
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player ever, is also a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. With a handicap of 1.2, MJ is almost a scratch golfer, which is a golfer with a handicap of zero who shoots par or better on a regular basis. Scratch golfers are at the top of their game and can manage every aspect of their game, consistently. MJ's golfing prowess is evident in his smooth swing, impressive touch, and accurate chipping. He averages 36 holes a day and is a member of approximately 12 private golf clubs, showcasing his dedication to the sport. So, while MJ may not be a scratch golfer, he is undoubtedly an exceptional golfer who brings his competitive spirit and trash-talking skills from the basketball court to the golf course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is a scratch golfer? | A golfer who shoots par or better on a regular basis. |
| Handicap | 0 or better |
| Percentage of golfers who are scratch golfers | Under 1% or 0.5% |
| MJ's handicap | 1.2 |
| MJ's golf game | MJ has a smooth swing and great hands. He averages 36 holes a day. |
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What You'll Learn

Who is MJ?
MJ is the nickname of Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player ever. Jordan is also a talented golfer, with a handicap of 1.2. He started golfing in college and is a member of around 12 private golf clubs, owning over 40 golf sets. Jordan also has a 3,500 sq ft putting green installed in his backyard and averages 36 holes a day.
Jordan's golfing prowess has been praised by several pro golfers. Rory McIlroy has commented on Jordan's impressive touch for a big guy, while Keegan Bradley has noted his excellent chipping. Jordan Spieth has also remarked that MJ "hits it really nice, [and] doesn't miss many fairways". Jordan himself has compared the difficulty of being great at basketball versus golf, finding them to be similar.
Jordan is known for his trash-talking on the golf course, with stories illustrating his ruthless competitiveness. For instance, after beating Ryan Whitney, a former NHL defenseman, at golf, Jordan dropped some all-time trash talk on him, saying, "That's right, bitch". In another instance, Jordan beat Brooks Koepka and then asked him where his wallet was.
Jordan's golfing abilities are so renowned that he has played with other celebrities and pro golfers, including Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, and Phil Mickelson.
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What is a scratch golfer?
A scratch golfer is a golfer who shoots par or better on a regular basis. These golfers have a handicap of zero. They can usually shoot in the 70s or better. A golfer's handicap is a numerical measure of that player's potential. A higher handicap means you play golf worse than average, while lower handicaps indicate better performance. The goal of being a scratch player is to have a zero handicap. A scratch golfer is a golfer who shoots the same score as the course rating or better.
The first step in becoming a scratch golfer is to set a goal. You should write down exactly what you want to achieve. It can be as simple as playing at least five rounds of golf per month or shooting under 80 for 18 holes. Before you can be a scratch golfer, you need to know the rules of golf and have a good understanding of how the game works. This includes mastering the par system, which sets a benchmark for golfers, providing a target score to strive for.
A scratch golfer is someone who consistently performs at a high level, showing mastery of various golfing skills. They have a deep understanding of the game and are able to make the right decisions on the course, showing skill and mental strength in each round they play. It takes time, practice, and patience to become a scratch golfer. Most sources say that under 1% of golfers are scratch golfers, with some estimates placing the figure at 0.5%.
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MJ's golfing ability
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player ever, is also an impressive golfer. Jordan is a 1.2 handicap golfer, which means he is very close to being a scratch golfer. A scratch golfer is a golfer who shoots par or better on a regular basis and has a handicap of zero. Jordan's golfing ability is attested to by several pro golfers. Rory McIlroy has praised Jordan's touch and hands, saying that "Inside of 6 feet, I'd take him against pretty much anyone". Keegan Bradley has also commented on Jordan's chipping, saying that " [f]rom 30 yards and in – his chipping is as good as a lot of pros". Jordan Spieth has added that MJ "hits it really nice, doesn't miss many fairways".
Jordan's golfing prowess is further demonstrated by the fact that he has beaten several professional golfers, including Brooks Koepka and Ryan Whitney. In addition to his natural athletic ability, Jordan's dedication to the sport is evident. He is a member of approximately 12 private golf clubs, owns over 40 golf sets, and has a 3,500 sq ft putting green installed in his backyard. He also averages 36 holes a day. Jordan himself has compared the difficulty of becoming a great golfer to that of becoming a great basketball player, indicating that he takes the sport seriously.
