Scratch to plus five: 3 Shot Scope stats that made my golf elite

For most golfers, getting to scratch is something they’ll only dream of. But, it can be done and when you get to that level, there’s still gains to be made. So, how do you improve on scratch golf? Using stats from Shot Scope can be a big help.

Jen Saxton has tracked every shot she’s hit on the golf course since 2018. This might sound like a difficult task but through using a Shot Scope device, the Scotland international has been able to automatically keep track of every shot she’s played.

Over time, that data built up and painted a picture on where her game is strong and where she might be able to improve.

When she started tracking her stats in university, Saxton was a scratch golfer. That’s now drastically improved, to the point where she plays off plus five and is a regular feature in international tournaments. 

A huge part of that improvement, she says, is down to tracking her stats and being able to work on parts of her game that needed the most attention.

We asked her what three things have taken her handicap from scratch, down to plus five.

Gains with the driver

How would you like to hit your driver longer and straighter? In the last six years, that’s exactly what Saxton has done. In 2018, she was losing around a shot every round to other scratch golfers (men included) off the tee.

That number is now closer to zero, thanks to an 11-yard gain off the tee, as well as hitting 7% more fairways.

It’s also worth noting that the 3-wood doesn’t get much use from the tee. She only hit that club 49 times off the tee in 2024, compared to 772 drivers. She’s improved by nearly a shot per round on her Strokes Gained: Off The Tee stats.

Putting precision

On the greens, there’s been an important improvement in Saxton’s play. On putts over 30 feet, she’s become noticeably better, where she used to lose 0.33 shots per round.

In that category, she now hits the benchmark number for scratch golfers. Overall, her putting still isn’t quite the strongest part of her game, but it’s improving.

Approach improvements

This has been the biggest and most important change in Saxton’s play. As we know, hitting greens is vital. Data from Shot Scope shows that greens in regulation is a stat that has a direct correlation to a golfer’s handicap index. The more greens you hit, the lower your index will be.

Now, thanks in part to increased distance off the tee, Saxton is able to get the ball closer with her irons. In particular, from 100 to 150 yards, she now gains half a shot per round on the typical scratch golfer.

In fact, between 100 and 200 yards, she gains strokes on every scratch golfer. That means more greens in regulation and, ultimately, lower scores.

Scratch to plus five: The conclusion

While this might not be an exhaustive dive into every stat in Saxton’s game, it shows us three key areas where she has focussed her improvement.

Without this insight, Jen wouldn’t have been able to focus her practice sessions in the same way. No matter what level of golf you play at, if you can dedicate your sessions to the parts of your game that need the most help, you’re going to see improvements.

More from Shot Scope

• Shot Scope PRO LX+ review

• Shot Scope PRO ZR review

• How Shot Scope data can help lower your handicap

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor