How To Break 80 in Golf Tips

I shot 76 when I first learned how to break 80 in golf.

It came as a surprise because I had worked so hard for so long to get my score below 80, and it just happened. However, keeping the score under 80 was much more difficult.

It takes a lot of effort to consistently break 80.

However, there are some key skills that must be developed in order to consistently break 80 in golf.

I’ll share them with you so you can begin working toward lower scores.

How to break 80 in golf tips -Too Long difficult to read

Breaking 80 in golf is a significant milestone for many amateur golfers. Shooting in the 70s requires precision, strategy, and consistency across all aspects of your game. While some golfers are blessed with loads of natural talent, most have to put in a considerable amount of thoughtful practice to shoot under 80.

This article will provide tips and strategies to help you break the 80 barrier. We’ll cover how to improve your driving, iron play, short game, course management, and mental game. With some dedication and smart practice, you can start carding those elusive rounds in the 70s. Let’s get started!

What Does it Mean to Break an 80 in Golf?

When you break 80 on the golf course, you are considered to have a single-digit handicap. Although handicap is a complicated formula that includes slope and rating, most golfers who shoot in the 70s have a single-digit handicap.

A single-digit handicap is considered acceptable.

When you break 80 on the golf course, you can officially call yourself a good golfer.

Furthermore, there are conflicting results, but it is estimated that only 2 to 5% of golfers can consistently break 80.

That is a very small group of people.

How to Consistently Break 80 in Golf?

Every golfer and golf professional approaches the process of breaking 80 in a unique way.

These crucial steps in learning how to break 80 will, however, all occur at some point during the process.

Understanding Your Game

Do you know how far each of your clubs travels? It’s not about how far you want to hit them or how far you should hit them, but about how far they all go.

Do you know what your blunder is? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

To consistently break 80, you must first understand who you are as a player, what makes your game great, and what makes it not so great.

Breaking 80 may be difficult if you continue to hit a big slice off the first tee. If you can learn to turn that into a fade that works well on a dogleg par 4, you might have something.

Read About:

How to Fix a Slice

A golfer who is currently shooting 90 every time they go out to play but understands their golf game well has a chance to break 80.

Players who spray the ball around the course and lack awareness will struggle.

Many golfers ask us what technical skillset is required to break 80.

To consistently break 80, you must hit high lofted shots with control, chip the ball within a few feet of the pin at times, make a few 15-foot putts, and, most importantly, know how to recover from a bad shot.

I also encourage you to consider what is preventing you from breaking 80. Is it the cut? Does this represent the impact position of your golf clubface? Is it your putting? Will the ball cross the boundary?

Try to think about what makes you the golfer you are and apply that to this process.

Equipment Inspection

Your golf clubs serve as tools. You get 14 of them in your bag and will use them to try to break 80.

Many golfers have equipment issues that need to be addressed before they can consistently break 80. We’ll never tell you that a $600 driver is the key to breaking 80.

In fact, the way the golf club fits your game is more important than its technology.

The lie angle must be adjusted for shorter or taller players. For slower or faster-swinging players, the shaft may need to be tweaked or changed. The key is to find something that complements your game. Golf club fitting is becoming more accessible and precise.

If you haven’t used a launch monitor or other type of golf technology to determine if you’re using the right equipment, now is the time.

Make any necessary changes to your clubs so that you can confidently shoot in the 70s every time you hit the course.

Also, keep in mind that some equipment is designed for players with higher handicaps. Oversized or wide-soled clubs can make it difficult to hit a draw or fade. If you’re using a starter set or a cheap complete set, it’ll be difficult to get the feel and consistency you need to break 80.

Upgrading your equipment to meet the needs of a mid-handicap (or better) player is a good first step.

Learning to Use the Clubface

You probably felt like you were swinging a club when you first started playing golf. You gripped the club’s handle and swung it quickly to see what you could do.

Many golfers compare it to baseball or hockey because it can feel similar in the beginning. However, as you progress in your game, swinging the clubhead becomes more important.

Of course, you still grip the club and swing it, but the only thing that matters now is what the clubface does at impact. This is a good thing; golfers who break 80 consider and need to understand how to control the clubface.

The clubface is controlled by the wrists. The angle of the wrists determines whether the clubface is square, open, or closed at impact. Learn exactly what it takes to achieve a wrist position that results in a square clubface at impact by using Thegolfhype.

Driving Tips

Your driving sets the foundation for your entire round. Here are some tips to hit more fairways and set up better approach shots:

Optimize Your Driver Loft

Carrying a driver with too little or too much loft can hurt distance and accuracy. Work with a club fitter to find the optimal driver loft for your swing speed. Matching this spec will maximize your carry distance and launch angle.

