how good is a scratch golfer and how difficult to be one

jackhua

i haven't played golf for long and when i started i was told that a scratch golfer is very very good. and people spend life time try to be one of them.

this was one of the reasons for me to start playing golf. i was wondering how long i would spend to be scratch. (could be life time but love to play golf for life time)

now, i have gone through 120+ to under 90 strokes. and still getting better and better every week:D:D. i know sooner or later the progress will stop or moving slowly. but still don't think scratch is that impossible.:D:D:(:(

so, would you pls let me know what you think of a scratch player and how much do you think need to spend to be a scratch golfer.

maybe, any scratch golfers here can tell me how you became a scratch golfer.:)

blindside88

I'm nowhere near a scratch golfer myself but you'd have to be very very consistent, every bad round gets you .1 back and all of a sudden your not off scratch anymore. You'd also want to be playing at the very least twice or three times a week. Just my opinion as I say I'm nowhere near scratch

Dolph Starbeam

I remember a few years ago one of the writers for Golf Monthly I think tried to get down to scratch from something like a 10 handicap. He did it, took an unbelievable amount of work, pretty much on the range every single day. Its always actually been my goal, hopefully in 4 or 5 years I will get there.

My brother has played off scratch and is proof that it takes a lot of work to stay there, he went to college so only got to play maybe once a week and a year later was off 2 and now drifting between 3 and 4, takes a lot of work.

jackhua

YayaBanana wrote: »

Its always actually been my goal, hopefully in 4 or 5 years I will get there.
/QUOTE]

so, r u doing anything particularly to be a scratch. such as a practice routing, a weekly/monthly/yearly goal....... or anything?
what is your hc at moment?

i just want to get all people's experience and try to convert to mine.:D

Almaviva

jackhua wrote: »

maybe, any scratch golfers here can tell me how you became a scratch golfer.:)

The question implies that it is possible for you to become one. It is probably not possible for you. Possible, but most unlkely. Chances are about 1 in 250 in Ireland.
The best way to improve your chance are to move to one of the other handicapping jurisdictions (USGA or EGA). You will give yourself a chance of about 1 in 200.

jackhua

Almaviva wrote: »

The question implies that it is possible for you to become one. It is probably not possible for you. Possible, but most unlkely. Chances are about 1 in 250 in Ireland.
The best way to improve your chance are to move to one of the other handicapping jurisdictions (USGA or EGA). You will give yourself a chance of about 1 in 200.

interesting points……
however, i think i d like to keep trying my best to improve myself and enjoy d game rather than waste time to figure out if it is possible to become one.
what do u think?

Almaviva

jackhua wrote: »

interesting points……
however, i think i d like to keep trying my best to improve myself and enjoy d game rather than waste time to figure out if it is possible to become one.
what do u think?

Thats a great attitude and you will enjoy the game hwatever happens....maybe even get to scratch !

sodbuster77

Also as you drop down the categories you start losing less for every shot better than the CSS you are.

Ilik Urgee

I don't think every golfer has the ability to become a scratch golfer or anywhere near it no matter what input.
May be referring to myself here only but some lads/lassies ain't got the raw talent to achieve it.

ForeRight

Ilik Urgee wrote: »

I don't think every golfer has the ability to become a scratch golfer or anywhere near it no matter what input.
May be referring to myself here only but some lads/lassies ain't got the raw talent to achieve it.

I agree. Some people are more natural than others obviously.
All the hard work in the world won't get you to scratch if your hand eye coordination amongst other variables are just not great.

spacecoyote

Are you talking about being a scratch golfer or shooting a level par round, as there is a big difference between the two

Dubflier

This has got to be one of the strangest posts I have ever come across, first you need to under stand the recipe for a scratch player or low handicap player. In no particular order raw talent, a lot of practice particularly on the short game,a fit body and mind, a well fit set of clubs that fits you, a good coach but not essential, a good understanding of the golf swing in your mind, bearing in mind you cant buy a low score other wise I should be driving the ball 400 plus if you believe all the marketing hype. Most low hcap players take up the game early as well not when the knees start to go after the football days, Im sure others will have some more words of wisdom but the most important thing is to enjoy the game even after the bad days.

Regards

ForeRight

Dubflier wrote: »

This has got to be one of the strangest posts I have ever come across

Have you read his other posts yet?

