The difference between you and a scratch golfer

[@dbo4506]

The main difference between me and a scratch golfer is our scores.

[@12mmratchet84]

Not with that attitude

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I have the same problem!

[@vicpnut1]

Or , in my case , the multiples of the score ( meaning 2x’ the strokes 😜) which I guess means s just another way of saying the score 👍🏼✌🏻

[@Callofthegame247]

I'm scratch, and have been as low as +1. Here's what I practice: 1. Shaping shots. I fade, draw, high and low. Push yourself to learn every shot. 2. Distance control. Hit your 9 iron your full shot length, then decrease in 10 yard increments. Over time, you'll be able to hit your 9 iron 150, 140, 130, 120, etc. If you have 143 yards, you have to know how to hit anything from PW to 8 iron from there, and hit that number within 2 or 3 yards. 3. Short game creativity. Get used to experimentation, hitting high stopping chips and low running pitches. Everything. 4. Two-putting. Yes, you have to make your short ones, but try to limit your three-putts to one per two or three rounds. 5. Course management. If in doubt, play more conservative. Get to work! Lol good luck on your journey man.

[@RobMcGarr]

Interesting, thanks! What benefit do you see from no.2? As in, why wouldn't you just hit the club that goes that distance? And what do you do to work on two-putting?

[@Callofthegame247]

@@RobMcGarr In regards to using the club that goes that distance, the answer is twofold. For a start, wind. When you hit a club shorter, it knocks down the trajectory and spin, causing a lower ball flight. A 9 iron hit 150 will go higher with more spin than the 9 iron going 125. So in high winds from 125 yards, you could either take a 9 iron and hit it 125, or make it easier and hit a comfortable 8 iron 125. If you can do both, it works either way. The other reason is practice, and giving yourself the feel for controlling distance. You technically won't hit a 7 iron 130 on the course (unless winds are 30+mph) but it gives you the right feel for being able to control distance. Practicing hitting 3-4 different clubs to the same 150 marker is great practice to get a feel for it. Regardless of what club, if you have 127 yards, you have to hit that number. It just takes feel and practice. Two-putting is really about getting close to the hole from 25-30 feet. I think of a 2-3 foot circle, and hit every long putt within that range. I also choose different putts each time, to simulate real play. Thing is, birdies aren't made from great putting as much as taking advantage of par 5's and really short par 4's (300 to 385 yards), using great wedge play. When you hit a full approach from 150-175, it'll be more than 20 feet, so the idea is to get the first putt as close as possible. Also green reading and getting a feel for that is critical. Hope that helps man.

[@si777]

@@Callofthegame247 I like number 2 a lot. I see a lot of people play so 1 dimensional, In the sense they only know full shots countless times I hear "I don't have a club for this shot" I'm like you do you just don't know how to play it and you haven't allowed yourself to adapt to the conditions your playing in as well. I was watching Rick Shiels the other day when he played with Adam Scott. Adam had 126 yards into wind and played a knock down 6 iron, Even Rick was a little baffled by it. Here is the Time stamp on the video if you wanna watch it kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHjKpWqYqciXfZY funny I kind of did the same for like a 140 yard Par 3 today.

[@BryanForsyth]

@@si777 that’s awesome thank you for the link. For us, it’s “creative”; for him, it’s the only shot that makes sense. Massive mental shift there.

[@andrewdesrosiers5658]

@@Callofthegame247 great explanation. Even with a consistent swing a player’s distances and shot they feel comfortable with can change from day to day. Most people I know typically have one gear for all their clubs. There are too many variables in my opinion depending on wind, elevation, temp, lie angle to have that few shots. Being able to have 3/4 options from the same distance has helped me get my handicap to a 1.1

[@Kendall-11]

13.1 currently on the road to single figures. From your videos I’m now actively practicing 3 times a week (hour ish increments) on putting/green side chipping, 50-100 yard pitching, irons/woods. And if that doesn’t help I’m going to try taking 2 inches off my clubs so they fit better in the bin.

[@golfluv2seeit]

I too, am 13.1. do you have a launch monitor?

[@krispybowgod9656]

@@golfluv2seeit I have a launch monitor and I never use it. I find it fairly redundant after I got the Garmin watch and the sensors in my clubs I have 40 rounds worth of data and have really learned to understand my gaps between clubs. I’m a 11.2

[@dasheight203]

You’ll be singles in no time with that regimen

[@golfluv2seeit]

@@krispybowgod9656 when I saw launch monitor I mean a GC2. is that what you understood? wondering how you find that redundant?

[@Kendall-11]

@@dasheight203 I look forward to replying to you when I’m there.

[@marilynhays]

I’m a 6 handicap woman. Thanks so much for this video. It clearly highlighted why I’ve not “improved”, despite playing far more regularly over the last year. I need to practice getting up and down, and not 3 putting!

[@timmyotoole6063]

6 hcp is really good for a girl

[@musicmunky]

Rob this is one of your best videos - love this breakdown, and love the positive attitude you've got lately. This is why I really enjoy your channel!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you!! 😀

[@yaakovbelfer1698]

Second this . Loved it !

[@motodiaries8204]

