How to Play Scratch Golf - STOP AND THINK
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
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I'm really trying to play par 72 from 7000 yards. It's not an easy thing to do. The level of concentration and focus is monumental.
Every now and then, you just have a small glitch in your focus or commitment. That is what prevents it from happening. Despite this, we have to understand that 72 is not actually scratch golf.
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Scratch golfers may have never shot a 72 to be a scratch golfer with the slope ad course rating system used for handicaps. Some + handicappers have never even broken 72 on the course they play at. The slope and course ratings in the WHS mean you can play scratch golf by playing the tips, shooting between 74 and 78. Isn't that crazy?
In this round, I got to play alone to find my errors and where I am going wrong. I found it was merely a few lapses in concentration. Oh and I was using a set of irons for the first time ever. LOL
![What It Really Takes To Be a 5 Handicap [WAILEA GOLF CLUB - GOLD COURSE]](/img/n.gif)
Seems to me scratch golfers give EVERY SINGLE SHOT their upmost attention and then just as brilliantly they accept the outcome regardless and move on. I'll dwell on a duff or a pull 3 holes prior. The overall mental approach the biggest difference in my opinion
Gary you win the prototype! Send me your
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playacare@waddaplayagolf.com
Include a screenshot of your editing this comment above!
Golf Sidekick congrats Gazza
Once you have the majority of “shots” in your bag, the game becomes mostly mental. Absolutely!
Or for par shooters that hit it short like me the pressure builds, in my last 6 rounds I'm 2 under but only 13 birdies so chuck a few bogeys in and I'm toast
>upmost
😅
I think all the putts made within 5 ft was the most underrated thing I've seen Matt do in awhile...
THIS. ALL. DAY.
I found Golf Sidekick in 2020 during shelter in place. After watching my first 2-3 videos it was obvious to me that The Baus is one of the best amateur putters from 6 feet and in I’ve ever seen in my 21 years of obsession with this game.
The putting this round was off the chain. 8, 9, 11, 16. All shortish putts that I miss more often than not. The putt for double on 12 was just silly and showed a tremendous amount of mental toughness given the context. The lag on 13 (among others) was sick. Whaddaputter. Whaddalegend.
Came here to say that!
deleted my comment after you said it first.
Yea the tap ins too
Crazy how simple he makes it look.
Matt, your videos are just sublime. There is honestly no one else on the CZcamss covering golf like this. I simply CAN NOT take another video of some guy showing me a different way to shallow out my swing. Keep showing us your rounds and teaching us the mental side of golf.
Love that playa. Should i do videos on how to fix your slice?
scratch golf is interesting.
I play off of scratch myself, and it's a much different reality than people expect. Everyone would think we shoot around par, but the reality is that our scoring average is anywhere from 73-76.
It's a level of golf where scores change day by day, not because they don't have a draw or because they can't hit a certain shot or whatnot. It's all dependant on the mental game, or if putts lip in or out, or some other outside factor.
Scratch golf is where you play a course and not stress (too much) over mechanical/technical swing issues and focus solely on the strategy of the game, achieved by letting your body be a representation of what you visualize in your mind. The tee shot on this par 3 needs a high draw? Your body conforms itself to committing a draw and the score of the whole is dependant of the quality of the strategy, not the swing.
I hope this comment is insightful and please if I missed something please add on or comment below, cheers!
Well said. I play off 3 and shoot 74 to 78 on average (occasionally have an off day and shoot an 80-82). Technique remains the same course to course, it's strategy that changes. Another helpful tip, if you want to get angry at a shot, use the 5 second rule. Scream at yourself internally for 5 seconds and then move the fu** on!
@@michaelb6801 getting frustrated will only make thing worse. That's a pretty good system, I might have to try that out.
@@Bbro-ls1tu I try to drill this into people when playing disc golf competitively. I see most of my friends/peers shooting poorly more because they can't accept a failure and move on or they don't manage themselves and the course well. You have to know what YOU can do and give YOURSELF the best opportunities to score (or best opportunity to not lose strokes). It's amazing how some people don't get it.
