Best Tips to BREAK 100 ahead of your next round of golf

Etching two digits rather than three at the end of your round is a big first step. These simple tips from some of the game's best golf coaches can help you get under the magic 100 mark. 

Let's take a closer look at some of our favourite golf drills and best advice from instructors to help sharpen all facets of your game ahead of your next round...

CREATE A DEPENDABLE CHIP SHOT 

Duncan Woolger, Master professional:

Research tells us a golfer who shoots 99 does not hit many greens in regulation, meaning lots of chipping and pitching.

The key is developing a shot that you can rely on to get you onto the green in one swing from 50 yards away and closer.

Develop one simple motion. Learn to vary the distance that the ball goes by changing the length of the swing.

I would only use a 7-iron and a sand iron to keep it simple. 

KEEP YOUR HEAD STILL WHEN PUTTING

Keeping your head still is key when putting.

You can practice this by taking your setup with the top of your head against a wall, then hitting some putts.

Place the toe of your putter so it slides gently along the wall - this will tell you your eyes are correctly positioned over your putting line.

TRUST YOURSELF

Your brain has an amazing ability to judge the spatial relationship and the putting stroke.

Once you've read your putt and get a feel for the distance, the moment you look away from your target and get into your putting setup that visualization starts to deteriorate.

After 30 seconds, you've lost your read, so don't spend more than 20 seconds between your read and starting your stroke.

CHANGE YOUR SCORECARD

Carl Watts, former European Tour professional:

Take the scorecard and change the par of a course to what you need to break 100.

For instance, the first hole may be a par-4, but you're aiming to make six.

This is a big psychological boost. 

SPOT, THEN CLUB

Pick a spot on the front of the green, then work out the club.

Not the other way around.

9/10 PUTTING

Ask yourself, where would nine out of 10 players go on this putt?

For instance, on a downhill putt, the majority go long, on a left-to-right putt they miss left, and so on.

Factor this into your read. 

CHIP WITH YOUR HYBRID OR 3-WOOD

Jonathan Yarwood, director of performance at Bishops Gate Golf Academy in Orlando:

Lowering high scores is about stopping the big numbers caused by poorly executed basic shots.

So many higher handicap players duff chips which often go unnoticed but massively affect the score.

Fewer chips here and there will shave scores quickly. 

A simple, non-technical way to chip is to use your hybrid. Simply grip down on it, stand like a putter, then make a putting stroke. It's impossible to mis-hit as the wide sole skids across the turf. A no-brainer.

PLAY THE RIGHT GOLF BALL

Kristian Baker, Head of instruction at Wentworth Club

Check the ball you're using is the best for you, not just the best on the market. 

Talk to a PGA pro at your local store if you are unsure as to which ball will benefit your game. 

FOCUS ON KEEPING YOUR CENTRE

Ian Clark, Advanced Fellow PGA at World of Golf

Higher handicap players hit the ball fat and thin because they sway during the swing.

Focus on keeping your head steady so you will stay centred over the ball, allowing you to control the bottom of the swing.

PRACTICE PUTTING FROM 4 FEET AND 30 FEET

Guy Maxwell, director of golf at Assoufid, Marrakech:

The long putts teach you feel and by becoming a better finisher you will save loads of shots typically squandered by players in this bracket.

Don’t spend time practising middle distance putts as these are easy to two putt.

NOW WATCH: HOW TO CORRECTLY GRIP THE GOLF CLUB