Harper Lin
Golfers refer to shooting in the 70s as breaking 80, and it is considered a significant achievement for amateur players. While it may seem daunting, breaking 80 is more attainable than one might think. This introduction will provide an overview of the key strategies and considerations for golfers aiming to shoot 79 in golf, including course selection, swing speed and distance, mental focus, and equipment choices. By addressing these aspects and adopting a disciplined approach, golfers can significantly improve their chances of breaking 80 and joining the ranks of those who have achieved this impressive feat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fairways hit | 8/14 |
| Greens in Regulation | 8/18 |
| Scrambling | 3/8 |
| Putting | 32 total putts |
| Missed greens | Up to 12 |
| Golf partners | Sub-8 handicappers |
| Golf courses | Par 70, 71, 72 |
| Golf clubs | Driver |
| Shots | One-shot shape |
| Shots to practice | Double bogeys |
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What You'll Learn
Focus on mastering your driver, the club used most often
Shooting in the 70s in golf is a challenging but attainable goal. One of the most important things to focus on is mastering your driver, as this is the club used most often—at least ten times per round. Here are some tips to help you master your driver and improve your golf game:
Firstly, don't try to get too fancy. You don't need to attempt trick shots or use special equipment to shoot in the 70s. Instead, focus on making your driver an asset rather than a liability. This might involve gaining more distance on your drives through speed training. Adding just 5-7 mph to your swing speed can give you over 10 extra yards off the tee, making a big difference to your game.
Secondly, perfect one go-to shot that you can rely on. You don't need to master a combination of draws and fades with your driver. Pick the shot that is easiest for you to hit, allowing you to pick targets more easily and avoid double crosses off the tee. It's also important to fix your slice if you have one. Resources like Hank Haney's One Shot Slice Fix can help you straighten out your drives.
Thirdly, while distance off the tee is important, don't neglect the greens. The number of greens you hit in regulation also has a direct correlation to lower scores. Using a distance-measuring device like a rangefinder or GPS can help you plan your shots more effectively. This will enable you to hit the heart of the greens more consistently and improve your scores.
Finally, consider playing with golfers who are slightly better than you. Joining a matchplay competition league or playing with sub-8 handicappers can help you improve. You'll be forced to focus more on your shots, and you can learn from how they approach each hole and manage their game. By mastering your driver and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to shooting in the 70s.
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Avoid double bogeys by not giving up mentally
Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. A key aspect of improving your game is limiting double bogeys, which often arise from a lack of mental toughness.
Golfers must develop mental tenacity to avoid letting one bogey turn into another. This requires controlling your emotions and managing your thoughts. When you make a mistake, it's crucial to slow down your mind and avoid compounding it with another error. Accept that bad shots are part of the game and that you will make them from time to time. Rather than getting frustrated and giving up mentally, take a moment to collect yourself and focus on your next move.
One way to improve your mental game is to develop a pre-shot routine. Before taking a shot, visualise the target and the shot you want to hit. This will help you make smarter decisions and reduce the number of double bogeys. It's also important to be realistic about your capabilities and make decisions that give you the best chance of success. For example, instead of always trying to get pin-high, focus on getting the ball on the green and two-putting.
Practising your shots is essential, but it's also important to practice the right way. Rather than just going through the motions, choose specific clubs and trouble spots to work on exclusively. This will help you develop the muscle memory and skills needed to execute shots confidently during a round. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from a mental performance coach to help you develop mental toughness and break any negative thought patterns that may be affecting your game.
By improving your mental game, developing a consistent routine, and practicing effectively, you can avoid double bogeys and see significant improvements in your scores.
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Speed training can help gain distance off the tee
Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game and shooting under 80 is a common goal. One way to achieve this is by gaining more distance off the tee. This can be achieved through speed training, which can increase the power of your swing and, in turn, the distance the ball travels.
Speed training is an effective way to gain distance off the tee without having to resort to trick shots or special equipment. For every mile per hour added to your swing speed, you can gain approximately 2.5 yards of distance. So, even a small increase in speed can make a significant difference in your game.
There are various speed-training techniques and exercises that can help golfers increase their swing speed. One method focuses on strengthening and speeding up the specific muscles used in the downswing of a golf swing. This can be achieved through repeated reps that train your body to swing faster, without necessarily having to build bigger muscles.
Another way to increase swing speed is to focus on your tempo. By increasing the tempo of your swing, you can generate more speed. This may involve speeding up your backswing to help increase the speed of your downswing. Additionally, certain training aids and drills can help improve your shaft lean, impact, and overall swing technique, resulting in increased distance.
