scratch golfer

今回採り上げるのはscratch golferという表現。決して「傷ものゴルファー」という意味ではありません。scratchと言えば「傷」を想起する人が多いと思いますが，その他に形容詞で「対等の, ハンディキャップなしの」（『プログレッシブ英和中辞典』小学館）という意味があります。つまりscratch golferとは「ハンディキャップがゼロのゴルファー」を指し，アマチュアとしては非常に優れたゴルファーを意味しています。（Koyamamoto）

Golf's Rory McIlroy dumps tennis golden girl as form dips
For the last two years golfing superstar, Rory McIlroy, and tennis golden girl, Caroline Wozniacki, have been the toast of the glittering sports’ circuit but now after distinct dip in McIlroy’s form, it has been reported that he has ended the relationship in the hope of getting back on course and retaining his former World Number One status.
Danish star, Miss Wozniacki, 23, who once described McIlroy as her "ideal boyfriend", is said to be “absolutely devastated” by the split having only just patched things up following a previous fall out.
Sources close to the 24-year-old golfing prodigy said there was no way back for their pair this time however, saying he had made his mind up that his game had to come first.
McIlroy, who was born in Holywood, County Down, the only son of a scratch golfer, was introduced him to golf when he was still in nappies.
According to his father, Gerry, he displayed something of his prodigious talent when, at the age of two, he hit a 40-yard drive.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10376309/Golfs-Rory-McIlroy-dumps-tennis-golden-girl-as-form-dips.html