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Scratch golfers are good. But in golf, “good” is always relative. If you think the next step from scratch is turning pro, it is more than just a small leap. The gap between scratch and Tour-level golf is wider than most people realize.

Before any scratch players get defensive, consider this insight, not criticism. Use the data from Shot Scope to see where your game might still come up short.

For me, the most surprising difference is the approach shot proximity. Pros do not just hit greens, they hit it close.

The score gap is bigger than it looks (and from a shorter course)

The average scratch golfer is playing from a course around 6200 yards. The Tour players are playing closer to 7200 yards. That 1000 yards is a big difference, and the scoring average is at least three shots.

The average scratch golfer shoots around 74, and the average Tour professional is closer to 71.4.

Everyone is worried about hitting a baby draw into a tucked left pin, and you are still standing there wishing you could hit just one (or maybe two) straight shots in a row. Hitting it straight sounds simple enough, but it is one of the hardest things to do in golf. A straight shot requires multiple things to line up: impact point, path, face angle, transition, and weight, and if even one of them is off, so is your shot. Here are five reasons your golf shots aren’t straight and how to fix them.

You’re catching the ball at the wrong spot in the swing arc

Golf is played on a circular arc, not a straight line. If you strike the ball too early or late in that arc, the club path relative to your target is no longer neutral, and your face-to-path relationship gets distorted.

Depending on your swing, an early strike might come with an open or a closed face.

Check your ball position. For irons, play the ball in the center or just ahead of center and focus on hitting the ball before the ground. For the driver, line it up with your lead heel. If you’re still curving shots, adjust your ball position slightly until your strike point matches your natural arc and the ball starts straighter.

Your clubface is open or closed at impact

Clubface angle at impact is one of the most important and often misunderstood factors in golf. It accounts for roughly 75–85% of the ball’s starting direction. That means even if your swing path is spot-on, an open or closed face will still send the ball in another direction.

How to watch the 2025 Truist Championship on Friday, including full Truist Championship TV coverage and streaming info for Round 2.

The post 2025 Truist Championship Friday TV coverage: How to watch Round 2 appeared first on Golf.

Rory McIlroy's long road to Grand Slam glory wasn't fully relatable to most golf fans. But it was to NBA champion Kyle Lowry.

The post What’s next for Rory McIlroy? This golf-crazed NBA champion has thoughts appeared first on Golf.

Keith Mitchell flirted with a 59 before finishing with a course-record 61 for a one-shot lead at the Truist Championship, while Rory McIlroy had a 66 in his first individual start since his Masters victory.

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul took only 26 putts, eight of them for birdie, in a clean start of 8-under 64 on Thursday to lead the Mizuho Americas Open by two shots.

Rickie Fowler heard about the complaints - mostly from puzzled fans - after he received an invitation to play next weekend in the PGA Championship. His retort? Keep the whining coming.

Mackenzie Hughes of Canada birdied his last four holes Friday for an 8-under 63, giving him a one-shot lead after the first round of the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Need a new golf travel bag for your next buddies' trip? Here are two great options (and one less expensive alternative) you should consider.

The post Planning a golf trip? These are 2 of the best travel golf bags appeared first on Golf.

How are 3D printing and metal injection molding changing golf club design? Learn the pros, cons and future of these technologies.

The post How 3D printing and MIM are changing club design and performance appeared first on Golf.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has made a major investment in the Ladies European Tour to become the title sponsor of five women's golf events.

In this edition of Play Smart, we look at a video that shows how much speed can affect the line on your putts.

The post Fascinating video shows why speed is so important for making putts appeared first on Golf.

The PGA Tour this week is visiting my home turf, Philadelphia Cricket Club. The field has been hitting shots with which I’m unfamiliar.

The post When the pros descend on your home course, it’s humbling as it is thrilling appeared first on Golf.

PXG is releasing its brand new Bat Attack Zero Torque putter. Here are the top four things to know about the newest zero torque putter

The post PXG Bat Attack ZT putter: 4 things to know appeared first on Golf.

Nick Faldo joined GOLF's Claire Rogers on The Scoop to discuss getting into broadcasting, his favorite Jim Nantz story and more.

The post ‘There’s no Jim Nantz’: Nick Faldo recalls white-knuckle Masters broadcast moment appeared first on Golf.

In a recent Instagram post, the USGA explained a clever use of golf's rulebook that could help save you strokes.

The post This genius use of stroke-and-distance rule has been viewed 2.4 million times appeared first on Golf.

Odds to win for the 2025 PGA Championship.

Full 2025 Truist Championship tee times for Friday's second round at Philadelphia Cricket Club, featuring World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and more.

The post 2025 Truist Championship Friday tee times: Round 2 groupings appeared first on Golf.