Any Handicap → Your Goal · The Scratch Project

Golf
Playbooks

Expert playbooks covering every aspect of the game — five pillars, strokes gained analytics, tour technique, and a structured plan to your handicap goal. Works at any level, from 25 down to scratch.

⛳ Score 🏌️ Strike 📡 Measure 💪 Prepare 🧠 Compete 📱 Mobile Optimised
45
Playbooks
200+
Topics
Any
Handicap Level
💡

Add to Home ScreenOpen in Safari → tap Share → "Add to Home Screen". Do the same for this page and the Performance Tracker to keep everything one tap away.

🚀 Start Here
🚀
New Here?
Quick Start Guide
First time with The Scratch Project? Start here. A 5-minute orientation covering which guides to read first, how to set up your tracking tool, and how to build your first week of practice — before diving into the full 45-guide library.
Read First5 Min SetupOnboarding
📊 Performance Tracker
▶ Start Here
🏆 24 Months to Scratch
Formal Scratch Project — Execute in Sequence
🏆
Guide 10 · 24-Month Master Plan
10 to Scratch — The Full Framework
All 4 phases, SG targets at every milestone, fitness and nutrition integration, competitive play requirements, Phase 4 (Months 13–24), and the projected handicap trajectory to zero.
4 Phases HCP Trajectory Months 1–24 8 tabs
📅
Guide 27 · Phases 1 & 2 · Months 1–6
Six-Month Plan — Months 1–6
Day-by-day execution from Month 1. Day One Protocol, month-by-month skill themes, session templates, competition schedule, and the baseline assessment framework.
Months 1–6 Day One Protocol Week-by-Week 7 tabs
📆
Guide 28 · Phase 3 · Months 7–12
Months 7–12 — Build the Attack
The precision shift: approach-dominant sessions, 2× monthly competition, Phase 2 audit protocol, distance re-verification, and the ~5 HCP to single figures framework.
Months 7–12 Precision Phase Iron Dominant 7 tabs
🎯
Guide 29 · Phase 4 · Months 13–18
Months 13–18 — Close the Margin
Pressure execution over precision: 3× monthly competition, Club Championship block, consequence practice games, and competition vs. practice SG differential as the master metric.
Months 13–18 Pressure Execution 1→Scratch 7 tabs
🏆
Guide 30 · Phase 5 · Months 19–24
Months 19–24 — Defend the Standard
Consolidate scratch, 24-month final benchmarks, and the three paths beyond: plus handicap pursuit, county competitive golf, or the maintenance floor to defend scratch indefinitely.
Months 19–24 Defend Scratch Beyond Scratch 8 tabs
🗓️ Practice Block Template
🗓️
4-Week Training Programme Template
Structured Practice Block — 4-Week Template
A structured 4-week training block with four practice priorities: face control, ball striking, wedge precision, and spin. Week-by-week drills with scored targets and course transfer protocol.
Drill Protocol Face Control Scored Targets 4 Weeks
💡 Why Bother
🔥
The Honest Case for Scratch
Motivation & The Why
Why scratch is worth pursuing, what it actually takes, the honest cost of the goal, and the mindset framework that separates golfers who get there from those who plateau. Read when conviction wavers.
The Why Mindset Honest Cost
Score

What you do from tee to hole — decisions, strategy, and on-course execution. Everything needed to convert ball-striking into the lowest possible number.

