Three players with similar handicaps stand on the tee – yet their styles of play are completely different. One relies on instinct, another on technique, and the third analyses every round down to the last detail.
The reason is simple: there isn’t just ‘one type of golfer’ – there are different playing styles. And understanding exactly which type you are can be crucial to how you actually improve your game.
1. The gut player – “I play by feel”
The gut player relies on his instincts. He stands over the ball, picks up his club and intuitively decides what feels right.
Typical characteristics:
• Performance varies greatly depending on the day’s form
• Often has very good rounds, but also very poor ones
• Gives little thought to numbers or statistics
• All or nothing in terms of feeling: “It’s going well today” or “Not at all today”
• The words “luck” or “bad luck” play a role
• Rarely seen on the driving range
Strengths:
• Relaxed style of play
• Creativity on the course
• Can sometimes perform surprisingly well under pressure
Weaknesses:
• Lack of consistency
• Difficulty analysing mistakes in a targeted way
• Improvement tends to be random rather than planned
Problem: The gut-feeling player often doesn’t know why things are going well or badly.
2. The technique-oriented player – “I need to work on my swing”
The technique-oriented player is convinced that the key lies in the perfect swing. They spend a lot of time on the driving range, analysing their movements and trying to refine their technique.
Typical characteristics:
• Focus on technique and training
• Thinks a lot during the game
• Spends a lot of time on the driving range
• Seeks “the perfect shot”
Strengths:
• Good fundamentals
• Understanding of their own swing
• Potential for continuous improvement
Weaknesses:
• Overthinking on the course
• Difficulty applying technique to the game
• Sometimes too tense. Struggles to relax.
• Often focuses on the wrong aspects
Problem: Technique alone won’t win a round.
3. The Data Player – “I know where I’m losing strokes”
The Data Player takes it a step further. They don’t rely solely on feel or technique, but on clear data and analysis.
Typical characteristics:
• Tracks their rounds
• Analyses statistics
• Makes decisions based on numbers
• Identifies patterns in their own game
Strengths:
• Clear view of strengths and weaknesses
• Targeted training
• Greater consistency in their game
Weaknesses:
• May tend to over-analyse
• Risk of overthinking the game
Advantage: The data-driven player improves consciously and sustainably.
What type are you really?
Most golfers are a mix of all three types – but one of them often dominates. And this is precisely where the key lies:
• Intuitive players need more structure
• Technical players need to be more relaxed
• Data-driven players need the right balance
Why the data-driven player wins in the long run
Golf isn’t a game of perfect shots – it’s a game of making the right decisions. And these are based on understanding, not gut feeling.
Many golfers think they know where they’re losing strokes. In reality, it’s often something else:
• You think your driver is the problem
• In truth, you lose most strokes on the putting green
Without data, the game remains a guessing game.
The role of Breaking 77
This is exactly where Breaking 77 comes in.
The app helps you view your game objectively:
• You can see where you’re really losing strokes
• You can spot patterns across several rounds
• You can compare yourself with your handicap group
This way, you can develop step by step from a gut-feel or technique-based player into a smart data-driven player – without losing your feel for the game.
Conclusion: Know your style – and keep developing
There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ – but there are more effective ways to improve.
If you understand how you play, you can work specifically on playing better.
And that is exactly what golf is all about.
