How to Break 80

Crossing the barrier from low 80’s to high 70’s is a very challenging yet achievable thing to do.  Once you do it, you come to the realization it is possible and that you should shoot for even lower scores.  But that itself is no easy task.  The average golfer shoots around 97 for 18 holes so it might be crazy to think they could break 80.  But for those close to doing it, let’s explore how to make the jump. 

Just Tap It In

 A big piece of the puzzle comes down to putting.  From experience, low rounds I’ve shot are rounds where my putting is solid.  You can’t expect to make every putt but if you eliminate or minimize 3-putts, that can go a long way to a good score. 

The leader in putting on the PGA tour averaged 27.7 putts per round in 2014.  It is no question they can shoot low scores.  Set a goal to have less than 30 putts in a round and with good iron play, you will have a chance at a low score.

You can’t miss the short ones.  The tap-in putts need to go down on the first try.  You cannot expect to give away shots like that and still shoot well.  While making the short ones is a must, I believe another key to going low is to make one or more longer and more unexpected putts.

Minimize Mistakes

Next it is important to not give away shots.  Eliminate penalties and stupid mental mistakes.  By keeping the ball in play and dry is crucial to scoring.  To help do this, reduce risk and play smart.  For example, if you have a tucked pin with water a few yards off the green, maybe it is best to go with the safe shot at the middle of the green where par is a good option and move on to the next.

At the end of the day you just simply need to execute and have fun.  If you can get hot with the putter and keep the ball in play, you should have a good chance at breaking 80 given your tee-green game is alright. You do not need to be perfect in every part of your game, just good.  79 is, in a lot of cases, 7 over par and that certainly is not perfect.

I think it would be beneficial to check out Breaking 80 as the article dives into more of the actual swing tips to assist in your quest at breaking 80.

Breaking 80 is a very rewarding feeling that may not be able to be reached by all.  However, plenty of us can.  You can too.