Exploring the Determinants of Success among Ladies Golfers by DEA-SBM Model

Abstract

Different from previous studies focusing on the skill performance in professional golf, this study utilize the non-oriented SBM model of DEA to evaluate the performance of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tournament players. DEA is used to assess the overall efficiencies, as well as to conduct slack variable analysis of players' performance in 2008 based on the LPGA official web statistical data. In this study, four inputs (including Average Non-green Shots, Putts Per GIR, Sand Saves, and Average Driving Distance) and two outputs (Scoring Average and Official Money Ranking) are selected as the performance index of LPGA players. The results confirm that the most efficient players are not necessarily the top players on the list of official money ranking but also the lower positions. Inefficient players could advance their games varied by skills in lowering the strokes and raising their earnings as improving range suggested. Skill competencies of professional golf players seemed to be weighted differently and players shall choose the right direction for improvement to advance their career earning efficiently on the tours.