. Players earn points based on their finishing positions, with the number of points awarded depending on the tournament's prestige and difficulty.
In stroke play, one of the simplest golf scoring formats, you mark the total number of strokes taken on each hole. At the end of a round, your gross score (i.e. all shots) is totalled, and your handicap is deducted to calculate the nett score.