Control Your Angle of Attack

Pay attention to your driver swing path. Downward strikes reduce carry distance and promote big slices. Slightly upward strikes launch the ball higher with less spin for maximum distance. Analyze video or use a launch monitor to optimize your angle of attack.

Increase Your Clubhead Speed

Faster swing speeds equate to longer drives (up to a point). Use strength training, flexibility exercises, and swing techniques to smoothly build clubhead speed. But don’t overswing – control is key.

Improve Your Strike Location

Consistently striking the ball on the sweet spot will provide the best results. Use impact spray or foot powder to analyze where you are making contact. Adjust your setup and swing path to center your strikes.

Making a Practice Plan

Nothing good comes easy, or something like that, right?

You can’t break 80 in golf unless you put in the time and make a plan. Even if you don’t play well, your game may improve to the point where you can walk up to the first tee and shoot 79.

This, however, takes time.

Making a structured practice plan for improvement is one of the best things you can do.

The practice plan should include a weekly time commitment to your game as well as specific areas of the game to focus on.

Return to your golf game analysis and the reasons you came up with for not breaking 80. Make this about 40% of your practice time, whether it’s chipping, putting, or driving.

The remaining time should be divided among various aspects of the golf game.

I also recommend having some methods for practicing both at home and on the golf course. It is easier to get enough practice time if you can practice in more than one way.

Even a few minutes in the living room can help you get the time you need to reach your practice goals.

It is critical to create and document a practice plan. If you want to stick to the plan, you must first write it down and decide to stick to it. The golfer hit the ground before the golf ball.

Increase Your Physical Fitness

When comparing PGA Tour players today to PGA Tour players years ago, the modern player’s level of physical fitness is quite impressive.

Why is this the case? What are the benefits of physical fitness for the players?

The answer is that it is easier to play golf well when your body is functioning properly. Golf becomes easier if you are not tired coming down the 18th green or if your back does not hurt when you make the turn.

To take it a step further, we already know that hitting a long drive improves overall scoring (because your approach shots are closer to the hole). Physically fit golfers have the best chance of increasing the distances they can hit their shots.

More power and speed can help you break 80 in golf if you know how to channel it! Better physical fitness also reduces the likelihood of injury, which is a huge benefit for any golfer aiming to break 80.

Course Mental Game Improvement

The more you improve at golf, the more important the mental game becomes.

PGA Tour golfers can all hit the ball far and straight, but only those with a stronger mental game can win week after week.

To consistently break 80, you must train your mind to be positive and allow only positive people on the golf course.

These are my best tips for improving your mental game so you can perform better on the course a frustrated golfer leaps onto his golf bag.

Always maintain a positive attitude.

It may seem strange to be optimistic about hitting a golf shot out of bounds or a ball into the water, but you must be.

One way to look at it is that the hole is not closed.

If the ball falls into the water, try to make a bogey. You can recover from a bogey and break 80 on the same day.

Furthermore, learn to think about a golf hole in a positive light rather than looking for all the negatives that can occur.”Don’t put it in the water!” how many times have you told yourself?

Please, stop doing that. 

Instead, just tell yourself, “Alright, let’s keep this one in the fairway.”

Overcoming Anxiety and Fear on the Course

It’s perfectly normal to despise a golf hole. We’re all missing something. The key is to learn to work around it and gain confidence.

One approach would be to alter your strategy.

If you consistently bogey a hole, try hitting a different club off the tee. A different club could be all you need to shift your mindset and make a par.

Developing Emotional Control

Don’t be the one to throw the clubs.

It’s simply not necessary.

We understand that golf can be frustrating, but going to the extreme of throwing clubs and slamming things is simply not worth it.

If you can internalize some of those emotions and then redirect them toward hitting a great golf shot, you have a much better chance of breaking 80.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to treat a birdie like a bogey.

You are free to smile after a birdie, but you still have work to do. Make a birdie on the next hole if you want to frown after a bogey.

The most consistent golfers are often the ones who learn to break 80 the fastest.

Understanding the Power of Positive Self-Talk and Visualization

Visualization and positive self-talk will help you succeed not only in golf but also in life.

But that’s a story for another time.

Begin convincing yourself that you are a good golfer who can break 80 and shoot in the 70s.

It’s difficult to expect positive results on the course if you’re negative about the game and your abilities.

When I decided I wanted to break 80, I told myself that my ball striking was good enough to get me there; all I had to do was put it all together.

Visualization can be applied outside of the golf course.

Play through a round of golf in your head and plan out the shots you’ll hit. When you’re on the golf course, go over that visualization again and try to put it into action.

