Of all the sports, golf perhaps has the most extensive terminology. While many golfers know the meaning of basic terms like ‘birdies,’ ‘eagles,’ and ‘bogeys,’ there are other terms that aren’t as common, like ‘frog hair’ and ‘hacker.’ Perhaps one that many don’t know but should, is the term “scratch golfer.” The term holds great value and prestige for a golfer.

As most golf enthusiasts know, every golfer has a handicap. A golfer’s handicap determines how good they are. The lower your handicap, the better you are supposed to be. It is calculated using an average of a golfer’s scores with respect to the par of the course.

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A golfer with a handicap of 0, i.e., a golfer who on average makes par on all holes, is known as a scratch golfer. Only 2% of all golfers are possibly scratch golfers; hence, the term is not used on the course very often. A golfer can also have a handicap that is below zero; these are positive handicaps.

The USGA defines a scratch golfer as “a player who can play to a Course Handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses.” The golf association also mentions that for men, a scratch golfer should be able to “hit tee shots an average of 250 yards and can reach a 470-yard hole in two shots at sea level.” And women should be able to hit “an average of 210 yards and can reach a 400-yard hole in two shots at sea level.”

How is a scratch golfer different from a professional player?

One would assume that all professionals would have a handicap of 0 or better, and they would be right. A pro should generally be able to finish in 5 or 6 strokes less than a scratch golfer while playing alongside him.

In 2008, Tiger Woods was estimated to have a golf handicap of +9.3, meaning he would be expected to consistently finish at least 9 strokes below a scratch golfer and par. That is an extremely extraordinary feat, even for a pro player.

Do you think you’re a scratch golfer? If not, do you know anyone who is? Let us know in the comments below.

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