The USGA handicapping system is funny (to outsiders). It kicks out yourhighest 10 of your last 20 scores......and computes your handicap based on the slope/course rating of your lowest 10.

Even still.......to reach "scratch".....is a phenomenal achievement.

To add to this.....there's a TON of scratch golfers out there swho aspire that they could (or WANT to) play with the PGA pros. Lanny Wadkins once said that a player needed to be a +6 on his home course to realistically think he might have a chance with the touring pros. This statement was made over 15 yrs ago. I happen to think it might be higher, now.

I figured it out, once. If I had been on the PGA Tour in 1992......and I shot even par in EVERY round of EVERY tournament.......I'd have made over $300K. Today.....I wouldn't keep my card. An even par round of golf .....shot on the course set-ups of the TOUR, today......would see a golfer with a HIGH + hcp.

These guys ARE good.

I shared Asst. Pro duties at Quail Hollow (Home of next month's Wachovia Championship) with the greatest golfer I've ever seen play day in and day out. His name was Craig Rudolph (son of former PGA Tour player, mason Rudolph). Craig died in Rick Hendrix' helicopter crash.....coming home from a NASCAR race. As phenomenal as he was......he played one season and lost his card. If he couldn't make it, out there.....it sure showed ME something.

I'm in AWE every time I watch these guys.