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

jackhua · 04-07-2013 08:46PM #1

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 · 04-07-2013 09:07PM

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 · 04-07-2013 09:34PM

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 · 04-07-2013 10:08PM

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 · 04-07-2013 10:23PM

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 · 04-07-2013 10:41PM

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 · 04-07-2013 10:46PM

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 · 04-07-2013 10:48PM

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

Ilik Urgee · 04-07-2013 10:54PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:00PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:09PM

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

Dubflier · 04-07-2013 11:33PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:36PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:40PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:41PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:55PM

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 · 04-07-2013 11:56PM

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 · 05-07-2013 12:58AM

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 · 05-07-2013 01:04AM

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 · 05-07-2013 08:46AM

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 · 05-07-2013 09:47AM

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 · 05-07-2013 09:57AM

daniel san
eef golfer has scratch, mean he has flies

G1032 · 05-07-2013 10:51AM

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 · 05-07-2013 10:54AM

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 · 05-07-2013 11:09AM

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 · 05-07-2013 11:20AM

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 · 05-07-2013 12:27PM

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 · 05-07-2013 12:39PM

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:

consistency
technical skills
metal ability
or something else.

PARlance · 05-07-2013 12:40PM

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 · 05-07-2013 01:29PM

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 · 05-07-2013 02:35PM

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.:)

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

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