Hi Rob! Been a long time since I saw one of your videos and I just watched an old one and was reminded of your quest. I've had an interesting experience this last year trying to get better at golf that's taught me some things and I thought I'd share. After twenty years away from golf, I started playing again last year. I managed to get from a 16 or 18 handicap early in the year down to 10, which I was pleased with. In the fall, I bought an inexpensive simulator (Skytrak) and set up a net and mat in my garage. I hit what I estimate to be 20-30,000 shots over the winter. It's easy when you can go out and swing a club a few times a day (I"m 68 years old and retired). By spring I had developed a solid swing, making really nice contact and hitting the ball more consistently than I ever had. The daily easy access to practice made a monumental difference to my swing and my ball striking. It is the best money I've ever spent on golf. I was really optimistic and excited to begin playing. And then I went out and played. I was a disaster! I was especially hopeless with my irons after all that practice. I could barely hit the ball at all. I was uncomfortable on grass and the reality of hitting one shot at a time with real consequences made me really awkward. I couldn't begin to produce a swing anything like what I had in practice. I figured I would just keep playing and practicing and my nerves would settle down and I'd start striking the ball properly pretty quickly, but it took months and is still a work in progress. Finally, in July I began to strike my irons well occasionally and by August I began playing the best golf of my life. I got back down to 10 and then quickly down to 7 or so with days around 5. I've been using strokes gained to compare myself to different handicaps using my Shotscope watch data. I don't have an actual handicap. Weirdly, I don't feel like I'm playing my best by a long shot yet and my scores just seem to stay reasonable (in the low 80s with an occasional day in the high 70s). What I can feel now is that most of my success or failure on the course is entirely mental (Surprise!). I will have long stretches of golf where I shoot par hole after hold, but my mind still doesn't believe I can be that good. I can feel the pressure build as I anticipate falling apart. I apologize to my playing partners, saying that I'm not really as good as I'm playing at the moment. Eventually I get to the point where I freeze mid-backswing and top a horrible iron shot 50 yards. I usually follow this up with a poor wedge shot and a three putt for good measure. So, what I'm getting at is that I think getting to scratch is mainly a mental exercise once your skills reach a certain point. I throw away easily 6 or 8 shots every round and I know I have the skill to shoot mid to low 70s if I can just relax, enjoy the day and anticipate nice swings and good results. That will prevent the mid back swing freezing and the tentative putts that cost me so many strokes a round. I don't have the goal of getting to scratch. I think that's more pressure than I want to put on what should be an enjoyable game. But I know that if I can relax and start to own that I am a good golfer I will play comfortably in the low single digit handicap range and that's more than I would have dreamed of a year ago. I think scratch is a very hard goal. It requires largely very few mistakes. You can mis hit a shot here and there but you need to get up and down as often as possible. You can't miss short putts and you need to make a few longer ones. It's mostly about consistency and I think that comes only when you relax and hit the shots you are perfectly capable of hitting. As you know, golfers only play to their handicap one out of three or four rounds. You don't have to shoot par very often to be a scratch golfer. You have more than enough skill. Just believe in yourself and try to find the way to play relaxed and confident. Hit each putt as if you're knocking in a three footer on the practice green. Swing as if you have complete faith in your skill and are about to strike the ball as pure as you know how. That's not an easy thing but it has more to do with mental and emotional skills than swing mechanics. I've begun experimenting with meditation and visualizing relaxed and confident golf. I want to approach each shot with complete comfort because when I play that way I play very well. I've got a way to go. I probably won't get there this year, but I can get close and I'll make it my goal for next year for sure. Good luck with your quest Rob, I know you can get there. You hit the ball a mile. You can hit any club in the bag with skill. Just play your best golf and enjoy yourself!

[@J88HNT]

Great share! There are some nuggets of golden wisdom and experience dispensed there. Thank you! Good luck on your road to scratch. 🙏🏽

[@Tubeloobadoo]

I spend too much time ruining rounds working on swing mechanics it's crazy! Great post thanks for sharing your journey

[@bfriendly100]

Totally agree! 100%! When I’m thinking good, I play my best. The best players are in the right mindset!

[@kian4489]

I became a +0.6 handicap golfer in just over a year. (I’m 15 and started when I was 14) My low was a +1.6 a couple weeks ago. Looking back at my “journey to scratch” all i remember is spending a TON of time on the range and chipping and putting green. And here are my biggest tips. 1.) The golf swing | Since I started I have worked on building the most fundamentally correct swing. As well as learning about the golf swing and what’s right and what’s wrong so I can correct myself down the line and improve as fast as possible. Obviously if you don’t have a good golf swing, It is going to be hard to make the jump to a better golfer. I would spend so much time watching videos about the golf swing and now I understand what’s correct and what isn’t in almost every aspect of the swing. 2.) Shots | In order to make the jump in skill level you need to be able to have almost every shot ready to go when going out on the course. Like High, low, fades, draws, slices hooks, Low draws, low cuts, high draws, high cuts, punches, knockdowns, etc. And understanding everything about the shot you are going to hit and what it will do on the green and in the wind. Example: a draw will typically rollout farther on a green than a fade. And that is because of the way the ball is spinning. 3.) Practicing | At the range you should be practicing with a purpose. Going out on the range hitting ball after ball with no real goal in mind with every shot won’t get u anywhere except being loose lol. Lots of people overlook what is needed when practicing. You will get better hitting 20 balls with your full preshot routine and having a target in mind and a shot shape in mind and every element in mind rather than going out with 50 balls nonstop with no real goal in every shot. 4.) Mental game | Golf is 90% mental. Lots of people don’t have confidence and let one shot ruin their whole round. Trust yourself. Don’t let one bad hole ruin ur mindset and round. For Example I once had a competition round where i was even going into the 3rd hole and after that hole i was +6 (10) I did not let that get in the way of my goal of placing top 5 or better. I finished that front 9 +8 and decided to completely turn it around on the back 9 and finished with an even par 36 and finished the round with a 79. I ended up taking 4th place with a 10 on a par 4. If you don’t have confidence over the ball on any shots on the course don’t expect a low score.

[@barrybr1]

Congrats Marilyn and perfectly said with your tips

[@Lamster66]

Sorry you might be good a golf but you maths stinks *I was +6 I did not let that get in the way of my goal of placing top 5 or better* *I finished that front 9 +8 and decided to completely turn it around on the back 9 and finished with an even par 36 and finished the round with a 79* Unless the par for the front nine was 35 you can't add up. That said you are correct. Golf is only as hard as you make it I played from age 7-16 then haven't played for over 40 years and only started playing again 6 months ago. In that time I've physically and mentally changed which could be an advantage. I went to the range fully expecting to be striping my driver 250yds and hitting 3 iron over 200yrds Instead I was topping and shanking the thing 50 yards after a reset I was hitting 150 yard slices and with a few more tweaks turned it into a fade that was around 200 yards. I then watched many teaching videos and over the next few months I worked on getting a repeatable set up at address to build on and make incremental changes to. I now hit driver 235yrds straight or with a draw or fade as I want I can just about get my 3 iron 200yards I know there's more speed and distance in my swing which I can tweak over time as I identify what isn't right. I broke 100 on my 8th round at a pretty long and testing course with several lakes to hit over or around . Apart from a couple of bad days when I've hit like 103 most rounds are now under 100 ( which isn't too bad for an old guy that's been playing 6 months) I want to be breaking 90 by the end of my 1st year. The difference between hitting 95 and 105 isn't ability to hit the ball. It's the ability to know how you are going to hit a ball in a certain circumstance and choose the right shot for the best outcome most of the time.