Almaviva

Dubflier wrote: »

This has got to be one of the strangest posts

Tried the one where 40% of voters think they could putt as well as pros ?

Ilik Urgee

Played with a scratch golfer only yesterday.
His outstanding piece of advice on the day was he "taught" his son,who plays off 3- to play the game backwards i.e he put him swinging different irons from no more than 100yards in at 6 years of age, long before he ever touched a wood or driver.

Senna

A guy I know of is probably proof that scratch golf isn't attainable to everyone. He doesn't work, has money to burn, plays golf almost everyday, aged about 45, good level of fitness, takes a lot of lessons and clubs wouldn't be an issue. He's off 5/6 and although a great player, has never got down to scratch. He's technically very good, straight hitter and good short game, wouldn't hit many bad shots, but the level of consistency to reach scratch is very hard come across.

Jimdagym

Ilik Urgee wrote: »

Played with a scratch golfer only yesterday.
His outstanding piece of advice on the day was he "taught" his son,who plays off 3- to play the game backwards i.e he put him swinging different irons from no more than 100yards in at 6 years of age, long before he ever touched a wood or driver.

I actually read the first couple of chapters of "tiger woods, how I play golf" or some such title years ago and one of the few pieces I remember was basically that.he said you start learning with the putter and you work backward till you get to the driver last.

mag

Jimdagym wrote: »

I actually read the first couple of chapters of "tiger woods, how I play golf" or some such title years ago and one of the few pieces I remember was basically that.he said you start learning with the putter and you work backward till you get to the driver last.

hes just getting round to the driver now

snwman86

One of the greatest golfers Arnold Palmer once said in a round of golf you will only have 2 to 3 great shots of any variety. Which is true. Even listen to interviews ya will always hear a pro golfer saying I played real good out there. Few good/great shots.

150 yards in is where scratch and low golfers excell. Pros even more so. I'm sure the saying alot of people will hear is drive for show putt for dough(money). If you want to get your handicap down practice makes perfect. Specially from 150 in.

Johnny_Fontane

i'd say even closer.....80-100 in is where you need to be brilliant.

so big deal, you're off scratch. My wife is still hotter than yours.

gorfield

Give something a try that the odds are more in your favour, most shops sell the euro millions these days.
The golf forum is turning into a joke with all these ridiculous threads that are clearly wind ups.

realgolfgeek

daniel san
eef golfer has scratch, mean he has flies

G1032

gorfield wrote: »

Give something a try that the odds are more in your favour, most shops sell the euro millions these days.
The golf forum is turning into a joke with all these ridiculous threads that are clearly wind ups.

+1
It's going on a long time now.............................I used to enjoy the golf forum but haven't done in the last year or so. Some ridiculous threads, but whats even more ridiculous is that people entertain them

jackhua

some people in here seem very negative about themselves and very judgmental. i understand that people should be realistic to set up a target and this is why the OP came up. let yourself down and state a plenty excuses before even try it is a no no to myself. (It doesn't matter how good you swing your golf club; if you don't believe you can play a golf shot at a crucial time in a round then this weakness alone will shine through and make your golf swing fail time and time again.)

if you have a way higher target on golf and spend entire life for it. whats wrong with this? isn't this the joy of golf? (own opinion)

What is the relation between being a scratch golf and wining lotto????

also, i am only looking for opinions on scratch golfers but not a regular tour players. i think there is another huge gap between these two.

some of the points are very good! Scratch golf = Talent + Hard Work

i truly agree with this point.

i think Good Golfer = Good Technical Skill + Good Mental Ability.
but how can Good Mental Ability be talented? i believe the mental ability has to be trained. hit me if you don't agree:D

tell me how you enjoy the game? look for companies, get a fresh air, take a look good view, take a walk, get away from ur wife................

GreeBo

G1032 wrote: »

+1
It's going on a long time now.............................I used to enjoy the golf forum but haven't done in the last year or so. Some ridiculous threads, but whats even more ridiculous is that people entertain them

realgolfgeek wrote: »

daniel san
eef golfer has scratch, mean he has flies

gorfield wrote: »

Give something a try that the odds are more in your favour, most shops sell the euro millions these days.
The golf forum is turning into a joke with all these ridiculous threads that are clearly wind ups.