I played with a few "bad" players yesterday and I was astonished at how often their decision making, not their skill, sunk them. I even told one of them, "If you know you can't get to this hole, why not play it to [right here] and just pitch up for the par?" It had never crossed his mind that he was making things worse by trying to birdie every hole (in disc golf typically every hole is a par 3 on most courses) and that's why his scores weren't improving.
Well said. 2.3HCP here but people say I am "scratch". In my mind I am not until my HCP is a zero but the way you word it makes sense. The difference in shooting a 74-76 to shooting a 71 or less is so small. Some days I play so much better and just do not have putts drop and my score is 3 strokes higher than a poor ball striking day but I shoot a 72 somehow. Golf is weird.
Happy 4th of July everyone! I shot my best 83 yesterday and I'm taking today off from golf but tomorrow I'm looking to break that 80.... Wish me luck Playa's! Hope you all break your best scores this weekend!
Scratch golfers are cool - they laugh their way around the track but have laser focus for the minute they play each shot. They swing nice and slowly too..
Yeah and are boring to play with. Never bomb it or take risks for birdies and complain about the 5 two puts that cost them being under for the day.
Thank you! I am a 13 handicap and after I watched this video I played 78 on a tournament. This really works. :)
Best thing you said was “it’s either 100% or 0%”…. Exactly what I needed to hear 👌
I just hit my first birdie a few days ago, and just broke 100 this last round. Thank you for all the help Matt, especially on the mental side of golf. I am so excited now to keep getting better and go for the next goal.
Keep at it
The Birdies will come and soon enough you will get an Eagle
You will be hitting in the 80s soon enough
Most of the scratch golfers I’ve played with are sneaky good. They have bad shots, but never get upset. Just kind of plot around the course. But at the end of the round and they shot around par, I’m always a little surprised. It’s not like watching golf on TV where you only see these incredible shots. Scratch golfers misses are just more manageable and they really limit the amount of risk. Just like a playa.
Massive difference I have seen playing with them is they are playing a different game to the rest of us
They are smacking them 250+ off the tee all the time and then hitting wedges into the green on Par4s where me playing off 13 am hitting in with a 5/6iron on the off chance I found the fairway and struck it well off the tee
Then on Par5s they are either on in 2 or around the green for 2 or hitting a wedge on for 3 if they have to lay up
Reality is they are hitting a lot of the same clubs Driver and 3 Wood and short irons and wedges where the rest of us get to work out the full 14 clubs more
crazy concept but scratch isnt in the same universe as those seen on tv
@@Valleygoatt A 380 metre par 4 will see me hitting Driver and 5/6Iron into it
The same 380 metre Par 4 and those Scratch markers are down hitting in 100/130 metre range and are picking a wedge
We are both on the same tee
They are just hitting it a lot further off the tee than I do
@@ryzikx I played with a Scratch marker a 2 handicapper a lot
Even though it is only 2 shots in handicap the difference in their games is actually quite large and obvious
I have seen a guy who played on the US PGA Tour play with these guys and he was a mile better than the Scratch Marker and he was a plotter on the tour lucky to retain his card
@@nicholasdemetriades9154 But the issue is you need a scratch players chipping and putting
That is where they save their score
playing with scratch golfers and watching what they do and how they approach the hole and every shot from drive to putt is what has helped me to get to 3… I’m still striving for scratch and hopefully will get there soon!
Great video! I am laid up in hospital about to have back surgery to remove infection. I can't wait to get back on the course and swing a club with flexibility and no pain! Your videos are keeping me going. Thanks, Matt.
I try to play with Scratch golfers as much as possible. Because you can learn so much from them: how they play the game, course management, how they manage from certain situations. Alsof by watching your videos, among others, I broke 100 and 90 within a month. Last week I almost broke 80. No stressful golf. Thanks mate!
yo sander !! i no u have already but watch his video " How to break 80 " AGAIN and AGAIN before you go out again - took me 30 or so times - wished ide seen his video back then
@@fantasydog3868 Yo mate, thanks! I'm going to check the vid! Must break the 80
Hahahaha "freedom degrees" I love it
Matt.....Playa. my first sub 80 today!!! 78 with a 45 on the front and a 33 on the back. Best golf I have ever played. I consider your channel along with Liam's to be two huge contributors. And of course my Waddaplaya gear. Thanks so much meine freund!