Iron Play Tips

Dialing in your iron play is crucial for breaking 80. Here are some strategies for hitting greens and getting up and down:

Get Fitted For Your Irons

Having properly fit irons is one of the easiest ways to improve iron play. A professional fitting will ensure you have the right shaft flex, length, lie angle, and lofts for your swing. Misfit clubs lead to inconsistent ball striking.

Master Ball-First Contact

To compress iron shots consistently, you must make ball-first contact. Use impact tape or foot powder to check your strike pattern and make adjustments as needed. Brush the ground shallowly to help train this ball-first contact.

Control Trajectory and Spin

Hitting the right iron shot trajectory and spin for each situation will lead to more greens hit. Compress downwards to keep shots low. Strike slightly up to raise trajectory. Use range sessions to practice controlling launch and spin.

Refine Your Distance Control

Consistent distance control is critical for dialing in iron play. Use a rangefinder during practice rounds to learn your carry distances. Then refine your distance control by hitting to targets on the range.

Short Game Strategies

Sharpening your chipping, pitching, and putting will save strokes around the greens. Here are some excellent short game tips:

Spend More Time Chipping

Don’t neglect chipping practice! The pros spend huge amounts of time honing this crucial skill. Chip to holes from various lies to become a short-game wizard. This will lead to more up and downs.

Use Limited Club Selection Around Greens

Carrying too many club options can overcomplicate short shots. Pick two wedge lofts (e.g. 52 and 58 degrees) to master. Learn to hit various trajectories, spins, and carries with just these clubs.

Create Makeable First Putts

Lag putting is key for breaking 80. Avoid risky hero putts by consistently leaving your first putt in tap-in range. This takes pressure off of making long putts. Dial in distances for lag putts through focused practice.

Improve Your Putting Technique

Even great putters need solid fundamentals. Ensure you have proper grip, stance, posture, and alignment. Then commit to your routine on every putt. Stay mentally focused on making smooth strokes with the proper speed.

Course Management Strategies

Intelligent course management will save you strokes and frustration. Apply these tips during your rounds:

Play Conservatively Off the Tee

Avoid high-risk shots on tight holes. Instead, hit less than driver to place drives in the fairway. Tee shots in play set up easier approach shots, leading to more pars and birdies.

Favor One Side of Fairways

Position your tee shots to favor one side. This opens up better angles to the green and allows you to play to your strengths. Aim away from hazards and eliminate one side of the hole.

Know When to Lay Up

Staying out of trouble is critical. If you’re not confident in reaching a par 5 in two or challenging a hazard, lay up short. Take your medicine and make an easy up and down instead of going for a heroic shot.

Aim Away From Sucker Pins

Avoid taking unnecessary risks when pins are placed in difficult positions near trouble. Aim to a safer target area and putt uphill rather than flirt with danger. There will be easier pin placements later in the round.

Maintaining Mental Focus

Breaking 80 requires intense concentration and commitment on every shot. Here are tips for improving your mental game:

Implement a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine

Your pre-shot routine cues your mind and body to perform. Establish a repeatable pattern before every shot to get your mind locked in. This should include aiming, visualization, practice swings, and mental triggers.

Stay Fully Present After Each Shot

Don’t dwell on past mistakes or look ahead to future holes. Maintain focus by going through your routine before the next shot. Be fully engaged in the present moment throughout your round.

Embrace Challenges During Adversity

Bad shots and mistakes happen during every round. See challenges as opportunities to learn. Make smart decisions to recover well after errors. Stay calm, patient and maintain commitment to your routine.

Maintain Positive Self Talk

Your inner voice impacts performance. Counter negative thoughts with positive affirmations during rounds. Remind yourself of your skills and abilities. Stay optimistic to play your best golf.

FAQs

In golf, how long does it take to break 80?

Breaking 80 can happen in one to two years for golfers who commit to a practice plan and are serious about shooting lower scores. Some people, on the other hand, play their entire lives and never break 80.

If you shoot 80, what is your handicap?

Golfers who shoot 80 have a handicap of around 8, and those who consistently break 80 have handicaps in the single digits.

Is it difficult to break 80 in golf?

Breaking 80 in golf is difficult if your game is inconsistent. Breaking 80 becomes much easier once you develop a consistent swing that hits the center of the clubface frequently.

Summary

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to break 80 and how your game can improve by becoming more intentional and focused.

There’s no reason not to start working on this project right away; work on your mental strategy or go hit a few balls with your least favourite club in the bag.

Great golfers put in the effort, and now that you have all the information you need to break 80, you can too.

Putting It All Together

Breaking 80 requires incremental improvements across your entire game. Assess your strengths and weaknesses honestly. Then focus practice on your problem areas. Implement the strategies in this article and keep a positive mindset. With some dedicated work, you will soon be scoring in the 70s. Good luck!