Hi hooperd,
As far as I am concerned, there is no reason why you couldn't become a scratch or better golf if starting at a later age. I have a friend who is a golf pro who started golf when he was 17. By the time he was 20 he had his RCGA card (Canadian pro card). I, on the otherhand, started goolf at the age of 10 and 16 years later I am finally playing down to an 8. Bottom line, as far as I concerned, if you can excel at other sports you can excel at golf. It just takes a lot more practice. I know lots of people who are excellent athletes, but get really frusterated golfing because the figure they can just pick up
clubs and be really good. Golf RARELY works that way. There are a few exceptions, but those people are few and far between.
As for my comment about being an exceptional athlete to begin with, that is not always true either, but it sure doesn't hurt. Look at Phil Mickelson. He is having a tryout with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens tomorrow (Friday) and they are serious about starting him in a game.
Just go out and have fun. If you are lucky enough to end up with a scratch handicap, good for you. Who knows, if you dedicate yourself to the game and practice religiously, you may be one of the lucky ones who can play to par!