The Scoring Method - Will Robbins

[xmanhockey7]

Did not find any threads about this and wanted to start one. I came across Will Robin's The Scoring Method about a week ago. It intrigued me as it was a system revolving around course management. So far I have watched through 2 of 3 levels of his videos/info. I'm quite impressed by the material and think most golfers looking to improve can benefit. If you're looking for complicated or sophisticated you're going to the wrong place. It's stupid simple. Its actually quite obvious, but challenging even for single digit handicaps. Also, it's not really about technique change. It's about managing your emotions and decisions on the course.

Starting out you focus on gear 1. Think of it as the foundation. The purpose of gear 1 is to get you to never make another double bogey again. KISS. Using The Scoring Method Score Card you keep track of your stats as you go though the round. First stat or objective is to get the ball within 100 yards of the hole in regulation or as Will calls it "entering the scoring zone". So on a far 4 that's getting to within 100 yards in 2 shots. Once inside the 100 yard marker you're looking to get the ball down in 3. If you accomplish the objective you get a check mark. If you do not accomplish you get an X. If you hit the ball to a position you cannot play from, OB, or into a penalty area you make an O. The cool thing is even if it takes you 3 shots to enter the scoring zone you're basically playing a new hole trying to get the ball down in 3 once inside 100. The scorecard also has you keeping track of putts made inside 4 ft (check mark), outside 4 feet (+), or missed putt inside 4 ft (X), and total number of putts.

At the end of your round you write up all your stats. Based on your numbers from the round Will has a practice sheet you can transfer the numbers to which tells you exactly what drills and how often you need to work on them. If during the round you were 18/18 entering the scoring zone, but 10/18 getting down in 3 with several missed 4 putts the practice plan will have you focusing on your short game. Again, it's simple but quite clever. If you go 18/18 entering the scoring zone and getting down in 3 every time you'll never shoot above 90 and never make a double bogey.

I know reading this plenty of good players (single digit) will say it's too easy. The challenge to them is not to just do it for 18 holes. Do it for 72 holes. Enter the scoring zone 72/72. Get down in 3 72/72. It's an eye opening experience for many. Again, never make a double bogey! As you progress through the program there are different gears. For example in gear 2 entering the scoring zone becomes getting the ball within 50 yards of the pin in regulation and getting down in 2 instead of 3.

Here is a link for the site. Cordie from Golf Science Lab is fairly involved with Will and has some videos with him. Again, I highly recommend this to just about anyone looking to improve. I'm a single digit who really hasn't been super focused on golf the last few years. The other day I spend an hour practicing putting in a more meaningful way than I have in probably 10 years. I'm quite enjoying the 72 hole challenge and I'm excited what this season as to bring.https://thescoringmethod.teachable.com/courses/

 

[Bob M]

Thanks for posting this information about Will Robins and his approach to scoring. Based on videos available on the "Golf Science Lab" youtube channel, I tried the approach and kept track of the statistics on Friday and had one of my better rounds of the year.

 

I really like the approach, which focuses on avoiding blow-up holes, so I signed up. Looking forward to working through the material.

 

 

 

[oikos1]

Lol.  "The Ten Keys To Scoring" are all things you're not supposed to do.  Probably score better just staying home and not even playing.  I love how one of the players was desperately asking for something positive from Robbins. "I didn't under club though, can I circle that one?"  Classic

 

 

[dlygrisse]

My head started hurting 1/2 way thru the OP. The only thing I keep track of is my score and bets. If this works for you great, but let me sum up what you need to do. 
1.  Keep your tee ball in play

2.  Get your approach close to the green

3.  Work on your short game, always get on the green with a SW in your hand and don’t 3 putt. 
 

is that the gist?  Don’t know my stats  except my handicap has been between 6 and 8 most of my adult life. 
 

of course hitting greens in reg and making birdies is when your score really dips, but if you want to break 90 then follow the formula above. When you start hitting greens the 70’s aren’t far away.  

Edited August 24, 2020 by dlygrisse

[RichieHunt]

It's not that it's too simple for low handicap golfers, it's just that at the low handicap level so much of the scoring system rarely applies for a low handicap golfer to lower their score.  His scoring system is more defensive which works for high handicap golfers...particularly if they have little desire to actually execute shots better and make significant improvements to their handicap.

 

With low handicaps, their ability alone will satisfy most of the scoring system shown in the video.  With low handicaps it's more about actual better execution, particularly in the key areas of the game such as driving, long approach shots, shots from 10-25 yards and putting from 3-15 feet.  If you're a low handicap and make 30% of your putts from 10-feet, then you can make a significant improvement by actually executing better to say making 40% of your putts from 10-feet.

 

I also feel the system is quite cumbersome.  that's the problem that all of these statistical systems face...it's easy to forget to keep track of and then golfers get frustrated and quit doing it.

