Six habits common amongst beginner golfers that may set them apart from you, the experienced golfer.
In the world of golf, every stroke counts, and scratch golfers, those with a handicap of zero, know this better than anyone. A recent study has revealed some key strategies that these elite players employ to save strokes, especially on shots inside 70 yards.
One of the most significant advantages that scratch golfers have is their ability to save over four strokes per round through better contact, distance control, and smarter shot selection. This is particularly noticeable on the greens, where they only require multiple shots inside 70 yards on an average of 1.6 holes per round.
Scratch golfers are masters of strategy, using their knowledge of their strengths to their advantage. They choose targets carefully, aiming for safe zones on the greens rather than risky pin positions. This smart target selection minimizes the chance of error and helps avoid big mistakes, especially on challenging holes.
In addition to smart target selection, scratch golfers also play conservatively on dangerous holes, opting for safer shots that keep scores manageable instead of aggressively chasing risky shots that can lead to big numbers.
Their short game is another area where scratch golfers excel. They invest significant practice time—often 2 to 4 hours daily—on chipping, pitching, and putting, which helps them recover effectively and reduce bogeys, especially after missed greens.
Consistency is key for scratch golfers, and they maintain a consistent pre-shot routine with correct alignment, grip, and posture for every shot. This helps reduce swings out of sync and prevent costly mistakes.
Video and data analysis also play a crucial role in refining their swing mechanics, leading to more efficient, repeatable swings contributing to consistent ball striking.
Pace putting, a technique that could potentially save 4+ strokes per round for mid-to-high handicappers, is another area where scratch golfers excel. They average 1.5 or fewer three-putts per round, significantly less than golfers with handicaps over 20 who average 5.6.
Knowing their club distances allows scratch golfers to make more confident club selections and avoid coming up short. They have an intimate understanding of their club distances, including averages across all conditions and how their distances change with draws and fades.
On the greens, scratch golfers aim for safer zones to reduce short-siding and increase margin for error. They tend to eliminate one side of the course, choose smarter lines, and play with greater confidence by leaning into their strengths.
Interestingly, the fairway hit percentage is similar for scratch and 15-handicap golfers (50% vs 47%), but the quality of misses is significantly different for scratch golfers. They rarely require more than one shot to get on the green from distances inside 70 yards, compared to the average 15-handicap golfer who may need multiple shots.
In conclusion, the strategies employed by scratch golfers offer valuable insights for any golfer looking to improve their game. By focusing on consistency, target selection, and avoiding blow-up holes, golfers can significantly reduce their scores and play more strategically.
- Scratch golfers utilize their education-and-self-development in golf, employing key strategies learned from video and data analysis to refine their swing mechanics and maintain consistent ball striking.
- Personal-growth and learning are evident in the short game of scratch golfers, as they invest significant time in practice (2 to 4 hours daily) on chipping, pitching, and putting to effectively recover from missed greens and reduce bogeys.
- In addition to their skills on the course, scratch golfers exhibit smart target selection during games, aiming for safer zones on the greens to minimize errors and avoid big mistakes, particularly on challenging holes, demonstrating their commitment to personal-growth and sports strategy.
