In the world of golf, the question of how many shots it would take to beat the men’s World No.1, Scottie Scheffler, is a common one. According to the USGA, the average Golf Handicap Index for male American golfers is 14, while female golfers sit at around 27. A similar picture is seen in the UK, with male golfers averaging a Handicap Index of 16 and female golfers at 28. With these statistics in mind, it is clear that the majority of amateur golfers would need quite a few shots to compete with a professional like Scheffler.
As the Tour Championship at East Lake approached, Scheffler revealed that he gives his buddies up to 20 strokes in their social golf games and still usually wins. This shows the significant gap in skill level between a professional golfer and the average amateur player. Despite this, Scheffler highlighted the importance of the handicap system in leveling the playing field and ensuring fair matches between players of different skill levels.
Although professional golfers like Scheffler do not have an official Handicap Index, it is estimated that the average PGA Tour player would have a Handicap Index in the plus five to plus six range. In recent years, Golf Stat Pro Lou Stagner analyzed the Handicap Index of PGA Tour players from 2016 to 2020, revealing an average Handicap Index of +5.4 during that time period. The best Handicap Index achieved was +8.4 by Rickie Fowler.
Scheffler admitted that he has no idea what his actual Handicap Index would be, given his impressive scoring average on the PGA Tour in 2024. With an average score of 68.659, roughly 3.5 strokes under par, it is clear that Scheffler’s skill level far surpasses that of the average golfer. Despite this, he enjoys giving his buddies up to 20 strokes in their friendly games, showcasing his sportsmanship and love for the game.
Justin Thomas, another competitor in the Tour Championship, also discussed the idea of giving strokes to fellow pros during practice rounds. He mentioned that it would be uncommon and potentially seen as disrespectful to offer strokes to a fellow pro. Thomas emphasized the competitive nature of professional golfers and highlighted the significance of maintaining a level of respect and integrity on the course.
In conclusion, the idea of how many shots it would take to beat a professional golfer like Scottie Scheffler highlights the vast difference in skill levels between amateurs and pros. While the handicap system serves to level the playing field in friendly matches, the gap in skill remains significant. The average Handicap Index for PGA Tour players is estimated to be around +5 to +6, showcasing the exceptional talent of professional golfers. Despite this, the enjoyment and camaraderie of the game remain central, with players like Scheffler and Thomas embracing friendly competition while maintaining respect for their fellow pros.