[@citanullunatic4084]

@@Lamster66 You wrote- "...you maths stinks"..... "Unless the par for the front nine was 35 you can't add up." Bit of a rude comment. Why can't the par for the front 9 be 35?

[@Lamster66]

@@citanullunatic4084 Well mainly because he says +8 is 79 meaning par is 71. if the back 9 was 36 as he stated that makes the front 9 35 As I said unless the front9 is 35 you're maths doesn't add up Nothing rude about it it's just a fact!

[@citanullunatic4084]

@@Lamster66 The golfer wrote---"I finished that front 9 +8 and decided to completely turn it around on the back 9 and finished with an even par 36 and finished the round with a 79" He played the front 9 +8 not +6. +8 on a par of 35 =43. Back nine was even par 36. 43 +36=79. Your reading stinks.

[@Will_Hall]

I'm older now, but in my youth I played scratch golf for about 10 years. I found the way to do this is brutal honesty. I constantly analyzed my game and focused my practice on my weaknesses. And no, distance isn't your weakness. Mostly it's practicing short game and putting. Greater than half of my practice during that time was from less than 100 yards. And most of that was less than 25 yards. I'd see other golfers on the range for hours pounding drivers and call it "practice". That isn't practice. It's a waste of time. In fact, it's worse. It's spending time you could have used to actually improve your game. If you're a single digit trying to be scratch, you hit your driver well enough already. You wouldn't be single digit if you didn't. The available improvements are in making your weakness into a strength. Jack Nicklaus said "I never hit a practice shot without a purpose". Neither should you. 1. Be honest, identify your weakness and make a plan to fix them. 2. Don't go to the range without a plan, and stick to it. 3. Constantly evaluate and adapt your plan as things change. 4. Good instruction is always a good idea too. Just my $0.02

[@daviddowling5603]

Thanks for your input I think you are right.

[@awill3454]

I respectfully have to disagree. I’m a 4 handicap and play with a lot of plus and scratch golfers. They tell me all the time that if I just could be consistent with my full swing, I’d be scratch. I have a good short game statistically. I only 3 putt on average once every ~2 rounds and I get up and down just under 50% of the time. Problem is, you can’t just rely on short game to bail you out. After a while, you have to hit FIR and GIR, period. Scrambling helps save strokes, but even PGA players only get up and down 55-60% of the time. Approach shots, to me, are the most important part of the game.

[@patb4934]

I’ve been playing about 6- 7 years. I got to scratch about a year and a half ago. My lowest was a plus 2 in July. The only thing that will get you better is practice. I’m hitting balls everyday and playing 4-5 times a week. Basically I committed my whole life to this game the last 4 years or so when I started to take it real serious. It’s a great journey and was definitely worth all the rough days and swing changes when you start to shoot some low rounds. Just have to stay positive 👍

[@nicholastugwell6831]

Currently at 3.7, went up to 4.0 two weeks ago. Aiming to stay fairly steady tbh. Family life & work are more important now than golf. On thr flip side, I'd love to get to scratch, but once I got there, I don't know what I'd do with it? I'd still have to go to work on Monday I guess. Another great & informative video mate. Keep up the great work... & see you in the future 😉

[@RobMcGarr]

I'm expecting a national holiday if I ever get to scratch!

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

@@RobMcGarr 🤣🤣 world wide holiday

[@osefarm]

Started playing 10 months ago, was 22.4 in January now 12.3 practising 2 hours 4 days per week, playing only 1 or 2 actual rounds weekly. Really enjoying your journey.

[@daniel-sc1zk]

29.9, Started 11ish months ago. Driver has always been my weakest point to my golf game and normally see myself sometimes taking 3 off the tee. Wanting to bring it down over next few months. Brilliant video.

[@stephenblack9843]

5.5 Game completely revolves around driver. Game seemed so easy first half of the season when I was always in play. Off the boil with the big stick recently and it just seems soooo difficult to shoot handicap.

[@RobMcGarr]

Yeah agree with that, feels hard when you're never in the hole!

[@manowar99]

Yep. I bounce between a 2-4 hdcp and driver and GIR is king for me. If the driver is working well, it sets up the hole for the approach, and I don't 3-putt much. If the driver isn't working, then I have to hit many recovery shots and scramble to get up-and-down a lot, and if you sprinkle in some lost balls or OB's off the tee the score increases 10+ strokes easily over 18 holes. Driver dictates my scores.

[@flaup7507]

4,3 here, "plateauing" for a few years, but always playing somewhere else in tournament conditions. Best was 1,3 when playing home course. Hectic shots and lack of confidence overall usually ruined my round (often a double or more sometimes). I've been working my short game and putting from the basics since april, can't stress enough how a solid basic chip and putting technique is essential to make sure contact/stroke is decent enough to control the ball. I've been consistently playing in the 75-76 recently (no comp played since then), I feel i can reproduce this more often whereas before it was magical rounds here and there that gave me the handicap. Getting a solid contact regularly just gave me the confidence boost i needed over the ball I guess. And I have to keep practicing it. Also playing/practicing a bit less often (say once a week on average), but with more dedication and motivation. My key points are: - KEEP the ball in PLAY at all cost, but play confidently with a club that is rewarding enough. A go-to shot is essential especially under pressure (amen corner holes, last holes, tricky holes etc). My go-to really changes from one round to another, sometimes i feel confident hitting a fade, sometimes a draw but it's always kind of a gripped down, smooth shot to ensure a solid contact and shape. - CONTACT is essential for direction AND distance control for every shot (from a chip and run, to a drive), better make sure your technique is decent enough whereas it's putting, chipping, pitching and long game. Otherwise, as always a very enjoyable video ! Keep up the good content Rob, cheers from France :)

[@LakeStevensPete]

Interesting comment about playing tournaments at other courses vs home course and having higher scores. I play a lot of tournaments per year (18-20) and find my scores in tournaments are noticeably higher than at home course as well. I think playing tournaments make me a better golfer all around but would sure like to get better scores in tournaments.

[@percyhallam5883]

Quality Rob. Refreshing to see no bashing of brands and someone relatable!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks dude! 😀

[@scottmorton7023]

I think the difference is going for "Holywood shots" and not recovering from disappointment quicker. Love the video Rob ❤️

[@RobMcGarr]

Defo agree! Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpeQnKqed6uZbsk (Skip all the Open stuff at the start)

[@dougm659]

16.6 down from 21.6 in February. That is really encouraging Rob, my putting used to be shocking but after spending hours on the practice green, my technique and confidence are hugely improved which is making a big difference, so onwards and downwards with the scores!