@Insignificant Speck Of Dust yeah man, I know. There was no real change in my play, I just figured out that I was hitting a draw with my drives and in the back nine at South Suburban it gave me a huge advantage. Four birds in nine holes has never happened in my life.....completely neurotic round that I will remain proud of.
I’ve played with a scratch golfer a handful of times and I’ve always noticed how calm they seem. They never get to emotionally high or low. It’s always onto the next shot with full mental focus. They don’t do anything that most average can’t do but they don’t make the big miss/mistake. It’s seems more about pars and avoiding the big score than it is about draining birdies or eagles.
Just shot a personal best 41 on nine yesterday by visualizing my shot and remembering to play stress free golf!
Loved this video Matt. The wtf moment for me though was you saying you’re a 13 hcp!! No way bro. Single figures for sure, fact!!
There is NO better commentary golf videos on CZcams. Honestly you have built such a great brand and your channel in my opinion is #1.
There was a part in the video where Matt is talking about envisioning himself pulling the putt from the cup. Then I started concentrating on my round yesterday and making some putts and for a few moments I swear I could actually see Matt’s mental projection of himself picking the ball from the cup. Something magical happened for me during this video and I can’t explain it. Religious enlightenment and astral projection I guess. Fantastic.
Scratch golfers just get less value for their money. I get to play more shots and see more of the course! 😂
Hilarious!
By my normal score....I shoot ATLEAST 2 rounds ...per round 😅
For some reason it’s so relaxing to hear the narrating
you must come out with some "Big Richard" merch!
Just broke 40 (shot a 39) on a par 36 for the first time in league. Finished with a birdie on the last hole (par 5). Your videos have helped me to think more about yardage I want coming into greens and the rest of the mental game too. Think! Don't be a hero! So much of the game is mental. Keep up the great videos! 📹
Love that playa well done. Always nice to see people making progrss like a baussss
I’ve been scratch for decades and much of this video rings true for me. You cannot understate how well scratch golfers scramble which really means they pitch and putt very well. I’ve shot under par and hit 2 fairways and I’ve hit 13/14 fairways and shot 80. For me, the harder the shot, the better I seem to hit it. Psychology of focusing I suppose. I can also tell you match play is a great way to focus only on one hole at a time and play smarter on that hole. I thrive on the challenge of beating my opponent with a smother-hook 7 iron with a briar in my backswing while he thinks he has the hole in the bag with his center stripe drive. Mental toughness is the key.
I've had a 73 and a 74 so far this summer. 72 is best ever....so far!
On par 72 course. Covered Bridge NB Canada
Thanks for the constant tips/videos showing the importance of the mental game. I played my local course yesterday and started off with a double bogey, normally I would collapse, but instead I let myself regroup, scoring a birdie the next hole and ending the 9 being +1, and the round +5. Keep up the great vids!
“Go out there. Play smart golf, take your time, and mitigate damage”
Me: “No, I don’t think I will”
Matt , i started watching your videos this season , i joined a golf club in April , i don't have a handicap but i'm playing towards it , earlier on I shot 116 over 18 holes and decided i needed to get under 100 first off.
Anyway I found your break 100 video , started taking 7 iron off tee and it's amazing how finding a fairway gives you confidence , within 2 weeks i shot 96
Since then i've watched your break 90 videos , and today i shot 88 so $20 will be on its way to your patreon shortly , i'm striking my irons so much cleaner now and confidence growing , going for break 80 next thanks to you
So in short Thank You you're videos are class
Scratch Golfers are always so calm, even on a terrible shot. They don't lose their cool, they just focus on the next shot; and that's something we all need to learn to do!
Currently working my way back to scratch (sitting at 3 right now) and your videos have been very inspirational, keep up the awesome work!
happy fourth to all american playas! played yesterday on a course i haven’t played on in two years and said beforehand that i would shoot an 87. had a poefie triple on the front and another on the back but managed to score 45 and 42 on the front and back respectively. using playa in chiefs tactics and tips, i feel so much more confident in all aspects of my game, and i found myself playing shots to 100 yds from the green, as my 95-110 pitching wedge is my most consistent and favorite club. thank you so much matt and i’m beyond grateful to have found your channel. your videos are making me re-fall in love with golf.
i love how you always are so respectful and have fun with the caddys
Absolutely lights out from inside 6 feet. Nice job
After your trip to the USA, this looks sooooo relaxing. No rushing.
