How to Shoot in the 90s or Better Consistently

Over the last few years golf technology has also grown by leaps and bounds. Too many pros depend totally on video analysis, side by side swing comparisons to a tour player, etc.  Improved club designs, larger and more accurate drivers, hybrids, and hybrid irons have seemingly made the game easier to play.  Unfortunately, the average score for the average golfer is still around the 100.  In spite of all the new technology that number hasn’t improved for decades.  The major reason for this is that hitting the ball farther is not going to result in lower scores all by itself.

All it takes to shoot 90 consistently is to bogey every hole.  This means adding one stroke to the par of every hole and making that your personal par.  Play every par four as a par five, every par three as a par four, and every par five as a par six.

The key factors in scoring better are course management and shot selection.  Not hitting the ball farther or even better.  If you can shoot close to 100 you can accomplish this without changing your swing at all.  Your real goal should be maximizing the golf swing and abilities that you have now and learning to enjoy the game more.  Forget about changing your swing to fit image of what a swing should look like or chasing some non-existent swing secret promised by someone selling their DVD set, their method or their book.  After 35 plus years of learning and teaching this game I can tell you that there are no secrets.

If you are an average golfer that has trouble breaking 100 I want you to try something just once.  The next time you go to the course to play a round I want you to park your ego and your driver somewhere else and play with your brain.  If you are playing with someone else explain to them what you are doing, but practicing by yourself the first time is preferable.

You only have to answer one question about how you played – “What did you shoot?”  There are no style points awarded for anything.  Always remember one overriding fact.  Golf is a game of where, not how far.

On any full shot, swing at no more than 75% to 80% of your max (you actually should do this all the time).  When you get to the first tee hit whatever club you feel the most confident will get you in the fairway.

“manufacturers have increased their average length from 43 inches to around a standard length of 46 inches, which makes them difficult to control.” Photo by Phillip Ritz on Flickr.

One of the problems with drivers today is that in an effort to maximize distance, manufacturers have increased their average length from 43 inches to around a standard length of 46 inches, which makes them difficult to control.  As talented as they are, tour players use drivers only 44 ½ inches.  Actually, a well hit 3 wood will go farther than a miss-hit driver and much straighter.  When you get to your next shot do not try to reach the green.  Once again hit whatever club you feel most confident in that will get you within an easy pitch or chip to the flag.  Aim for a spot that will allow you to have a clear pitch or chip without dealing with bunkers.  On your third shot do not go for the pin unless it is near the center of the green.  Hit the ball in the middle of the green.  Never try to hit over a sand trap if it you can possibly avoided it.  Follow the same plan for par threes and par fives.

Your objective is to be somewhere on the green in one over regulation on every hole and then two putt from there.  That becomes your personal par.  If you have trouble two putting then work on that part of your game separately.

If you try relaxing and having a well-defined target it becomes much easier.  Never think about mechanics or technique and above all don’t watch the putter head.  Just look at the target and then feel the stroke.  Focus all your attention on feeling the putter head.

As you can see, working on the 100-yard-in part of your game is the fastest way to improve your score.  If you have a good short game then you are looking at shooting in the mid 80’s on a regular basis.

One point to remember on your chipping and pitching game is that loft is your enemy.  Never use wedges if there is a less lofted club that will work.  Chippers are excellent clubs and not very expensive.  As long as they only have a face on one side they are legal.  Make the chipper your friend.  Also putt whenever you can.  This is a shot that you should practice.  Pitch and run is always preferable to trying to fly the ball to the hole.  A missed hit shot with an 8 iron will turn out much better than a missed hit shot with a sand wedge.  Sixty degree wedges should come with a skull and cross bones on them.

If you do get in trouble off the tee or on an approach shot, don’t try something heroic.  Simply get the ball back in play.  One of the worst mistakes amateurs make is letting one bad shot lead to two or three wasted strokes.

(Cover Photo Credit)