[@RobMcGarr]

Good going, Doug! I'm currently reading 'The Lost Art of Putting'!

[@dougm659]

@@RobMcGarr must look for a copy of that. Have you read “Putting out of your mind” by Dr Bob Rotella? He makes it seem so simple and it can be if your fundamentals are sound and your confidence is up. I’m aiming to reach a single figure handicap by the time I hit 60 so I have 12 months!!!! Maybe you could help as your game is looking really solid again!

[@LFCGregDouglas]

It's nice to see you swinging a club again. Loved your videos then u stopped. Glad u r feeling better. I am on my own journey because of u. Started this year on 12 and down to 7. You don't talk rubbish all the time 🤣

[@Guythatsometimescomments]

I'm scratch and due to the covid boom I have been teaching a lot of people how to play golf the past couple years. I think the biggest difference between a scratch player and a bogey golfers are two categories: Driving and chipping/pitching. Most people can learn to hit pretty good full shots with 7-wedge. Most can learn to stop 3 putting often. Learning to drive the ball with length and accuracy takes a ton of practice. The same goes for chipping/pitching. The scratch player will still miss 8-10 greens in regulation, but will usually be able to chip it close enough to give a great chance at saving par.

[@hothamandfauri]

I started golfing last summer and the best golf advice I was ever given came to me from a friend who has golfed over 50 years. He told me,"Stop keeping score, and just play for fun".

[@jasonk86]

Getting a late start on this all. I’m 36 years old and went from a 60+ to a 21 in 8 months so far. I mainly need to work in chipping and putting and your video reaffirmed that for me. I also need to work on getting out of bunkers without too much drama as that easily could be 2-3 strokes saved in a round for me. I appreciate the way you laid out that info.

[@RobMcGarr]

Bunkers are easy when you know how! (Getting out and on the green, at least.) It's all about setup and then confidence to swing hard.

[@jasonk86]

@@RobMcGarr yup, going to put the work in and gain that confidence. I always try to appreciate knowing what to work on next. I fear the day when I don’t know what I need to fix.

[@wtpiep82]

I’m a 5 handicap and my buddy is a +3, he doesn’t hit it that much better than me, but within 110yards that dude is other worldly and that is how he makes so many birdies.

[@keithpruitt131]

Great video. I went from 18 down to 12 this year. My driving is the biggest difference. I could always chip and putt. Thanks for the content.

[@gristlebits]

17 currently, dropped from 25 at the start of this year. The biggest difference makers for me have been fixing my slice with driver and chipping around the green. Once I started getting off the teebox consistently, I spent a lot of time working on chipping around the green. Instead of putting everything from off/around the green, I make myself chip every time (assuming a decent lie) which has given me a lot more opportunities at par putts from less than 10 feet vs hoping I can get a putt somewhere close. Excited to keep the journey going!

[@accridelich7369]

Rob, Excellent insight. This is what playing the %s is all about. Only no one tells you what they are. Next time I watch reruns of the majors, I'll know what is going through the minds of: Nicklaus, Player, Faldo, Seve, Jacklin, Harrington, etal. I wish RoryM would focus on 2 things: 1. Quit lifting heavy weights as he's lost his short feel. When he won his first 4 majors, he was more sinewy years ago. 2. His putter head needs to finish 2cms above the ground no further than his small toe on his lead foot. His putts go off line & not all the kinetic energy gets transferred to the ball. That putter face needs to FEEL like it's staring at the start line. On TV I can tell when he's going to miss nearly everytime. I miss those long Ryder Cup daggers that he would pour in from 20'.

[@zwaager]

Great video. Lots of good information! I havent been playing a lot over the last many years (played all the time as a kid/teen) and really got back into it this year. Ive seen more improvement in my game in 6 months this year than i have in my 24 years of playing. Ive always had the distance but never had consistent ball striking. Really worked on that and my short game from 50 yards and in. Went from comsistently mid to high 90s (ovcasionally low 100) to consistent mid 80s. Havent done that in over a decade. Seeing signs in my game that suggest low handicap. I just need to get out consistently. The constant improvement is addicting and i wont stop! Next goal is breaking 80! Ive had chances. Just need to stop making a few stupid mistakes. Its almost always shot selection.

[@ChosenPlaysYT]

Best I ever officially got to in a league was +2, slightly better than scratch. My strength is developing a soft easy “in play” driver swing that I can manipulate between 250-275 yards and always in play. Then working on chipping to the point where I can reliably be inside of 6 ft on any green side chip. I’m not a great putter or a great approacher. But always staying out of trouble and having great short game means I can sneak in 2-4 birdies a round, while only getting 2-4 bogeys.

[@ghostangel828]

Went from 26 to 10 hcp and I'd say one of the big difference i saw was driving. Not necessarily distance, but I completely fixed my slice. Hitting from the rough doesn't change the game that much, it's more the penalty strokes from going OB that really changed it for me. Went from a couple of doubles and triples per 9 holes to one double every 2 rounds maybe. Also i find that at 10 handicap, the big difference now comes from holing my putts. When i have a difficult time putting, i go from 80 to around 85-88 in score. Now I'm on the road to single digits and then scratch!

[@jamiesloan7259]

You absolutely nailed this, bro. I’m a 3 HC, that occasionally will shoot under par. I rarely hit a ball out, and very rarely get a double bogie. I also end up with less than 30 putts(on a good scoring day), and very rarely 3-putt. I check all of the boxes except one. My 30-70 yard range is not very good. I have these shots quite often in a round, on the shorter par 4’s, and longer par fives. I’m struggling with tempo, and therefore “strike” on these shots. It’s VERY frustrating, and definitely what’s keeping me from knocking off those last few strokes. However, on days when I’m striking these shots well, I’ll shoot par, or slightly under.

