Scott Fawcett, a mini-tour player, developed the DECADE Golf course management system with the help of Columbia Business School professor Mark Broadie, who helped develop the PGA Tour’s Strokes Gained statistics in 2011. DECADE Golf is a quantifiable system that helps players make strategic decisions on the course. Fawcett works with PGA Tour players and over 100 college golf programs use DECADE.
The key takeaways from Fawcett’s teachings include using the driver as the first selection off the tee unless there is a very good reason not to, aiming towards the middle of the green for approach shots, and focusing on speed control on the greens. Around the greens, Fawcett emphasizes the importance of avoiding two-chips per round, which is a common mistake for higher-handicap players.
To work on DECADE concepts in practice, Fawcett suggests being aware of the width of your shot pattern and using a launch monitor to illustrate to players their shot patterns. This awareness helps players commit to their DECADE targets and improve their overall game. Fawcett also discusses the difference in shot patterns between tour players and 10-handicap players, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s shot dispersion.
Fawcett emphasizes that driving, rather than putting, is more important in a player’s overall performance. He explains that driving is crucial to taking big chunks of expected value off a hole and that Strokes Gained statistics do not support the cliché of “Drive for Show, Putt for Dough.” While putting is important, Fawcett believes that players are generally average putters relative to their handicap.
In summary, Scott Fawcett’s DECADE Golf system offers a strategic approach to course management based on quantifiable data and statistics. By focusing on driving and understanding shot patterns, players can make more informed decisions on the course and improve their overall performance. Fawcett’s teachings challenge traditional golf clichés and offer a new perspective on how to lower scores and play more efficiently.
