Since this is the playing season and we are playing a lot of golf, our mid-summer developmental theme continues to be statistics.

Examining simple math at the end of the round could have significant influence on your game. Determining which clubs in your bag are used most often should influence where skill emphasis is placed, if improvement is a priority.

This topic has been inspired by ongoing lighthearted conversation with my son, Wesley, who recently returned to playing on the PGA tour after a year off for a labrum repair.

“You messed me up by emphasizing short game and wedges so much as a young kid,” he said with a smile.

The PGA tour has all these fancy ways to analyze the game. Quite frankly, I think it’s hilarious and here is why.

There still is absolutely no standardized measure of the decision that is made just prior to hitting the shot. The strategical variables matter a lot.

Jack Nicklaus said throughout his career he thought his putting was the strongest part of his physical game. His mental approach to competing was the 1st and most important measure of excellence.

What clubs do you use most and how skilled are you with those were 2 of the the questions from last week.

Now, for the important question. What’s your favorite club? Does it match up with what club you use most?

From a developmental standpoint, prioritizing your game, then practicing in this established priority could help shave strokes off your score.

Speaking of statistics and math, it’s time to recognize local golfers - juniors first.

In the South Carolina Junior Golf Association All-Star race determined based on the facts of math, the mid-season standings for the Tri-County Chapter are as follows:

•In the Boys 15-18 Division, Charlie Beiers is in 1st with Ashton Eubanks 2nd and Jack Brady 3rd.

•Chase Cline is leading the boys 13-14 division with Harrison James and Gage Gaskins close behind.

•In the Boys 10-12 Division, Matthew Bellon is in 1st, Matthew Roff in 2nd, and Trust Winters in 3rd.

•Sawyer Adams leads Hampton Smith in the Boys 7-9 Division.

•In the Girls 7-9 Division, Finley Hendrix is in 1st Place. Mia Andrade leads the girls 10-12 Division with Taryn Smoak 2nd.

•The girls 13-18 division is led by Emily Baker, with Emily Anne Beiers and Alexis Hodge close behind in 2nd and 3rd.

The season still has several events. It’s important to re-emphasize this all-star team is based on performance, not on coach preferences or fan votes. These players earn their spots on the team!

Now for some adult recognition, at the Columbia Country Club:

•Jeff Folley had a hole in 1 on the 8th, while Bobby Hecker matched his age with his golf score.

•Bob Oldendick recorded a personal-best 88 at Mid-Carolina Club.

In closing, Steve Larick, head pro at Golden Hills, scored a blistering 65 at the Country Club of Lexington in the Peach Festival Pro Am to earn the low pro individual title.

So tune in next week for team results.