How to Be a Scratch Golfer - The Secret to Playing Scratch Golf in 2021

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US GOLF TV

US GOLF TV

4 жыл бұрын

Who doesn’t want to be a scratch golfer? This golf lesson from Todd Kolb will have you playing scratch golf before the end of the golf season!
For a lot of golfers, learning how to play scratch golf is a lifetime goal. There is no question: if you’re able to shoot a round under par, you’re a member of a rarified group. You’ve entered a whole new level of the game and accomplished something most golfers never will.
If you’re close to learning how to be a scratch golfer but you haven’t quite made it to the finish line in your golf progression, I’ve got you covered. I’ve got some scratch golf tips and concepts that will give you the final push you need to finish your next round with an enviable scorecard.
And if you are looking to finally break 80, break 90, or even just break 100, we can help there too.
But be aware: none of these tips are about your technique. Why?
Because most players who are close to becoming a scratch golfer already have a solid technique. If you’ve got a three or four handicap, probably don't need swing tips. It's far more likely that your strategy, course management, and mindset are what hold you back.
Let the following concepts reshape the way you approach your practice time and your time on the course. You’ll start closing in on how to become a scratch golfer in no time.
Chipping
I love to talk chipping. If you’ve been following our KZfaq channel, you’ve probably caught a few of my videos on chipping. It’s one of my favorite skills to teach for two reasons.
First, people who practice chipping often see improvement in this skill very quickly.
Second, players who are great at chipping do really well over the course of a round. A solid chip shot often lands close enough to the hole for the player to convert it on the first putt. Over the course of an entire round, the number of strokes saved by excellent chipping really adds up.
If you want to be a scratch golfer, approach your chip shots by thinking in terms of what I call “the magic 7 feet.”
By this I mean that you want your chip shots to land within seven feet of the hole . . . on average. You may occasionally chip the ball to within 9 feet, sometimes within 3 feet, but overall, you want that average to be about 7 feet.
You see, a low handicap or scratch golfer typically converts 50-55% of their putts from 7 feet. So, if you consistently land your chip shots within that distance, you’re set up sink at least half of those putts.
On the other hand, if you have a three or four handicap and your chip shots are landing 10 or 12 feet from the cup, your odds of sinking that first putt drop significantly.
If you’re hoping to become a scratch golfer, you’ve got to focus your chip shots on achieving the magic 7 feet.
Distance
Okay, you already know distance is essential for shooting a round under par. But do you know how long your drives have to be in order to be a scratch golfer? And do you know when you can stop blaming your distance and start looking for other solutions?
I’m going to shed a little light on the subject of distance, but first, a heads-up:
The following numbers are generalities. Exact yardages vary depending on which tees and what type of course you play. Regardless, this should provide some helpful guidelines.
For more info, read the full article here:
usgolftv.com/instruction/be-a...
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Пікірлер: 82
@stressfreegolf
@stressfreegolf 3 жыл бұрын
Interesting insight. I have achieved a scratch handicap and held a hcp of between +1.4 and 0.4 for the last 9 months after 25 years of having handicap between 2 and 4. The 3 biggest reasons for my own game improvement, 6ft putts and in make % is far more consistent, better gapping control from 120 yards to 60 yards - so I have stock shot for every 10 yards change between that yardage which gives me more confidence to be more aggressive and attack birdie when I'm in that area, but the biggest factor is mindset, being able to accept that making a bad or good swing on the previous shot doesn't mean you will make the same swing on the next shot. Take each shot as individual challenge and not be effected but what shots you have already hit, its far too easy to get lazy and assume you are going to hit darts if you start striking it well and conversely making a couple of poor swings doesn't mean you are going to continue making those swings through out.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
Solid post right here....thanks for sharing
@885wc
@885wc 2 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic advice. It is clear and evident to everyone trying to break a hundred what the focus should be on and keep working and chipping away at it from the green backwards.
