Breaking 90 is a major milestone for most golfers. I broke 90 a long time ago, but it took a great deal of time to break 80. During my transition years, I struggled with skills I needed to hone in order to consistently break 90. I have my own view, but I found a video that might be more helpful. Regardless of the advice you decide to follow or make up your own, consistency of effort is very important.

I am not an expert, however after playing in the 70s for 25 years or so, I figure I have a few tips that might help. I have suggested them before and I think they are still valid. Here are my five main points I think players wanting to break 90 should focus on:

1. Practice Putting more than your driver
2. Practice using middle irons and approach shots
3. Know your distances for your clubs
4. Introduce course management.
5. Always aim for the middle of the green. Forget pin hunting.

You can see that these suggestions cover all areas of a golfers game except off the tee. This is something that comes later after you are already breaking 90 consistently. I know some of you will disagree, but we have to start somewhere. So, my suggestions are slightly different than the video below, well actually, only one is the same.

To recap the video:

• 1. Driving Distance Tip – where are you losing strokes on your drives? Is it lack of distance, or lack of accuracy?
• 2. Hybrid Tip – if you aren’t getting a lot of golf practice in, you probably have a lot of inconsistency in your long irons. Hybrids tend to be more forgiving in the golf swing than long irons.
• 3. Short Game Tip – should you really be using multiple wedges if you don’t have the time to practice and master each one? Instead, focus on mastering one wedge for your short game!
• 4. Putting Tips – around 20+ feet, even the Tour players are more likely to 3 putt than they are to 1 putt. Make sure you understand lag putting!
• 5. Course Management Tip – understand your abilities on the golf course, as well as what shots you aren’t capable of hitting. When you get in trouble, get out and get back into play as easily as possible.
• Bonus Tip – Bunkers are the most feared place on the golf course for many amateur golfers. Take a few pointers into the bunker with you to manage these shots and keep your round going!

There is no definitive answer here. You can pick and choose which tip works for you, but as I mentioned earlier, being consistent in your approach is very important in order to break 90.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!