Scoresaver 2: review

Regular GM forum poster Homer has kindly sent us through a review of Scoresaver 2 a golf statistics software package. I'll be downloading my trial package today with a view to getting the full package at the end of the month. I did try and create my own spreadsheet but given the size of our undertaking I think dedicated developed software is the way to go. To find out more about this stats package and how it could potentially help you with your ambitions for 2010 read Homer's review below or visit www.scoresaver.co.uk/Scoresaver2.

Maybe it’s the boyhood trainspotter in me or the sixteen years crunching numbers in a payroll environment but I like figures and statistics in particular. The subject of collating golfing statistics (fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts etc) is one of those that has polarised opinion on the forum. Many regularly measure their performances by recording a number of key points while there are those in the other camp that think the whole thing is a waste of time and that the collectors really need to get out more.

Never one to be scared of being labelled a statto my software of choice is Scoresaver 2 which was produced by one of the GM Forum members Andy Richmond (aka SS2). It is as complex and robust a piece of software as you will find on the market and is great value at £35 (although if you ask nicely Andy does give discounts to GM forummers). The great thing is that they even give you a chance to download it and try it out for a month before buying.

The system records key statistics. These are fairways hit, greens in regulation (GIR), putts per round, sand saves, birdie conversions, par scrambles, driving distance (optional) and penalty shots per round. Collection of the information could not be easier. There is a simple scorecard size table that can be printed where the relevant information can be recorded. It takes literally seconds and can be done when doing the normal scorecard duties.

On completion of the round the information is easily transferred onto a simple and easy to follow screen. The course information and player details (handicap etc) are only entered once. For example of you only play one course regularly you can enter the yardages from both the white and yellow tees. When the initial set up is complete each round can then be entered and by putting in the CSS for the round it will even recalculate the handicap if you desire. Once the information has been entered it will show you the results against the key criteria and cross reference that to a mark comparable with your handicap. One of the great features is that you can even record part rounds so even if you play a quick summer nine you can collate the data.

Okay so the system works. So what? Well for me and other devotees on the forum the data stored over a period of time really shows where the strengths and weaknesses are in your game and so these can then be addressed. The system is really powerful and lets you drill down in as much or as little detail as you like and data can be shown for the calendar year, current month, or the whole period since records were entered. The choices are huge.

However Scoresaver 2 doesn’t stop there. For those who practice regularly you can enter details of each practice session including where and when, how long you spent on a particular facet and it also lets you record details against each one so that you can build up a complete diary to look back over. It shows you in a simple pie chart how much time over specified periods you have been dedicating to driving, putting chipping, bunkers, irons etc. Similarly there is a section to record any lessons. Again you can enter details or maybe even practice drills which over time act as a great aide memoir when things go a little askew. It takes seconds to pull up old information and maybe see notes about a set up change or a swing move.

It can also act as a great tool for the teaching pro too as a number of different reports can be printed or downloaded showing things like the key stats to date, the time spent practicing etc so that lessons can be tailored to fit a particular problem at that specific time.

Quite simply it is the easiest, most versatile package of its type on the market. With the free months trial it gives anybody remotely interested in using the power of statistics to improve to get to grips with the convenience and detail in the system. If it is good enough for top tour players and amateurs alike to record their statistics to help them improve then surely for the average club golfer there is even more to be gained. Its quick and simple. Try it and see for yourself