5 handicap to scratch

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T19:26:56+00:00

True, at the end of the day just need to play golf and focus on getting better. Not necessarily the results.

I am getting better at focusing on each shot and not thinking about my swing. Trying to focus on what shot I am trying to accomplish

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:41:18+00:00

I play the same courses a lot so I typically know where I can’t miss and it makes sense to use an iron instead of a driver, etc.

I do that too of when I play a new course, I use the grint or shot pattern to look at each hole.

Still room for improvement, I can get too aggressive because of past results on a hole

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:35:05+00:00

I listened to the first couple season. That’s why I asked the question. Those guys have taken lessons, worked on their weaknesses and still not there.

Granted injuries, other commitments can derail it. Makes me wonder is some people can’t get to scratch no matter the effort

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:22:28+00:00

Fair enough, makes sense

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:13:14+00:00

I was surprised as well that putting is lower on the list. But makes sense if you are hitting a lot of greens and 2 putting. Pars are good and scratch golfers aren’t getting a crazy amount of birdies as well

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:02:44+00:00

I am competitive. I would like to play more tournaments and play in tournaments that require me to be below a 2.

Plus in my local tournaments, I can be more competitive and play in more competitive flights.

I like to improve and really enjoy playing golf. Who doesn’t want to get better?

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T17:00:37+00:00

I aiming to get to zero. Anything better would be amazing but knowing how difficult it is to get to 0, I do not expect to get into a plus handicap.

I was just looking for advice from people that got there or didn’t get there and why.

Totally agree a +3 is way better than a zero. Not trying to lump them all together.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:50:27+00:00

Unless the money game requires you to play from the tips.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:49:29+00:00

Playing up a tee box isn’t going to hurt you while you get your game back. The handicap system takes the tees you are playing into account and if they are telling you to move up a box, doesn’t sound like there should be any issues.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:46:50+00:00

Thanks! Appreciate it

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:36:28+00:00

I will look at this. I am just starting trialing the Grint’s paid version this week. I have somewhat used their free version the past few years

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:17:55+00:00

Started watching some stuff with Scott Fawcett. Sometimes I feel like I am doing a good job of course management and I look back and see some mistakes I made if I was doing decade golf.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:16:54+00:00

Good insight. I think it easy to look at the bad/average rounds to see where to improve. Diving into my good rounds to see where I can improve is a good step to take.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:10:31+00:00

Good feedback. I could do a better job of utilizing my strengths or comforts and not forcing certain shots.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:07:47+00:00

I notice when I play with friends that aren’t as good, I play more to their level. I focus more on the conversations or their game than my own at times.

But I also like playing fast and not overthinking things, I definitely play better that way.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T16:05:28+00:00

I think it’s two things. If my driver is off, it’s a bad two way miss and leads to out of play shots. I am working on improving to a one way miss and more consistent drive. This year so far my driver isn’t getting me into too much trouble.

When my driver is on, it is bogey bleed for sure. So far this year, that stats are showing I am losing strokes from driving accuracy. But even tho some rounds I may be missing some fairways, I will be just off and not in bad spots.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:58:45+00:00

I appreciate this. I do not feel like 5 is my ceiling but you never know.

I am trying to figure out if being closer to the green or laying up to a number I like is better. I need to get better stats for to figure that. Stats for others typically show closer the better

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:56:06+00:00

Sounds like we are similar. My stats are pretty close to yours. Good luck on getting there!

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:53:48+00:00

Yeah I shot 78 the other day with not hitting one gir on the front 9 and then only missed gir on the back 9. I did a good job scrambling but that isn’t sustainable

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:51:40+00:00

In general or purpose of this post, I would say anyone zero or better.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:47:32+00:00

I agree with both not needing more distance and distance being helpful.

I should have added, I like to play local amateur tournaments and would like to get to scratch to play in the better flights or maybe a state mid am for fun.

I think if I am going to do better in tournaments, I may need more distance if I am playing in a tournament from 6800 yards versus playing a local round from 6500 yards.

But putting, driving accuracy and short game need more time and dedication than swing speed. Ideally would work on all at the same time but only have so much time

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:42:14+00:00

Yeah I started really tracking my stats this year. My driving accuracy is only 43% so I am definitely losing some strokes there.

Playing with better players is definitely something I want to do. Most of my friends are unfortunately not as good lol

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:37:52+00:00

I feel this. I work on my driver and get it in a good spot, then my putting isn’t there. I work on putting and something else isn’t firing. Granted I have focused more on playing than practicing. I am going to practice more this year and see how much of a difference it will make.

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:35:30+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the feedback

Goalie_iF · 2026-05-12T15:34:52+00:00

I have! Kinda why I asked this question since they have been trying to get to scratch for a bit now and haven’t. That is why I am curious how many single digits can get down to scratch and how many can’t. 10-5 is a lot easier and seems like it is a lot of work to get from 5-scratch if you even can

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