How to Break 90 in Golf
Breaking 90 in golf is a significant milestone many amateur golfers aspire to achieve.
It represents a level of consistency and skill that separates casual players from more serious enthusiasts.
So what does it take to break 90?
You might be surprised, but you don’t need to spend hours working on your game each week or buy a bunch of fancy new clubs for your golf bag.
Instead, all you need is a clear plan of action to help you shave strokes from your scorecard.
In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of the game we teach our students, from improving your swing mechanics to enhancing your mental approach.
You’ll learn the importance of course management, how to develop a reliable short game, and techniques to handle pressure situations.
Whether you’re a high-handicapper looking to make the most improvement possible or a mid-handicapper aiming to break through this barrier, this article will offer valuable insights to elevate your game.
How do you break a 90 score in golf?
When teaching our students, we focus on five areas when they ask us how to practice plan to break 90 in golf. If improved, Each of these areas will help you consistently break 90 in golf.
Improve your short game
Focus on creating consistency with your chip shots, pitch shots, and putting stroke at the golf course. Spend dedicated practice time on the putting green and around the practice bunkers. Work on distance control and reading greens accurately.
A refined and consistent short game is the number one answer on how to break 90 in golf. It can help you save strokes when your long game isn’t at its best.
Avoiding three putts will allow you to recover from missed greens and turn potential bogeys into pars.
Play to Your Strengths
Analyze your game objectively to identify what you do well.
For example, if you’re a straight hitter but lack distance, focus on accuracy rather than trying to outdrive your playing partners.
Choose clubs and shots you’re confident with, especially in pressure situations.
Don’t attempt high-risk attempts unless necessary. By leveraging your strengths and minimizing your weaknesses, you can maintain consistency and avoid unnecessary errors that lead to bogeys.
Learn Course Management
I encourage my students to study the course layout before hitting the first tee box. You should identify potential hazards and strategic landing areas for each hole.
Plan your shots to avoid trouble spots, even if it means sacrificing distance. Sometimes, laying up short of a hazard is smarter than risking a longer shot.
Pay attention to pin positions and aim for the center of greens when hidden flags are located in difficult spots.
Focus on Consistency over Distance
Many amateur golfers make the mistake of prioritizing distance over accuracy, often leading to bogeys. Instead, develop a consistent, repeatable swing that produces predictable ball flights.
Work on tempo and rhythm in your swing to improve consistency. Remember, golf is about getting the ball in the hole in the fewest strokes, not about who can hit it the farthest.
Sharpen Your Mental Game
A strong mental game is crucial for avoiding bogeys. Learn to manage stress and stay focused throughout your round. Develop pre-shot routines to help you concentrate and block out distractions.
When you make mistakes, don’t dwell on them and move on to the next shot with a positive attitude. A calm, focused mind leads to better decision-making and execution, helping you avoid the mental errors that often result in bogeys.
Why is it so hard to break 90?
Most golfers don’t understand that improvement in their golf swing often comes in waves. They may be shooting around 95, and after working on a swing change, they may suddenly see their scores drop into the lower 80s.
It’s remarkable how quickly high handicap range golfers can break 90 when they work on avoiding three putts, refining their short game, or even simply changing their golf ball to increase distance and accuracy.
Yes, you will need to take the time to learn to play smart, but we promise that if you are looking how to break 90 in golf.
How many bogeys to break 90?
Golfers have several paths to breaking 90, but the most important they can control is limiting bogeys.
You may hear golfers say they are playing “bogey golf.” This catchphrase simply means they are on pace to shoot 90.
To break 90, you only need to play slightly better golf than “bogey golf.”
What we like to teach our students is to look at the course and only allot yourself eight bogeys on each side. If you double a hole, that number reduces by one on the golf course.
Remember, pressure is a good thing to feel on the golf course. It helps train you to focus on the golf ball when hitting tee shots and helps you play smart on the greens when looking to avoid three putts.
How can I avoid double bogeys?
When we look at how to break 90 in golf consistently, one of the biggest things to avoid on the course is a double bogey. Not only does it crush the scorecard, but it also significantly dent our confidence moving forward.
You might have heard someone like Tiger Woods say, “Focus on the little things” when attempting to clean up your game, so here are three Tiger-inspired tips that can help minimize losing strokes from the double bogey when you are on the links.
Develop a reliable “go-to” shot
A dependable shot you can rely on under pressure is crucial for avoiding dropping two strokes. This shot could be a slight fade, a low punch, or a smooth three-quarter swing.
Practice this shot extensively to execute it confidently when facing challenging situations on the course.
When you are in trouble or nervous, revert to this trusted shot rather than attempting something risky. A consistent, predictable ball flight can help you navigate difficult holes without succumbing to the dreaded double bogey.
