Whether you're an avid player or even a weekend warrior, there's no doubt that on the field, everyone wants the chance to swipe some solid shots while playing a relaxing game outdoors.
If breaking 100 is what you're looking for, then don't sweat it. Breaking 100 is considerably known for being meant for relatively new or less consistent players, meaning that it's more than a beatable achievement that any hard-working golfer could manage.
Why Do Most Golfers Want to Break 100?
If you are new to the game of golf and looking for a score that proves your newfound abilities, breaking 100 is where it's at. For many amateur golfers, achieving a 99 or lower is a big step in showing your improvement as a player.
Many players try to overcomplicate this goal by buying expensive, impractical equipment and switching between too many swing changes. But hitting that 99th point is all about management within the game. Any old clubs and a little elbow grease will get you to that magical number.
According to the National Golf Foundation's data, around 60% of golfers can break 100 on a regular basis after 1 to 2 years of practice.
Making it the first of many golfing milestones, aspiring players consider it a stepping stone towards the big leagues.
What's A Professional's Average?
In the PGA Tour for Men, the average score for the 2020 season was 70.1 for an 18-hole course. With an amazingly low average of 69.32 from Daniel Berger.
On the LPGA tour, 67.32 was their 2020 average. Brook M. Henderson carrying the lowest score.
It can be said that only .03% of everyday golfers will ever reach averages similar to that of a professional player but don't let statics deter you from trying to make it big!
Basic Playing Strategies
A player's top priority is to keep their golf ball in play as often as they can. Having an inkling on the tee box? Then it's best to take a step back and put your not-so-trusted driver back in its bag and go for more of a hybrid shot to stay on course.
Setting short term-goals and having a plan is the best bet for an improved game. To help with that, we created a list of helpful strategies below; a great spot to jot down some notes for a few tactics you might have missed in your quest to hit that score of 99 or less.
Keep it Simple:
Believe it or not, you actually don't need to make any pairs or birdies to help your score in breaking 100. Getting your head in the game and making some simple, easy to control plays is a better option until you understand your clubs and the game better, as many mistakes tend to happen for those who run in headfirst.
Avoid putting your ball through the trees and take a moment to assess your approach in much smaller increments within the green area because let's face it, it's never fun fishing your ball out of the pond!
Tally Your Score at the End
Managing your expectations as a player is one of the most essential pieces to becoming a better golfer. If you get nervous about your last few shots, it's best not to know what exact goal you need to win.
If you choose to focus on the outcome, you won't have complete focus on the shots you're playing. Calculating your score near the end is your best solution for just enjoying the game without any added pressures to break 100.
Play the Ball in the Air
Another fundamental piece of knowledge to remember is to try and cut the distance with a soaring hit. This means fewer shots in a total game, as it can always be used as a backup if having to add points from an a-wire swing.
The most important thing to remember when making that initial tee shot is to not help the drive. Most beginners forget that their clubs are built to assist the ball get up in the air and don't need any extra force from the swing.
Instead of trying to give the shot power, remember to assist the ball by hitting downwards; this keeps a straight alignment with the ball and creates less curvature keeping it on its course and away from the crowd.
Don't Fear the Bunker Shots
Most beginners and even some long-time players are afraid of the sandpits. The fear of being stuck and having that lack of confidence in whether they can make it out without picking up and throwing the ball with their hands leads to big numbers and skulls. Learning to utilize the pit is a great attribute for wanting to break 100.
It's a simple enough process with a very memorable rule of once you're in the pit, never hit the ball, hit the sand (your club will cut through the sand and glide under your ball). Using a steep angle attack and aggressively hinging your wrists, that ball will be as good as free.
Less than 3 rule
This is an area where players who struggle to break 100 will lose many of their strokes. Minimizing the number of short putts will allow players to lessen their score to something closer to the 90s while leaving plenty of room for mistakes.
The trick to this is to use less of a swing and work in a more pendulum-style fashion by letting the length of your backswing control your putt. It's also notable to keep a steady head in a downwards position throughout the entire stroke of the putt.
Conclusion
No one said golfing was an easy sport. When it comes down to its bases, Golfing is more of a personal challenge than anything else as most players feel a need to prove to others and themselves that they can finish a game with a good score.
When trying to break 100, it's always good to remember to have fun and that it's a great learning experience. With some time and practice, you will be breaking 70's in no time.
Looking to break 100? Then make sure you check out Back 2 Basics Golf for Rangefinders, Putting Minors, Apparel and more!
Leave a comment