Scratch golfers play boring golf, fairway, green, putt, putt, par. Next hole same boring thing. The scoring is great but the process is just boring as hell for me. I struggle to shoot par because I want to hit driver all the time and go for birdies and eagles any chance I get. Ignore tight pins and trouble, go for it every time. That's fun golf but my scores are in the high 70's most of the time.
I enjoy your channel very much and try my best at stress free golf and still have fun. Thanks from So. California
I'm always impressed by scratch golfer's ability to let go of bad shots, and just play the shot ahead of them. I am getting better at this, as well as adjusting shot shape, but not where I want to be.
The time that goes in to editing these videos is amazing
Your putting is unreal. Almost automatic from 6 ft in. Love the content!
I really appreciate how much you discuss the mental/emotional challenges that come with the game.
Thank you playa
Favorite playa to watch. Hearing what’s between the ears with such transparency puts me in your shoes. Always watching. Always improving even if the score might not always agree. 🤙🏼
Scratch golfers are Gods amongst men. They are the mothers milk, the golden nectar, silver, frankincense and myrrh. Their ability is biblical, and they make me cry... literally
I inexplicably played terrible yesterday. This is gonna help recenter my focus
I just recently started playing golf and comparatively to people who have played for a long time I am relatively okay, the one thing that I believe made me get better quickly was accepting the outcome of each shot and learning from bad shots, opposed to blowing on the course and getting mad.
You’re ahead of the pack there bro
Well well well if it is t exactly what I needed to see and hear after having one of my worst rounds in over a year. Thanks Playa
Matt's putting is tremendous! Definitely a sharp tool in the bag!
i am a sharp tool. Better than a garden tool!
Much respect for scratch golfers. Just the way they play the game vs golfers like me which just go hack around and don't think to much beyond the distances. Something I need to get WAY better at.
I’ve just discovered your channel a few weeks ago & I have to say by following your method of going with the shots that will get you into better positions from the tee box have helped me improve a lot. Just knowing that I don’t have to take driver every tee shot has helped tremendously. Why was I doing that to begin with? It’s not even logical. I just think to myself, trust yourself when your -165 out because you know you can stick that shit solid.
Drivers can get you in a lot of trouble sometimes, so go safe and possibly birdie or atleast par by using irons or a hybrid off the tee. Appreciate how you break this down to a person just trying to have fun with a hobby.
You see someone play scratch and our looks so ready. What you haven't seen is the amount of practice they put in to make it look that way.
You hit the ball so “simply”
That’s how I want to describe it I think. So fun to watch
The ultimate in no fuss. It’s hypnotic to watch! Similar to Min Woo Lee who just won on the European tour.
Scratch golfers are the golfers I aspire to be. Calm, composed, and confident. They feel comfortable with their game and they play simple!
Your videos keep me sane Matt, keep doing you 🙏🏻
Did the first official 9 holes in my life (2nd time that I go in a golf course, I started 1 year ago), scored 41 shots. Don’t think that’s too bad (par 29).
I see a lot of comments about scratch players being calm and collected. I don't think you can reverse engineer that though. I don't think you can improve by being calm...you become calm and collected when you are confident in your abilities, which comes from practice and experience. It's easy to say "forget the bad shots" but try telling that to the playa who's close but never broken 80 and keeps falling short. I play off 4.8 but I think I can start to feel that calmness coming. I instinctively know good shots are coming even if this one was bad. Great video as always
I’ve never broke 80 and since switching from trying to hit a variety of shots I’ve gone to hitting a stock fade with every shot I can say I play a lot more calm and collected. Since doing that I’ve come close to breaking 80 more times this year than I have in the past 3 years
Going out for the first time this season(upstate NY) tomorrow, love your videos.. watching them to get in a good mindset. Thanks Matt👌😎
Only like 4 holes into the video, but this is best putting from you that I’ve seen in a while. You roll the rock like that, and you’ll be a plus handicap in no time.
“A 13 handicap like me”
Who just shot +1.4 differential haha.
haha same thought here....13 hcp?
