How to Break 90 in Golf: A Realistic Game Plan That Works
- Next Shot Golf
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Introduction
If you’ve ever walked off the 18th green staring at an 89 on your scorecard, you know the feeling—pure golf bliss. But if you’re stuck in the 90s, you’re not alone. Breaking 90 is one of the biggest milestones for amateur golfers, and for good reason: it takes real strategy, consistent ball striking, and just enough short game to keep your card intact.
The good news? You don’t need to bomb 300-yard drives or make a bunch of birdies to shoot in the 80s. You just need a smarter approach, fewer blowup holes, and a little discipline.
Let’s break down exactly what it takes—and how you can do it.
The Score Breakdown: What It Actually Takes to Break 90
Let’s keep it simple:
Par 72 course
Shoot 89 or better
That’s 17 bogeys and 1 par, or 9 bogeys and 9 pars
No birdies required. You just need to avoid the big numbers.
The Mindset Shift: Stop Playing for Hero Shots
The #1 thing that keeps most golfers from breaking 90? Trying to play like a pro instead of playing smart golf.
Stop going for the green in two on long par 5s.
Lay up when there’s trouble.
Use your “go-to” club off the tee when accuracy matters more than distance.
Golf isn’t about the best shot—it’s about the least bad shots.
Course Management: Play to Your Strengths
Play your 2nd shot to your favorite yardage (even if that means laying up)
Avoid hazards like they’re lava—don’t bring double or triple into play
Play one shot ahead—think about where you want to hit your next shot from
Pro Tip: Keep a notepad or scorecard notes. Track where you miss, what shots cost you strokes, and what’s working. Patterns matter.
Tee Shots: Get It in Play
You don’t need a driver on every hole. Seriously.
Use whatever club keeps you in the fairway—even if it’s a hybrid or 5-iron.
Fairway > Distance
Miss small – If you fade it, aim left. Play your miss.
Pre-shot routine helps reduce tension and improve consistency.
Approach Shots: Middle of the Green Is Sexy
Trying to stick it to a tucked pin is how you go from par to double. Play it smart:
Aim for the center of the green—not the pin
Club up if you're between clubs (short misses are score killers)
Know your yardages—use a rangefinder or GPS app
Short Game: The 3-Shot Killer
This is where 90 gets protected—or blown up.
Practice chipping and pitching 3x more than you think you should
Pick one chipping technique and stick with it
Always leave yourself an uphill putt if possible
Quick Drill: Place a towel 3 feet past the hole and practice landing chips that stop before it. Helps train touch and distance control.
Putting: 2-Putt Every Green
Lag putting is your friend.
Focus on distance control, not just line
Practice 10–30 footers more than short putts
Don’t chase birdies—chase safe two-putts
Goal: Eliminate 3-putts and you’ll shave strokes without realizing it.
Gear Check (Subtle Affiliate Angle)
Breaking 90 doesn’t require new clubs—but a few tools can help:
A rangefinder or GPS app can eliminate guesswork on approach shots. Even a basic one can help you tremendously by knowing how far your shot is. Amazon has a deal going on this rangefinder for less than $100 right now.
A good practice mat and putting mat at home = daily reps, even in bad weather
A golf stat tracking app or spreadsheet can help you identify where you’re losing strokes
Sample Game Plan: Breaking 90 Round Strategy
Hole | Strategy |
Par 4 | Tee off with hybrid to fairway, second shot to center green, two-putt for par or bogey |
Par 3 | Club up, aim center of green, avoid bunkers, take a two-putt |
Par 5 | Lay up, keep ball in play, get on in 3, play for par or safe bogey |
Stick to that, and you're giving yourself a chance every round.
Final Thoughts How to Break 90 in golf: You’re Closer Than You Think
Most golfers who are stuck in the 90s are only a handful of smart decisions and simple habits away from the 80s.
Avoid big numbers
Play to your strengths
Respect the short game
Track your misses
Think one shot ahead
Stick to the plan—and your next round might just be your best yet.
Want a free stat tracker to measure your progress toward breaking 90?