Scoring Fundamentals
🎯
Guide 01
Putting Playbook
SG: Putting benchmarks, AimPoint Express green reading, pace control science, start-line physics, 4-phase tour routine, and practice plans from maintenance to tour level.
SG: PuttingAimPointPace Control10 tabs
☝️
Guide 53
AimPoint Express
The most reliable green-reading method taught at UK club level — fully competition-legal. Finger method, stimp-to-fingers tables for every slope/speed combination, on-course routine, and adjustments for grain, wind, and wet greens.
Finger MethodStimp TablesR&A Legal7 tabs
📐
Guide 32
Green Reading Deep Dive
Full AimPoint Express methodology, slope percentage tables for all distances and green speeds, grain identification on UK bentgrass and links greens, plumb-bobbing, wet vs. dry adjustments, and the four-position reading walk.
AimPoint ExpressSlope TablesGrain8 tabs
🌊
Guide 02
Short Game Playbook
SG: Around-Green, chipping attack angles, pitching, lob shots, bunker physics, spin science, shot selection hierarchy, and the full wedge distance matrix.
SG: Around-GreenBunker PlaySpin Science12 tabs
📏
Guide 22
Wedge Distance Matrix
Build your personal carry distance matrix for every wedge at every swing length using the Mevo. Eliminate yardage guesswork in the scoring zone permanently.
Carry Distances4 Swing LengthsMevo Protocol
🎯
Guide 37
The 100–175 Yard Zone
The distance band where the 10-HCP to scratch SG: Approach gap lives. Distance matrix for mid-irons, clock system for partial swings, lie and slope adjustments, wind calibration, and the dedicated practice protocol that closes the approach gap.
Distance MatrixClock SystemSG: Approach7 tabs
📏
Guide 51
Gap Zone Mastery
Close the 100–120 yard scoring gap. Clock system calibration, PW–GW loft gap diagnosis, partial shot library, lie adjustments, and a Mevo-calibrated practice protocol that eliminates the most common approach zone inconsistency at this handicap level.
100–120 YardsClock SystemLoft Gap Fix8 tabs
On-Course Reference
📋
Caddie Card · Pull Up On-Course
Caddie Reference Card
Editable wedge matrix with device storage, live wind calculator, dispersion profile and aim point protocol, on-course decision rules, and SG targets by phase. All your numbers in one screen.
Wedge MatrixWind CalcDispersion5 tabs
🗺️
Guide 31
On-Course Notes & Course Knowledge
Building a permanent course intelligence system — recon methodology, hole-by-hole note structure, scoring category classification, green maps, pin position intelligence, seasonal adjustments, and a complete 18-hole blank template.
Recon ProtocolHole MappingSeasonal7 tabs
📄
Print Reference · A5 · 8 Pages
On-Course Reference Card — A5 Booklet
Printable 8-page A5 booklet covering wedge matrix, distances and decisions, wind adjustments, conditions play, pre-shot routines, short game strategy, and June phase targets. Print and carry in your bag.
Wedge MatrixWindRoutinesPrint Ready
On-Course Execution
🗺️
Guide 08
Pro Round Preparation
Course recon, hole-by-hole strategy building, morning protocol, range warmup sequence, short game pre-round, and the strategy card system for competition day.
Strategy CardCourse ReconWarmup10 tabs
⚖️
Guide 20
Course Management
SG decision model, expected value framework, dispersion-based targeting, double-bogey elimination, tee strategy, and hole-by-hole decision system.
SG Decision ModelRisk/RewardTargeting9 tabs
Conditions & Rules
🌬️
Guide 23
Weather & Conditions Play
Wind percentage formula, temperature and altitude adjustments, wet and firm conditions adaptations, and the complete conditions decision matrix for every scenario.
Wind %AltitudeConditions Matrix
🏆
Guide 24
Competitive Strategy
Strokeplay vs matchplay decision differences, scoring zone management, pressure-shot frameworks, and the complete competition-day decision protocol.
StrokeplayMatchplayPressure Shots
🤝
Guide 52
Matchplay Format Strategies
Singles, fourball (best ball), and foursomes (alternate shot) — each format requires a fundamentally different strategic approach. Risk calibration, partnership dynamics, momentum management, concession strategy, and county-level competition preparation.
SinglesFourballFoursomes7 tabs
🏅
Guide 33
UK Competitive Pathway
WHS handicap mechanics, qualifying score rules, club competitions, open amateur events, county golf structure, England Golf ladder, and how to build a year-round competition calendar that accelerates improvement.
WHS RulesCounty GolfOpen Events7 tabs
🇺🇸
Guide 56
US Competitive Pathway
GHIN handicap mechanics, USGA event structure, state golf association competitions, Mid-Amateur, US Amateur and US Open qualifying, and how to build a year-round US competition calendar at any handicap level.
GHIN / USGAState AssociationsUS Open Qualifying8 tabs
🇪🇺
Guide 57
European Competitive Pathway
The EGA structure, national federations across Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany and Sweden, EGA Amateur Championship, European Team events, Open Championship qualifying, and Irish open-week competitive travel.
EGAGolf IrelandOpen Qualifying7 tabs
🌬️
Guide 50
Links Golf Strategy
Complete links golf playbook — wind club selection algorithm, bump-and-run system, links green reading (pace, break multiplication), firm-fast conditions management, and the course management principles that let you score on any links or heathland course worldwide.
Wind AlgorithmBump & RunLinks Greens8 tabs
🌊
Guide 35
Links & Travel Golf
Bump-and-run as a primary weapon, reading wind off terrain, firm-ground approach strategy, links-specific mental game, and a complete travel preparation framework for Scotland, Ireland, and abroad.
Bump & RunWind TerrainFirm Ground6 tabs
📜
Guide 12
Rules of Golf
Penalty reference, relief procedures, common situations decoded, stroke and distance, penalty areas, lateral relief, and signing the card correctly.
PenaltiesReliefQuick Reference9 tabs
🏌️
Strike

The technical framework — ball-striking mechanics, club speed, shot dispersion, and the tools to understand and improve every shot shape.