If you dont have anything to contribute to a thread then ignore it.
Trolling someone elses thread is against the charter.

Report the thread.
Ignore the thread.
Post in Feedback.

Commenting on thread will get you infracted.

No more warnings.

snwman86

Under 100 yards yes is important but from 8 iron down is the scoring clubs. So that's why im sayin 150 yards in.

Myksyk

Giving you the benefit of the doubt that you are genuine ... Getting to scratch takes an enormous amount of work and a stack of natural physical ability. Staying there will take a lot of effort for the rest of your playing life.
I am playing golf for about 5 years now.
I believe I am disposed to being reasonably good at sports I take up.
I am down to a 6 handicap playing about 3-4 times a week on average.
I haven't a notion of getting to scratch. Ever.

I have a mate I play with who took up golf three years ago and is gifted as far I'm concerned when it comes to sports. His first handicap was a remarkable 8. He now plays off 5, soon to be 4. He does not think he will ever make it to scratch. It is a different game down there and just demands SO much work for your talent to be honed.

jackhua

Myksyk wrote: »

It is a different game down there and just demands SO much work for your talent to be honed.

i wish i could play 3-4 times a week:D:D

so you are saying you don't think u will ever get to scratch.

do you mind to tell me what you are lacking:

1. consistency
2. technical skills
3. metal ability
4. or something else.

PARlance

Myksyk wrote: »

Giving you the benefit of the doubt that you are genuine ... Getting to scratch takes an enormous amount of work and a stack of natural physical ability. Staying there will take a lot of effort for the rest of your playing life.
I am playing golf for about 5 years now.
I believe I am disposed to being reasonably good at sports I take up.
I am down to a 6 handicap playing about 3-4 times a week on average.
I haven't a notion of getting to scratch. Ever.

I have a mate I play with who took up golf three years ago and is gifted as far I'm concerned when it comes to sports. His first handicap was a remarkable 8. He now plays off 5, soon to be 4. He does not think he will ever make it to scratch. It is a different game down there and just demands SO much work for your talent to be honed.

Anyone genuine might find this interesting. Similar quest is being sought.

www.thedanplan.com

This guy has devoted over 2 years to golf, full time, gave up job, got a mentor/coach etc

Apparently he's at 5 HC now, but that's a US HC (Casual rounds count I believe) so I think you could add a good few shots to that.
I stopped following it a long time ago, he was circa 7 or 8 HC but was shooting mid 90's in his competition rounds.

Haven't followed it since, I think he should start looking for a job.

jackhua

ajcurry123 wrote: »

www.thedanplan.com

I really admire people are like him. they would really go ahead to do whatever their dreams are and leave everything behind. even he might not achieve what he set up but at least he tried and he will no regret. (i don't know about giving up his job )

I couldn't just forget about everything and follow whatever the dream is.

so overall, the point is Forget About To Be a Scratch Golfer!?

nomunnnofun

I wouldn't say give it up completely, but you should have it as a wish rather than a goal. Most golfers on here wish they were playing off scratch and never will get there. The best way to actually do it is to take small steps. I started this season on 21. My goal is to get down to 16. (Currently 18.5). Once I achieve my goal of 16 possibly not until next year which I am very confident of, I will then possibly set a goal of 12 and change my practice routine to attain this goal. Then I might look at a goal of 9.... and so on. Small steps make sense. If you go all out with a goal to play off scratch you will have very low odds ( probably around 250-1 as mentioned ), get frustrated very early and give up on the task completely.
Best of luck whatever you decide.:)

alxmorgan

jackhua wrote: »

I really admire people are like him. they would really go ahead to do whatever their dreams are and leave everything behind. even he might not achieve what he set up but at least he tried and he will no regret. (i don't know about giving up his job )

I couldn't just forget about everything and follow whatever the dream is.

so overall, the point is Forget About To Be a Scratch Golfer!?

Of course not. Will you do it ? Probably not
Does it mean you shouldn't try. Life would be boring if everyone took that attitude.

A guy was on here last year saying he wanted to go from 18 to single figures in about 5-6 months. Ridiculed left, right and center. He did it with time to spare.
Haters gonna hate

jackhua

nomunnnofun wrote: »

Best of luck whatever you decide.

alxmorgan wrote: »

Of course not. Will you do it ? Probably not
Does it mean you shouldn't try. Life would be boring if everyone took that attitude.