[@eamonnmorrissey2246]

Hi, Have recently discovered this site and enjoy the clips and hints. I've just turned 60. Have played golf all my life - for years in the 10 to 15 range. I'm off 3 now - having set a goal of scratch about 5 years ago. I loved the clip with your friend Mal - I really get the imposter syndrome thing. I’m still getting to grips with the handicap, but on the other hand I know I am better than my handicap……..Golf is such a brilliant game that way. Anyway, scratch would be nice but what I really enjoy is being comfortable over the ball. I love the quote I read from Ernie Els - to play Fearless Percentage Golf. And my new goal is to shoot my age in my 70s and 80s. I figure I need to plan ahead as I am sure I’ll get to scratch, and I don’t want to get there and not have something new to aim for, and it might help me lose a few kilos... How did I get here - putting, short game, putting, bunker play, putting, 50 to 100m distance control pitching (huge gains available here), and some putting. And some swing stuff, but at 60 - there’s not much I can do now,. Also, am a huge fan of Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson of Vision 54, and their training ideas. I really recommend their approach. And I don’t think you can read Bob Rotella’s books too often - especially “Golf is not a game of perfect” and “your 15th Club” (That’ll be 19th next year!). I think thechampionspath4715 is dead on about practice, and his 9 iron drill is neat - I’ll be trying this. One I like is to hit a full 8 iron, then hit (or try to hit) the same distance with 7, 6, 5, 4, rescue, 3w, and driver. The thing is, you never know what you’ll face next, or what happens if your wedge breaks, or you left a few clubs in the boot of your mate's car, or you just like the idea of a high, soft landing floaty one over that tree over there…….. I have had the luxury of a few great coaches too. The most influential on my game was Rob Hogan (speedgolfrob) - who just loves golf. If you can find a coach who loves your goal as much as you do, you will be lucky. I have also had great help from Koe Lai Yin with mental skills and approach. (I live in Malaysia.) And if you want down to earth advice on specific items - check out Padraig Harrington’s site. Finally, what Stuart Armstrong says in his clip I dead on. Own your game. Keep the content coming please.

[@scottmacey]

8.9. Driver doesn't need to be long but needs to be in play. Other than that wedges are the key for me

[@TeezerDriz]

Excellent video. Stats are an eye opener. I'm a 24 h'cap and would lay up short on difficult greens to play a pitch and run, play to get a bogey. I might do that for all holes and see where it takes my score. Looking at my recent cards (casual rds) i've 3 putted 5 times on average. So improving first putt and avoiding bunkers should work.

[@darthvader1402]

currently 11.0 index. Recently started getting my scoring down. Trying to reduce big numbers. This video was quite informative. Thanks for posting.

[@IMon503]

Hi Rob, another great video. Looks like your hitting it well, keep it up. I'm currently 7.4 and I keep my stats. Medal average this year, 62% Fir, 34% Gir, 28% Scramble, 31 putts, 3 putts % at 6%. Had my worst Medal of the year on Saturday shooting 15 over as can't keep ball in play with driver or 3w

[@JeffGallo]

5.1 here, and the the big change I need to make is to pick shots that’ll help me hit more GIR (currently averaging 33%). I average 30 putts per round, and the days I score well are simply the days when I put the putter in my hand sooner.

[@subcooluk5264]

11.4 (up from 6 pre-covid). Short game is probably my biggest strength but I’ve lost at least 30yds off the tee since getting Covid

[@RobMcGarr]

Hope you get back to full fitness soon! 🙏

[@typeosign5094]

I don't have a handicap, I'm probably around 20. I shoot anywhere from low 90s to low 100s, maybe could break 90 on a good day, but hasn't happened yet. (since I rediscovered my love for golf this season. Main things that would help me lower my handicap right now are: 1 - eliminating the gross mishits, like shanks and duffs. I lose too many strokes from OB balls on and off the tee, and/or balls that only travel a very short distance. I realize those types of shots happen from time to time. But, for instance, I played a round last week in which I lost something like 8 balls. 2 - mental game. I think wayyy too much over the ball. I have too many swing thoughts and too much anxiety. 3 - Chipping and putting consistency. When I'm on, it's good. This season so far I've chipped it in 4 times and pitched it in once from 50 yards. I've hit plenty of long putts, and gotten plenty more close. But when I'm off, I'm easily taking 3 or 4 strokes once I get close to the green. 3 putt way too often, and sometimes even 4 putt or chip it off the backside. Of course general accuracy too. I'd like to miss the center of the green by 10 or 20 yards instead of 30 or 40 hahaha. And my ball striking is getting better, but not showing up on the course yet.

[@allansmith5489]

This is my mission...Maybe not scratch but certainly getting down to 3 from 6. I'm going to practice better and much more worthwhile. Thanks for the video Rob, its very encouraging and interesting.

[@JohnnyL22420]

Another banger from Rob. It's great that youre showing people the stats and levels it takes to get to scratch but also how anyone can do it just play to your strong points

[@rickylafleur7378]

Another great video Rob, nice to have some regular golf back on the Chanel , I’ve recently come down from 20 to 16 and it’s definitely been my chipping and putting thats improved most

[@RobMcGarr]

Good work mate, keep it up! 😀

[@robertcourt8593]

I love this sort of information. There's some people out there who bash stats and data and sometimes it can be misinterpreted but to ignore it completely is foolish. I'm having my clubs regripped today and my next purchase will be a h4. Looking forward to having a look at info for someone at my level.

[@RobMcGarr]

They can definitely be misinterpreted and used in the wrong way but I find it helpful to have a benchmark to aim for. Plus a lot of these stats I just found reassuring and it's helping me manage expectations!

[@robertcourt8593]

Yeah, I do the same. 3 putting from 40ft gives me the right hump but it's actually quite common for a hacker like me!

[@TheViewer3009]

Great video and insight! I think it's also important to remember that your handicap reflects your best 8 rounds of your previous 20, not an average of all rounds. That means scratch golfers get there based on playing rounds where they're performing above average in some or all of these categories.

[@petekenny3774]

Legend rob...you make some of the best content on YT for golfers mate...do more pls

[@Doleman281]

Great video , really helped putt into perspective the goals I need to put into place to get into single figures before the seasons done, gone from hitting 135 to a 8.8 handicap in 13 months

[@RobMcGarr]

That's great progress, nice work!

[@seegarsmkr]

The thing that has helped me the most in playing better golf is moving up a couple of tee boxes (senior tees) and playing irons only. Since doing that I have had my only 3 under par rounds and have been par a few others. Still a work in progress.

[@gtsgolf9410]

very informative, as a bogey golfer feeling much better already! you are right, the thing holding me back is too many doubles

[@zuruck1]

+1.2 -- For me its just being tighter around the greens. Prox to hole inside 125 is the key

[@nsttig777]

Great video again. I have managed to get my handicap down from 19 to 11 in the last few months after having a good few rounds and though I still left shots out there from stupid mistakes it's massive progress for me.