Technical Framework
🏌️
Guide 03
Long Game Playbook
Driving biomechanics, iron play, kinematic sequence, fairway woods and hybrids, D-Plane shot shaping, wind maths, smash factor, and course management off the tee.
SG: Off-TeeD-PlaneWind %12 tabs
⚙️
Guide 19 · Swing Mechanics
Swing Mechanics
Kinematic sequence, the 5 universal setup principles, impact physics, D-Plane science, driver through wedge attack angles, and fault correction for every club category.
Kinematic SequenceImpact PositionFault Fix7 tabs
Dispersion & Speed
📊
Guide 11
Shot Dispersion Mapping
Build your personal dispersion profile club by club using the Mevo. Apply it on-course for smarter targeting, double-bogey elimination, and data-driven aim points.
Dispersion DataClub by ClubOn-Course Use7 tabs
Guide 25
Speed Training
Overspeed training protocols, Rypstick programming and technique, neurological basis of speed gains, periodisation, when not to train, and tracking real progress over 12–24 months.
OverspeedRypstickSpeed Gains8 tabs
Self-Coaching
🤖
Guide 54
AI Swing Analysis Tools
Sportsbox AI 3D, V1 Sports, Swing AI, and CoachNow — what each tool actually does, where each adds genuine value, and how to combine video AI with HackMotion wrist data and Mevo launch data for a complete diagnostic feedback loop.
Sportsbox 3DV1 SportsIntegration8 tabs
🎥
Guide 14
Video Analysis & Self-Coaching
Camera setup positions, down-the-line and face-on checkpoints, key swing positions to audit, recommended apps, inter-session review protocol, and coach integration workflow.
Camera SetupCheckpointsApps & Tools8 tabs
📡
Measure

Data, feedback, and AI coaching — turning raw numbers into precise practice priorities. Your edge is knowing exactly where strokes are lost and gained.

Device Data Mastery
📡
Data Guide 01 · Expert
Mevo Gen2 Data Mastery
All 20 Pro Package data points decoded — D-Plane science, key metric combinations, tour benchmarks, fault finder, session protocols, and how to read each number in context.
20 Data PointsD-PlaneF2P + Spin Axis10 tabs
🖥️
Data Guide 02 · Expert
HackMotion Data Mastery
Three measurement axes, five key swing positions, tour benchmarks, Mevo integration for combined data, fault finder, and protocols for full swing, short game, and putting.
3 Axes5 PositionsMevo Link11 tabs
Strokes Gained Intelligence
🔢
Guide 26
Stats & SG Interpretation
How to read Arccos and Shot Scope SG data, what each category means, distance band analysis, make-percentage tables, sample size warnings, a manual tracking method for non-tracker users, and translating data into practice direction.
SG FrameworkBenchmarksNo Tracker Needed8 tabs
AI Coaching
🤖
Guide 09 · Live AI
Golf Coach AI
Import your Mevo CSV or enter data manually. Claude analyses every metric and delivers specific, drill-based coaching personalised to your launch monitor numbers.
Live Claude AIMevo CSV ImportManual EntrySession History
🎓
Guide 34
The Coaching Relationship
How to select a PGA coach, structure a lesson series vs one-offs, practise effectively between sessions, use your SG and launch monitor data in lessons, and know when a change isn't working vs when to hold the course.
Coach SelectionLesson StructureBetween Lessons6 tabs
Session Records
📈
Session Report · Launch Monitor Analysis
Launch Monitor Analysis
A worked example session analysis — driver, 5-iron, 7-iron, PW. Identifies face control, thin contact, and wedge direction as priority fixes with specific corrective drills. Use as a template for your own data.
Example AnalysisFace ControlPriority Fixes
💪
Prepare

Body, equipment, and training tools — the 80% of improvement that has nothing to do with the range. Showing up physically and technically ready is a competitive advantage.

