Getting to scratch

[TigerFan97]

Hey all,

I’m new to this forum, but I'm hoping that this is the right place to get the advice I am looking for! I am 20-year-old man living in Canada hoping to become a scratch golfer. I have been golfing since I was quite young, and from the age of about 13-17, I used to golf every single day in the summer and play in junior tournaments. The lowest my handicap got was about a 2, and it lasted for an entire summer. However, back in those days I literally relied only on natural ability. I never got a lesson, I never practiced, I never learned how to align my feet properly, how to swing the club along the correct path, ect… all I ever did was play and keep playing.

I began golfing more again last summer after taking the last 2 years off. Taking time off and then coming back has made me realize how much I love golf and how badly I want to master this sport (to the best of my abilities) by becoming a scratch golfer. This summer I am working a few shifts a week at a great golf course by my house, meaning I get a free membership, range balls, cart and discounted clubs.

I will likely have about 4-5 days per week this summer to practice/play golf. I am going to continue playing this much every summer (I am becoming a teacher so I will always have summers off), but my question really is this: To all you scratch golfers/low handicappers out there, what should I do this summer to begin working towards my goal of becoming scratch? How much time should I devote to short game practice? How much time should I spend on the range, and what should I work on getting really skilled at? 

Right now, the best part of my game is putting and chipping. Then, It would probably be wedges, then driver, then woods/hybrids. If anyone has any advice to offer me regarding what steps I can take this summer to begin the process of accomplish this goal, I would really appreciate it! 

Thanks everyone!

[dennyjones]

Welcome to TST.   You've come to the right place to improve your game.   There is a large wealth of information and the help is free.   Start a member swing video and you'll get plenty of great help from some very knowledgeable people.   

Member Swing Thread

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[Buckeyebowman]

I admire your dedication, but I will give you one cautionary statement. You said you wish to "master" the game of golf. No one has ever done that! Not Hagen, not Snead, not Nelson, not Hogan, not Palmer, Nicklaus or Woods! They all lose from time to time.

It seems you have an abundance of natural talent. I'd ask around for who is the best instructor going, and try to sign up with them. You need a set of eyes outside yourself who know something about the game.

[Patch]

Welcome to TST. Folks on here will give you good info to better your game. 

I too hope you can master this game, to your best ability. Just don't expect too much. The game of golf is the master of all abilities.