Breaking 90 is easier than you think. You only need to do 2 things

Welcome to Shaving strokes, a GOLF.com series where the game’s brightest minds share their tips to help you shave shots! Today, instructor John Hughes shares his simple keys to breaking 90 more often.

For successful players, breaking 90 it doesn’t seem like much. But for casual players, posting a score in the 80s is the highlight of their year. That’s the beauty of this game – there’s joy in every achievement, no matter how small.

For many recreational golfers, their primary goal is to break 90. Every time they step on the first pinnacle, this number jumps into their mind. Shoot lower than that and it’s a good day. Simple things.

For those who have never broken 90, the goal can seem elusive. However, shooting in the 80s is easier than you think. All you have to do is adjust yours scoring on the par-3 and par-5s. Below, instructor John Hughes explains how.

How to break 90 easily

If you keep up with PGA Tour statistical averages, you know that the average score for par-3s is slightly higher and slightly lower for par-5s. On par-4s, the statistical average is about par.

Why is that so? Because PGA Tour players have a strategy in mind as they make their plans to play every hole in every tournament. This plan includes scoring no worse than par on all par-3s and all par-5s.

Scoring anything worse than par for these holes is a surefire way to lose your tournament card. It could also be why you’re trying to break 90 when you do it every weekend. With that in mind, why not adopt the same strategy for your game? If you can make great decisions on par-3s and par-5s, you can make sure you never shoot in the 90s again.

When you’re on the tee playing par-3s and par-5s, you’re probably thinking much more aggressively than the average Tour player. You trust and think of these holes as ones where you can make a birdie, and in doing so you’ll make up for the bigger numbers you score on the par-4s. ERROR! Par-3s and 5s are the holes where you can restore confidence and stabilize your game when things go south.

Think of it this way, most golf courses have a total of eight holes that are either par-3 or par-5. If you make par on eight of 10 holes and bogey the rest, you shoot 82. Even if you can make par on half of them, you are setting yourself up to break 90 with ease.

Here are some tips to help you play these holes smarter, giving you an opportunity to break 90 more often.

Par-3 Strategy

Aim smart: Standing in the cargo box, it is imperative to choose a proper target. This often means not scoring directly at the pin. Instead, make it your goal to hit the center of the green. Don’t worry about choosing a club that is perfect for hitting the pins. Instead, choose a club that will lead to the center of the green. By aiming for the center of the green, you are taking trouble out of play and making it more likely that you can make a par.

Choose an intermediate goal: It’s one thing to pick a smart target, but then you have to make sure you’re actually aiming for it. Choose an intermediate target between yourself and the center green. Align yourself with that spot to make the stretch easier.

Become a great late gamer: When you hit the center of the green, you’ll likely have a longer putt than if you were to try to hit straight to the flag (and get it out). This is where being a great late shooter comes in handy. Try using a distance step drill to shape into your longer putting style. This will help ensure you keep the three shots to a minimum.

Par-5 Strategy

Keep your shot in the game: The most important thing on par-5s is keeping your driver in play. If you are shooting penalties off the tee, you have little chance of scoring a draw. Aim away from trouble and make sure you don’t take any unnecessary penalty kicks.

Think twice about achieving it: Going for the green in two can be tempting, but think twice before you do it. If there are obstacles near the green, it may be wise to lay back on the fairway. Go for the green in two only when the risk-reward calculation is in your favor.