Break 90 Golfing

Scoring Strategy


Play each hole to obtain a bogey. You'll will certainly make a number of pars by doing this (and some double bogeys in the process any time you hit some bad shots), but by playing each hole for a bogey you'll take away the big numbers (7s and 8s).


Even "par" for yourself shall be 90, play to secure a 45 each 9. That’s 4s on the par 3s, 5s on the par 4s and 6s on the par 5s. Just steady, safe golf but if you have a "green" light (which we'll discuss below) shoot for the pin and get a par.


Course Management


From the tee


Play the club off of the tee that will get the ball in play the most often. For me it’s my driver. The ball is teed up, the head is the size of a frying pan, it’s impossible to top or chunk the driver.


Swing it easy along with good tempo and you’ll be in the fairway. Swinging easy will reduce duck hook and the banana slice. You don't need to hit long drives; you need to get your ball in play down the fairway. Anything over 180 yards is wonderful because recall, you are playing each hole for bogey, so that you don't need to triumph over the fairway in 2 shots.


When you don’t like the driver, then start using a hybrid 3, 4 or 5 iron. If you don’t own a hybrid, put that in your birthday/Christmas, good person present list.


On the fairway

If you are breaking 100 regularly, I’m guessing you then have a go to iron. The one you strike to loosen up on the range, the one you strike to apply your swing, the one you keep next to your bed for security. For the majority that’s usually their 6, 7 or 8 iron. Something you are able to strike 145-160 yards easily. For me it’s my 7 iron.


>150 yards away from the hole?

Hit your 150 yard club. The reasoning behind this is that you can control that club, so you can now position your 2nd shot on the side of the fairway (or green) that is good for your 3rd shot (either a pitch, chip or putt).


<150 yards away from the hole?

When there's no real danger along the side of the green where your misses go or no risk lurking behind the green, go for it, you now have a green light to aim for the largest part of the green.

When there's risk on your miss side, with no danger in front of the green, play One club less and target the front of the green.



<100 yards from the hole?

Go for the centre of the green, you’ve hit an excellent tee shot, and are in a excellent location. You need to have this shot inside your toolbox. If you can’t consistently get near or on the green from 100 yards away (7 out of 10), you need to practice your wedge more.


Short game

To break 90, you need to be capable to hit the green from 75 yards and in. This can be the one area of the game that's the most effective to master because it doesn’t require a fantastic golf swing or very much athletic ability. It basically requires some practice to gain consistency and confidence.


Most greens are anywhere between 20-30 yards wide and 20-30 yards deep. This provide you with a lot of room for error; so please don't try to get cute with your wedge shot. Just shoot for the largest spot of the green which is nearest the hole and you’ll be very impressed at how many you put tight.


I don’t suggest using a lob wedge for this shot. Work with your sand wedge (56 degree). With your sand wedge, should you hit it somewhat short of the green, you will get enough roll that the majority of times it will roll on and you’re putting. Your lob wedge is too easy to hit short and to strike thin. I encourage eliminating it from your bag until you are consistently breaking 90.


Just 10-20% of players are ever going to break 90, this means you will be in exceptional company when you do.