Haters gonna hate

maybe "goal" isn't a correct word but "dream" in this case isn't that right either.

so still aiming to be scratch golfer no matter i get there or not. still enjoy the game.

the good thing about myself is that i don't get frustrated if i don't get something i want. it will only encourage me to find solutions for it even if there is no solution that is ok. this is life that is designed by God!:D

back to golf, i am still at developing technical skill stage so, just step by step towards the destination. i will look into all the advices and design a most efficient practice system:D and just enjoy it:D

charlieIRL

alxmorgan wrote: »

Of course not. Will you do it ? Probably not
Does it mean you shouldn't try. Life would be boring if everyone took that attitude.

A guy was on here last year saying he wanted to go from 18 to single figures in about 5-6 months. Ridiculed left, right and center. He did it with time to spare.
Haters gonna hate

Here is the thread alxmorgan in on about

Rodrigo

Jackhua, you'd be a far more successful wind up merchant than you'll ever be a decent golfer.

levitronix

ajcurry123 wrote: »

Anyone genuine might find this interesting. Similar quest is being sought.

www.thedanplan.com

This guy has devoted over 2 years to golf, full time, gave up job, got a mentor/coach etc

Apparently he's at 5 HC now, but that's a US HC (Casual rounds count I believe) so I think you could add a good few shots to that.
I stopped following it a long time ago, he was circa 7 or 8 HC but was shooting mid 90's in his competition rounds.

Haven't followed it since, I think he should start looking for a job.

i like checking the updates on the dan plan, but the work and time that guy puts in is crazy, its pipe dream for everyone else. Youd be better to chase the dream of the one good round where everything clicks.
I think any single figure handicap golfer has the ability with a bit of luck to shoot a level or sub par round and feel like a scratch player for a day
Because if you break it down all youd have to do is hit one good shot on each hole be it a great putt you drain or a pitch you knock dead or recovery shot

levitronix

gorfield wrote: »

Give something a try that the odds are more in your favour, most shops sell the euro millions these days.
The golf forum is turning into a joke with all these ridiculous threads that are clearly wind ups.

Just curious whats your typical week like, ie practice time and time playing ? Back in the day almost 20 years ago i had the pleasure of playing with you a whole bunch of times in the boys and youths i know back then everyone played almost everyday when school/college finished, but with work and famliy things change.

ForeRight

levitronix wrote: »

i like checking the updates on the dan plan, but the work and time that guy puts in is crazy, its pipe dream for everyone else. Youd be better to chase the dream of the one good round where everything clicks.
I think any single figure handicap golfer has the ability with a bit of luck to shoot a level or sub par round and feel like a scratch player for a day
Because if you break it down all youd have to do is hit one good shot on each hole be it a great putt you drain or a pitch you knock dead or recovery shot

This is true.
My two best rounds are a level par and a -1 on two days when I was dropping putts from everywhere. Other than that I hit anything from +3 to +10 depending on how I play.
The effort and monetary costs of getting down to scratch just ain't worth it for a bit of personal satisfaction.

levitronix

ForeRight wrote: »

This is true.
My two best rounds are a level par and a -1 on two days when I was dropping putts from everywhere. Other than that I hit anything from +3 to +10 depending on how I play.
The effort and monetary costs of getting down to scratch just ain't worth it for a bit of personal satisfaction.

best this year me
-2 9 hole practice
-1 9 hole in comp
+3 practice 18
+5 comp 18
all my cutts have been just steady golf in comps with high CSS
So im still chasing the perfect one but lately im thinking its not coming this year

Addictedtogolf

ITS TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE.
You either have the gift or not.
You can spend a million euro on coaching but never get near scratch.

GreeBo

Addictedtogolf wrote: »

ITS TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE.
You either have the gift or not.
You can spend a million euro on coaching but never get near scratch.

other than shouting, do you have any other points to back up your assertion?
if you can't even make a single point in favour of your argument you are automatically helping the other side imo.

Addictedtogolf

GreeBo wrote: »

other than shouting, do you have any other points to back up your assertion?
if you can't even make a single point in favour of your argument you are automatically helping the other side imo.

