Trying to become a scratch golfer? Try this six-3’s concept

Golfer holds swing finish at sunset

To become a scratch golfer, try this unique course management technique.

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Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.

As a mid-handicapper, I can’t even fathom the amount of work I’d need to do to even sniff becoming a scratch golfer.

Tee shots would need to be more consistent, approach shots would need to lead to more greens-in-regulation, and I’d finally have to cure that little 3-putting issue I often run into.

That said, becoming scratch is probably every amateur golfer’s dream — just ask GOLF’s own Zephyr Melton, who’s trying to accomplish it himself.

To get over that hump and go from a single-digit handicap to a scratch golfer means shaving minimal strokes off your scorecard each round. It means every single shot really does matter, and that a couple of bogies during each round could be the difference between reaching scratch and not.

While most people reading this probably have a long way to go before even thinking about getting over that threshold, for those so close to achieving it, we’re pouring one out to you today.

I tapped GOLF Top 100 Teacher Joey Wuertemberger to give me some tips on what a player can do to finally get over the hump and hit that distinguished title — so see his tips below.

Trying to become a scratch golfer? Try this strategy
“The better you get at golf, the harder it becomes to shave those last few strokes and become a scratch golfer,” Wuertemberger tells me.

But instead of grinding on the driving range to fix some swing issues or try to get a little extra distance off the tee, Wuertemberger says his tip involves dialing in your mental approach and game plan before each round.

“The best players spend hundreds of hours practicing and receiving instruction to fine-tune their golf skills. But what often sets them apart from single-digit players is that they also strategize pre-round on how they can make better decisions while playing,” adds Wuertemberger.

Most amateur golfers know the term “course management” — which is simply going through a process to make the smartest decision for your game. But instead of only doing this on the course before a shot, Wuertemberger says many scratch golfers plan ahead before ever even teeing off.

“For the best golfers, course management begins before their round, allowing them to develop a game plan for the day. They study the course layout and scorecard, and manage their own expectations based on uncontrollable factors like weather,” he says.

“In the end, my recommended strategy is asking yourself this — ‘what’s the easiest way to make six-3’s?’”