New Stats Project Levels Data Field Between Men and Women

There has always been a disparity. And it’s shown. No, I’m not talking about the money gap between men and women. As real as that chasm might be – and to illustrate it, the total of all purses for the LPGA Tour in 2021 is a tick north of $76 million while the men will play for $60 million this summer in three FedEx Cup events – the money subject sparks hot debate every time it’s mentioned.

The other disparity fuels far less controversy. In fact, most fans look at it and say, “Hmm, I had no idea, even though for players, coaches, caddies, media and those who love diving deep in into the minutiae of the game, it stands out like a missing front tooth.”

It’s data. Real-time, reliable, accurate, important, comparable numbers compiled and calculated over the course of a week, a month, a season or a career: That’s what the men now take for granted and what they study like holy scripture. Men gear every aspect of their careers around the data they get spoon fed like babies. If a PGA Tour player misses one more driver in the right rough ...