How to Become a Scratch Golfer – 10 Tips
How to Become a Scratch Golfer – 10 Tips
One of the greatest goals for every ambitious golfer is to become a scratch golfer. A typical scratch golfer has a handicap of zero and, consequently, a high authority in golfing. However, becoming a scratch golfer is not easy, and those who have done it have adopted different strategies.
You too will have to choose the ideal path on your journey towards becoming a scratch golfer. Here are ten tips to guide you.
- Learn from the pros
There are many qualified golf instructors always ready to teach new golfers. These instructors know the tricks and secrets of becoming a scratch golfer, and they will share them with you for a fee.
However, it is important to choose the ideal instructor for a smooth learning experience. Go for a qualified instructor who is PGA-Certified; if you are in the U.S., you can also get one who is a member of the United States Golf Teachers Federation. Additionally, take a test lesson to determine whether the instructor’s method of teaching is ideal for you.
- Master your putting
Several golf pros have weighed in on how putting affects your chances of becoming a scratch golfer. For instance, golf instructor Krista Dunton advises players to keep their lower bodies still as they take strokes and to maintain tempo from their backswing through to impact. PGA Pro Blake Cathey, on the other hand, advises right-handed players to practice using their right arms for putting. He says that this reduces excessive wrist action and improves rhythm.
- Master your swing
Swinging affects all aspects of your play, so it is the most important thing to learn. Pro golfer Ben Hogan has several tips for those seeking to master swinging. He suggests maintaining a right and steady grip while ensuring that the left arm remains straight throughout the swing. He also advises assuming a posture where you angle the left foot to the left and set the right foot perpendicular to the target line.
- Master pitching and chipping
According to PGA Pro Jeff Ritter, players should play pitch shots with more weight on the front foot and the ball in the middle of a narrow stance. Greg Norman, on the other hand, advises using an open stance with the heel about 6-8 inches apart when chipping. He also suggests ensuring that there is minimum wrist break on short shots and more wrist breaks on long shots.
- Choose your clubs well
You have to use the right equipment to get the job done. As such, choose your clubs well depending on factors such as distance.
- Focus on short games
Short games are the most convenient for budding golfers who cannot take the strain of many holes and hours of playing. They are also beneficial for learning how to hit short shots such as putts, chip shots, and pitch shots. As such, make short games your preference whether you are practicing or playing against an opponent.
- Keep track of your stats
How far do you tend to hit your balls? How many pars does it take you to get to each hole? These and other stats about your golfing skills help give you a clear perspective of your potential of becoming a scratch golfer. As mentioned earlier, a scratch golfer should have a handicap of zero which should be equal to a par value of 72 or lower. As such, measure your par value with every game and check to see whether it is decreasing or increasing.
- Exercise to stay fit
Golf players are athletes like any others and, as athletes; serious golfers are required to exercise regularly to keep their bodies in shape for the grueling games. Lack of exercise will make your body ineffective and affect factors such as your stance, swing, and hitting power.
Golfers focus their exercise on flexibility to loosen their muscles and hamstrings for smoother swings. As such, focus on stretch exercises and perhaps some pushups; warm up several minutes before hitting the golf course to prepare your body and mind.
- Challenge yourself
There has to be a winner and loser in every game of golf. However, just because you barely ever come first does not mean you should shy away. To the contrary, you should challenge yourself by playing against scratch golfer. It will not only challenge you but also give you an opportunity to observe how they do it. Hopefully, your opponent will admire your drive and offer to mentor you as is often the case.
- Practice diligently
No golfer, no matter how talented, becomes a scratch golfer on the first day. It takes a lot of hours of practice to master the elements that block one’s potential and learn the secrets of the game. As such, you should train as much as you can and endeavor to improve your skills with each practice session; assume that you are in a competition to avoid ignorance or laxity as many golfers eventually turn practice sessions into casual games.
