One of the more perplexing debates among some golf fans on social media is how a scratch golfer would fare against some of those who ply their trade on the LPGA.
It is fair to say that distance is becoming increasingly important on the PGA Tour. There are a number of courses on the calendar which seemingly encourage players to simply hit the driver as hard as they can, with little concern about what may happen if they find themselves missing the fairway.
It is a different story on the LPGA. Polly Mack is top for the average driving distance on tour so far this year, with the German averaging 289.2 yards.
Mack would find herself 168th out of 178 players on the PGA Tour. With that, there is seemingly a debate to be had in the minds of some regarding how a scratch golfer would get on facing off against an LPGA player.
Rick Shiels suggests who would win between a scratch golfer and an LPGA player
Of course, anyone playing off scratch is clearly an outstanding golfer. However, the skill level of those playing at the highest levels of the game is frightening.
And one of those who believes that a match between the two would not be close is Rick Shiels, with the LIV Golf ambassador insisting on The Rick Shiels Golf Show that there is a great deal of difference between the two standards.
“I spoke to Charley Hull about a year or so ago about having this match against a scratch golfer who was running their mouth on social media and I think we should do it again,” he said.
“I honestly believe it would be an absolute demolition.
“I would love to see it. I think it’s a great video. Female professional golfers are incredible and if they were playing against a scratch handicapper I would think they would beat them by at least six if not seven.”
The DP World Tour event which surely silences the debate
Obviously, if a scratch golfer faces a professional player, of either gender, often enough, they will eventually win. However, it is surely bizarre to think that an LPGA player would not win comfortably on a regular basis.
The most accurate driver on the PGA Tour – Paul Peterson – would not find themselves in the top 40 for driving accuracy on the LPGA this year.
And if further proof was needed, it should not be forgotten that Linn Grant is a two-time winner of the Scandinavian Mixed on the DP World Tour. The event was only played on four occasions, but the Swede won by nine shots in 2022.
Scratch golfers definitely have the ability to hit a number of world-class shots per round. There would be moments where they would outshine their professional opponents.
But over 18 holes, the gap would become clear to see.
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