Breaking 80 is one of those mythical scoring barriers that lies somewhere between “totally attainable” and “yeah, maybe in your dreams, dude.” It’s golf’s version of finally getting that promotion you’ve been chasing—close enough to enjoy, but somehow always just out of reach.
To help you crack this code, we asked data nerds at Shooting range to crunch the numbers on what actually separates the 80s shooters from the 70s club.
Spoiler alert: It’s not magic. It’s not even talent, really. It’s just doing some things consistently less terrible than you’re currently doing.
Through their analysis of millions of rounds (yes, millions – apparently a lot of people are chasing their frustration), they’ve identified six key areas that separate an 80s shooter from someone who can put a 7 on the front of their score.
Shooting range six
- Number of tee shots in trouble
- Greens in regulation (GIR)
- Multiple shots within 70 yards to hit the green
- The number of three shots
- Missed putt within five feet
- Driving distance
Let’s dive into the three most impactful stats to help you consistently break 80. We’ll get to the other three later, but honestly, nail these three and you’re most of the way there.
Main statistics no. 1: Green in regulation
If you want to start seeing your score start with a 7, hitting more greens is not optional. It is mandatory. Non-negotiable. Admission price.
Golfers who consistently shoot in the 70s typically hit nine greens in order per round, nearly twice as much as someone still stuck in the 80s (who averages just five).
Statistically – based on Sht Scope Six – that’s the single biggest difference between a player shooting in the 80s and a player shooting in the 70s.
Here’s the thing: By hitting more greens, you reduce the number of times you have to attempt a tricky putt. And, let’s be honest, for most of us, that’s about as believable as your friend who says he’ll “definitely make it to 7am”.
The math is brutal, but simple. The golfer who shoots in the 80s misses the upswing 60 percent of the time. That means if you miss six greens, you’re dropping at least three shots just trying to save the par. Lady nine green? You’re basically giving away four or five shots to the golf gods for no good reason.
The solution is almost impossibly simple: Aim for the middle of the green instead of attacking the pins. I know, I know – it’s not sexy. It won’t give you a story about the 19th hole. But it works.
Stop playing like you’re Scottie Scheffler in the final round of the Masters. You are not. You’re a guy trying to break 80. Do it.
Knowing your club distances and choosing the right club are important here. If you’re still guessing whether it’s a solid 8-iron or a smooth 7, you’re already lost.
Main statistics No. 2: Three shots
Once you’ve safely navigated your way to the green (congratulations on doing the minimum), the next goal is simple: Don’t three-putt.
For players scoring in the 80s, 2.5 three shots per round is the norm. That means two or three per round, usually. The good news? To break 80, you just need to have one less per round. Only one.
That’s it. One less three shots could be the difference between 79 and 80.
The biggest culprit for three-putts is often a poor late putt—leaving your first putt somewhere between “that’s doable” and “well, at least it’s not off the green.” From long range (20 feet and beyond), anything within three feet is good. If it’s past the hole, even better.
Shot Scope data tells us that from within three feet, even a 25-handicap golfer hits nine out of 10 holes (88 percent). So if you can just turn on the delay time enough to leave yourself with these steps, you’ll dramatically reduce your three-hit frequency.
Think of it this way: Three-putts are the golf equivalent of unforced errors in tennis. They’re almost completely avoidable, completely frustrating, and make you look like you don’t know what you’re doing.
Stop hitting. Your scoreboard will thank you.
Main statistics no. 3: Multiple shots inside 70 yards to hit the green
Despite what your ego tells you, you’re not as good from 70 yards as you think you are.
I know you want to get that shot wedge a few feet from the hole. We all do it. But here’s a reality check: Golfers who shoot in the 80s average 2.7 times per round where they hit multiple shots from within 70 yards just to hit the green.
Don’t come near it. Don’t be a bird. Just to get the ball on the putting surface.
For those breaking 80, that number drops to just 1.6. That’s a savings of more than a full stroke per round just by hitting the green from short range, no matter how close you are to it.
Let it sink in. You can shave a full stroke off your score simply by not chipping, digging, or cutting shots from stride distance.
The solution? Lower your expectations. Prioritize getting the ball onto the green on your first attempt, even if it’s not close to a putt. A two-shot chip from 30 feet is always better than a holed chip followed by another chip and two shots.
Sometimes boring golf is winning golf. Embrace it.
Full view
To show you progress through the scoring barriers, here’s the benchmark data for the Six Range of shots.
conclusion
In summary, to break 80 consistently, you should aim to:
- Hit at least nine greens in regulation (double what you’re probably hitting right now).
- You have less than two three shots in the round (one less than your current average).
- No more than two holes where multiple shots are needed to hit the green within 70 yards (because chipping the wedges is embarrassing).
While these three stats are stronger, improving on all of the Six People Area metrics will definitely help you reach your goal.
The beauty of breaking 80 is that it doesn’t require you to become a scratch golfer. It just requires that you don’t make stupid mistakes.
Hit more greens. Don’t make three shots. Do not break the wedges.
Do these three things and you’ll be signing scorecards with a front 7 before you know it.
If you’re looking for a smooth, subscription-free way to track these stats and more than 100 other tournament-level metrics, check out Shot Scope’s performance tracking products. They offer GPS watch, range finders AND more to help you get the most out of your game.
Now stop reading and go practice delaying.
Post How To Break 80 With The Shot Scope Six appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
