Anyone who's heard the term "scratch golfer" might be confused about its meaning. Fortunately, a better understanding of golf handicaps, course and slope ratings and other factors can help define the term in a clear and simple way.
Definition
More Information
According to the USGA, a male scratch golfer, for rating purposes, can hit tee shots approximately 250 yards at sea level, while reaching a 470-yard hole in two shots. Meanwhile, a female scratch golfer can hit an average of 210 yards off the tee box while reaching a 400-yard hole in two shots at sea level.
Handicap
Calculating a handicap defines a scratch golfer. By measuring a player's recent scores on golf courses of differing difficulties, a calculation exists by which a number is assigned--this being the handicap.
For instance, a scratch golfer has a handicap of 0 (or par) while a high handicap is considered 20 and above. The highest handicap the USGA recognizes is 36 for men and 40 for women; this is the golfer's strokes over par on a USGA-recognized course.
Bogey Golfers
While a scratch golfer is defined as having a 0 handicap, a "bogey golfer" is defined as having an 18 handicap. What this essentially means is that a "bogey golfer" will bogey every hole on an 18-hole courses, leaving him 18 over par; hence, the 18 handicap.
Handicaps in Competition
Handicaps are often used in non-professional scramble and individual tournaments. Typically, a 10-handicap golfer will be able to deduct 10 strokes from her final tally, while a scratch golfer won't be able to deduct any. This helps even the playing field for non-professional golfers looking to enjoy some scramble or tournament competition.