New Stat - Percent of Purse

[dantsteinman]

I've been thinking of a stat I think someone should keep that would be interesting - percent of purse. It's basically a measure of how much of the total purse a golfer has competed for have they won. It would be an equalizing stat for those who play vastly different tournament schedules (Tiger and Vijay). I read something the other day that said during Tiger's 2000 season, he won almost 13% of the total purses he competed for. They compared that to Vijay's number last year which was around 7% I think. Pretty interesting.

Anyway, I wanted to hear what others think. I started to track it this year for Vijay, Tiger, Ernie, Phil, and Retief who I think are the five best players but I know I won't keep up with it. I'm not tracking him but I'm pretty sure Stuart Appleby is in first place so far.

What do you think?

[iacas]

Welcome Dan.

I think it's an interesting stat. If you do manage to keep track of it, by all means share your numbers. It'll be interesting to see what we come up with.

You think Stuart is winning? I dunno - Tiger has a win and, what, a T2?

It'd be interesting to hear how players ranked last year, too.

[dantsteinman]

I'm sure Stuart has the best "percent of purse" in 2005 as he's only played one tournament and won it. I believe he's still at home having a baby or taking care of the newborn. He was leaving right after the Mercedes to go be a Dad.

[iacas]

I'm sure Stuart has the best "percent of purse" in 2005 as he's only played one tournament and won it. I believe he's still at home having a baby or taking care of the newborn. He was leaving right after the Mercedes to go be a Dad.

Ah yes, indeed. I thought he'd played in another tournament, but you're right about the kid and all. Yep. Sorry.

[gas_can]

I'm sure Stuart has the best "percent of purse" in 2005 as he's only played one tournament and won it. I believe he's still at home having a baby or taking care of the newborn. He was leaving right after the Mercedes to go be a Dad.

Let's do the calculation. Appleby's at 20% (which is the highest non major % for first place, other tournaments are at 18% or less) for his win at Mercedes. Tiger's total purse is 11.8% for his T-3 at Mercedes and win at Buick Invitational.

I like it, but my only question is how would you standardize the variances in purses and placings in tournaments such as Mercedes where there is a higher percentage for first place. Oh, and welcome dantsteinman

[dantsteinman]

No standardization necessary. At least I don't think so. It won't be a perfect measurement because, as someone already pointed out, a golfer who finishes second in every tournament will almost definitely win in this stat but may not be the best player.

What I think happens is that the higher purses are for the most prestigious events which brings out the best fields. So, this measurement kind of manages itself. Also, it might be better than a scoring avg. measurement because it is measuring golfers against others in the same field playing the same courses. The kind of things that would mess it up would be someone like Fred Funk skipping the British Open to play the PGA event and perhaps winning it. He should be punished for that as opposed to rewarded but, as I said, it won't be perfect. Just interesting.