This week: Most golfers chase swing tips, but scratch players know the truth: talent gets you close, attitude gets you there. Here’s how to build a scratch mindset.

Developing a Scratch Attitude

Ever feel like you’re just one good round away from a breakthrough… only to blow it after a bad bounce or a missed 5-footer?

Been there. Bought the t-shirt. Cursed into the wind.

Here’s the truth: most “golf tips” won’t tell you that talent gets you to single digits, but attitude gets you to scratch.

And the best part? You can build that attitude, just like you build a reliable swing.

Let’s break down the real blueprint.

The Only Stat That Matters

If you want to lower your handicap by 3–5 shots, stop obsessing over your swing plane and start tracking this instead: Double Bogeys or Worse.

• Scratch players average 0.6 doubles per round

• 5-handicaps average 1.5 doubles per round

Cut your doubles in half, and you’ll fly down the handicap ladder faster than a bad chili dog on a hot Scottsdale afternoon.

Quick Move:

Next time you’re out there, treat bogey like your personal floor. No matter how ugly the hole gets, you grind your face off to save bogey. Every. Single. Time.

Master the 10-Hour Rule

Want to make real change? Commit to 10 hours a week on your game.

That’s it.

10 intentional hours split across technical work, physical conditioning, and mental reps.

Sample Breakdown:

• 4 hours of practice (short game-heavy)

• 2 hours of playing

• 2 hours of gym work (mobility + stability)

• 2 hours of mental toughness drills (visualization, breathing, pressure games)

If you think 10 hours sounds too much… remember: Netflix ain’t gonna get you to scratch, partner.