 

 

 

RH

[Bob M]

I think that Richie is correct about this system being particularly applicable to high handicap golfers, with yours truly being a prime example. I started playing golf again when I retired last year after a 10-year hiatus. My index when I quit in 2009 was 16.5; on my return to the game I estimate that it was around 30. This year it has come down to around 26 and with Robins method, which I started last week, I can envision getting to playing bogey golf in the near term. No question that the basis is things that we all "know" (keep the ball in play, no 3-putts, etc) however breaking the game into getting into the scoring zone and getting down in 3 when in the scoring zone components is something that I find helpful.

 

Keeping the statistics for Robins system is no more cumbersome than my previous practice (fairways, GIR and putts) and for me provides terrific feedback.

 

[xmanhockey7]

He has different levels to the system. As simple as it is most low handicaps won’t go 72/72 entering the scoring zone and down in the scoring zone in 3. Getting the ball in 3 around the green isn’t so bad. Once you start getting over 70 yards it becomes harder. Honestly if people think it won’t work for them I’d say they shouldn’t do it. I don’t think it’s the end all be all to course management either. I don’t agree with him on everything, but as a whole it’s solid. 

[Wormkiller]

Just signed up for this course. Its all common sense. The best thing about it is helping identifying areas to work on from your actual stats on course and referencing them to set game based goals for practice. Eg: “From X yards try aim to get in the hole in Y number of shots. Once successful proceed to the next goal.”

 

Big focus on objectively achieving performance goals opposed to internal focus on self-correcting technique.

 

Anyone else using this method?

Edited May 1, 2021 by Wormkiller

[CasualLie]

On 8/23/2020 at 5:38 PM, dlygrisse said:

My head started hurting 1/2 way thru the OP. The only thing I keep track of is my score and bets. If this works for you great, but let me sum up what you need to do. 
1.  Keep your tee ball in play

2.  Get your approach close to the green

3.  Work on your short game, always get on the green with a SW in your hand and don’t 3 putt. 
 

is that the gist?  Don’t know my stats  except my handicap has been between 6 and 8 most of my adult life. 
 

of course hitting greens in reg and making birdies is when your score really dips, but if you want to break 90 then follow the formula above. When you start hitting greens the 70’s aren’t far away.  

Exactly...

 

I was listening to an EAL podcast while driving and he was interviewing Joel Dahman.  Joel's recipe to play well as a weekender and pretty much break 80...

1. No penalty strokes

2. Get on green with first chip/pitch

3. No three putts

 

Let's say you are a 12.  If you miss every green, no penalties, and go 0/18 on getting up and down, there's 90.  As a 12, this wouldn't happen.  How bad do you have to be to miss every green?!?!  And not get up/down once?!?!  Not happening as a 12, instead the 12 is breaking one of the three rules a few times per round.  Make it through the round not breaking the three rules and you are looking at likely a smooth 78.

 

Edited May 2, 2021 by CasualLie

[CasualLie]

I'll also add, I've played with a ton of golfers over the years, and of the few who became obviously better, i.e. started as a hack, learned to break 90, and now flirt with 80, not one of them did this by going stat tracking crazy.

 

Heavy stat tracking is for single digits who needs a plan to get to scratch, or + handicaps looking to shave a stroke here and there because it literally adds up to a lot of money or a tour card.  If you are double digits you don't need to waste your time on stats.  Get a coach and fix your swing and learn realistic course management for your level.

Edited May 1, 2021 by CasualLie

[getitdaily]

Course mgmt changes as you get better. Seems like a decent system to reduce blow up holes for higher handicaps. But it's way too simple for very low caps. 

[Wormkiller]

5 hours ago, CasualLie said:

I'll also add, I've played with a ton of golfers over the years, and of the few who became obviously better, i.e. started as a hack, learned to break 90, and now flirt with 80, not one of them did this by going stat tracking crazy.

 

Heavy stat tracking is for single digits who needs a plan to get to scratch, or + handicaps looking to shave a stroke here and there because it literally adds up to a lot of money or a tour card.  If you are double digits you don't need to waste your time on stats.  Get a coach and fix your swing and learn realistic course management for your level.

Sorry, but to be frank all Im hearing here is anecdotal evidence and the subjective opinion of an amateur - which to be brutally honest holds no weight at the end of the day.
 

Since stat tracking my scores have come down and game is improving and I have the hard facts to back it up too. So its working for me and it likely does for others.
 

And personally, the process alone of collecting and analysing stats about my game and now setting practice goals accordingly is something I really enjoy doing. It fits my personality.

 

Just like some enjoy the feeling of smashing 100 drives on the range. Or some just like playing and nothing else - everybody is different with how they enjoy the game. Its not all about achieving a certain scores. Its the journey. 

Edited May 1, 2021 by Wormkiller

[ctmason_98]

1 hour ago, Wormkiller said:

Sorry, but to be frank all Im hearing here is anecdotal evidence and the subjective opinion of an amateur - which to be brutally honest holds no weight at the end of the day.
 

Since stat tracking my scores have come down and game is improving and I have the hard facts to back it up too. So its working for me and it likely does for others.
 

