My goal with this blog post is simple — to help you truly understand what it takes to become a scratch golfer.

As a +2 handicap, mental golf coach, and host of the Wicked Smart Golf podcast, I’ve learned a lot since starting this brand. Now, I want to share everything with you so you know exactly what it actually takes to achieve this massive goal.

Because if you become one of the small percentage of golfers who reach scratch, you’ll experience a level of self-satisfaction that’s hard to put into words. It won’t be easy, but trust me — it’ll be worth it.

How to Become a Scratch Golfer (10 Simple Steps)

Becoming a scratch golfer (a handicap of 0.0 or better) is a phenomenal goal. But it’s not something that happens by accident — it demands dedication, smart practice, the right mindset, and sometimes, a little humility. 

Here’s the proven roadmap using the principles of my second book, Wicked Smart Golf II: The Blueprint to Breaking 80 Consistently.

Step 1: Set the Goal

The first step is simple but powerful — decide that you’re going to become a scratch golfer.

It’s a lofty goal, and it’s going to require sacrifice. You’ll need to practice with purpose, manage your mind, and commit to consistent improvement.

Only about 1.85% of male amateur golfers and just 0.69% of women ever achieve a scratch handicap, according to the USGA. So yes, it’s rare — but that’s what makes it so special.

But here’s the thing: while striving to scratch is important, the real value lies in who you become during the journey. As Les Brown famously said,

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Set a big goal. Go all in. You’ll be amazed at how much better you get — both on and off the course — by simply having the courage to chase something extraordinary.

Step 2: Analyze Your Current Game vs. Scratch Golfers

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Start tracking your stats immediately — fairways hit, greens in regulation, up and down percentage, putts per round, three-putts, penalty strokes, and more.

When you compare your numbers to scratch golfers, you’ll see clear patterns. For example:

• Scratch players hit about 55–60% of fairways.
  
• They average 10–11 greens in regulation per round.
• They rarely three-putt (about one time per round).
• They save par ~50% of the time when they miss a green.
  

By tracking your stats honestly, you’ll identify exactly where you’re losing strokes — and where you need to focus your practice time. Remember: Guessing is not a strategy. Data is your best friend on this journey.

When it comes to tracking your stats, I prefer DECADE Golf, as you’ll also learn valuable course management strategies. You can also check out this blog where I compare Arccos Golf vs. DECADE to see which one is right for you. 

Step 3: Make a Plan

Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, it’s time to build a plan. Random range sessions aren’t going to cut it anymore.

You need:

• Structured practice sessions (working on weaknesses more than strengths).
• Smart course management strategies.
• Mental game routines you can rely on.
• Consistent tracking and reflection after every round.
  

A roadmap without guesswork = faster results. 

Step 4: Get a Custom Fitting to Dial in Your Equipment

If you’re serious about becoming a scratch golfer, a club fitting is mandatory. Every club in your bag must serve a purpose.

A custom fitting will:

• Optimize shafts, lie angles, and lofts.
• Identify gaps in distance and coverage.
• Ensure your driver, irons, wedges, and putter fit your swing — not someone else’s.

There’s no worse feeling than spending $600 on a new driver only to realize it’s no better than your old one. Get fitted by a professional using launch monitor data to eliminate guesswork and maximize performance.

Remember: Good equipment won’t fix a bad swing — but bad equipment can definitely hold back a good swing.

Step 5: Start Speed Training

Speed = Potential.

The farther you hit it off the tee, the easier golf becomes. Period.

Speed trainers like Rypstick, SuperSpeed, and The Stack System are incredible tools that can help you add 10–20+ yards — without changing your swing.

With 20–25 minutes of training, 2–3x per week, you can:

• Add 1–2 MPH of clubhead speed every month.
  
• Gain 2–3 yards per 1 MPH increase.
  
• Make long par 4s and par 5s feel much easier.
  

After using all three, I can confidently say Rypstick is the best golf speed trainer and can't recommend it enough. 