Body
💪
Guide 06
Golf Fitness Plan
TPI-based 6-month programme — mobility, strength, power, and pre-round activation. Phase-by-phase from base building to explosive power, with the daily 6-minute mobility protocol.
6-Month PlanTPIRypstick9 tabs
🍎
Guide 07
Golf Nutrition Plan
Calorie cycling, golf day fuelling protocols, on-course nutrition by hole, strength and speed day plans, supplement stack, and fat loss without performance sacrifice.
Golf DayCalorie CyclingSupplements8 tabs
🩺
Guide 13
Injury Prevention & Management
Lower back, elbow, wrist, shoulder, hip and knee protocols. Prevention programme, physio-aligned management, and a structured return-to-play framework for every common golf injury.
Lower BackShoulderReturn to Play10 tabs
Equipment
📊
Guide 55
Launch Monitor Fitting Sessions
Get maximum value from a Trackman or GCQuad/GCHawk fitting session. What to bring, what data to request, how to read smash factor, spin axis, dynamic loft, and carry vs total in real time — and how to avoid the six most common fitting traps.
Trackman / GCHawkDriver FitIron Fit7 tabs
🔧
Guide 15
Equipment Fitting Roadmap
Fitting priority by SG impact (putter first, +0.3–0.8 SG), putter and driver fitting, irons and wedges, how to read fitting data, ball fitting, and when to re-fit as your game improves.
Fitting OrderPutter FirstDriver9 tabs
Training Arsenal & Practice
🛠️
Guide 18 · Training Arsenal
Your Training Arsenal
Complete protocols for all 10 training aids: HackMotion, Mevo Gen2, ExPutt, TRS system, Foot Pedal, Rypstick, Smash Bag, G-Force Wedge. Integration plan and reactive deployment by SG data.
HackMotionMevo Gen2ExPutt10 Tools
🔁
Guide 05
Pre-Shot Routine & Practice Plans
Full-swing, putting and short game routines built on tour neuroscience. Weekly schedule template, maintenance and improvement practice plans, and quick-reference checklists.
RoutinesPractice PlansChecklists12 tabs
Guide 59
Practice Green Protocol
Structure every practice green session for maximum transfer. Drills organised by SG: Putting deficit — distance control, start-line, pressure putting, and green reading — with protocols that graduate from blocked to random practice.
SG: PuttingDistance ControlPressure Drills6 tabs
🏖️
Guide 58
Bunker Play System
Complete bunker play system covering greenside, fairway, plugged, wet sand, and upslope lies. Setup adjustments, club selection, entry point discipline, and a structured practice protocol for every sand condition.
GreensideFairway BunkerPlugged Lie6 tabs
🏌️
Guide 60
The 100-Ball Session
A complete structured range session — 100 balls split across interleaved targets, varying distances, and game-like scenarios. Maximises practice transfer by eliminating blocked repetition and building the decision-making skill that blocked practice cannot.
Interleaved PracticeRange Structure5 tabs
📋
Interactive Tool
Practice Session Planner
Build a structured practice session in 60 seconds. Select your available time, current SG priority, and session type — the planner generates a drill sequence with time allocations, targets, and progression rules.
Session BuilderSG PriorityDrill Library
🧠
Compete

Mental game, pressure performance, and the tracking systems that compound improvement over 24 months. The final strokes to scratch are won here.

Mental Game
🧘
Guide 21
Mental Game Mastery
Neuroscience of pressure, choking mechanism, arousal control and box breathing protocol, between-shot routines, managing bad patches, the yips, plateaus, slump recovery, and shank/meltdown protocols.
Pressure SciencePlateausShanks10 tabs
🤝
Guide 36
Playing Partners & Social Dynamics
Managing slow play, unsolicited tips, disruptive partners, pace differences, and the social fabric of club golf — without sacrificing your score, your routine, or your relationships.
Slow PlayTips ProtocolRoutine Protection6 tabs
Pressure Training
🔥
Guide 16
Solo Pressure Round Protocol
Simulate competitive pressure playing alone. Setup rules, scoring formats with real consequences, pressure protocols, in-round data collection, mental framework, and post-round review system.
Pressure TrainingScoring FormatsMental Framework7 tabs
Tracking & Review
📊
Interactive · Golf Dashboard
Golf Dashboard
Your personalised improvement control panel. SG diagnostics, monthly benchmark tracking, handicap-adaptive targets, and progress visualisation — all persistent in your browser across sessions.
SG DiagnosticsBenchmarksProgress Tracking
📓
Guide 17
Progress Journal System
Round entry templates, practice log structure, mental game tracking, monthly and quarterly review protocols. The compound intelligence system that fills the gap SG data cannot — the why behind the what.
Round EntryMonthly ReviewMental Tracking8 tabs