According to USGA statistics if you shoot in the 70′s you are probably within the top 10-15% of all golfers. This is a goal that most golfers seek. However, many golfers don’t know what it takes to shoot in the 70′s.
There are two major components to shooting in the 70′s. First, you have to have reasonable ball striking ability. Second, you must have good course management.
Ball Striking
You don’t have to be a great ball striker. You don’t have to hit the ball a mile. But you do have to be reasonably consistent. To shoot in the 70′s you must have what the pros refer to as a” go to” shot. This is a shot that you can count on under pressure to move in a certain direction. Tiger Woods plays what he calls a “stinger”. Its a low driving shot that usually has a little draw to it. You might have a “go to” cut shot. It doesn’t matter what the shot is as long as you can produce it on command 85%-90% of the time.
To shoot in the 70′s you also must have reasonable feel and touch around the greens. Again, you should have some basic chip shot that is your “go to” shot under pressure. For some golfers, this is a flop shot with a lob wedge. For other golfers its a low running shot made with a 7 or 8 iron. You want your chipping game to take pressure off of your putting. However, you do need to be very proficient with the putter to shoot in the 70′s consistently. Three footers need to be routine and you should have good distance control on the greens.
These ball striking requirements are important because the statistics in golf don’t lie. To shoot in the 70′s a golfer will typically:
Hit 7 or more fairways
Hit 5 or more greens in regulation
Have around 30 putts
Course Management
This is an aspect of golf instruction that is often overlooked. However, to shoot in the 70′s good course management is critical. There are a few simple rules to follow for good course management. First, play the hole in your mind from the green backwards to the tee. If you want to hit the middle of this green, where do you want to be off the tee. Then what club and what type of shot do you need to hit off the tee to give you that shot.
Here are a few tips for good course management;
Don’t play your driver off of every tee
Tee up on the side of trouble and hit away from it
Play to the side of the green that would give you an easy chip if you miss the green
Don’t short side yourself!
Avoid penalty strokes at all costs
Only play shots you have practiced
Make sure you have your “go to” shots and follow some good course management principles and you will consistently shoot in the 70′s.
By: Bob Charles
About the Author:
Bob Charles has worked in the Golf Industry for over 13 years and walked inside the ropes at many PGA Tour events. This experience gives him a unique insiders perspective on the game of golf. For more information on how to score in the 70′s go to http://www.how-to-break-80-now.blogspot.com/
