Breaking 90: Strategies for Intermediate Golfers

Breaking 90 is a milestone that many golfers strive for, signaling that you’ve moved beyond the beginner phase and are on your way to becoming a skilled player. It’s a challenging yet achievable goal that requires not just skill but also strategy and mental discipline. If you’re consistently shooting in the 90s and want to make the jump, this guide is for you. Here are some actionable strategies to help you break 90 and take your game to the next level.

1. Focus on Course Management, Not Just Your Swing

One of the biggest differences between golfers who break 90 and those who don’t is smart course management. This means thinking strategically about each shot and playing to your strengths.

• Play to the Fat Part of the Fairway: Don’t always aim for maximum distance; instead, aim for a safe spot that gives you a good angle for your next shot. Playing from the rough or hazards will cost you strokes.

• Lay Up When Necessary: Instead of going for the green on a long par 5 or risky approach shot, consider laying up to a comfortable distance. A controlled shot from 100 yards often yields better results than trying to pull off a miracle shot.

• Avoid Big Numbers: Sometimes the best decision is to take your medicine and get back into play rather than attempting a hero shot. Avoiding double and triple bogeys is crucial to keeping your score under 90.

2. Master Your Short Game

Improving your short game is the quickest way to lower your scores. Even if you miss the green, you can still save par or bogey by getting up and down from around the green.

• Practice Chipping and Pitching: Spend time practicing different lies and situations around the green. Work on hitting consistent, controlled chips and pitches that leave you with short putts.

• Prioritize Putting Practice: Focus on making more putts inside 10 feet and getting your lag putts within a tap-in range. Practicing your putting can save you strokes immediately.

• Develop a Reliable Bunker Play: Many intermediate golfers struggle with bunker shots, leading to blow-up holes. Learn the basics of bunker play, like keeping an open clubface and making a confident, committed swing.

3. Keep Your Drives in Play

Hitting long drives feels great, but it’s far more important to keep the ball in play. Finding the fairway regularly will set you up for easier approach shots.

• Focus on Accuracy Over Distance: Aim for control, not just power. A shorter drive in the fairway is always better than a long drive in the woods or water.

• Use the Right Club Off the Tee: If your driver is inconsistent, consider using a 3-wood, hybrid, or even an iron off the tee to keep the ball in play. Sacrificing a little distance can lead to better scores.

4. Eliminate Penalty Strokes

Penalty strokes are the quickest way to ruin your scorecard. Reducing or eliminating these mistakes will make breaking 90 much more attainable.

• Avoid Water and Out-of-Bounds: If a hole has hazards, aim away from them, even if it means taking a longer route to the hole.

• Know When to Take a Drop: Instead of trying to hit a difficult recovery shot, sometimes taking an unplayable drop is the smarter move. A one-stroke penalty is better than trying to play from an impossible lie.

5. Have a Solid Pre-Shot Routine

A consistent pre-shot routine can improve your focus and help you make better decisions under pressure.

• Visualize the Shot: Before hitting, take a moment to picture the ideal shot in your mind. This will help you commit fully to your swing.

• Stay Positive and Confident: Focus on what you want to happen, not what you fear might go wrong. Confidence breeds good shots.

• Breathe and Relax: Take a deep breath before each shot to relax your body and clear your mind. Playing tense will only lead to mistakes.

6. Track Your Stats and Identify Weaknesses

Keeping track of your statistics—like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round—will help you understand where you’re losing strokes.

• Use Apps or Scorecards: Utilize golf apps or simply note key stats on your scorecard. Review your performance to pinpoint areas for improvement.

• Set Specific Goals: If you’re missing too many greens, work on your approach shots. If putting is a problem, dedicate more practice time to the green.

7. Stay Patient and Manage Expectations

Golf is a game of highs and lows, and even the best players have bad holes. The key is to manage your emotions and not let one mistake snowball into a string of bad holes.

• Don’t Chase a Score: Focus on each shot as it comes rather than thinking about your overall score. This helps keep you in the moment.

• Keep a Positive Attitude: A good attitude can help you bounce back from mistakes. Stay calm, and don’t let frustration ruin your round.

Final Thoughts

Breaking 90 is as much about mental discipline and strategy as it is about skill. By focusing on course management, honing your short game, minimizing penalties, and staying mentally tough, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goal. Remember, every golfer’s journey is different, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Keep these strategies in mind during your next round, and you’ll be breaking 90 before you know it!