Scoring 100 in golf is a massive accomplishment and not something just anyone can do. In fact, only a select few golfers can do it every single time they play golf. So if you’re one of the lucky few who can consistently break 100, you have our respect!
But if you’re not there yet, don’t worry – it’s totally possible to break 100 more often than not with the right golf strategies. You might even be a little surprised by how small changes can make a big difference in your score.
What’s With Breaking 100 In Golf?
So, if you’re passionate about playing golf, you’ve probably heard the old phrase ‘breaking 100’. Some people can go their whole lives never getting there, and they’re totally fine with that. But if you’re like most, you’re determined to cross that milestone and make your golf game way more fun (not to mention satisfying).
Well, the good news is, if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, you can totally achieve your goal. No, really, it happens – more often than you might think. Sometimes golfers break 100 right away, and other times it can take a little while. It all depends on how dedicated you are to improving your game.
So make your commitment, follow the strategy below, and you’ll be breaking 100 before you know it.
How To Break 100 In Golf: Your Strategy
If you want to hit 100 in golf, you better have an ace up your sleeve! You need to have an effective strategy in place for every aspect of the golf course. Don’t overcomplicate things; it’s best to keep it simple. But, you do need to be aware and on your toes, or else it won’t work.
Let’s break it down, so you can make breaking 100 in golf your new normal.
Teeing off
We all know that if you can hit a good tee shot, your chances of getting a decent score are way better. Unfortunately, mistakes off the tee box can mess that up.
Right off the bat, you have to plan your shot and make sure you’re aiming in the right direction. Even if you would usually fade the golf ball, you can still aim slightly left.
And, don’t forget, you don’t always need to use your driver for a tee shot. Many amateur golfers forget that it’s really not always a big necessity. If there’s an opportunity for a shot to go badly wrong, don’t be afraid to hit a hybrid or other reliable club such as a fairway wood.
The main aim here is to avoid trouble – because that can mean double bogeys and scores over 100. So, plan your shots and choose those golf clubs wisely, y’all!
Lastly, let’s get something straight: Pre-shot routines are key. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, just something that gets you mentally and physically pumped, confident, and ready to swing. That way, you can hit a solid shot and start off the hole right – even if it doesn’t always go as planned.
On the fairway
Don’t get too aggressive with your fairway shots! This is usually where golfers go wrong. If you’re 170 yards from the green, chances are you’re not going to make it. Instead, try to find a layup area around the green that’ll accept a shot that’s easier to hit – and make sure it’s away from any sand traps or water hazards.
So if you ‘re 170 yards from the green, hit a 140-yard shot to a less risky spot and then a 30-yard pitch to the green. Think of the golf course as something worth tackling instead of something that’s tackling you! Don’t wait for the perfect distance shot. If you want that distance, create it yourself.
And when you’re on a par 5, for instance, pay extra attention to the distance – and all those nasty trouble spots. If the pin is lurking behind a bunker, getting the ball to the front of the green is just fine, so don’t sweat the small stuff.
Chipping
If you’re seriously committed to breaking 100, it’s time to get serious about your chip shot and pitching skills. You know, it’s not just about breaking 100, this stuff can help you break 90, too. I mean, your approach shots may not always be perfect, but if you can master chipping and pitching, you can get yourself on the green with a good chance of making par.
Plus, you might even one putt for par – now that’s something to celebrate come the 19th hole!
For chip shots and pitching, you need to be able to hit both higher and lower shots with the right club.
Putting
Ah, putting. Golfers either love it or loathe it, right? Maybe your golfing buddies are passionate about the art of putting, but you would rather boil your head than have to perform too many putts.
If you want to break 100 while golfing, you have toimprove your short game and avoid three putts like the plague! Three-putting is a sure-fire way to make your score higher than it needs to be. Get yourself some alignment sticks and practice your putting from 3 feet out on the putting green. Work on your grip and get comfortable with your putter.
Then, all you have to do is get the golf ball within that three-foot circle. A lot of people shooting over 100 are hitting it halfway to the hole or 7 feet past. So, yeah, don’t do that.
You should also think about lag putting; a putting technique used to aim for a target line. It involves accelerating the putter through impact and releasing the putter head down the line toward the target after impact. The purpose of this type of putting is to hit the ball with a consistently accurate distance, rather than purely aiming for the hole.
Even if you take five to 10 minutes each golf session to perfect your stroke, learn to become more consistent, and understand how you can master putts, you’ll start to find your score lowering.
The bunker
Lots of golfers find themselves stumped when faced with bunker shots. But don’t worry – there’s a pretty simple trick to mastering them.
Here’s what you need to do: grab your most lofted club, adjust the face open, get the golf ball lined up with your left heel, and then bend your knees a bit more than you usually would. Now all you have to do is feel like you’re gliding the golf club right under the ball at impact.
Doing this will give you more loft, and better control of the distance.
Top Tips To Help You Break 100 In Golf
Below are a few extra tips in order to help you break 100 on the course. Don’t say we aren’t good to you!
Break up the round
Consider breaking up your round into six, three-hole sections. Set yourself a scoring target for each section, and you’ll find it’s much easier to track your progress throughout the round. It also makes what can be a potentially daunting prospect of a full round of 18 holes feel a little more manageable. Give it a try – you might be surprised at how well it works.
Hone your alignment
Do you know why the best players in the world take the time to check their alignment regularly? It’s because proper alignment can help you hit golf balls with more accuracy and power.
As briefly mentioned earlier, to check your alignment, you should set up two alignment sticks – one pointing at your target and the other parallel to the first, a few feet closer to the ball. This will help you ensure both your body and clubface are perfectly square.
Relax
When you’re out on the course, you’re constantly trying to make sure you don’t mess up your score, and that’s a huge task.
But it’s important to remember to chill out between shots. Give your brain a break and chat with your golf buddies for a bit. It really can help you relax and refocus when it’s time to take your next shot. That way, you’ll be able to stay concentrated for the whole game – which is no small feat.
Another way to stay focused and relaxed on the course is to consider your breathing. It’s an easy, powerful, and effective way to keep your cool and stay in the zone. Between each golf swing, take a few deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, focusing on your breath and letting your mind relax as you execute the golf swing.
After a few breaths, you’ll be ready to take your next shot – whether it’s a chip shot or a putt – with a clear head and steady hand.
Hit the driving range and practice green
Most golf courses these days tend to have a driving range and practice green where you can, well, practice. Visiting both now and again definitely won’t hurt your chances of breaking 100. You can practice everything from improving your distance, understanding your clubs better, how to hit straight, fat shots, the ball position… the list goes on and on.
This invaluable practice can help to improve your average score, making it easier to hit a few pars and eventually break 100.
FAQs
Do many golfers manage to break 100?
Generally speaking, around half of amateur golfers can break 100. If you follow our hints and tips for success, there’s no reason you can’t join them.
What are the benefits of breaking 100 in golf?
For one, you get the ultimate bragging rights! Scoring 100 in golf isn’t always easy, so if you manage it, scream it from the rooftops, we say. It will also increase your skill level, your overall confidence on the course, gain you respect, and, let’s be honest, it’s just a really cool accolade to have under your belt.