Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Scratch Player has a Handicap Index of 0.0 under the World Handicap System. It is the baseline used in course rating: a Course Rating represents the score a scratch player is expected to achieve in normal conditions, not a promise that the player will shoot par every round.
How it matters in match play
In individual match play, a Scratch Player starts from the zero-handicap reference point. If the opponent has a higher Playing Handicap, the handicap difference normally gives the higher-handicap player strokes on the holes allocated by the Stroke Index. The WHS recommended allowance for individual match play is 100%, but the Committee's Terms of the Competition control the event.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Scratch Player |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping, Definitions (Scratch Player); Appendix C (Handicap Allowances) |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Course Rating, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Bogey Player |
Worked example
Alex is a Scratch Player with a Handicap Index of 0.0. On tees with a Course Rating of 71.8, the USGA explains that the scratch benchmark is about 72 strokes on a good round; that is a rating reference, not a promise that Alex will score 72 every time.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Definitions (Scratch Player); Appendix C (Handicap Allowances)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Does a Scratch Player always score par?
No. Scratch describes a Handicap Index of 0.0. Course Rating is the expected score for a scratch player in normal conditions, and it can differ from the course's par; actual scores vary from round to round.
Does a Scratch Player receive handicap strokes in match play?
A Scratch Player is the zero-handicap reference point. Against a player with a higher Playing Handicap, the higher-handicap player normally receives the difference, applied by Stroke Index, subject to the competition's Terms of the Competition and any applicable allowance.
Is Scratch Player the same as a low-handicap golfer?
Not exactly. Under the WHS definition, Scratch Player means Handicap Index 0.0. A golfer with a small positive Handicap Index is very capable but is not a scratch player under that defined term.
Can a Scratch Player have a plus Handicap Index?
No. A plus Handicap Index is better than the zero baseline and is represented as plus rather than 0.0. The WHS-defined Scratch Player is specifically a player with a Handicap Index of 0.0.
What does scratch mean when comparing two match-play handicaps?
It identifies the zero point for the comparison. The other player's applicable Playing Handicap is normally the number of strokes relative to the Scratch Player, with stroke allocation and competition terms determining where those strokes are given.
Is Scratch Player a Rules of Golf playing format?
No. It is a defined handicapping term. A Scratch Player can take part in match play, stroke play or another authorised format, with the relevant format and handicap provisions applying separately.