Because it cant be done for the average golfer.
Most guys get 18 and then get down to 14-13 and that's it..unless ur a junior with lots of time

GreeBo

Addictedtogolf wrote: »

Because it cant be done for the average golfer.
Most guys get 18 and then get down to 14-13 and that's it..unless ur a junior with lots of time

why cant?
just because the average golfer isnt off scratch doesnt mean it cant.
the average golfer doesnt put in the same effort as a scratch golfer.
ino you dont know who can and cant until they put in the same effort.

Dubflier

How many official GUI hcaps are there and how many are scratch and below.
I used to have the pleasure of playing with a guy that hovered at scratch to +1 and no pun intended he was playing a different ball game than me. I was playing off 6/7 at the time.

GreeBo

I think you missed my point.
how many of these people are practicing at the same level as the scratch golfers?
otherwise you are comparing apples with fudge.

Dubflier

GreeBo wrote: »

I think you missed my point.
how many of these people are practicing at the same level as the scratch golfers?
otherwise you are comparing apples with fudge.

No I wasn't missing the point but if you think practice alone is going to get you to a low hcap your sadly mistaken. I would say every low hcap player I've played with started in their teenage years if not earlier, golf is one of the most fickle games to be involved in. Just look at the Irish Open, the amount of top Irish house hold names that didn't make the cut. I posted early in this tread some of the ingredients required for the scratch player there were many more that could have been mentioned. I played to a decent level for many years and have some understanding of playing off single figures.The best of luck to the OP and hope he enjoys his time on the course.

Russman

Getting to scratch and staying off scratch are two different things.

Most of the very low handicappers I've played with/against in Senior Cup, Barton Shield etc haven't been hugely different from a decent 4 or 5 handicapper to be perfectly honest (not them all, but a big portion). The main difference I've seen is that, with the good ones, their bad shots are a whole lot better than a 6 handicapper's bad shots.

If someone playing off 3 hits a good shot its going to be much the same as a scratch player's good shot. Its the "bad" shots that are the difference IMHO.

Also its often overlooked because its very subtle, but chipping to 2 feet and tapping in, say, two or three times more in a round than chipping to 5 feet and missing is often the bulk of the difference. Its very easy to think "...well, I hit a good drive, ok second, pretty ok chip, I just missed a putt that I'd normally get, careless, no worries..." and forget that that missed putt counts just the same as a drive or iron or any other shot.

With regard to actually getting to scratch.................short game, short game, short game and then go back and do more short game.

alxmorgan

Addictedtogolf wrote: »

ITS TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE.
You either have the gift or not.
You can spend a million euro on coaching but never get near scratch.

Ridiculous post IMHO. Firstly what exactly is impossible ? For someone to take up the game in their 20s/30s and get to scratch ?

A golfer in this parish did just this in two years.

The fact is most don't put in the requisite amount of time to achieve the goal. How they can you say it is impossible ?

Do I think I could get to scratch if I devoted sufficient time to it (took up he game in my 30s and am a mid handicapper) ? I'm not sure. But I am sure of one thing - I'm not going to go making black and white statements like you have without anything to back it up.

Almaviva

alxmorgan wrote: »

I'm not sure. But I am sure of one thing - I'm not going to go making black and white statements like you have without anything to back it up.

Dont if you dont wish to. adictedtogolf is still right though.

ForeRight

I know for a fact I could get to scratch.

If I out the time is of course. Practice practice practice lessons lessons lessons then more practice.

Expensive to do and also time consuming to do.

I started playing 2 summers ago getting my first GUI of 18. Comfortably playing to 5 now and playing about once a week. Never had lessons and don't do the range more than once a month maybe. I don't know all the technical mumbo of the game or the mechanics. I just hit the ball and play as well as I can. Could I get to scratch if I got mental dedicated to it???

Yes I could. 100%! Monetary wise I can't do it.

I'm not bragging I'm just stating facts in regard to myself. I never played junior golf as I always played other sports. All I played growing up was p&p and par 3 and approx 4 games of golf a year with my dad for leisure.

alxmorgan

Almaviva wrote: »

Dont if you dont wish to. adictedtogolf is still right though.

Right about what ?
He didn't even say what was impossible ?