While Jordan may not be a scratch golfer in the strictest sense, he is undoubtedly an exceptional golfer, and his skills on the course are a testament to his athletic ability and competitive spirit.
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How does MJ compare to other golfers?
Michael Jordan (MJ) is a well-known figure in the world of basketball, but he is also a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. While he may not be a scratch golfer, MJ's skills on the links have impressed several professional golfers.
Jordan's golfing prowess has been described as "impressive" by Rory McIlroy, who noted that "he has great hands" and that "inside 6 feet, I'd take him against pretty much anyone." Keegan Bradley, another professional golfer, praised MJ's chipping abilities, stating that "from 30 yards and in, his chipping is as good as a lot of pros." Jordan Spieth, a well-known golfer, also acknowledged MJ's accuracy, saying that he "hits it really nice and doesn't miss many fairways."
MJ's golfing skills have not only earned the respect of his peers but have also proven to be a beneficial challenge for them. Rickie Fowler, a five-time PGA Tour winner, admitted that playing against MJ kept him on his toes and helped him improve his game. Fowler also noted MJ's strategic approach to the game, observing that "he presses on the sixth tee because he might stroke once in the first five holes, and for the most part, any of the pros would be up at that point." This strategy creates a challenging gauntlet for his opponents to navigate.
In addition to his touch and strategy, MJ's smooth swing has also been commended by Phil Mickelson, a professional golfer who played with MJ at the 1991 Western Amateur. MJ's golfing abilities are further evidenced by his success against other professional golfers, including Brooks Koepka. MJ's dedication to the sport is also noteworthy, with reports of him averaging 36 holes per day and owning a 3,500 sq ft putting green in his backyard.
While MJ may not have achieved professional status in golf, his skills on the course have undoubtedly earned him recognition and respect in the golfing world. His drive and competitiveness, which made him a legend in basketball, seem to have translated well to the golf course, making him a formidable opponent for even the most accomplished golfers.
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How to become a scratch golfer
While it is unclear whether MJ, or Michael Jordan, is a scratch golfer, sources indicate that he is a formidable opponent on the golf course. Jordan is said to average 36 holes a day and is a member of approximately 12 private golf clubs.
Now, if you want to become a scratch golfer, you should know that it is a lofty goal that requires dedication, smart practice, the right mindset, and humility. Scratch golfers make up only about 1.85% of male amateur golfers and 0.69% of women golfers, according to the USGA.
Set a Clear Goal and Commit to Consistent Improvement
Decide that you want to become a scratch golfer and commit to the process of continuous improvement. Understand that it will require sacrifice and consistent practice with a purpose.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Get to know your strengths and weaknesses as a golfer. Structured practice sessions that focus more on your weaknesses will help you develop a well-rounded game.
Structured Practice and Course Management
Structured practice sessions are crucial. Work on your mental game routines and consistently track and reflect after every round. Optimize your equipment, including shafts, lie angles, and lofts. Make sure your clubs fit your swing perfectly.
Build Mental Toughness and Learn from Better Golfers
Develop mental consistency and toughness with a pre-shot routine. Calm your nerves, stay focused on your target, and build momentum and rhythm throughout your round. Play with golfers who are better than you and observe how they handle pressure, manage the course, and approach different shots. You will naturally absorb their habits and start raising your standards.
Believe in Your Abilities and Develop Emotional Fortitude
Scratch golf requires a deep psychological belief in your abilities and great emotional fortitude. You need to be skilled in all parts of the game, but also have the mental resilience to handle the challenges that come with pursuing this goal.
Remember, becoming a scratch golfer is a challenging journey, and it's important to manage your expectations along the way. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from coaches or more experienced golfers.
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Frequently asked questions
MJ is short for Michael Jordan, the NBA legend.
MJ is a very good golfer with a handicap of 1.2. While this is not a scratch golfer handicap, it is still a very good score. A scratch golfer has a handicap of 0 or better.
A scratch golfer is a golfer who shoots par or better on a regular basis. They have a handicap of zero and can usually shoot in the 70s or better.
To become a scratch golfer, you need to have a good understanding of the rules of golf and how the game works. It takes a lot of practice and patience, as well as a powerful will and a positive attitude.











































