How to Break 90: A Step-by-Step Guide for Amateur Golfers

For many golfers, breaking 90 is a milestone. It’s the point where casual players become consistent, where rounds feel more like golf and less like survival. If you’re hovering in the mid-90s and wondering how to shave off those extra strokes, you’re not alone. Countless amateurs share the same goal, and the good news is: with the right mindset, strategy, and practice, it’s within reach.

This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to do—from tee to green—to finally card an 89 (or better) and join the ranks of golfers who’ve conquered this classic benchmark.

Step 1: Rethink Your Mindset

Breaking 90 doesn’t mean you have to play perfect golf. In fact, you don’t even need birdies. Think of it this way:

• On a par-72 course, breaking 90 means shooting 17 bogeys and 1 par.

• That’s it. No miracles. Just consistent, controlled golf.

Too many amateurs chase hero shots. Instead, adopt a bogey-first mindset. Your new mantra: eliminate doubles and triples, and 89 will come naturally.

Step 2: Play Smart Off the Tee

You don’t need 300-yard bombs to break 90. What you need is a reliable tee shot that finds the fairway.

• Club down when necessary: If your driver gets you into trouble, try a 3-wood or hybrid.

• Pick a target, not just a direction: Aim small, miss small.

• Play to your shot shape: If you fade the ball, embrace it instead of fighting for a draw.

A safe, controlled tee shot sets the tone. Avoiding penalties and lost balls alone can save 5–6 strokes a round.

Step 3: Master Your Approach Strategy

Once you’re in the fairway, the goal isn’t to fire at every pin. It’s to get on (or near) the green safely.

• Aim for the middle of the green: Forget the flagstick unless you’re inside 120 yards.

• Know your distances: Confidence comes from knowing your 7-iron doesn’t go “between 130 and 150”—it goes 142 when hit well.

• Eliminate hazards: If there’s water short, take one extra club. If there’s trouble left, aim right.

Smart golf is boring golf—and boring golf breaks 90.

Step 4: Dial in Your Short Game

If there’s one area where mid-90s golfers hemorrhage strokes, it’s inside 50 yards. To break 90, you need at least a serviceable short game.

• Chipping: Learn one reliable technique (like a bump-and-run with a 9-iron) instead of juggling four different shots.

• Pitching: Practice controlling your wedge distances—especially the 30, 50, and 70-yard shots.

• Sand play: You don’t have to be Phil Mickelson. Just get out in one shot.

Pro tip: Spend 70% of your practice time on your short game. You’ll see faster results than grinding the driver.

Step 5: Two-Putt Every Green

You don’t need to sink 20-footers to break 90—you just need to avoid three-putts.

• Lag putting is king: Focus on rolling the ball to within three feet on long putts.

• Develop a pre-shot routine: Consistency breeds confidence.

• Read with your feet, not just your eyes: Feel the slope when you walk to your ball.

Here’s some math: If you currently average 36 putts per round, cutting that down to 32 or 33 almost guarantees you’ll break 90.

Step 6: Course Management Is Everything

Every stroke counts, but some count more than others. Poor decisions create big numbers.

• Play your misses: If your miss is short right, plan for it.

• Don’t gamble: Laying up is not weakness—it’s smart golf.

• Have a recovery plan: When you’re in trouble, get the ball back in play. Forget “miracle shots.”

Think like a chess player. Always be planning one move ahead.

Step 7: Practice With Purpose

Going to the range and hitting 100 drivers won’t get you there. Structured practice will.

• Divide practice time: 50% short game, 30% irons, 20% driver.

• Simulate pressure: On the range, “play” a hole in your head—driver, 7-iron, wedge.

• Track your progress: Use an app, AR glasses, or even a notebook. Data tells you where strokes are leaking.

Practice smart, and you’ll start seeing results on the course.

Step 8: Build a Consistent Routine

Golf is a game of habits. Create routines you can rely on under pressure.

• Pre-shot routine: The same steps every time builds muscle memory.

• Mental reset: After a bad shot, let it go. Don’t let one mistake turn into three.

• Stay patient: Breaking 90 is about steady golf, not highlight-reel moments.

Routine keeps nerves at bay when you’re standing on 18 needing bogey to hit 89.

Step 9: Equipment Check

You don’t need the newest $600 driver to break 90, but having clubs suited to your game matters.

• Get fit if possible: Even a basic club fitting can fix distance gaps.

• Check your wedges: Worn grooves cost you spin and control.

• Leverage technology: Tools like rangefinders, GPS watches, or AR glasses help eliminate guesswork.

The right setup won’t magically break 90—but it will make the journey smoother.

Step 10: Track Progress and Celebrate Small Wins

Finally, remember that breaking 90 is a process. You’ll have setbacks, but each round teaches you something.

• Keep stats: Fairways hit, greens in regulation, putts.

• Celebrate milestones: Your first sub-95, your first round with no three-putts.

• Stay patient: Progress is rarely linear, but consistency wins out.

The day you finally write “89” on the scorecard, you’ll know the grind was worth it.

Final Thoughts

Breaking 90 isn’t about talent—it’s about discipline. Play smart off the tee, aim for the middle of the green, sharpen your short game, and eliminate the big mistakes. Do those things consistently, and you’ll cross the threshold sooner than you think.

Remember: golf is meant to be fun. Breaking 90 will feel incredible, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey, the challenges, and the moments along the way. Because when that final putt drops and you see an 8 in the front of your score, you’ll realize it wasn’t just about the number—it was about proving to yourself that you could do it.