Tiger Modeling Services LLC

I build math models to solve business problems.

Services and Products

I build math models using a variety of operations research tools such as regression, optimization, and simulation. I consult in the areas of supply chain design and Excel-based decision making.

One of my areas is modeling pace of play of golf courses. I quantify the time it takes to play a golf course (or hole) based on course design, course policy, player ability, and travel mode.


My latest service is quantifying how a green will hold an approach shot with a new statistic: Tiger Bite.

Tiger Bite

Tiger Bite is a new statistic that quantifies how a green will hold a golf shot. No other quantitative statistic exists. Like the Stimpmeter, Tiger Bite is measured in feet. It is based on:

  1. green properties: firmness, green speed, green type, and landing spot angle.
  2. shot properties: spin rate, launch angle, angle of attack, shot speed, and carry distance.
  3. environmental conditions: wind.

Tiger Bite uses predictive analytics to build the relationship between inputs (green properties, shot properties, and environmental conditions) and output (Tiger Bite metric). The math methodology is proven science. As with all predictive models, the model represents reality but does not produce results identical to reality.

Tiger Bite represents reality accurately enough for a variety of purposes:

  1. To quantify the relationship between golfer performance and green firmness. The adage, you cannot manage unless you measure, is THE reason that I invented Tiger Bite. Green firmness is currently measured qualitatively: hard as a rock, soft, biting, …  Tiger Bite provides a number based on science.
  2. A tool for golfers to estimate performance based on their ability, green properties, and environmental conditions. Golfers have control of their shot: club chosen, swing speed, trajectory, … These impact spin rate and shot trajectory. Both of these are critical in measuring how a golf ball reacts when hitting a green.
  3. A tool for golf course managers to manage design and maintenance of greens to reach a certain course condition. For a tournament, a golf course manager might want to make the course and green firmer. Tiger Bite provides a numeric measure of performance based on green conditions.
  4. A tool for equipment manufacturers (clubs, balls, …) to measure equipment performance. For example, a golf ball manufacturer that produces a ‘spin’ golf ball could use Tiger Bite when trying to achieve a certain performance.

The Terminology for Tiger Bite inputs.




  • Carry Distance - Landing distance of the ball from the tee.


  • Ball Speed - Launch speed of the golf ball.


  • Spin Rate - Number of rotations per minute of the ball at launch.


  • Angle of Attack - The angle at which the geometric center of the club approaches the ball, measured just before impact. Can also be referred to as arch location strike or angle of approach.


  • Launch Angle - Angle at which the golf ball is launched relative to the horizon of the radar. Launch angle will influence the shot height and is mostly determined by the dynamic loft and angle of attack.


  • Green Speed - The "stimp" or "stimp rating" of a putting green is a numerical value that represents how fast the golf. ball rolls on the putting surface. Golfers call this rating the green speed.


  • Green Firmness - By measuring the relationship between the compaction of the soil and the moisture level, greenkeepers are able to ensure healthy, aesthetically-pleasing greens that offer exceptional playability. Objective data measurements allow turf management professionals to balance the fine line between soil moisture and firmness, which can challenge even the most experienced experts in the industry.


  • Landing Spot Angle - At the point of contact with the green, the landing angle can be positive, flat, or negative. If positive, the ball is hitting into an incline, which tends to stop the ball quicker. If the ball is hitting into a spot that is running away, the ball will tend to roll further.


  • Green type: Bermuda or Bent - Currently, the research data has been collected on either Bermuda or Bentgrass greens.


  • Wind Speed - The wind speed is the resultant magnitude in MPH. If positive, the wind is helping. If negative, the wind is hurting. A -5 value represents a five MPH wind directly opposing the golf shot.



 

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