Breaking 90 consistently puts you in the top 26% of all golfers – an exclusive club that separates casual players from skilled enthusiasts. If you're tired of posting scores in the 90s, these proven strategies will help you join this select group of players.
According to the National Golf Foundation, only about a quarter of golfers consistently break 90, while nearly half regularly score above 100. The difference isn't just talent – it's smart play, consistent practice, and mental toughness.
So, to help you in that quest, we've listed some standout tips which will give you a better chance of going lower than ever.
1. Get Professional Guidance
While breaking 100 might be possible with swing flaws, breaking 90 demands addressing fundamental technique issues. Working with a coach—even for just a few targeted lessons—can identify and fix the swing problems holding you back.
The Skillest app offers a convenient alternative to in-person coaching. Simply upload swing videos to connect with elite instructors who can analyze your technique and provide personalized feedback.
2. Develop a Structured Practice Routine
Improvement requires purposeful practice between rounds. Divide your time between driving range work, short game practice, and putting sessions.
The CORE Golf app makes practice more effective by:
Fighting range boredom with targeted drills
Tracking your progress to visualize improvement
Sending scheduled reminders to maintain consistency
Adjusting difficulty as your skills improve
On game day, arrive 30 minutes early for a proper warm-up. Spend equal time on your full swing, wedge shots, and putting—with special attention to getting comfortable with the green speed that day.
3. Master the First Tee Mentality
First-hole nerves affect every player, regardless of skill level. The key is maintaining your pre-shot routine despite anxiety. Focus on making a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to crush the ball.
Remember: breaking 90 is about avoiding disasters. A solid bogey is infinitely better than a blow-up hole.
4. Embrace Course Management Strategy
Breaking 90 requires making smarter decisions, not just better swings. Play to your strengths and recognize when to be conservative. When facing trouble, prioritize getting back in play rather than attempting heroic recovery shots. The difference between shooting 89 and 92 often comes down to eliminating just one or two double bogeys per round.
Use the "2/3 rule" for club selection—choose a club that will get you to 2/3 of the total distance, giving yourself a comfortable approach shot.
5. Focus on Scoring Shots Statistics
Focus on Scoring Shots Statistics show that roughly 60-65% of golf shots occur within 100 yards of the hole. Dedicate significant practice time to your wedge play, chipping, and putting. Create a reliable go-to shot from 40-80 yards that you can execute under pressure. Many golfers breaking 90 for the first time credit improved wedge play as the difference-maker.
Practice the 5-foot circle drill: place 10 balls in a circle around a hole, each 5 feet away, and aim to make at least 7 out of 10. This builds confidence for those crucial par-saving putts.
6. Track Your Performance Data
Use our Hole19 app to identify patterns in your game. Breaking 90 becomes much easier when you understand where your strokes are actually being lost. Key metrics to track include:
- Fairways hit (driving accuracy)
- Greens in regulation
- Up-and-down percentage
- Putts per round
Looking to improve your golf game with practical tools? Download the Hole19 app to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Join over 4 million golfers worldwide who trust Hole19 to enhance their experience on the course.
