Four Station Method
Approximately 90% of all golf lessons are focused solely on the full swing. The instructor and student spend time on the driving range hitting balls, and the instructor guides adjustments to the swing. But in the game of golf, approximately 50% of the shots are on or around the greens – short game and putting. While a student may be able to hear what move the instructor wants them to make in the full swing, often their body and the muscles are just not cooperating. Lastly, these standard golf lessons are completely subjective, and one rarely receives tangible data from which to work with going forward.
Scratch addresses all elements of the game of golf with it’s four station instruction system, and provides the only system of complete objective feedback.
Short Game
Scratch worked closely with Rick Smith, a top rated PGA tour instructor (ie. Phil Mickelson, Lee Janzen, Jack Nicklaus, etc), to construct a total curriculum for instruction in the elements of the short game – chipping, pitching, lob shot and bunker play. Based on the level of the student, drills are taught in each of the areas of the short game, and then practiced by that student. Over 60 videos of the short game drills are used to assist in the teaching and learning in this station. Toward the end of each session, the student participates in a scrimmage where they hit shots that are captured in the Scratch Skills Handicap System (SSHS) whereby a complete and easy to access database is provided for the student.
Putting
The student trains on short, medium, long and lag putting along with straight putts, small break to big breaks, as well as uphill and downhill. A drill video is first viewed, and the students proceed to practice that drill. As they advance, the drills become more advanced. There are approximately 40 learning drills used in the putting station. As with the other stations, the putting performance is captured in SSHS for the student.
Swing
Scratch uses the most advanced golf simulators on the market (aboutGolf) for instructing on the swing. Rick Smith worked closely with us in building a unique curriculum that provides for easier instruction and faster learning. Pinpoint data on the ball flight is immediately available for the student and instructor. Swing video along with balance analysis is also used. As with the other stations, a drill video (approximately 100 drill videos are used) is first viewed by the students, and then the drill is practiced. All swing data is captured in the SSHS for the student.
Fitness for Juniors
Scratch worked with Dr. Robert Duvall, DP, from the board of the Titleist Performance Institute to create our fitness program. Whereas the program focuses on strength and balance with the juniors, the primary focus for adults is flexibility. The Scratch instructors often identify movements in the full swing that are challenging for the member, and then incorporate exercises in the fitness program that assist in “getting the body to cooperate.” There are hundreds of different exercise drills that are tailored for the individual and their swing.