@aaronbaney652
@aaronbaney652 2 жыл бұрын
great video. Exactly what I was looking for to help figure out the difference between the low handicaps and scratch golfers!
@golf8ict943
@golf8ict943 3 жыл бұрын
Great vid. Thx for that 👏
@travis9937
@travis9937 4 жыл бұрын
I feel like this guy is attacking me as a 4 handicap. It seems like he knows all of my problems
@stevieJaxWildlife
@stevieJaxWildlife 4 жыл бұрын
Great instruction videos! Keep up the great work!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 4 жыл бұрын
Will do! Thanks for watching and taking time to post...more good content to come....
@djshalfmarathons9588
@djshalfmarathons9588 3 жыл бұрын
I'm a scratch.... I'm 44 years old and have a full time job..... My secret : 1. Don't have kids 2. Practice every day
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
DJ's Half marathons 😂 well, that also works. 👊
@markwatson5984
@markwatson5984 4 жыл бұрын
Great lesson, thanks!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 4 жыл бұрын
Mark Watson our pleasure! What suggestion did you find the most surprising?
@manowar99
@manowar99 3 жыл бұрын
I'm a 4 hdcp. It's all mental for me. If I have one bad hole or even hit a slightly bad shot and make bogey or double -- it's over. I give up for the entire round. If I have no bad shots and putt well, I shoot 3 under par for 18.
@marcusjolivet
@marcusjolivet Жыл бұрын
Great video!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
Much appreciated, are you a subscriber?
@j2martnz348
@j2martnz348 3 жыл бұрын
I started playing 5 years ago at 40 years old . I'm down to a 5.1 index. I've worked like crazy this year on short game . It's paid huge dividends . I'm shooting in the 70's 50% of my rounds . You're right chip and putt has been huge for me. My next step is mitigating the two way miss with driver .
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
J2 Martnz smart golfer right here! The short game is where it is at...good for you!
@larryjones8928
@larryjones8928 Жыл бұрын
I was very fortunate to get to a plus 3 handicap I could hit the ball very long an strait and had a very good short game and I became a very good putter. it all started when I started working out with weight I got strong an flexible. Strength an good balance is a must to be a good golfer
@rojanlopez671
@rojanlopez671 Жыл бұрын
Great advice! 👍
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
@mrbigglesworth375
@mrbigglesworth375 2 жыл бұрын
I was told once that golf has two key aspects that need to be mastered. The first, work to develop a competent swing. The second is to learn "HOW to PLAY" the game. Two entirely different skill sets. I think you covered the "HOW to Play" here quite well. My index varies from 1.5-3 so I'm still trying to figure it out. Cheers!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 2 жыл бұрын
We agree on your two skill sets. Many golfers only focus on the swing part and forget to work on simply playing the game. 👍
@rozanihamid4849
@rozanihamid4849 Жыл бұрын
Awesome tips and i can relate with the problem that i am having as 4.7 hc.🙏TQ
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! More to come…are you a subscriber?
@justapedn1
@justapedn1 12 күн бұрын
Good one. It’s been hard getting down to 5. It has taken a few years of hard work. Going lower is, well, seems like light years difference.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 11 күн бұрын
Yes, the lower the hdcp becomes the more challenging it is to see improvement. Keep up the great work...hope you are enjoying the channel.
@davidahola7155
@davidahola7155 Жыл бұрын
I love the strategy side of golf.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
It is an important yet overlooked part of the game many times.
@floridagolf2010
@floridagolf2010 3 жыл бұрын
I’m off 2... I have no patience. I know if I had more patience and not get down on myself I could get to scratch.
@robertwynn5844
@robertwynn5844 3 жыл бұрын
56 years old. +0.6 handicap. Can't disagree with much of this.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
Robert Wynn wow, good for you... that is some solid golf my friend 👌
@lucasmulvehill6300
@lucasmulvehill6300 3 жыл бұрын
Need more of these type of videos, how to play the game.....
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
You got it..thanks for the input!
