First Round AJGA Scoring Averages 🧐
Mikkelgolf.com Newsletter #3
Last week we looked at the scoring averages on the Norwegian Junior Tour and compared them to the PGA Tour. We saw that the first round scoring averages on this junior tour were higher than the other rounds. This correlated to my observations from college golf as well. The PGA Tour scoring averages had smaller deviations round to round.
You can find that post here.
In an effort to dig a little deeper, I decided this week to look at the AJGA. If you’re not familiar, the AJGA hosts arguably most of the strongest junior tournaments in the world. There are tons of tournaments hosted yearly and the tour has an intricate system for both rankings and qualifications to select tournaments.
The tournaments that I chose to look at were the “Invitationals.” These are regarded as the most prestigious and likely draw the best fields. I ended up looking at all 12 Invitational Strokeplay Tournaments played during the 2023 season. Below are the average scores per round for the year:
(Maybe) Not surprising at this point - the AJGA Invitationals also had higher first round averages than the other rounds. The first round played the toughest in 9 of the 12 tournaments during the 2023 season. I was not present at any of these tournaments in 2023, but looking at the numbers it looks like the final round at the Jr Players had particularly challenging conditions, as well as the second round at the Wyndham. The tournament of champions varied a lot throughout the week.
However, I think it’s safe to conclude the same pattern emerged on both sides of the Atlantic in junior golf. Looks like there are some “easy” shots to pick up on the field during these first rounds.
What does this deviation in performance come down to and how can you mitigate it? Here are the two main factors I listed last week:
1️⃣ The first reason is obvious, preparation. Having a strong strategic game plan and being adjusted to the course conditions when you tee off on the first hole is vital. PGA Tour players have an advantage on junior and amateur golfers as they a) have a caddy and b) both the player and caddy have likely seen the course previously. However, I think tour players are significantly better at sharpening the right skills in order to start the first hole adjusted to green speeds and other conditions.
2️⃣ The second reason might also be obvious - mental game. Finding your performance state right out of the gates is likely something junior and amateur golfers struggle with to a larger degree than professional golfers. The anticipation of the tournament makes us start with too much tension, high levels of adrenalin, stress, etc. and we haven’t quite mastered how to channel this yet. This takes time and awareness to develop your proper individual focus to obtain the right intensity level for you.
🧐 Can you think of any other factors?
P.S. After last week’s post - two friends of mine on separate occasions suggested a third reason: If the tournament format plays 36 holes on the first day - could it be that the colder temperatures in the morning (when the first round is played) has an impact vs the afternoon (second round)? Good observation - and I definitely think this is a contributing factor to the deviation in scoring average.
What else are we missing here???
Next week, let’s look at where the winners on the Norwegian Junior Tour in 2023 gained their strokes on the field. Where did they separate themselves?
Thank you for subscribing and sharing the newsletter. Have a great week!
Mikkel Bjerch-Andresen
Golf Coach and Analyst
www.mikkelgolf.com