Breaking 90: Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Answers

Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a new GOLF.com series where we share insights, improvements, and experiences from amateur golfers. Today, we focus on breaking 90, a milestone that represents playing bogey golf and serves as a stepping stone to better performance on the course.

Reaching a point where your scores consistently hover around 90 requires skill, practice, and good habits. To help you achieve this goal, we have enlisted the expertise of GOLF Teacher to Watch, Chris George.

Practice Routine 1 – Driving Accuracy

Hitting more fairways is an essential aspect of breaking 90. In this practice routine, we focus on improving accuracy with your tee shot, including par-3s. Losing fewer balls, especially on shorter holes, is crucial.

First, identify the par-3 yardages you often encounter and select two distances that pose a challenge for you. Allocate seven minutes to practice hitting shots at each of these distances.

During this practice, pay close attention to the technical aspects of your swing. Work on reducing the dispersion of your shot pattern while improving your distance control.

To minimize dispersion, try this technique: hold four fingers up on each hand and visualize the fairway between your index fingers while they touch. If either of your ring fingers falls within a penalty area or the woods, adjust them so they do not. Aim between your two index fingers to account for most of your dispersion, including errant shots.

By learning to consistently finish the ball within the boundaries of your pinkies, you can avoid losing as many golf balls. This reduction in strokes brings you closer to breaking 90 more consistently.

To track your progress, select a target on the range and use your four fingers to create boundaries on each side. Hit 10 tee shots toward your target and note how many shots remain within your four-finger dispersion.

Practice Routine 2 – Wedge Play

Improving your wedge play is pivotal to limiting unnecessary strokes around the putting surface. In this practice routine, we will focus on enhancing your touch with wedges, ultimately positioning yourself for shorter putts.

One effective drill involves hitting greenside wedge shots inside specific target areas. Aim to land 49 percent of these shots within 12 feet of the hole, and 17 percent within six feet. To practice, set up a hula hoop 3-5 feet onto the green and hit shots for five minutes, concentrating on landing the ball inside the hoop. This exercise requires adjusting your swing speed to control the carry distance and precisely land the ball within the hula hoop.

Next, work on launching the ball at different heights with various wedges. Spend five minutes hitting shots with the objective of landing the ball inside the hula hoop. To achieve a lower launch, create a shaft lean toward the target at impact. For a higher launch, maintain a neutral shaft position at impact.

Now, let’s explore additional practice drills to improve your short game.

H3: Short-Game Drill

This drill focuses on various scenarios, progressively increasing in difficulty:

1. Level 1: Execute an easy fairway chip or putt to within 20 feet of the hole.
2. Level 2: Perform a tight lie fairway chip to within 30 yards of the hole.
3. Level 3: Execute a chip or pitch over a hill, leaving the ball 30 yards from the hole.
4. Level 4: Navigate a short-sided fairway lie to within 30 yards of the hole.

Only when you successfully complete all four levels can you consider the challenge accomplished. Completing this drill contributes to your potential to break 90 and consistently shoot in the lower-to-mid-80s. It helps you hit more greens in regulation, eliminate double-bogeys, and execute greenside wedge shots inside 12 feet.

Remember, what you practice is essential, but how you practice is vital to your success on the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I break 90 in golf?

Breaking 90 in golf requires skill, practice, and good habits. Focus on improving your driving accuracy and wedge play, two critical areas that can impact your scores. Implement the practice routines mentioned above to enhance your performance and increase consistency.

Can I still break 90 with occasional mishits?

Absolutely! Breaking 90 does not require perfection. Limiting mistakes to just one shot and not allowing a bad hole to snowball into multiple errant shots or three-putts is key. Consistent practice and adequate preparation are crucial for achieving this milestone.

How do I improve my wedge play?

To improve your wedge play, focus on developing touch and precision. Practice hitting greenside wedge shots within specific target areas, such as a hula hoop placed on the green. Additionally, work on launching the ball at varying heights with different wedges. These drills will help you dial in your distance control and land the ball closer to the hole.

H4: What is the importance of practice in breaking 90?

Practice is vital for breaking 90 in golf. It enables you to refine your skills, develop good habits, and build consistency. By incorporating the recommended practice routines into your training regimen, you can enhance your performance and improve your scores over time.