@davidfleming3617
@davidfleming3617 3 жыл бұрын
Great advice - I would add keep it on the fairway - there’s probably a correlation between number of fairways hit and handicap. I hit the distance ok but only 50% on the fairway.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
You got it...hard to make pars from the trees and OB!!
@chrismobbs
@chrismobbs 3 жыл бұрын
Rather than fairways in regulation it should be in play. It’s amazing how many tour pros don’t hit the fairway but they are up and down from anywhere inside 150yards.
@brianyoung3
@brianyoung3 2 жыл бұрын
I've been keeping stats that last few years. What correlates with good scores most is greens in regulation. Second is up and down and third is putts. Fairways are 4th. It's really important to keep it in play so that you can hit greens but if you miss a fairway, you can make up for it. One of the keys to breaking 80 is to eliminate penalty strokes (OB, Hazards, bushes) but we're talking scratch.
@jamiesloan7259
@jamiesloan7259 Жыл бұрын
Near scratch guy here…. You nailed it on chipping. If I leave myself more than 4 feet, I’m very disappointed with myself. I almost always get up n down over 50% of the time, during a round. If you can hit a little more than half the GIR, and have less than 30 putts a round, you’ll get there. It generally takes 12/18 greens, and 28 putts for me to shoot under par. These stats are KEY. Putting is over 40% of your strokes at this level. You MUST learn to one-putt more. Period.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
You speak the truth...thanks for posting!
@brianarnold104
@brianarnold104 4 жыл бұрын
Todd, another informative video. I wish your school was closer. I live in Charlotte NC area. What you described is exactly my round Saturday. I started on fire. First 9 I was 2 under. 9 GIR. By hole 12 I was 3 under. Then I pulled two tee shots on the next two holes and was back to even. I settled down and finished 1 over. I should of, could of shot 2 -3 under. 😉 My mind was not clear on the bad holes. Strategy was not there. Definetly Poor decision making. I am a 3.5 index. I know I can go lower. Thanks for the tips. I will be thinking about them in my next round.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 4 жыл бұрын
Brain...great story...thank you for sharing and adding to the conversation....very helpful....we are in the planning stages of our new golf schools which will be offered in 2020...going to be something special!
@brocklanders6011
@brocklanders6011 4 жыл бұрын
Ive been keeping track since watching your video, I hit my driver 250 avg middle Always, I have shot under a couple of times, but average 76 , you are right on why I shoot that, I will practice what you said thanks
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 4 жыл бұрын
Great post right here friends...nothing better than helping our fellow golfers start to think a little different and seeing the scores go down....thanks for adding to the conversation!
@yayarea5109
@yayarea5109 3 жыл бұрын
I just need to work on my patience ...everything else is coming around....hopefully by the end of this year my goal is to be scratch player or as low as 5 handicap .....started playing 4 years ago.....I am a 10 handicap right now.....been breaking in the 70's a lot recently with my lowest score being 76....so I know I have potential.
@jamiesloan7259
@jamiesloan7259 Жыл бұрын
I’m near scratch, and I can tell you what turned 74’s into an occasional 69 for me. You must realize that you’re gonna hit bad shots. Period. Think about why you hit that particular bad shot, whether it’s a pull, a fat, or whatever. Then…. Make the adjustment in your mind, and forget about it. Also, DO NOT let a bad shot cause you to make double bogie, from lack of focus. As long as your “bad” holes remain bogies, you’ll be fine. And one more thing…. Make your goal 8 one-putts, and ZERO 3-putts. That’s 28 putts. Putts are over 40% of your score at scratch level. Take your time, and make them! Don’t just go through the motions on the greens, and be content with 2-putts every hole. Hope this helps…..
