This is the easiest way to think about breaking 90

Golf lessons are constantly evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new Timeless Tips series, we highlight some of the best advice teachers and players have shared in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we’re looking back at our February 2001 issue for some advice on how to break into your 90s.

Golf is a game of milestones. In the beginning it’s all about making your first par. Then you start focusing on scores. The first time you exceed 100…90…80. It’s an exciting chase.

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in the same boat. And judging by the headline, you are among the many who want to break 90 for the first time.

If that sounds like you, you’re in luck. In the February 2001 issue GOLF Magazineour editors have put together a piece that outlines for the first time an easy way to break 90. Follow the advice and you’ll be well on your way to posting scores in the 80s.

How to break 90

Do you find it difficult to consistently get your playing into the 80s? Maybe it’s a mental problem: very often golfers get stuck in a comfort zone (say, the low 90s), where the psychological hurdle to taking it to the next level seems insurmountable. Realize this: Unless you have a serious case of yips or shanks, there’s no reason why even the smallest hitters can’t regularly score in the mid-to-high 80s.

Here’s proof of how easy it is.

All you need is 1 par

If your course has a par of 72, a score of 89 is 17 over par. That means you only need to make one par during the round to break 90. But remember that one par is all you need, provided you bogey the other 17 holes. Anything worse than a bogey, and you need more pars. This sheds light on the biggest key to scoring for the mid-handicapper: eliminate your double bogeys (or worse), and breaking 90 is a piece of cake.

What to work on

There are three likely culprits for double bogeys: stroke penalties (water hazards, out of bounds), botched shots around the green, and three putts.

As a straight hitter, you probably don’t flirt with the off-court bets, so your ball might find the water a few times per round. Then you take unnecessary risks. Stay out of trouble in almost all conditions and play for bogey if necessary. It may seem conservative, but you will surprise yourself with the number of fours you make if your target score is five. Plus, any number is much more satisfying than a six or seven.

Take a similar approach around the greens. If your good shots are combined with a few mistakes, you are either losing concentration or trying to hit those shots too precisely. Keep your short game simple: Stick to the basics of chipping and pitching and try to place the ball as close to the hole as possible. But most of all, make sure you take your next photo. Don’t try to be a hero if failure means missing the green.

Eliminating three-putts is about awareness, and that starts before your ball hits the green. Look at the undulations of the green as you study your chip or pitch. Without putting too much pressure on yourself, know that leaving a flat or uphill putt will dramatically reduce your chances of three-putting. The same goes for your first or lag putt. Always look for the desired angle for your second putt and allow for a miss ending on that side. You’ll be surprised at the number of second putts you make if they aren’t smooth, downhill benders.

Put it all together

If you can eliminate these mistakes—penalties, missed shots, and three-putts—breaking 90 won’t be a problem. You’re in danger of going over 80 instead. Consider this a goal and proof that playing good golf is not just about hitting great shots not disastrous encounter.

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