If you’re new to golf, you might be wondering, “What’s all this talk about scratch golfers?”
Well, scratch golfers are the ones with a handicap of zero or better, which means they’re expected to shoot even par on the golf course.
In the U.S., less than two out of every 100 golfers make it to that elite scratch level. Out of about 2.4 million golfers with official handicap indices, only around 36,000, which is roughly 1.85%, are considered scratch or even better.
And when it comes to the ladies’ game, it’s even more exclusive. Scratch golfers in women’s golf make up only 0.5% of all female golfers.
Becoming a scratch golfer is no walk in the park. So, if you ever meet a scratch golfer at your local club, tell them you are proud of them already.
Scratch Golfer Explained
1. Casual Explanation
When golfers say “scratch golfer,” they mean someone with a handicap of zero, the top rank in golf. These players usually shoot around par, which is like hitting a balance between good and not-so-good shots.
So, the goal for scratch golfers is to complete a par-72 course in 72 shots.
What makes them stand out is that they are super consistent. They don’t mess up much, and when they do, they bounce back quickly, like it’s no big deal.
2. Official Explanation
According to the USGA, a scratch golfer is someone who can play with a Course Handicap of zero on any golf course that’s rated. Basically, it means they have the skills to shoot level par, which is like the gold standard in golf.
But, scratch golfers won’t nail that perfect score every time they play. And to put it in perspective, on average, scratch golfers score about 75.3 shots for the year.
Data Behind a Scratch Golfer
| Averages | Scratch | Hcp. 1-5 | Hcp. 6-10 |
| Score | 75.3 | 79.8 | 84.8 |
| Putts Per Round | 31.5 | 32.6 | 33.7 |
| Greens in Regulation (GIR) | 57% | 48% | 37% |
| Greens Hit Per Round | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Fairways in Regulation (FIR) | 62% | 55% | 51% |
| Chip/Pitch Up an Down% (from <50 yds) | 43% | 33% | 28% |
| Up and Down %- Greenside Bunkers | 42% | 26% | 20% |
How to Become a Scratch Golfer
Follow these measures to become a scratch golfer:
1. Track Your Stats
So, tracking your stats is like the first step in the journey to becoming a scratch golfer. When you know your weaknesses, you can practice with a purpose.
For example, if you’re hitting only 45% of fairways when scratch golfers are hitting around 62%, it’s clear that you need to straighten out your tee shots. You don’t have to be a super long hitter, but you would ideally want your tee shots to go about 250 yards.
Now, pay close attention to your stats. When you miss a fairway or a green, figure out if you missed it left, right, short, or long.
Let’s say you often miss greens to the left. In that case, it’s not smart to aim for a pin tucked on the left side of the green. So, aiming for the center of the green is your safer bet. Even if you miss your mark a bit, you could still end up in a good spot to make a decent shot.
2. Sharpen Your Chipping
For those aiming to be scratch golfers, focus on your chipping skills. Scratch golfers hit about 11 greens in regulation, which means they’ll often need to chip to save par. To succeed, aim to land your chips within 5-7 feet of the hole, as that’s the sweet spot. Elite players make around 50-55% of these putts.
3. Dial in Your Lag Putting
Scratch golfers are fantastic at getting those crazy-long putts, the ones that are over 30 feet, right near the hole.
Mastering lag putting and two-putting from long distances can save you some serious strokes.
4. Improve Your Course Management
Good course management can save you a bunch of strokes, preventing a potential bogey from turning into a disastrous triple bogey or worse.
Imagine you’ve hit your drive into the trees, and there’s this tiny gap in the trees, and you think, “Hey, I can make it to the green if I hit the perfect shot!” But the chances of pulling off that shot are slim.
You take a swing anyway, and the ball hits a branch and ends up in even more trouble. Now, a scratch golfer is no gambler. They won’t often take on a shot with high odds of failure, rather they’ll chip out to the fairway, and from there, they’ll try to get the ball onto the green. They know when it’s time to be cautious.
In simple terms, good course management is all about making smart decisions to avoid the big disasters and keep your scorecard in check.
5. Focus on Hitting Fairways and Greens
You might think it’s a bit dull to aim for the fairway, hit the green, and two-putt your way to par, over and over. Scratch golfers, though, are totally cool with hitting fairways and greens and happily walking away with par most of the time.
To become a scratch golfer, you to try and get in that mindset. Sure, it’s fun to try fancy shots, but more often than not, that’s what gets us into hot water, leading to double bogeys or worse.
So, think of it like being a golfing robot when it comes to hitting those fairways and greens. That’s the path to scratching out those birdies and pars on your scorecard.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a scratch golfer is the dream for many amateur players. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s a fantastic goal to aim for. Now you know what a scratch golfer is and what it takes to become one. Start by tracking your stats to see where you stand and keep it simple, as they say, less is more.
We hope that the tips we’ve shared will guide you on your journey. Enjoy the process of becoming a scratch golfer, we wish you all the best!
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