Struggling to break 100 in golf? It’s frustrating, right? You know what I’m talking about—those rounds where you’re close, but just can’t seem to pull it together.

Breaking 100 is a milestone that every golfer wants to reach. It’s not just about the score. It’s about proving to yourself that you can play this game well enough to keep it in double digits.

Master the Basics

First off, you’ve got to nail down the basics. No fancy tricks here, just pure fundamentals. Your grip, stance, and alignment need to be on point.

Ben Hogan, a golf legend, always emphasised the importance of a proper grip. He said the way you hold the club can make or break your game. So, let’s start there.

Grip

A strong grip will give you control. But don’t overdo it. Think of it like holding a tube of toothpaste. Too tight, and it’ll explode. Too loose, and it’ll slip. The grip should feel secure but relaxed. Phil Mickelson’s grip is a perfect example to study. He keeps it light, but firm.

Stance

Next up is your stance. If your stance is off, you’re going to have a bad time. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees.

Tiger Woods always says, “Balance is key.” If you’re swaying all over the place, your shots will be inconsistent. Focus on keeping your weight centred. This will help you hit the ball cleanly.

Alignment

Alignment is the last piece of the puzzle. You can have a perfect grip and stance, but if you’re not aligned properly, the ball is going nowhere near your target.

Align your body parallel to the target line. Imagine there’s a railroad track. Your feet are on one track, and the ball is on the other. That’s how you want to line up every time.

How To Break 100 in Golf: Course Management Strategies

Now, let’s talk about course management. This is where most golfers slip up. They’re so focused on hitting the perfect shot, they forget to play smart.

Play Smart

You don’t have to be a pro to break 100. You just need to play smart. Here’s what I mean:

• Avoid Hazards: If there’s water or a bunker, don’t aim for it. Aim to avoid it. Simple, right?
• Play to Your Strengths: If you’re good with your irons, use them. Don’t pull out your driver just because you’re on a par 4.
• Keep the Ball in Play: Focus on keeping the ball on the fairway. You don’t need to bomb it 300 yards. Just keep it in play.

Plan Your Shots

Before you take any shot, have a plan. Visualise where you want the ball to go. Pinehurst Resort is known for its tricky layout.

The golfers who score well there are the ones who plan every shot. They don’t just swing and hope. They have a strategy. And that’s what you need.

How To Break 100 in Golf: Practice the Short Game

The short game is where rounds are won or lost. If you want to break 100 in golf, you need to get good around the greens.

Putting

Let’s start with putting. Dave Pelz, a short game coach, always emphasises the importance of putting. You can’t ignore it. The average golfer takes about 36 putts per round.

If you can shave off just a few of those, you’re on your way to breaking 100.

• Practice Your Stroke: Go to the putting green and work on your stroke. Focus on keeping it smooth and controlled.
• Read the Greens: Take your time to read the greens. Look for slopes and breaks. The more you practise, the better you’ll get at reading them.

Chipping

Next up is chipping. A solid chip can save you from a bad hole. Tiger Woods is a master at this. He’s known for his incredible touch around the greens.

• Use the Right Club: Choose the right club for the situation. A pitching wedge for longer chips, and a sand wedge for shorter ones.
• Focus on Contact: Your main goal is to make solid contact with the ball. Don’t try to be fancy. Just get the ball on the green. And remember, practising at home can be just as effective; check out how you can practice golf at home.

How To Break 100 in Golf: Mental Game & Consistency

Golf isn’t just about the physical. Your mental game plays a huge role. Staying calm under pressure and keeping your focus is crucial if you want to break 100 in golf.

Stay Calm

You’re going to face tough shots. It’s inevitable. But don’t let them get to you. Remember, every golfer has bad shots. The difference between those who break 100 and those who don’t is how they handle those shots.

Consistency Over Perfection

You don’t need to be perfect to break 100. You just need to be consistent. Focus on hitting solid shots. Tiger Woods once said, “Golf is a game of misses.”

Even the best players in the world don’t hit perfect shots every time. So, stop aiming for perfection. Aim for consistency instead.