Golf term
Scratch Golfer
A scratch golfer is a player with a Handicap Index of 0.0 — someone who, on average, plays to the course rating from the tees they use.
Scratch is a common strokes gained baseline because it represents strong, consistent amateur play. Comparing your numbers to scratch shows the gap to elite golf, category by category.
Related terms & guides
Glossary
Bogey Golfer
A bogey golfer is a player whose Handicap Index is roughly 18 (men) or 24 (women) — someone who averages about one over par per hole.
Glossary
Baseline (Expected Strokes)
A baseline is the average number of strokes a benchmark golfer needs to hole out from a given distance and lie — the reference every strokes gained calculation is measured against.
Strokes Gained
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide
Strokes gained measures every shot against a benchmark of expected scores, revealing exactly where you gain or lose strokes versus a chosen standard — instead of guessing from fairways, greens, and putts.