If you’re looking to hit a milestone in your golf game in 2026 – say, breaking 100 for the first time — what is the best way to practice to achieve this goal?
GOLF Teacher to Watch John Hugheswhich is based on Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla., offered some helpful pointers.
“See what will keep you in the game and practice what will keep you in the game,” he said. “At the 100-shooter level, it’s not about how far you can hit it. The truth of the matter is you’re not keeping it in play.”
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Hughes suggested using the 3-wood off the tee instead of the driver when accuracy is a priority, and taking an extra set on approaches to the green to make sure you don’t end up short.
“What do you do to make better decisions about keeping yourself in the game?” Hughes said. “Because the stats are there. You, as a 100 shooter, have more penalties. You have more of a load that you don’t necessarily have to carry.”
Another tip from Hughes: Throw in the weight of your expectations.
“Throw them out the window,” Hughes said. “Whether it’s a 100 shooter or one of the tournament players I work with, expectations have to be left at the door.
“Stick to a process, stick to your goals,” he continued. “What are your goals? Are they specific enough? A great example is always putting. If you eliminate 3-putts, it’s going to drop (your handicap). But then from 90 to 80, what if you make decisions that guarantee you’re not going to get more than a few lies on par 3s and par 5s? Because those are hand-shot holes.”
Hughes emphasized that it’s also important to maintain a healthy perspective on where golf sits on your list of life priorities.
“If golf is No. 7, it’s not No. 3, then let’s level it,” he said. “Let’s take some of that expectation out of there, because realistically, you’re not going to get there. So why are you putting that unnecessary pressure on yourself?”
As you prepare for a new year in golf, try Hughes’ suggestions for reducing the pressure you’re putting on your performance. Instead, focus on giving yourself the best chance of keeping the ball in play and out of trouble on every shot – and your score will thank you.
