Breaking 90 is one of golf's most satisfying milestones. The good news? You don't need a perfect swing to get there. Most golfers break 90 by making smarter decisions, not bigger swings.
1. Play to the Fat Side of the Green
Stop aiming at tucked pins. When the flag is on the left side of the green with a bunker guarding it, aim center or even right-center. Getting on the green in regulation — anywhere on the green — is worth far more than a hero shot that ends up in a bunker.
The math is simple: a two-putt from 30 feet beats a bunker shot and two putts every time.
2. Take One More Club
Most amateurs come up short. On approach shots, grab one club more than you think you need. There's almost always more trouble short of the green than behind it, and you rarely make perfect contact anyway.
If you're between a 7 and 8 iron, take the 7.
3. Eliminate the Big Numbers
A triple bogey wrecks your card more than a birdie helps it. When you're in trouble — deep rough, behind trees, bad lie — take your medicine. Punch out to the fairway and play for bogey. A bogey from trouble is a win.
The fastest way to lower your score isn't making more birdies. It's turning triples into bogeys.
4. Own Your 100-Yard Shot
You will hit from around 100 yards multiple times per round. Pick one club for that distance and practice it until it's automatic. Whether it's a full sand wedge or a smooth pitching wedge, know exactly what that shot looks like.
This one skill alone can save you 3-5 strokes per round.
5. Develop a Pre-Shot Routine for Putts
Three-putts kill scores. Before every putt:
- Read the break from behind the ball
- Pick a specific target line
- Take two practice strokes for feel
- Step in and go
The routine builds consistency. You don't need to be a great putter — you need to avoid bad putts. A solid routine eliminates the rushed, careless strokes that lead to three-putts.
The Bottom Line
Breaking 90 is about eliminating mistakes, not creating highlights. Play smart, manage your misses, and the score takes care of itself. Focus on these five areas for your next five rounds and track your progress — you'll be surprised how quickly the numbers drop.