You just argued against his anecdotal evidence and subjective opinion…with your own anecdotal evidence and subjective opinion. 
 

“Hey listen, moron, your experience holds no weight…now let me tell you why my experience does.”

[Kdaniel72]

I play from the blues and score in the mid to high 90’s and if I move up to the whites I score in the high 80’s to mid 90’s.  I really think the system will help me get to the high 80’s from the blues while I work on my distance. It’s usually the back 9 and a few blowup holes that kill my scorecard. 
 

I'm going to try it!

 

Do any of you have a practice schedule that you follow or recommend?

[CasualLie]

Like just about anything else in golf, do what makes you happy.  I’m not saying don’t track stats if you are into that stuff, but if you want more than anecdotal evidence just look at average index over last (choose your time frame).  All these stat apps, trackers, ton of Arccos data and what have we really learned that we didn’t know otherwise?

 

 If you love stats and these apps, great, go for it.  But let’s be honest here, if you are a high handicapper the stat app isn’t going to hit the ball for you after you accumulated X number of rounds.

 

And I’m not intending to put down high handicappers.  The great thing about golf is it can be a game in so many different ways to so many different people.  But if you are serious shot getting better then get an instructor and a solid long term plan to improve your ballstriking.  When you stop hitting it OB off the tee, blading chips over the green and putting it 8 feet past the hole, then stats can be great for that next level.

[naval2006]

I think at our level stats won’t say so much different than what you see throughout the round. But some people like or are into stats so they should go ahead. Perhaps new players still can’t grasp where shots are usually saved based on each players game so stats may give an idea.   But the real improvement in golf comes from refining technique and practicing. Stats are just a side dish to the main course. 

[Hawkeye77]

16 hours ago, Wormkiller said:

Sorry, but to be frank all Im hearing here is anecdotal evidence and the subjective opinion of an amateur - which to be brutally honest holds no weight at the end of the day.
 

 

 

You're a pro? 

 

Some stuff works for some folks, some stuff works for other folks.

 

Glad this works for you.

[Hawkeye77]

I'm sure there are "aha" moments for people that keep a lot of stats, and if you like that you should do it.

 

Anecdotally, lol, I've tried a few times to try to keep stats and in different ways, but I already know what I need to work on and what's gotten better over time, etc. and when I look at stats it's "duh".

 

I agree with a lot of the above.  Today was a good example.  9 pars, 9 bogeys.  Okay for the first 18 hole round I kept score this year, and I'm a bit weak yet, but the story of the day was missing fairways and missing a few 3-4 footers (yikes) I left myself because my little pitches around the greens I missed were coming up short.  So drive it better, hit the little pitches closer and/or don't screw around on short putts.  Oh, and hit irons better so I'm not having to hit those little pitches.  Don't need stats to tell me any of that, I was right there in it.

 

I guess, improve a little bit of everything, lol, which is still the story for me!

Edited May 2, 2021 by Hawkeye77

[Wormkiller]

On 5/1/2021 at 10:27 PM, Kdaniel72 said:

I play from the blues and score in the mid to high 90’s and if I move up to the whites I score in the high 80’s to mid 90’s.  I really think the system will help me get to the high 80’s from the blues while I work on my distance. It’s usually the back 9 and a few blowup holes that kill my scorecard. 
 

I'm going to try it!

 

Do any of you have a practice schedule that you follow or recommend?

Below is an example of a series of minigames with "levels" you can aim to try and achieve. What level you start on can be based on your stats for your recent round(s). Im finding this is giving me more purpose and direction with my practicing.

 

On the weekend for example I worked on my putting, and got to level 4 with my short putts - finally getting to 8 out of 10 from 4 ft. Each time I didnt make 8 out of 10 I had to restart. Then with my lag putts I put my balls at a distance between 30-45 feet and counted how many shots it took my to get in the hole, repeated 9 times (I guess simulating 9 holes). Best I could achieve was 18 shots - so I'm still on level 2 for this.

 

Edited May 3, 2021 by Wormkiller

[msg]

On 8/23/2020 at 7:38 PM, dlygrisse said:

My head started hurting 1/2 way thru the OP. The only thing I keep track of is my score and bets. If this works for you great, but let me sum up what you need to do. 
1.  Keep your tee ball in play

2.  Get your approach close to the green

3.  Work on your short game, always get on the green with a SW in your hand and don’t 3 putt. 
 

is that the gist?  Don’t know my stats  except my handicap has been between 6 and 8 most of my adult life. 
 

of course hitting greens in reg and making birdies is when your score really dips, but if you want to break 90 then follow the formula above. When you start hitting greens the 70’s aren’t far away.  

I followed this last weekend and holy, I shot 6 over par. Too bad I only hit 1 green at the front 9 and I had several open looks. My irons were just so bad at the front 9 that it was comical. 

 

This season I have been tracking stats and use Game Golf heavily. Last weekend, I only have three things on my scorecard. Keep ball in play, get approach on the green or around, no 3 putts. 😄 

Edited May 3, 2021 by msg