With respect to the new format on GolfQ for tracking statistics for handicapping.
I track FIR's and I also track drive distance when I hit the fairway (Although I will apparently now have to start tracking drive distance even when I miss the fairway since GolfQ "requires" that I put something in that box). I also don't write down drive distance if I use anything other than a driver. I think it's a waste to keep track of your drive distance when you use an iron or a fairway wood or miss the fairway. What do you write down when you flare your drive into the lake or OB? Doesn't make sense to me. I also keep track of GIR, number and length of each putt and whether I am in a bunker greenside. For GolfQ handicap, I also keep track of up and downs (made or miss).
Someone needs to reconsider whether we need to track all the data that is "required" on GolfQ. I think it would be better if each category was "optional." If you don't input a statistic, the program should just ignore that entry. It's silly to force EVERYONE to keep track of all that data. What will eventually happen is that some people will get tired of inputting all that data and will just quit. I post in two places, here and at home and it always takes me MUCH longer to post here at GolfQ. I also don't see the need for the length of the first putt. How is that used?
I used another handicapping program for awhile that tracked a BLIZZARD of data. I tracked things like length of putt, the break on each putt, the specific club used for each shot and more. That's when I started keeping track of the length of putts. I really don't need length of putt anymore but it's become a habit. I used the program for six or eight months and gave up. It was just too much and I didn’t find tracking all that information useful.
For what I am interested in; FIR, drive distance when you hit the fairway, GIR’S, number of putts and whether or not you made a sandie are as much data as I need. That lets me track my driving (FIR), my iron play (GIR’s), my putting (putts per round or putts per GIR), and my sand play (whether or not I get up and down out of bunkers) which is generally what I need. These parameters show me pretty much what I need to work on.
What do some of you guys think?