[@RobMcGarr]

That's awesome progress man, good work! 👏

[@michaelcasselberry4765]

I just started playing golf after a five year hiatus last year I 15 handicap this year 12 I love the stats you gave us shocking is my strength now I know what I need to work on never achieve scratch getting older by the day but my goal is to get to 10 next year thanks for put me on the path

[@brandonjmcbride]

This video was great! Thea encumbers really help. I’m 5.3 handicap striving for scratch

[@Mannchini]

13.6 is my current Handicap. Dropped down from 30.1 in the last 12 months. Shot 81 in a comp a the weekend on a 6500 Par 72. Hitting more fairways and getting closer to the green on approach has been my progress so far. Got to cut out the Doubles.

[@ITC74PharmD]

12.3 - great vid. I'm working on all things short game. Find a lot of missed strokes 120y and in. Putting actually saves me so it comes down to approach and chipping and pitching. The FIR is the other issue. My distance is on par with scratch but have some wayward tee shots that put me in scramble mode. Key for me there is to play conservative and get the tee ball in the fairway. This approach has got me a few rounds in the high 70s. I also work on controlling ball flight especially with driver as the hook tends to show up so now playing a power fade or a slap slice to keep the left side out of play. Last thing is mental...I hate the hook ball flight and typically get frustrated if this comes into my round. I have started to let go of the past and work on focusing on surroundings and what I need to do next. Enjoy the challenge and recognize these things as first world problems. As they say the worse day of golf beats the best day at the office (of course if your office is the golf course then you are simply blessed).

[@76MUTiger]

I use Arccos data instead of Shot Scope. It allows me to compare 4 aspects of my game (driving, approach, short game, and putting) to the scratch golf. I uses Strokes Gained measurement to compare each aspect of my game to a Scratch Golfer (or any other milestone. For instance, I'm a 9.5 index. I could instead compare myself to a 5.0 index, my goal. There is a lot more detail in the analysis, but it is tailored to my current performance and compares a moving average of my most recent 5 games, with the moving average of the previous 5 games. It also calculates what 3 aspects of the game were working for me, and what 3 hurt me. So, with Arccos you have a very good idea of what you should be working on.

[@soccerboy0789]

Currently, a 10. Working more on the chipping and pitching. Getting more of a feel of my wedges and closer to 5 or 6 ft from the pin.

[@giuseppesavaglio8136]

As a bogey golfer my aim is to break 90 when i play. I have had games with 2 snowmen and 2 walking sticks and still broken 90. For me it's comes down to playing more regularly. Playing once or twice a month is not going to get me down to sub 85s on a regular basis. Get out and play twice a week if you can and chuck in a session or 2 at the range. Become familiar with your clubs and those better rounds will come. Great video.

[@matthewmorrison2096]

Iv been indicated to golf since I started before lock down still haven't got an official handicap but I Averagely score around 90 an since iv got fitted for the ping 425 driver n got wedges I'm hitting so many more greens in regulation its great cheers.

[@donisenberg3032]

8.2. Im 62, split my time between the Member tees and the senior tees, hitting driver 220. My putting has gone sideways this season but my chipping and pitching have improved enough to keep my scores decent.

[@tomwhite750]

14.2 - started last year at 28. For me it was: Eliminating 3 putts Course management and learning my strengths (irons and wedges at the time) to eliminate the big numbers. Got a driving lesson and started to hit it a lot straighter with big stick. Learnt another club off the tee (6 iron will go 190-200) for times when driver isn’t on. But this was unique to me and I took the time to try and built a roadmap of improvement that was relevant to me. Hardly played this year so I’m no longer improving but still trying to practice a bit where I can!

[@Lamster66]

*14.2 started last year at 28*. Wow That's pretty good I started playing again 6 months ago ( after not playing for over 40 years) and shoot high 90s actually broke 100 on my 8th full round. I'm in my late 50s so not as energetic as a was in my younger days. I can just about hit 3 iron 200 yrds my 6 iron goes about 165 and my big stick 235 if I really catch one otherwise its more like 210-220. Having said that I can hit 3 wood just as far as I hit driver. My short game is pretty good ( short range pitching, chipping and putting seemed to survive the 40 year lay off) The rest of my game that didn't. I need to improve fairway accuracy and hit greens in the 80-150 yard range my putting is pretty good and I'd bet money on me to not 3 putt from 25 feet or less

[@edkemp2384]

8.5 and setting my expectations of shooting lower when I can commit the time to play regularly due to my difficult family situation. Just enjoy it but I like to have goals. ☺️👍

[@tombland7336]

Great video! I mean,you did so much more in this video than loads of the other podcast guys do in 10 videos combined from all of them.

[@Timski2543]

Currently 8 HCP. Biggest change I’ve made is less drivers off tee since 3w is good for 250-270 and also comfortable with long irons. Putting is my biggest struggle from keeping me going lower now

[@Ezunit1991]

Been playing for two years now, just got the handicap under 28! Starting to shoot in the 90s! This video is awesome. Gives me advise on where to focus to push 90

[@chrispearce9224]

For me, it was simply quality of contact. Years and years of shooting 90's and 100's. Just this year I learned about grip and body motion. My last 8 rounds have been mid to high 70's...and have lost 1 (one) golf ball this summer since learning those changes.

[@carsonriches4790]

5.1 Trying to get down lower. My chipping and distance putting holding me back Getting up and down when I do miss green

[@seegarsmkr]

Rob, I am an ARCCOS guy (early adopter). I am a sub 2 handicapper according to USGA. My average drive is 281. The area that I need to improve the most is putting. I have a hard time getting the "feel" every round. When confidence is high I putt well and score well, when not, not so much. Just after putting it is approach play, especially 120 and out.

[@JMILLZ08cws]

I don’t have an exact handicap but I have an estimated handicap through the Grint app. And on there I’m a 4-6 and I think the biggest part of my game I need to get better at is my approach shots and the proximity to the hole.

[@TimC887]

Excellent video! Playing off 4 i've often wondered what separates me from a scratch golfer. Distance off the tee and short game stand out as the reasons for me. Thanks Rob!

