Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a female scratch golfer and former golf teaching professional, I can tell you that the term scratch is a little misunderstood among amateur golfers. I once played with a new golfer who thought scratch meant he didn’t have to count all the holes. Scratch all the bad ones off! Although this would make golf considerably easier, it’s not scratch golf. So, if you have wondered what scratch golf is and what it takes to get your golf game to scratch level, you’re in the right place.
What is scratch golf?
Scratch golf is the same as par golf. A scratch player’s average score is not above or below par for 18 holes. If the golf course par level is 72, a scratch golfer typically shoots 72.
When scratch golfers make bogeys, they often follow it up with a birdie to get back down to the par level.
Professional golfers are better than scratch golfers as they are under par for all or most of their rounds.
Scratch Golf vs. Bogey Golf
If scratch golf is all about making a par on every hole, you can imagine what a bogey golfer does on all or most holes. The average score for a bogey golfer is around 90.
You’ll notice that when comparing scratch golfers to players with higher handicappers, there are differences in driving distance, putts per round, and the greens in regulation percentage.
Generally speaking, if you can hit the ball a long way (250+) and you can get through a round of golf with less than 34 putts, your chance of becoming a scratch golfer is considerably higher.
| Skill Level | Average Score | Driving Distance (Yards) | Putts Per Round | GIR Percentage |
| Scratch Golfer | Around Par | 250 – 300 | 29 – 32 | 65% – 75% |
| 10 Handicap | Mid to High 70s | 230 – 270 | 32 – 35 | 55% – 65% |
| 20 Handicap | Mid to High 80s | 200 – 240 | 35 – 38 | 40% – 50% |
| 30 Handicap | 90s to 100 | 170 – 210 | 38 – 42 | 25% – 35% |
Progression of a Scratch Golfer – How Long Does It Take To Play Scratch Golf?
As a golf professional, I’ve seen very few players pick up the game and become a scratch player in less than 7 years. I know that it’s been done, and I’ve seen it done. However, most of these players are great athletes, to begin with. They also have very good natural talent and some time to work on their game. Getting down to a zero handicap index takes some time.
Here’s a basic timeline of how long it takes to play scratch golf.
| Years of Experience | Approximate Handicap | Key Milestones in Skill Development |
| 0 – 2 | 36+ to 20 | Basic fundamentals: learning swing, putting, rules |
| 2 – 4 | 20 to 15 | Improved swing technique, basic course management |
| 4 – 6 | 15 to 10 | Consistency in swing, better course management |
| 6 – 8 | 10 to 5 | Refinement of short game, strategic play |
| 8 – 10+ | 5 to Scratch | Mastery of mental game, advanced techniques |
Time Spent Practicing
To become a good golfer, you must put in the time. Interestingly, as a scratch golfer, you have to keep up with practice even when you make it to the scratch line. The best players find a perfect balance of on and off course time to work on their scoring.
Scratch golfers . . .
- Spend time not just hitting tee shots but hitting them long, straight, and directly on the line you want them.
- Complete short game drills to ensure all chips and pitches lead to one putt.
- Practice not just making those 3-foot knee knockers but rolling in 15-footers for birdie.
- Analyze not just the distance but the dispersion of your approach shots, making sure you are lining yourself up for pars and birdies and nothing more.
- You’ll also practice the mental game and how to stay tough even when weather conditions or swing issues are bringing you down.
Mental Toughness
You’ll need to be mentally tough to reach and then maintain scratch golfer status. You hear golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas talk about the importance of staying mentally tough and showing up to win. These are obviously highly skilled players who are competing often. However, even the club-level scratch golfer needs to head out to the golf course with the idea that they will go low that day. It takes years of practice to develop mental toughness.
From personal experience, the best way to do this is to continually expose yourself to experiences.
Play in the member guest and play in the club championship. Learn the game of golf inside and out and what helps you become a better player.
Golf Lessons and Learning
I don’t believe you need to take thousands of dollars worth of golf lessons to get better at golf because you don’t. However, you must spend some time and hard work learning about the golf swing.
Scratch golfers have a good understanding of how their swing works and how to fix it when things go wrong. If you’ve ever been in the middle of a round of golf and started slicing everything, you know how frustrating it can be.
It’s also essential for scratch golfers to know what’s causing the slice and understand how to work towards fixing it. That’s one of the most significant differences you see when comparing a scratch player to another amateur player.
Physical Fitness
I still believe that golfers can reach scratch golfer status without being all that physically fit.
I’ve seen it happen.
It’s just harder.
For new golfers wondering what it takes to get to scratch, I would 100% add in the physical fitness factor. You’ll hit the ball longer, you won’t get tired as you come up to the 18th hole, and you give yourself a chance to make it into the scratch range a little quicker.
Physical fitness will help level the playing field so you can choose which side of it you want to be on.
Influence of Course Rating and Slope on Scratch Golf
It’s easy to say that a scratch golfer should shoot 72 on a par 72 course. However, we also have to take into account the course slope and rating and how that plays into a golfer’s handicap.
At one point in my golf career, I worked at a golf course that had a very high course and slope rating. The golfers who were scratch players there were excellent, and their course handicap was typically higher than what would be considered scratch.
As you start playing at a higher level, pay a little attention to the course and slope rating.
I think you’ll find it interesting that the better golfer is not always how they appear; the golf course has a lot to do with it!
| Course Rating | Slope Rating | Estimated Average Score for Scratch Golfer |
| 70 | 113 (Standard) | Around 70-72 |
| 72 | 120 (Moderately Difficult) | Around 72-74 |
| 74 | 130 (Difficult) | Around 74-77 |
| 76 | 140 (Very Difficult) | Around 77-80 |
Final Thoughts
The answer to “What is scratch golf” is pretty simple. The key is understanding the nuances and how scratch golfers are different. Reaching scratch golf level is hard work, and it’s an accomplishment. I’ll write some additional articles on what I did to become a scratch golfer and how I maintain it. Stay tuned.
