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The distributions usually need to be adjusted by rating to one of our four skill levels (1000, 950, 900, 850) to make it useful for analyzing whether a hole does a good job spreading scores for that skill level and whether the scoring average meets the intentions of the hole designer.

Another basic review determines whether a hole might have too many of the same scores for a skill level on a hole. For example, if more than 7 out of 10 Blue level players shoot a 3 on a hole, it probably is the wrong length to spread the scores for that level. Moving the tee or pin longer or shorter about 30 feet changes the scoring average about 0.1 up or down, respectively.

We are using this type of scoring data to determine the need for changes/improvements of individual holes at Moraine State Park. A couple of examples would be the gold tee layouts on holes 9 & 11. For hole 9, the idea is to simply shorten the gold tee by 30'-50'. The same can be done on hole 11, however, J Gary Dropcho recently found a potential gold tee location approximately 30' to the right and short of the present tee. We would need to remove select trees to open the fairway, but this proposed tee location would definitely provide much more shot variation and will more than likely improve the overal scoring spread on the hole.

In addition, Chris Deitzel recently discovered a potential white tee location for the par 5 hole 6. By simply moving the tee back approximately 30'-35', there is a natural alley through the trees to the left side of the fairway. I showed it to J Gary a couple of weeks ago and he stated he had never noticed it before, either. This tee, if relocated, would probably not change the scoring spread of the hole too much, however, I think it makes for a better design as the golfer is presented with more shot variation off the box.

There's a definite advantage to using natural tees (or Fly Pads) the first year or two after the installation of a course. One can utilize all types of charts to determine par settings, but the statistical scoring data is truly invaluable when it comes to overall course improvements. Especially when designing multi-par courses for blue and gold level players.