Scratch play in golf / pool
I was close to a scratch player in golf just a few years back. I play 7-8 speed in pool, making me the all-time authority on this subject.
I would have to agree that a scratch player in golf is equivalent to an 8-10 speed in pool. 8's, 9's and 10's can play, but they aren't on that top, pro level. In golf, you get one chance to get it in the fairway, one chance to get it on the green, and two chances to get it in the hole. If you can do that successfully, it's like running out without making any unforced errors, providing you don't get a bad roll on the break in 9-ball. In one-pocket, a scratch player just doesn't make stupid mistakes period. He will hit the 'right shot' every time whether it's to charge, or duck.
Scratch play is considered to be par or better on a rated course. Successful amateur stroke play at a USGA sanctioned event defines a scratch golfer as someone who can reach a 470 yard hole in two shots at sea level. To me, that is the same as a pool player who can successfully break the balls, and run out providing there is a clear shot on the 1 and no balls tied up and on standard equipment.
In pool, there is that dreaded 'roll' factor that comes into play on the break (in 9-ball). This makes all the difference in the world especially when your money's on the line. In golf, those 'rolls' are equivalent to a 'lip-out' or a bad kick, but not much more. The scratch golfer is in 90% control of his outcome providing he is playing on sub-PGA standard course. It is much more difficult to explain skill level in one pocket, so I'm not gonna try.
Simply put, IMO:
Scratch player on a municipal golf course playing par from the post (6000 yds) closely resembles a pool player playing on standard equipment, ie. GC/Diamond & Aramith/Centennial rated an 8, 9 or 10 in my town. Which means you can most likely beat the ghost.
Another way of looking at scratch play is, I took my PAT test in golf, in my attempt to become a PGA member. To pass, we did 36 holes back to back in the same day and came in under 154. I would also say that is pretty close to scratch play. At least that's the respectable standard for the PGA of America.
If I had to give a simple answer, I would conclude with this: "You either got game, or you ain't got no game." To me, it's as simple as that. 'nuff said.
P.S. Glen Atwell, IMO is a top tournament player that could compete as a pro if he wanted to. I personally don't keep up with him, but I watched him play here in Tulsa, and he mowed the field over. The boy can play. I see his name here and there in tournament standings and his name is in 1st place more often than most others besides Edwin Montal.
I was close to a scratch player in golf just a few years back. I play 7-8 speed in pool, making me the all-time authority on this subject.
I would have to agree that a scratch player in golf is equivalent to an 8-10 speed in pool. 8's, 9's and 10's can play, but they aren't on that top, pro level. In golf, you get one chance to get it in the fairway, one chance to get it on the green, and two chances to get it in the hole. If you can do that successfully, it's like running out without making any unforced errors, providing you don't get a bad roll on the break in 9-ball. In one-pocket, a scratch player just doesn't make stupid mistakes period. He will hit the 'right shot' every time whether it's to charge, or duck.
Scratch play is considered to be par or better on a rated course. Successful amateur stroke play at a USGA sanctioned event defines a scratch golfer as someone who can reach a 470 yard hole in two shots at sea level. To me, that is the same as a pool player who can successfully break the balls, and run out providing there is a clear shot on the 1 and no balls tied up and on standard equipment.
In pool, there is that dreaded 'roll' factor that comes into play on the break (in 9-ball). This makes all the difference in the world especially when your money's on the line. In golf, those 'rolls' are equivalent to a 'lip-out' or a bad kick, but not much more. The scratch golfer is in 90% control of his outcome providing he is playing on sub-PGA standard course. It is much more difficult to explain skill level in one pocket, so I'm not gonna try.
Simply put, IMO:
Scratch player on a municipal golf course playing par from the post (6000 yds) closely resembles a pool player playing on standard equipment, ie. GC/Diamond & Aramith/Centennial rated an 8, 9 or 10 in my town. Which means you can most likely beat the ghost.
Another way of looking at scratch play is, I took my PAT test in golf, in my attempt to become a PGA member. To pass, we did 36 holes back to back in the same day and came in under 154. I would also say that is pretty close to scratch play. At least that's the respectable standard for the PGA of America.
If I had to give a simple answer, I would conclude with this: "You either got game, or you ain't got no game." To me, it's as simple as that. 'nuff said.
P.S. Glen Atwell, IMO is a top tournament player that could compete as a pro if he wanted to. I personally don't keep up with him, but I watched him play here in Tulsa, and he mowed the field over. The boy can play. I see his name here and there in tournament standings and his name is in 1st place more often than most others besides Edwin Montal.
