Break 90 in 2025: The 4 shots you need to master

When you’re trying to break a scoring barrier, it can sometimes feel like the odds are stacked against you. But, with some helpful information and a few stock shots in your back pocket, you will be better prepared to navigate the course. 

Before we get into the shots you need, let’s look at a few stats from Arccos player data.

The graph below highlights the scoring differences between a 5 handicapper and a 10 handicapper. 

As you can see above, birdies surprisingly account for a very small portion of scoring from both groups. However, pars, bogeys and doubles seem to be where the rubber meets the road. On average, 5-handicappers made two more pars per round than their 10-handicapper counterparts. The lower handicappers also made 1.3 fewer bogeys and doubles. 

When you think about it, two bogeys and two doubles are all that’s keeping you from lowering your scores, which is more doable than you probably thought.

So how do you convert those bogeys and doubles into better scores? Tracking your stats is a great way to know what areas to work on, but there are also a few key shots you can develop to get yourself on track.

A fairway-finder drive

Using a driver on a par-4 or par-5 is typically the smartest play as it provides you with the most distance off the tee and gives you the best chance at hitting the green in two. But, amateurs often forfeit this advantage and leave their driver in the bag out of fear of missing the fairway or going out of bounds. 

Luckily, you can use these four adjustments from Mike Adams to develop a reliable tee shot that finds the short grass every time. 

Aim for a fade

The first step for creating your fairway finder drive is to aim down the side of the fairway that allows you to fade the ball back into the center of the fairway. 

Stand closer to the ball

According to Adams, standing two inches closer to the ball encourages your arms and body to work together, creating more rotation in your swing. This increase in rotation allows your body to launch up and opens the clubface at impact, generating the fading ball flight you’ve just set up for. 

Tee the ball lower

Teeing the ball down promotes a steeper downswing, which Adams says encourages you to hit down on it. This creates a steeper angle of attack, resulting in a low, penetrating ball flight that tends to fade and is more controllable. 

Flare your lead foot

Flaring, or opening, your lead foot slightly, makes it easier for your body to rotate in the downswing and get your hips open to the target at impact. 

Put it all together, and with a little practice, you’ll have created your stock drive. 

The “magic” approach shot

According to data Arccos released in a recent blog post, every golfer has a “magic number,” or a distance that they can hit the green from about 50 percent of the time. You can find your magic number below based on your handicap. 

20 handicap: 92 yards

15 handicap: 110 yards

10 handicap: 129 yards

5 handicap: 147 yards

Scratch golfer: From 165 yards

So how does this help you? Well, it works two-fold. First, it helps you adjust your expectations when you’re on the course and should give you a boost of confidence when you’re able to hit the green from a distance outside your magic number. 

It also allows you to practice and play to your strengths. Now, you can work smarter on the range by spending more time hitting shots at, or inside, your magic number distance. And, if you’re really clever, you’ll lay up to your magic number on par-5’s to increase your chances of making a par, or even birdie if you’re really dialed.

A go-to greenside shot

Your “magic number” will get you on the green only about half the time, and your odds are even slimmer if you’re outside that perfect distance. Which means fine-tuning your short game is essential if you want to make bogey or better anytime you miss the green. And a great way to do that is to develop a go-to shot around the green, like a bump-and-run or this basic chip from Erika Larkin. 

Once you understand the mechanics, it all comes down to practice. The more you work at your stock shot, the better your distance control will be, which means more par-saves and more confidence around the green.

The “one-swing” bunker shot

Getting bunker shots out on the first try will greatly reduce the amount of doubles you make due to greenside errors. And, it’s easier than you think. Just remember these simple sand keys from 2005 U.S. Open Champion Michael Campbell.

1. Open your clubface to the target 

This exposes the bounce and helps you avoid digging the leading edge into the sand. Just remember to open the clubface before setting your hands on the club. 

2. Weight forward

Campbell says to get about 80 percent of your weight in your lead side, and maintain that 80-20 balance throughout the swing. This will help you rotate around a fixed point and avoid lunging during your swing.

3. Aim slightly left of the target

4. Dig your feet in 

Campbell explains this helps to lower your center of gravity, increasing your stability.

5. Enter the sand two to three inches behind the ball

To practice this, draw a line in the sand about where your ball position would be and another line about two to three inches behind that. Now, make a few practice swings trying to connect the two lines with your divot. If you’ve done it properly, you’ll sweep both lines away. 

6. Get your weight forward through impact

Remember to finish on your front foot to avoid hanging back in your swing.