Tired of making the same on-course mistakes that lead to triple bogeys and frustrating rounds? The DECADE Golf system offers a completely different approach, taking emotion and guesswork out of your game and replacing it with a cool, calculated strategy based on real PGA Tour data. This guide breaks down the core principles of DECADE so you can start making smarter decisions and shooting lower scores, starting your next round.
First things first: DECADE is not another system for changing your swing mechanics. Developed by golf stats guru Scott Fawcett, it’s a course management and strategy system designed to optimize your decision-making on every shot. The entire philosophy is built on understanding PGA Tour statistics and strokes gained data to figure out what shot gives you the best chance of scoring well - and more importantly, what decisions lead to blow-up holes.
Think of it like being the general manager of a sports team. A good GM doesn't teach a pitcher how to throw, but they use analytics to decide when the pitcher should throw a certain pitch to a certain batter. DECADE gives you that same analytical edge for your own game. It tells you where to aim, what club to hit, and when to play aggressively versus when to play it safe, all based on what has proven to work at the highest level.
The engine behind DECADE is a concept called Strokes Gained. Don't let the name intimidate you, the idea is simple. It measures how much better or worse your shot was compared to an average PGA Tour pro from the same distance and lie. So, if a pro typically takes 3.0 strokes to hole out from a 150-yard fairway lie, and you hole out in 2 strokes, you’ve gained 1.0 stroke on the field.
Why does this matter? Because every single decision on the course should be aimed at maximizing the strokes you can gain - or minimizing the strokes you can lose. Hitting a perfect flop shot looks great, but what if the data says that trying it leads to a double bogey 40% of the time? A simple chip to the middle of the green might feel boring, but it could save you half a stroke on average. DECADE forces you to think this way: taking your ego out of the equation and playing the smartest shot, not the most heroic one.
So, how do we put this into action? It comes down to a clear, repeatable process for analyzing every tee shot, approach shot, and recovery situation you face. Here’s a breakdown of the thought process.
Most amateurs see a par 4 and just pull out the driver, aiming vaguely down the middle. A DECADE player thinks differently. They aren't trying to find the shortest path to the hole, they are trying to find the shot that leaves the best possible next shot with the least amount of risk.
This is where amateur golfers bleed strokes, largely due to ego. We see a pin tucked behind a bunker and think, "I can stuff it in there." DECADE screams, "Don't do it!" It advocates for an incredibly disciplined approach to iron play.
You’ve hit a bad shot. You're in the trees. The temptation is to find that one-in-a-million gap and try to carve a shot onto the green. This is ego-driven golf, and it's what leads to those dreaded 8s on the scorecard. DECADE is ruthless about damage control.
When it comes to putting, DECADE’s primary emphasis is avoiding three-putts. Outside of about 10-15 feet, even the best pros are not making a huge percentage of their putts. Your goal shouldn't be to drain every 40-footer, but to make sure you have a tap-in for your second putt.
This means your focus on long putts should be on speed and lag control. Die the ball toward the hole, leaving yourself a simple, stress-free second putt. Making aggressive runs at the hole from long distance often leads to a tricky 5- or 6-footer coming back, which is exactly how three-putts happen.
Integrating the DECADE system is about trading undisciplined, emotional decision-making for a repeatable, data-backed game plan on every hole. It teaches you to manage risk, avoid big numbers, and play to your own strengths and shot patterns, giving you profound confidence knowing your strategy is sound.
For those moments when you're on the course struggling to apply these principles or facing a unique shot the data sheets don't cover, our Caddie AI acts as your on-demand strategy partner. You can get instant, data-informed 'second opinions' on target lines, club selection for tricky lies, or even just reinforcement that playing to the middle of the green is the right move, helping you stay disciplined when the pressure is on.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