[@fraserh3716]

I got down from 4 to scratch by hitting it straighter off the tee (i.e. not in the cabbage so often) and chipping and holing out a bit better. Guess it's finding the areas we are realistically capable of improving through deliberate practice or technique improvements 🤔

[@BarrieFitzgerald-ch2rw]

This is most informative. Golf video I have watched in my time playing golf well done

[@seancook2264]

7.2 current. Need to improve my approach play / GIR and refine putting. And of course can never be too good at the short game.

[@graybeardgolf]

2.9 currently, and it's entirely due to putting. Driving I'm more than +2 SG on average, and on approach and short I'm between +.5 and +1 SG on any given round, but putting I'm often -4 to -6 SG vs 0 HCP. While I'm a but frustrated at the putting, it's clear where I need to do the majority of my work to get those last few strokes. Luckily, most of my other stats are above the typical scratch golfer (I'm hitting just under 60% FIR and 12+/18 GIR on average), so I'm nearly there :). I had a round a few weeks ago where I shot a 74 with 36 putts...had 5! 3-putts. I'd never played the course before and the greens were a bit brutal, but still... I'm grateful to the data I get from my Arccos and by tracking my metrics as it will really help me focus where I need to work this offseason.

[@golffit3066]

My current is 3.5. I'm finding my struggles on a rotation. Some days my putter is on fire, my driver is laser aligned, wedges are razor sharp. Other days sees random shots off the planet with no apparent flaw! Back to the range, diligence in setup etc

[@donsmnc5319]

Scratch level golf is about course and game management, limit mistakes, keep the ball in play and have a solid short game, easier said than done, but those keys will get you on your way there

[@kingoneeyed3433]

Great info Rob, I am going through my clubs and making a note of how many times I am weak with it. I am also trying the one wedge for all shots around the green to see if the numbers improve. I'm suddenly losing balls on blind shots as the roll out is ridiculous right now Pick a nice day and do a video at Ilfracombe golf club as the views are spectacular, probably the best of any course in the country.

[@RobMcGarr]

Interesting about the one wedge. Did you ever watch this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWKzpmprg7Cdisk I'm planning a follow-up soon! Defo keen to check out Ilfracombe!

[@kingoneeyed3433]

@@RobMcGarr Hi Rob just watched your video and I'm going with what the happy golfer advised so going to buy a new wedge as my old 60 is just too worn, may try a 58 because I am coming a little short too often.

[@arklowrockz]

Great David Brent drop there. Currently off 23.0 but I went through about a 4 year wilderness relearning the swing so my handicap absolutely skyrocketed. I had been off 15 which I want to get back to (and hopefully lower than that after I get there).

[@marklynd2039]

Current handicap Rob is 8.4 , long games okay but mid irons I'd say and it's strike and occasionally my.pitching

[@theniceneighbor]

The metrics like greens hit distances hit fairways, putts, etc are outcomes. There is very little data on the inputs. For example, I am interested in the age at which scratch golfers began golfing, the frequency week that they play, the number of practice sessions each week, duration of practice time,total years golfing, antihandicap stats, etc.

[@davidmyrbakk6885]

Hi Rob, I'm a young(ish) 54 year old and I've just got down to 3.4, If I could putt better I reckon scratch might be attainable. Love the vids. Cheers

[@art22101974]

Another great video. Very interesting. Currently 5 and aiming for 18. I'm going the other way, I'm no happier being 5 than any other number. What I enjoy is a nice relaxed swing, a nice ball strike. I don't care where it goes so much now, it stresses me out when I have to focus so hard for 4 hours just to mess up on the last hole for example just to chase a personal best. I totally get the chase but I'm not a better person if I'm 5, 18 or 0, and I'm not looking for people to respect me more if I'm 0. A shot a hole means I can relax and find my sweet spot. That's just me but I am odd to be fair. 😁

[@GarthOJ]

I imagine you are an enjoyable playing partner. It's easy to get lost in the grind, and forget why we started playing in the first place.

[@si777]

12.4 at the moment ... Short game and putting are my biggest strengths. I'm fairly accurate off the tee but I don't hit it that far I think 235 on average even when I hit it bad I'm not too far off the fairway. Looking at my stats though I'm losing a shot per round vs a 10HC from my short game so may have to get that dialled in a bit more. If you want to improve I suggest anyone getting a shot tracking device, it actually does wonders for you game if used correctly. I use shot scope personally and think it's great. I think you could of added another stat into this and that's Penalty drops, I think mid-high handicappers don't really shot select well and they'll end up taking a penalty drop. For example at my club on a Par 5, off the tee 2 bushes left a right of the fairway about 210-220 off the tee the fairway is pretty tight when it gets to this distance and I see everyone reach for the driver when really there is no need. Play the par 5 as a 3 shotter.

[@scerni37]

Thx for the stats. Nice reminder of reality expectations. 15.9 on way down. Up n down needs work. And currently driver needs to hit fwy a touch more. I liked the tips of the plus golfers. Interesting and insightful. My aim is firstly 12, then below 10, and then reassess.

[@stressfreegolf]

Scratch golfer for last 3 years. and not been higher than 2hcp for last 20 years. Average 265 off tee but hit 60% of fairways and 65% of greens. Make up for my lack of distance by being straight. key areas for me are distance control, especially on shots from 125yards and in and also putting pace control. Course management, ability to shot shape and consistent solid contact. You are only as good as your worst shots. The better the golfer the better his bad shots are generally.

[@brettcoates3759]

As a 6.9 index looking for a 2 handicap this resonated solidly with me! great video, I think there is a stat that Tiger hit the green from 120 yards 72% of the time so us mortals need to settle down our expectations.

[@drumcatnau]

I don't think it's "expectations" of doing better - I think it's the realisation that once you miss that green and you're chipping, you go from two putts to one for par.

[@jamesheeney7451]

Hi Rob - your work and your journey is amazing and I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story. I wonder if you have ever considered a video about what you would recommend to someone trying to lower their handicap as far as what to practice most. You have so much experience with trying different things and I am constantly debating where to spend my time improving. I have taken a lot of that from parts of your vids but an entire one from someone who isnt a pro, who doesnt have a full time coach and has learned from his journey. Either way, keep up the good work and this video was amazing

[@gregormckinney621]

I'm pretty sure the fairways hit percentage isn't very different throughout the handicaps. I think for 28 hc it's about 45 percent. The biggest difference is distance. Great video 👍

[@markanderson8006]

1.1 have been off +1.4 basically it’s best 8 from 20. If I just play my home course all the time I can be off scratch or better as I was a few years back. This year I played more away courses and scored higher therefore my handicap went up. I know guys who play away courses only and are off scratch and guys who just play their home course and are off scratch. My own game my weakness is bunker play. I’m like a 28 handicapper sometimes I average more than 3 shots to get it in the hole when I’m in a bunker. I use bushnell , powerkaddy all help to shave a few shots . I’m not afraid to go up 2 or 3 clubs depending on wind. I’ll hit a 4 iron 150 yards if it’s windy and then 220yards if it’s a downwind.