This comment is why I came to the comment section. I rewound the video to make sure I heard him correct. 13 hdcp? I’m a 16 and I feel happy when I’m mid or low 80s. No chance I’m only getting 3 strokes from the Playa in Chief! 13 lol
I'm a 12 now
@@GolfSidekick you are playing very good Bauss, just keep having fun!
@@GolfSidekick Fortunately the regulars get the sarcasm, but first time viewers will be so confused
Matt's the ultimate Playa, stress free golf's made me consistently break 90s from the blues ( 3/4 tee in Canada) love the swag, my checkout box got really big fast lol
great video. is good to watch one in preparation for my Saturday golf - it puts me in a good frame of mind.
i am in a similar boat. i'm off a 7 playing once a week with no practice. the big take aways for me is to think about the shots and to commit to them, to bag the ego and play within my capabilities and to play the percentages, and finally not to get upset if i play a poor shot or miss a putt. if i got concerned about the later i should get out during the week and practice.
odds are i will play some poor shots, but as long as i do not drop my head i will inevitably make some good ones. i just and try and limit the damage when it goes astray (avoid the double bogeys) and make the most of the birdie opportunities and when they come around.
Rewatched this, and your pw and 9i shots look like Eldrick. Tempo is positively sensual.
Love your attitude -- almost makes me want to get back on the course. Best hcp I ever had was 11, no doubt affected by my club's match play ethos (some missable putts conceded during matches.) Only broke 80 a couple of times, before the dreaded yips derailed me and ruined the experience.
Easy life. Just look at the hole when you putt. Get out there again and let the life stress go playa. you probably achieved what you need to achieve off the course to ease the pressure on your game you had to make up for the daily life difficulties
Try putting left handed, seriously.
Good to see the Evnroll back in the bag.
your video editing is top notch along with your course perspective. This has to be the best video ever made by you to date.
forgot to mention, nice club twirl on hole ten : )
Great stuff we need more of this channel keep it up
Great vid as always. Played yesterday and shot 50 on front line and 36 on back 9. Front 9 included 3 reloads and basic errors. Back 9 trouble free. As you say it’s the errors and not the missed putts that ruin the card. All the best
Played today
Had 83 off my 13 handicap
Two doubles were my main errors
3 putted a Par 3 after chipping on as my 2nd putt lipped out
Had a 5 on another Par 3 as I short sided myself and had to get over a bunker and wasn't able to keep it on the green as it rolled into the bunker on the far side of the green then 2 putts to hole out
Just dumb shit that we need to cut out
My goal of breaking 80 ain't far away though
Unless they ask me in advance most people don't appreciate when i scratch golfers
Scratch golfers are great to play with. Take the game seriously enough when they need to, really don't mind when a high handicapper plays with them (as long as I don't take it to seriously) and are another reason I want to keep coming back even when my game sucks.
They make you focus more on your game too and you are right, when you don't take it too seriously, but also WHEN YOU DONT BE TOO ALOOF, then it is definitely fun
You are getting better and better. Congrats... and i love this channel very much... keep up the good work Playaaa....
I like all your mental strategy and course management tips.
Thanks for the video. I find if we try to start out on the first tee and say we will shoot for a certain low score, it usually never happens. We put too much pressure on ourselves and if the round starts off with several bad scores on the holes. Good rounds just happen and don't think about it. Don't think about the score as we play the round and just play each hole the best we can course management wise. I have done allot of good rounds not thinking about the score until the very end.
Teaski let’s the caddie write scores down for her and then doesn’t even ask for the score card. She just plays without knowin what she scored
This channel is entertaining. Thanks for letting us in, brotha. Play on playa!
Amazing video. loving the editing too, the way you color-in the target landing areas is superb. Great job
Consistently managing to make those 3-5ft putts is huge. Good stuff!
Solid video and good advice as I am one of those looking to be a regional/national contender at the senior level. Right now working to consistently win my handicap flights and then move down as I get closer to scratch.
Love that
Scratch golfers are the best to play with. Can learn so much.
You are an amazing putter in this video, getting it on line every time w/in 10 feet. Our games are similar, except you are a much better short putter (really at the tour level), and that's the key to being a scratch golfer!