Improve your recovery skills
Mastering recovery shots can save you from turning bad situations into losing two strokes. Practice hitting from various lies in the rough, divots, and behind trees. Learn to execute punch shots, low runners, and high flop shots.
Understanding how to play from less-than-ideal positions will give you the confidence to salvage pars or limit the damage to bogeys when you miss the fairway or green.
Remember, the key to avoiding doubles often lies in minimizing damage after a poor shot rather than always hitting perfect shots.
Develop a pre-shot routine for pressure situations
Creating and sticking to a pre-shot routine can help maintain composure and focus, especially on challenging holes where bad scores loom.
This routine might include taking a deep breath, visualizing your intended shot, making a practice swing, and committing to your decision.
A good routine can prevent rushed or poorly thought-out shots that often lead to double bogeys.
Practice this routine regularly so it becomes second nature, allowing you to rely on it when facing difficult shots or high-pressure situations on the course.
What are common mistakes golfers make when trying to break 90?
Overswinging
Many golfers try to hit the ball too hard or try to hit the “hero shot,” leading to a loss of control and accuracy. This hero play often results in errant shots, missed fairways, and difficult recovery situations.
Focusing on a smooth, controlled golf swing can improve consistency and help lower scores.
Poor course strategy
Attempting risky shots or always aiming for the flag can lead a golfer to unnecessary trouble. Failing to play golf to your strengths and not considering the smart play (like laying up on long par 5s) often results in higher scores.
Neglecting the short game
Many players spend their golf practice time trying to crush tee shots on the driving range and neglect chipping, pitching, and putting. A weak short game can quickly inflate scores since many strokes occur around and on the green.
Mental mistakes
Letting emotions control your game, dwelling on bad shots, or losing focus can lead to poor decision-making and execution. Maintaining a positive attitude and staying present for each shot is crucial for breaking 90.
Inadequate pre-shot routine
Rushing shots or not having a consistent routine can lead to poor setup and execution. A good routine helps with alignment, focus, and confidence, which are essential for consistently shooting lower scores.
How should I approach different types of holes to help break 90?
Here’s a quick ultimate guide on how to play specific holes on the course.
If you implement these strategies in your practice routine when preparing for your round, you’ll carry some of the best tips to break 90 to the course for a great score in your next round.
Par 3s
Accuracy is key on par 3s. Focus on hitting the green rather than attacking the pin, especially when it’s in a difficult position.
Choose a club you’re confident with, even if it means clubbing up for more control. Aim for the center or the safe side of the green, avoiding hazards.
If you miss the green, prioritize a safe chip or pitch to give yourself a makeable par putt.
Before teeing off, consider the green’s wind direction, strength, and slope. Remember, par is a good score on most par 3s, so don’t feel pressured to make birdies.
Par 4s
On par 4s, your main goal is to find the fairway off the tee. Use golf clubs you can hit consistently, even if it’s not your driver.
Position your tee shot to give yourself the best angle for your approach, considering hazards and the green’s shape.
For your second shot, prioritize hitting the green or getting as close as possible with your short irons. Plan a lay-up to your preferred wedge distance if the green is out of reach.
When approaching, factor in the pin position and aim for the center of the green on tougher holes. Remember, bogey is often not a bad score, especially on longer or more difficult par 4s.
Par 5s
Par 5s offer great scoring opportunities but also provide the most potential risk.
Since these holes are easier for amateurs to score par, you should focus on finding the fairway with the most potential distance possible to set up your second shot.
On these longer holes, it’s okay to go into the light rough because you are getting another attempt at navigating the ball back into the fairway.
If you see deep grass close to the fairway and you are hoping to continue to play the ball smart, then worry less about length and more about accuracy.
For most golfers trying to break 90, the best strategy is to treat par 5s as three-shot holes. On your second shot, focus on positioning rather than distance.
Lay up to your most comfortable wedge distance, avoiding hazards. This strategy gives you the best chance for a birdie opportunity or a safe par.
What percentage of men break 90 in golf?
The percentage of male golfers who break 90 is small, with estimates ranging from 20% to 25% of all male golfers.
Some golfing experts have challenged this figure because golfers do not regularly play by USGA rules at their local golf club, so it might actually be much smaller.
Regardless of the controversy, all golfers can agree breaking 90 is a significant milestone in golf that separates casual players from more skilled amateurs.
It’s worth noting that many golfers may break 90 occasionally but struggle to do so consistently.
Regularly shooting under 90 typically requires a combination of solid technique, management skills, and mental fortitude.
As other golfers improve and break 90 more often, many set their sights on the next milestone of breaking 80, achieved by an even smaller percentage of players.