Scratch Players: Practice and Playing Frequency

[YodaScratch]

I'm interested to learn how frequently the scratch golfers here practice, play, and play competitively. If you are (or have previously been) a scratch player I would really appreciate some quick replies to these questions: 1) How often do you practice at the range, and how much time do you spend on short game vs. full swing? 2) How many holes do you play each week, on average? 3) How often do you play competitively? 4) What are your playing habits in the offseason? (Do you hit balls often at an indoor range or on a stimulator, for example) Thanks in advance for any info you can pass along!

[SavvySwede]

I'm sorry to say there is no "routine" to find your way to scratch. I've seen some guys with really strong fundamentals but rarely get out anymore because of work, kids, etc but they still kill it whenever they do get out. Then you have your scratch players that are constantly working to maintain their games and play like crap after any sort of layoff. Get the 5 keys integrated into your swing and you won't need to work like a dog to break 80.  http://thesandtrap.com/t/55426/introducing-five-simple-keys I've been doing a lot of work the past couple seasons undoing all the bad habits I got from practicing the wrong things and going by feel.

[mvmac]

1) How often do you practice at the range, and how much time do you spend on short game vs. full swing?

Check this out.

[Chief 3Irons]

Hogan said,..."Everyday you don't practice adds a day to achieving your golf goals". I agree. Ya don't have to hit 500 balls a day, but one should always put the hands around a club every day, and hit a few balls when you can. 20-30 full swings gets a nice rhythm going and  keeps that feel intact.

Tough to do  in northern climates, so you may have to be resourceful. imo

[YodaScratch]

Thanks for the replies guys. Guess my original post wasn't clear, but I'm not looking for an answer to "How do I become a scratch golfer?" There's no question that there are many ways to skin that cat (and many opinions about how best to go about it). I'm simply curious to hear how the guys here who are (or have been) scratch have developed their games based on frequency and style of practice/play/competition, both during peak season and offseason if they live in a cold climate. Thanks again to anyone who's willing to provide those specific details here!

[johnnyKing]

here is what it is for me.  (0.4 index now, but have been plus in the past)

Driver/3wood: 15%

all other long-game (focus on hitting the 9 ball flights): 20%

wedge distance control: 25%

chipping/bunkers: 25%

putting (almost all lag putting): 10%

special shots:  (recovery shots, uneven lies) 5%

This is how I spend my time in season.   I generally play 18 holes on one weekend day and 9 holes after work during the week.  Will also spend a 1-1.5 hour practice season.  might also play 9 with my daughter one day as well.   during these I will always be working on somethign.  (e.g. hit every shot left to right,  take ultra conservative line)

Not saying it is the right thing, but its right for me.  Putting is by far my strength and driving is my biggest weakness.   For me the biggest gap is see in others is 1) not spending enough time on wedge distance control (this is where you score) and 2) not practicing lag putting.   I dont think i have practiced a 7 foot putt in years and I average 1 3 putt every 50 holes.

Living in the north, I do a bit more long game in the offseason, but dont practice that much.   I honestly belief spending more time in the gym and focus on flexibility will do better than bashing balls.

hope this helps.

[iacas]

here is what it is for me.  (0.4 index now, but have been plus in the past)

Driver/3wood: 15%

all other long-game (focus on hitting the 9 ball flights): 20%

wedge distance control: 25%

chipping/bunkers: 25%

putting (almost all lag putting): 10%

special shots:  (recovery shots, uneven lies) 5%

This is how I spend my time in season.   I generally play 18 holes on one weekend day and 9 holes after work during the week.  Will also spend a 1-1.5 hour practice season.  might also play 9 with my daughter one day as well.   during these I will always be working on somethign.  (e.g. hit every shot left to right,  take ultra conservative line)

Not saying it is the right thing, but its right for me.  Putting is by far my strength and driving is my biggest weakness.   For me the biggest gap is see in others is 1) not spending enough time on wedge distance control (this is where you score) and 2) not practicing lag putting.   I dont think i have practiced a 7 foot putt in years and I average 1 3 putt every 50 holes.

Living in the north, I do a bit more long game in the offseason, but dont practice that much.   I honestly belief spending more time in the gym and focus on flexibility will do better than bashing balls.

You'd be surprised (bold). Those distance wedges aren't terribly important in the end. Even the average PGA Tour player hits his shots from 75-100 yards (from the fairway) to over 17': http://www.pgatour.com/stats/stat.075.html .

Check out these two threads:

[johnnyKing]

thanks for sharing the links.  really appreciated.

also, I definte distance wedge a bit different than you.   I consider it everything from 25-120 yards. i probably spend more time 30-60 yards than 70-120, but your point in still very well taken.

for me, where this has helped me is around par 5 scoring and on short par 4s..   my home course has a couple of risk reward par 5s where layup is the smart play.   focusing on this has helped me move from 20% birdie rate to a bit over 50%.

that said, i appreciate your research and will likely dial the longer wedges back a bit.

[dustycarolina]

I hit atleast 20-30 balls and spend 20 mins putting everyday. I play 18 about 4 to 5 times a week.

[Club Rat]

Thanks for the replies guys. Guess my original post wasn't clear, but I'm not looking for an answer to "How do I become a scratch golfer?" There's no question that there are many ways to skin that cat (and many opinions about how best to go about it).

I'm simply curious to hear how the guys here who are (or have been) scratch have developed their games based on frequency and style of practice/play/competition, both during peak season and offseason if they live in a cold climate. Thanks again to anyone who's willing to provide those specific details here!

Reality, most scratch golfers have God given natural athletic abilities.

Eye/Hand co-ordination, balance, natural swing basics, flexibility, and athletic back-rounds.

Many start at a young age and build through playing, instruction, practice.

Not saying, improvements can not be made by dedication to playing, instruction and practice, as one gets older.

Many of those I know, do practice often, play frequently and take lessons when needed.

Not many play through cold climate.

Hope this answers your questions, Club Rat

Club Rat