[@christophernuzzolo5977]

My scores have come down ever since i stopped reading golf magazines and watching golf youtube videos.

[@walkinguphill5178]

Mate, well done. So glad to see your videos again and carry on

[@MPerski]

I am a 13, and my goal has been, is and continues to be a “single digit handicap” … just ONCE in my life. ☝🏻 After watching this, the thing that’s holding me back is definitely GREENS in REGULATION. I only hit 28% of GIR. (Scratch players hit 60%? 🤔) More importantly, 40% of my approach shots are SHORT (inconsistent iron play). Yes, I understand my low GIR probably stems from not putting myself in the best position off the tee (39% fairways), and since 60% of my shots are from the rough (or worse 🙄), that doesn’t help, but … I always thought short game is what separates us from scratch golfers, but fairways & GIR’s would make the game so much easier … and more FUN! 😄 Good stuff 👍🏻

[@MPerski]

this is per Arccos I don’t usually compare myself to a scratch golfer, but when I do: - I lose 4.9 shots with my driver (but I am 70 yo and have lost some distance off the tee) - I lose 6 strokes on my approach shots (thus my summation above) - I lose 3.2 in short game and only -3 putting Compared to a 10 handicap (since I strive to be single digit), my data is different: - I lose -2.5 shots off the tee and with my approach shot, - but I’m pretty much even with a 10 handicap in short game and putting It would be interesting to see this data compared to different age groups … those in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, etc

[@J_needs_more_golf]

40 yrs old. Picked up golf about 16 yrs ago. Practiced and played very poorly the first 5yrs. I gave up and did what most dad's do. Play only on Father's day. Until 2018. Then with no lessons. Basic fundamentals. And a lot of chipping and putting practice. 2018 avg 56 per nine. 2019 got worse 57 per nine. 2020..53 per nine. 2021 48 per nine. And now I'm at 43 per nine. Minimize 3 putts. Land chips/pitches closer. I rarely practice my driver. But I know not to swing it hard. 225-235 avg and usually play it safe. That's what works for me. Next year I will dedicate the long clubs a bit more and go from there. Cheers.

[@alcw625]

minus 6, stuck here because 1) don't putt well enough 2) inconsistent driving 3) chipping....I am working on more putting drills and changed a bit of technique...hard to find a place to practice chipping, most public clubs deter chipping on their practice greens, and like many of us, work/life has cut into my practice time this season. My goal every round now is to break 80...As i age I am finding that courses 6200 in length are easier on me, 6700+ with 450+ yd par 4s stretch my driving limits. Focus as the round progresses becoming a problem too as the mind wanders to life, the match is already won/lost, or being paired with crap golfers at public courses, rounds approaching 4.5+ hrs. Mental focus is huge in public golf

[@benwilsongolf6814]

Current handicap is just over 10 - Things to improve: Inside 100 Yards shots and reading greens.

[@jaytucker4338]

Great video...really enjoyed the way you drew out the contrast of Scratch vs Average. What logo is that on your hat? Your drive at 5:04 was soooo nice. (I think I watched and re-watched that specific drive about forty times.) Super classy! My take-away...actively avoid double bogies and three putts. Find a way yo capture better performance on par fives. Roger that! *I'd love to hear more about specifically what scratch golfers are doing on par fives that the average golfer is not doing.

[@vicpnut1]

The tee box is a huge part of why I’ll never be a scratch golfer … especially as of late I can not hit a playable driver … so, I go to 3w which I try to over hit and half the time becomes unplayable too… then switch to 5i (Highest iron) which I’ll still try to wail on and will fudge up half the time 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️👍🏼

[@vicpnut1]

Double , triple (and occasionally higher ) bogeys don’t have stats ?guess I’m screwed 😂😜✌🏻

[@johnhathaway735]

I’m at a 3.4 handicap. Bad with my 3 wood off deck. But solid compared to the numbers you provided with all irons and especially 7i to lob wedge. Same with putts but they make about 2 birdies more a round than I do. And I have slightly more doubles probably one every 30 ish holes. My course also doesn’t have 4 par 5s only 3 so that probably hurts along with tons of water/tight driving holes.

[@LakeStevensPete]

I’ve gone form an 8.6 to 5.1 and the big change is GIR, hitting greens now 68% of the time. So if I can get up and down 1-2 times and keep away from three putts then I’m good. It’s real difficult if you’re always having to get up and down to save par.

[@t0ny1189]

I started getting really back into the game again this summer...id say that I'm playing middle to high single digit hcp right now and I KNOW that I'm adding the most strokes on and around the green...multiple 3 putts per round and i don't get up and down nearly as much as I used to when I was close to scratch years ago..it's getting better the more I play though.

[@Brandon_Balentine]

The "Snap Back To Reality" clip made me laugh pretty hard!

[@johnnymuscles2767]

I've been playing golf for just over 2 years and have managed to get my handicap down from 25 to 20 and nicely heading towards being a scratch golfer. I have already submitted my form to go onto the LIV tour from 2024. The best tips I can give to all you high handicappers, hackers and duffers is to always hit the ball as hard as possible especially when driving. The ball goes in the correct direction most of the time anyway. Avoid bunkers at all costs. Playing off the grass is much better than out of sand and never ever clatter your balls into lakes. If you end up in the lake you're going to rack up a stupidly high score which will make you look silly. When putting always remember to pick the correct line to the cup. I can assure you that if you decide to putt along the incorrect line the ball will not go in. Follow my tips and you can't go wrong and before you know it, you'll be on the LIV tour. Best wishes, Johnny Muscles

[@HookemFishing]

11.7 just shot a personal best 76 recently. Was striking all clubs with a smooth tempo swing. Confidence with woods and long irons. And short game was on fire. If it wasn't for 3 doubles... could easily 74 or even scratch.

[@coreyl6221]

12 handicap. Probably continued short game improvement, course mgmt, & being more consistent with my approach shots.