@yayarea5109
@yayarea5109 Жыл бұрын
@@jamiesloan7259 solid advice bro.....I actually started paying attention to my stats like you mentioned ....and my putting is the best Its ever been because Im trying to reach a criteria so Im reading the green from all angles and taking my time..always read the green really good but I used to leave lot of my putts short...my focus still needs to improve during iron play
@jamiesloan7259
@jamiesloan7259 Жыл бұрын
@@yayarea5109 It definitely helps to take the extra time on the greens. And…. My iron game is for sure my weakness too. Especially my half wedge shots, on the short par 4’s, and the longer par 5’s(third shot). These are supposed to be prime scoring opportunities, and I just don’t hit them close enough. Some days I even struggle with good strike on these shots. It’s very frustrating.
@yayarea5109
@yayarea5109 Жыл бұрын
@@jamiesloan7259 same bro lol wedge game used to be money for me ...currently going thru a rough patch myself with the wedges....with the drives Im hitting lately if only my wedges cooperates...its in my head tho...gap wedge is the worst right now ...used to be my go to on my second shot on par 4's but low key scared to used it rn ...smh
@richarddavey7884
@richarddavey7884 Жыл бұрын
The distance you talk about off the tee, is that carry or total?
@federicopochat962
@federicopochat962 4 жыл бұрын
Good Video. I usually struggle with my lag putting and my strategy. I hit about 280 with the driver, but since I reach very consistently 250 with my hybrid, I tend to hit that one. However, I score about mid 80's. I will practice all what you said.
@michaelmontana0804
@michaelmontana0804 Жыл бұрын
The real key is the short game and elimination of one side of the golf course. Learn a steady fade and you got it made.
@robertwynn5844
@robertwynn5844 3 жыл бұрын
Always keep your grip pressure light on full swings.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
Robert Wynn solid advice right there...consistent grip pressure is highly underrated 👍
@arjanpetersen
@arjanpetersen 3 жыл бұрын
Doesn’t matter
@yourmaineman580
@yourmaineman580 3 жыл бұрын
That’s the one piece of advice I remember that my Grandpa taught me that when I first played with him when I was 10.
@MrAshtute
@MrAshtute 4 жыл бұрын
I think as you figure out better golf strategy your handicap comes down. Every golfer (including tour pro's) hit some poor shots but they usually don't hit 2 poor shots in a row. Handicappers often hit a poor shot... Lose focus and compound the problem.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 4 жыл бұрын
Adam Flynn great point!! There is so much more than just swing technique to playing good golf...the hope here is to help golfers understand where they can save strokes. Thanks for adding to the conversation!!
@davidgraham8058
@davidgraham8058 3 жыл бұрын
Strategy makes a big difference. I notice when tour players hit a bad shot, it's often to a bail out area which gives them an easy chip or a (long) uphill putt. They almost never short-side it. They are also lethal from 100yds in.
@CarstenDittrich2014
@CarstenDittrich2014 8 ай бұрын
Thank you. To clarify on Driving Distance - do you mean Carry or Total?
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 8 ай бұрын
Good question, total distance. Here is a good video we did on increasing clubhead speed and distance kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ap2TdKakl5emnZc.htmlsi=2TTh48J1_2m-zfy9
@Cryptic1872
@Cryptic1872 Жыл бұрын
I was paired up with a random guy the other day. We were on a par 4 that had creek bed sitting right at 260. One would have to fly the ball 280 to clear it. I pulled out an iron and said I was going to layup. He snagged his driver and said "layups are for basketball!" Without missing a beat I said "...and low golf scores." I walked away with a par, him with a double. There is truth to strategy and choosing when to layup!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow Жыл бұрын
Truth!
@kpk33x
@kpk33x 3 жыл бұрын
These guidelines sound great for someone like me. I shoot 75 or so every time out. Of course when I get to 75 I might be on 13 or 14...
@aarushmalmandimain5724
@aarushmalmandimain5724 3 жыл бұрын
I had 2 chipins from 15-25 yards in my tournament
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 3 жыл бұрын
Aarush VM nice!