It's important to note that speed training should be approached with caution and guidance. While some golfers have successfully increased their swing speed through dedicated weight training and muscle building, this method may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to consult with experts and coaches to develop a tailored program that considers your specific needs and abilities.
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Learn to play one shot shape well, rather than many poorly
Golf is a complex game that requires a lot of practice and a good mindset. To shoot 79 in golf, you need to focus on the process rather than the outcome. It is important to learn to play one shot shape well, instead of trying to master many different shapes. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Firstly, understand your natural shot shape. Almost all golfers have a natural tendency to curve the ball in a certain direction and hit it at a specific height. This is known as their natural shot shape. For example, golfers who tend to hit down on the ball may be better at pulling off a stinger, while those who tend to miss off to the right may find it easier to fade the ball. Knowing your natural shot shape will help you build a consistent and reliable game.
Secondly, focus on perfecting one go-to shot shape. You don't need to master a variety of shot shapes to shoot in the 70s. Instead, choose the shot shape that is easiest for you to hit and perfect it. This will allow you to pick targets more easily and minimize swing thoughts. You can also adjust your targets by shifting the line just to the right or left of the pin, which can give you a wider part of the green to aim for.
Thirdly, gain control over the ball. Position the ball slightly back of centre in your stance to promote a lower shot. Grip down on your club with your hands pressed forward to maximize control. Slightly open your stance and shift your weight to your front foot to reduce club loft and keep your shot lower. These adjustments will help you shape your shots more effectively.
Additionally, work on your mental game. Playing golf requires a strong mental focus and the ability to stay in the present moment. Avoid obsessing about your score or past mistakes, as this can lead to performance anxiety and higher scores. Instead, use a "mental game scorecard" to track your mental goals, such as eliminating distractions and following your pre-shot routine. This will help you stay focused and improve your overall performance.
Finally, practice with a purpose. Find a group to play with where you are the worst player, as this will push you to improve. Playing with better players will also allow you to observe their strategies and learn from them. Joining a matchplay competition league can also help you stay motivated and focused, as you will be competing against others in your handicap range.
Remember, by focusing on perfecting one shot shape and working on your mental game, you will be well on your way to shooting 79 in golf.
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Play with better golfers to learn from them
Playing with better golfers is a great way to improve your game and learn from their skills and experience. It can be beneficial to find a group where you are the weakest player, as this will push you to be better and take more time with your shots. Playing with more skilled golfers will also help you to care more about each shot and notice how they approach each hole, which can help you score better and break 80.
It is important to note that you don't need to be a birdie machine to shoot in the 70s. You can play a consistent game, make some bogeys, and still shoot 79 or better. This strategy can help you improve your game and learn from golfers who are better than you.
While it is not necessary to master trick shots or use special equipment, you should focus on perfecting one go-to shot that you can easily rely on. This could be a draw or a fade, whichever you find easier to hit. This way, you can more easily pick your targets, minimize swing thoughts, and avoid the dreaded double cross off the tee.
Additionally, you can focus on improving your swing speed. Adding even a few miles per hour to your swing speed can result in significant gains in distance off the tee, making your approach shots much shorter. This can be achieved through golf exercises and speed training.
Finally, don't forget that golf is a game, and it's meant to be enjoyed. So, relax and appreciate the fact that you're out on the course, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
To shoot 79 in golf, you need to focus on a few key areas. Firstly, don't give up on any hole and try to gain more distance on your drives. Secondly, work on your swing speed; adding just 5-7 mph can result in 10+ yards of distance. Thirdly, focus on one shot shape that you can perfect and use as your go-to. Additionally, try to play with better players whenever possible, as this can help you improve your game. Finally, don't forget that you can make no birdies and several bogeys on most golf courses and still shoot in the 70s.
A distance measuring device is essential according to some golfers. A rangefinder or GPS golf device can help you determine distances to obstacles, hazards, and pins, improving your shot accuracy.
The 6-6-6 system acknowledges that you will miss up to twelve greens. To break 80, you need to get up and down 50-60% of the time, which means getting up and down 6 or 7 out of the 12 greens missed.
The course rating and slope can significantly impact your score. A shorter course with generous par 4s and flat greens may enable you to shoot lower scores. Context matters, and a course with a higher rating may be more challenging, affecting your ability to break 80.
Your driver is crucial as it is used at least ten times per round. It is important to make it an asset rather than a liability.