👉 Check out my full Rypstick review here.

Step 6: Build a Pre-Shot Routine (The Easiest Mental Game Hack)

If you want to become a scratch golfer, you have to be mentally consistent — not just physically consistent.

The easiest way to build mental toughness is with a pre-shot routine. A great process helps: 

• Calm nerves.
• Stay focused on the right target.
• Build momentum and rhythm throughout the round.
  

If you don't have a routine yet — or your current one isn't working — check out my program 👉 Pre-Shot Like a Pro to master this in less than a week.

Step 7: Play Golf With Better Players

You become who you surround yourself with — and golf is no different. Start playing with golfers better than you as often as possible.
Watch how they:

• Handle pressure.
• Manage the course.
• Talk about their game.
• Approach different shots.
• Stay composed after bad holes.
  

You’ll absorb their habits faster than you think — and start raising your own standards naturally.

Step 8: Work With ONE Swing Coach

YouTube University is NOT the answer if you want to get to scratch. Pick one instructor you trust and stick with them long enough to make real improvements.

Chasing random swing tips week-to-week leads to confusion, frustration, and wasted time.
Scratch players stay committed to long-term swing improvements — even when it’s uncomfortable at first.

Additionally, it’s also a good idea to find 1-2 of the best training aids to help with bad habits. Some of my favorite ones I use all the time include:

• Why Golf Alignment Mirror
• ButterBlade by RYP Golf
• Tour Striker Smart Ball 

Step 9: Learn DECADE Golf

If you’re not familiar with DECADE Golf, it’s the best course management system ever created.
Learning DECADE will:

• Track stats.
• Eliminate mental mistakes.
• Help you pick smarter targets.
• Maximize scoring even on your "bad" days.
  

I’ve used it myself and am convinced it’s the main reason I went from scratch golfer to plus handicap. I have interviewed creator Scott Fawcett, and seen firsthand how powerful it is for players at every level. You can read my full DECADE Golf review here or watch the YouTube version below. 

Step 10: Stay Patient and Keep Tracking

Becoming a scratch golfer doesn’t happen overnight. Depending on your starting point, it might take months — or even years. But good things take time... don’t rush the process — trust the process.

It’s easy to get frustrated after a few bad rounds, but the real winners are the ones who stay patient, keep tracking their stats, and stay committed no matter what.

Consistency beats motivation every single time.

Other Tips to Become a Scratch Golfer

Here are a few bonus ways to speed up the journey: 

• Take Golf Fitness Seriously: To get to the top percentage of amateur golfers, you need to train like the pros. I suggest 2-3x a week doing full body progressive overload workouts in the gym. On other days, focus on power/mobility/flexibility with golf-specific workouts (GolfForever is a great option).
• Compete Regularly: Play tournament golf (men’s leagues, state events, qualifiers, etc.) to expose weaknesses and build mental toughness.
• Practice with a Purpose: Every range session should have a plan — not just raking balls mindlessly. Before you head out, always know the focus for the day, 
• Play Different Courses: New challenges sharpen your creativity and shot-making skills.
• Keep Improving Your Mental Game: Learn your Mental Golf Type, read the best mental golf books, and strive to develop a more optimistic attitude on the golf course. 

Closing Thoughts 

Becoming a scratch golfer is one of the most rewarding goals you can chase in golf — and in life. It’s going to test your patience, discipline, and mental toughness. But if you set the right goal, follow the right plan, and refuse to quit, you’ll get there.

Remember:
👉 Track your stats.
👉 Practice with purpose.
👉 Get fit, get faster, and get mentally tougher.
👉 Stay patient.
👉 And surround yourself with better players whenever possible.

If you want even more help to reach scratch faster, check out Wicked Smart Golf Academy where I teach smarter practice, better course management, and winning mental strategies to play your best. It has everything you need to shoot lower scores, upgrade your mental game, practice like a pro, and play better golf without mechanical swing changes.