@wayneyoung146
@wayneyoung146 Жыл бұрын
More understanding the Golf tech Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
@g.workingman4598
@g.workingman4598 3 жыл бұрын
7 feet average chip, I'm going to start measuring that
@BogeyBrothas
@BogeyBrothas 4 жыл бұрын
Damn I better get in the gym
@rizkiradityariyadi
@rizkiradityariyadi 3 жыл бұрын
damn right
@bestofthebestpodcast6332
@bestofthebestpodcast6332 3 жыл бұрын
+20.1 handicap rn....
@markanderson8006
@markanderson8006 4 жыл бұрын
US scratch golfer or British scratch golfer that’s about 2-4 shots difference depending who took you talk to. If your off 2 in uk your probably already a US scratch golfer.
@Beaches4749
@Beaches4749 4 жыл бұрын
Mark Anderson - who cares? The point is to get better here are some things to do and to think about. UK /US, Bah!
@danielgermano3505
@danielgermano3505 3 жыл бұрын
So i´m a +3 in England playing in Portugal cuz courses r tough here. Good logic!
@arjanpetersen
@arjanpetersen 3 жыл бұрын
That will change
@markanderson8006
@markanderson8006 3 жыл бұрын
Since WHS came into force nov 20. Nearly all my mates off 2 under congu are now suddenly off 0 under the new system. My mate ex pro was +1 October 31st he woke up 1st November off +5 under WHS. it’s a joke. Luckily I came down .3 still off 2 phew! So at least I’m competitive in sweeps
@matthewpocock4824
@matthewpocock4824 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a B grade golfer and I aim my chips into an imaginary 3 foot circle around the cup. Most amateurs will 2 putt from 7 feet. Get close!
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 2 жыл бұрын
Matthew, you are spot on...as players we need to set realistic expectations.
@creamabdul-jabbar6722
@creamabdul-jabbar6722 2 жыл бұрын
I feel like you got to attack more. People can be way too conservative. Have a 210 club be 210 off on a par 5 why you laying up. I’d rather be 10 yards off the green chipping then depending on a full wedge 3rd shot. Makes no sense to depend on a perfect third shot or a perfect second. Because if your second is perfect that’s the difference in a chance at eagle or even birdie. Even if it’s not your 3rd shot is 10-20 yards from the pin. But a miss hit on a layup is just dumb. Then you’re putting on your 5th shot.
@USGOLFTVshow
@USGOLFTVshow 2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate your thoughts and post. The key here is the quality of your short game. If you leave an challenging 40 yard pitch or a long bunker shot you will have problem.
@creamabdul-jabbar6722
@creamabdul-jabbar6722 2 жыл бұрын
@@USGOLFTVshow true, I can see the logic. But that’s the importance of the short game. Idk if it’s old thought but always heard the short game is the difference in the game, although maybe more challenging to master it. It’s kind of contradictory. I can see times when a layup is better but just saying for the guys that are splitting a 210-220 yard shot up into 2 depending on 2 good shots over one just seems like the analytics aren’t making sense for me. Just seems if you can make it in 2 you’d never layup. Because if you’re good enough for scratch golf or thinking scratch golf mindset, then your short game better be good or you’re really along the lines of playing breaking 80s golf which is a lot different. Just saying pros aren’t really laying that ball up unless they have a marginal lead and to me if you’re playing scratch golf even at 1-2 under or better to 3-5 over you should at the least be pro am. If you’re constantly laying up your realistically not playing scratch golf your playing maybe low handicap golf. Scratch you should be able to get up and down out of bunkers over bunkers bump and runs or they have to be real with themselves and realize they’re still handicap golfers. I mean nothing wrong with it don’t get me wrong.
@creamabdul-jabbar6722
@creamabdul-jabbar6722 2 жыл бұрын
@@USGOLFTVshow just say for instance you’re 220 out bunkers on both sides of the green you hit a 220 and end up in the bunker. With 3rd shot. Why depend on a possible 4th shot out of the same bunker
@mefrankme
@mefrankme 3 жыл бұрын
Everybody seems to know the secret. That’s why there are thousands of videos on just that ( THE SECRET ). There is no Secret 🤫
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