Edoardo Molinari: “Many Amateurs Overestimate How Far They Hit the Ball”

Edoardo Molinari has been an integral part of the DP World Tour for almost two decades. Now that his active career is coming to an end, as he says himself, he is also focussing on other things. The Italian began keeping his own statistics early on in his career. He now advises numerous top golfers and helps them to use the numbers to their advantage. He has also become a secret weapon for Europe’s Ryder Cup team. In this interview, Molinari talks about complex Excel lists, his collaboration with Arccos and provides insights into his role at the Ryder Cup.

Interview with Arccos Chief Data Strategist Edoardo Molinari

Golf Post: Edoardo, the so-called Chief Data Strategist and Leader Ambassador at Arccos, you got into the business with statistics with your own company, the Statistics Golf Service, and quickly earned some fame for your platform, which is used by loads of world-class professional golfers. Now it’s called the Arccos Pro Insights. What do players find on the platform, and why do they like it so much?

Edoardo Molinari: Yeah, so I started doing this basically for myself many years ago. I have an engineering degree, so I always liked the numbers and the stats and the data side of golf. I found it very useful. Then, a few years ago, some players asked if I could help them. They were using a different company at the time, and I started almost as a hobby, a part-time job. It became very popular with the players, and now it’s become quite a big thing.

I think the unique aspect was that they could speak to someone who understood golf at the highest level but also understood the numbers and could help with them. A lot of them mentioned that it was great to talk with someone who understood the game, not just someone behind a computer. Combining the two things was key to the success so far.

Regarding Arccos, they first approached me two or three years ago, but at the time, I was just starting and didn’t know what I was doing. Then Sal Syed, the CEO, spoke to me again at the end of last year. We developed a very good relationship, having similar views on many things. I needed help to develop further because I had limitations with time and coding capabilities. They put their team at my disposal to help develop my product further. It’s been a successful and enjoyable relationship so far, and we’re developing new things for amateurs and pros. It’s going to be an exciting few months.

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Edoardo Molinari on How He Started Keeping Track of His Game

Golf Post: How did you get into statistics as a hobby? Was it all Excel sheets in the beginning?

Edoardo Molinari: Yeah, in the beginning, it was Excel sheets. I started recording my own stats back in 2002, so over 20 years ago. It began with simple spreadsheets—fairways, greens, number of putts, birdies, bogeys—very simple. Over time, I added more things. Up until a few years ago, it was still an Excel spreadsheet, probably one of the most extreme and complex ones you’ve ever seen. When I showed Sal what I was doing in Excel, he couldn’t believe it was possible. It was very rewarding. I was proud of it, and many developers were amazed by it. When you need something and have to make it work, you find ways.

Golf Post: Your approach to statistics was praised by Sal Syed, one of the founders of Arccos, and many others. What’s so different about your way of using statistics and drawing conclusions?

Edoardo Molinari: I think it’s the unique combination of understanding both the numbers and golf. We have some KPIs and indicators that haven’t been seen before and are quite useful, like how aggressive you are into the greens, whether you’re too aggressive or too conservative, and similar insights for putting. It’s not only about your game but also about strategy and optimizing your game.

For example, seeing how you’ve played the last couple of months and figuring out the best way to play certain holes on a new course. It’s about combining usual stats with course management. For amateurs, it’s easy to see what they’re doing wrong and provide simple tips that could save them shots each round.

Golf Post: What could one of these tips for an amateur be?

Edoardo Molinari: The most important thing for an amateur is to keep the ball in play off the tee. Amateurs lose many shots due to penalty shots and OB (out of bounds) off the tee. The key to lowering your handicap is keeping the ball in play, feven if it means aiming for the rough instead of risking OB. Respect the hazards and penalty areas. Many amateurs overestimate how far they hit the ball, often missing short, which costs them a lot of shots.

“Strokes Gained is Great, But There Are Improvements to be Made”

Golf Post: Your work was compared to the invention of the Strokes Gained Method by Mark Brodie by Lou Stagner. Do you see a transformation in the use of statistics coming as well?

Edoardo Molinari: First of all, I’m very proud to hear that from Lou. I respect him a lot. Mark Brodie revolutionized the world of stats in golf, making it take a massive leap forward. In the last 10 to 12 years, we’ve stayed with Strokes Gained, but I think another leap forward is coming. Strokes Gained is great, but there are improvements to be made, especially for the highest level and even for amateurs. New stats and methods will likely emerge in the next two to three years that will make us look at golf differently.

Golf Post: Like what?

Edoardo Molinari: For example, in short game, comparing shots using Strokes Gained, the baseline is the same regardless of the situation. But different situations require different baselines, like the amount of green you have to work with. The same goes for putting. A six-foot putt uphill is different from one on a 3% slope. These subtle differences can make a big impact. In my work with pros, we use different baselines for different scenarios, which will improve and get better over time.

Golf Post: Where do your work with the pros and Arccos for amateurs meet?

Edoardo Molinari: It’s the same ideas and foundations. What I do for pros is extremely detailed and precise. For lower pros and elite amateurs, it’s simplified but still detailed. For amateurs, it’s even simpler. The approach is the same, focusing on course management and optimization. With the right foundation, even amateurs can see significant improvement, saving several shots per round.

Vice Captain Edoardo Molinari Checks Bethpage Golf Park

Golf Post: You recently visited the Bethpage Golf Park with Captain Luke Donald. How did that go?

Edoardo Molinari: It was great. We spent two full days in New York. Luke looked at the hotel and facilities, while I focused on the golf course. Being an away match, there’s less to organize compared to a home match. Bethpage is a great course, having hosted majors and big events. It’s a modern test—long with elevated greens and quick greens. It might be less spectacular than some courses, but it’s probably tougher, making for an exciting Ryder Cup.

Golf Post: Your role in last year’s winning Ryder Cup team has been praised by many. Can you give us insights into what you did there?

Edoardo Molinari: It wasn’t all about numbers. We had many conversations with all 12 players to ensure they were comfortable. We combined the numbers with what the players felt comfortable with. My first time doing this, I thought it would be easy, but it was complex. Different players use different balls, and moving one player affects others. It was great fun. From announcing the team to the practice trip in Rome, we had many discussions and developed a plan, which worked perfectly.

Golf Post: It definitely did! One last question. You’re advising other players, playing a role in the Ryder Cup, and still a professional golfer. How do you manage it all?

Edoardo Molinari: It’s a lot of time management. I’ve cut out social media and TV shows to the bare minimum. I spend a lot of time talking to players, practicing my game, and keeping time aside for Ryder Cup and Luke. It’s busy but enjoyable. Being towards the end of my career, it keeps me excited about events and playing with top players. I enjoy it, so it doesn’t feel heavy—it’s a pleasure.

Golf Post: Thank you so much for taking the time. It’s been really fun following your path, and we’re excited for everything to come. Thanks a lot.

Edoardo Molinari: Thanks, Tobias. Bye.