Scratch News - In the News

For most of us average, amateur golfers, playing scratch golf -- which is generally considered shooting par or better on a regular basis -- is just a lofty dream. But now, it is an easily attainable goal.

That's because there's a small, relatively new company based in Springfield, Ore., called Scratch Golf, and anyone can obtain their products. At the moment, the company specializes in making irons and wedges, and its forte is custom fitting.

But, more than that, Scratch Golf is growing in renown, primarily for the high quality and tour performance attributes of its forged wedge lineup. Founded in 2003 by brothers Ari and Chad Techner, and master grinder Jeff McCoy, Scratch wedges are being played on both the PGA and European tours, while the company bills itself as the "No. 1 forged wedge on the Nationwide Tour."

There are no paid players on the Scratch Golf team, so most pro names cannot be associated with publicity about the company. However, just last weekend, Kris Blanks won the Bank of America Open on the Nationwide Tour with three Scratch wedges in his bag.

"Scratch makes a wedge for every type of golf swing," said Blanks. "This is a really good product. ... For me, I've got the bounce, the shape, the grind that I want, that's best for me."

In extensive range and on-course test sessions with a variety of players assembled by CBSSports.com, reviews were very positive. Praise was extremely high for the look, feel and playability of the wedges. A lot of the positive feedback should be attributed to the custom-fitting that each reviewer received for their three demo wedges. Overall, praise for the Scratch Golf wedges was as high as any product has received from our independent testing panel.

Scratch Golf wedges are available both online and at custom-fitting retailers around the U.S. and Canada, with dealers overseas as well. Company execs stress that the quality of materials and the custom-fitting system used to match players' swing characteristics add up to a superior fit for golfers.

"Using our easy to follow fitting guide, golfers can very easily identify themselves into one of three categories: 'Sweeper/Slider,' 'Driver/Slider' or 'Digger/Driver,'" said Ari Techner, president and CEO of Scratch Golf. "Once that is done, if a golfer picks up an appropriate wedge to fit his swing type ... we are very confident that placing a (Scratch) wedge in a golfer's bag will immediately improve his or her short game."

The latest series of wedges from Scratch Golf is called JLM. The standard finish is satin chrome, and the lofts most frequently determined in the custom-fitting process are 53, 56 and 60 degrees, with some at 58 degrees. However, Scratch's custom-order program offers wedges ranging in loft from 46 to 64 degrees, along with seven choices of exterior finish. Three head shapes offered in wedges are standard, round and square. With True Temper steel shafts, the suggested retail price for JLM series wedges is $199.

All the heads on Scratch Golf wedges are forged from 1018 soft carbon steel. The material is the softest steel used in golf equipment, according to the company.

Further, "All Scratch Golf clubs are forged in Hemiji, Japan," said a company rep. "In an effort to save money, most other companies' forgings are made in China, Taiwan or Mexico, and are made from worse feeling harder grades of steel."

To determine the type of player a golfer is, Scratch has a "Get Fit" quiz that assesses each golfer's game. Eventually, that helps determine what shape, sole grind and bounce angle would be best. There are five basic grinds in the Scratch Golf portfolio, and 18 overall via the company's Custom Studio.

"Before Scratch Golf sold our first wedge, we spent over a year doing R&D on what grinds worked with what types of players," said Techner. "The testing allowed us to map out the exact sole characteristics that a player would need based on their angle of attack and short game specifics. The fitting guide identified the three swing types that people use when swinging a wedge and helped explain what makes a player fit into one of these three categories."

As an example of what the various grinds entail, the JLM/TNC grind provides a mid-bounce angle and full semi-wide sole that allows the leading edge to get closer to the ground. There is moderate relief in the center of the trailing edge, and full non-relieved heel and toe. Specs include a 10-degree bounce, moderate camber and lofts of 53, 56, 58 and 60 degrees.
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Here is a sample of the feedback that some of our CBSSports.com testers provided:

"I can say without a doubt, the 56-degree wedge is the best sand club I have ever used. Good height coming out of the sand. Very easy to hit. On one shot from about 60 yards out, I hit a sand shot stiff to the pin that finished 9 feet away." -- Ralph

"The forged steel head makes for a wonderful, solid feel. The custom-selected grind on the wedges was perfect for me. Equally excellent from all types of lies. The grooves are sharp and produce maximum spin. (However), I'm playing a Srixon TriSpeed ball and these were the first wedges to abrade the cover." -- Jack

"They have a very clean, professional look and a solid feel which inspires confidence. I particularly like what felt like a swingweight on the heavy side. The 56-degree was effective from bunkers, fairway and rough. The 60-degree is sweet. The Scratch approach wedge was solid." -- Bob

"I'm sticking wedges to the green, from both the fairway and rough, better than I ever have. These are so easy to hit." -- Dan

"I like the weight of the wedges; they perform well. They are very playable." -- Ely

"I have never hit a 60-degree better than I have with these wedges. I feel very confident around the greens and can stop the ball much better. But the real difference has been the elimination of the dreaded chunk shots which have plagued me for decades." -- C.J.