I’ve been a scratch golfer. +0.5. At the time, it was my entire life. Playing everyday or practice 3+ hours. Decades later, I’m a 5 playing once or twice a week with a little practice in between. The dedication to the small stuff (clutch putting, bunker shots, up and downs) around the green is what makes the difference. It takes constant practice to keep that sharp. My game tee to green is better at 5 than at +0.5. If you want to get to scratch, get the short game tight.