Some days you’re the statute other days you’re the pigeon
I think Matt is the best 5 handicap on the planet!
12*
I don’t know any scratch golfers. But what an easy life it must be. When us mere mortals occasionally play scratch golf for a few holes in a round it’s a taste of what golf can be like. Just a nice stroll down the fairway ready to hit a wedge onto the green and two putt. Wadda life!
I think with those guys, they can shoot a 79 and people will think they are not scratch. Just a bad day or whatever and they're 7 over. That's the worst they are gonna play. One of the pressures I think would be once you tell someone you're scratch, then you are expected to shoot 67 but when you shoot 78 then the ignorant are like "not scratch for sure"
@@GolfSidekick so true! I think people assume scratch golfers are like Pros. I think we are all too hard on ourselves sometimes. We should all be shooting over our handicap most of the time. I’ve started trying to ignore scoring targets, play in the moment and let the score look after itself.
Love the strategy explanations! Keep up the good work, Matt!
Scratch golfers are pretty cool, at least the ones I've met lol. I always let scratch golfers play through lol. They always take their time, think through each shot, and hit the shot well. I wish I could play with a golfer that is better than me so I can get better! Whatta game, whatta life! Your videos are awesome!
When I book a round I love to play with golfers better than me for this reason
Long time watcher, first time commenter, LOVE the content but need to know your secrets on putting! Pure MONEY on the greens
Find line. Decide on pace for the line. Commit 100%, see it going in
I found that as soon as I get too relaxed and lose my strong posture in the drive my club face opens up on the downswing causing my bad slice/fade. As soon as I strengthen my posture I’m hitting as straight as a frozen rope
Thx for uploading. I'm always rooting for you every time you go for those birdie putts! I literally jump out of my seat 💺😅
Thanks playa. Legend
I love when you say "Caddie no good" LOL Makes me laugh every time. Nice video !
Excellent videos Matt! Love your approach to the game.
Love you
Big Richard Syndrome or BRS... Thank you for raising awareness about this terrible affliction!
It certainly will does make the holes feel tighter and should be taken seriously as a genuine problem in male golfers around the world.
I like to raise awareness of awareness. The more we can make people aware of being aware of something then we can become aware
@@GolfSidekick wise words
Great video and appreciate your thoughts on each shot. Love your last thought, so true.
Played 9 holes with my buddies with the goal of shooting a 45. Found a feather on hole two and planted it. Birdied the 6th hole and ended up with a 44. My friends got destroyed. In Playa we trust
Had the pleasure of playing against Rory, he shot -5 to my -2
We were brought up to shoot the lowest possible score you could, my ego is my biggest problem, 54 next week and still think I can play like I did 30 years ago, the truth is I don't have the mental skills once had, do like watching your videos Matt especially the ones where you throw away your ego, something to be learned.
The drives on 10 and 18 were awesome!! Great round Matt!!
Good for you mate, i would love your life!! So cool to see someone like you do it, a dam good golfer too! I just shot my first ever 1 under par round. I love golf so much haha
P.s i Idealize your golf attire
Beautiful course, beautiful caddie.
Love watching your videos, mate. You’re a funny bastard with one hell of an eye for good content. Keep it coming playa 🤌
There's a technique for dealing with things you want to avoid (driving OB) called paradoxical intention. I'm not sure it will work in golf, but the idea is to think of the thing you don't want to do and you'll struggle to do it. So in the swing visualization you could think of driving it into OB, while aligning physically for the intended target. Then in the swing you could practice those momentary mental blips being "don't hit the green!" You can read more about paradoxical intention in Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning.
Great vlog Matt. Please keep them coming.
Great ball striking , very crisp , something i havent mastered yet . well done.
I try to be better solely to best my own scores. Goals of breaking higher scores makes it fun for me. As well as just enjoying the game in general
Very nice golf swing! Your mechanics are MUCH better than a 13 handicap. Did I hear that right… 13?
Hey Matt. Love your videos. I was able to fix my drives going to the right by strengthening my grip on my left hand. Hope this helps.
The drive on the par 3 3rd was Baus level indeed bang where you wanted and 2 great putts! The 12th hole wasn't played so well...