Breaking 100 is a major milestone for beginner golfers. It’s that first big goal—a sign that you’re moving from beginner to someone who can confidently make their way around the course without feeling overwhelmed. And while it might seem like a daunting task at first, the good news is this: you don’t need to play perfect golf to break 100. You just need a solid plan.
This guide is your blueprint to making that milestone happen. No complicated swing changes, no expensive gear upgrades—just smart golf, some simple habits, and a bit of patience.
Know What Breaking 100 Really Means
To shoot 99 or better on a par-72 course, you need to average just under 5.5 strokes per hole. That’s bogey golf with some margin for error.
Think about it this way:
- 1 par
- 8 bogeys
- 9 double bogeys
Still adds up to a 99.
This means you don’t need birdies or a bunch of pars. You just need to avoid big numbers and play steady, mistake-free golf.
Check out the tips below to get well on your way to getting out of triple digits.
Play from the Right Tees
This is the first and most important piece. Choose a set of tees that match your driving distance and experience level. If you’re new, there’s zero shame in playing the forward tees. Golf is hard enough—don’t make it harder by taking on 6,600+ yards before you’re ready.
Prioritize Keeping the Ball in Play
Forget trying to bomb it 280 off the tee. The goal is to keep the ball in play. Hitting a hybrid, 3-wood, or even a long iron off the tee might give you shorter distance, but it dramatically reduces your chances of going OB or into hazards.
Missing fairways isn’t the end of the world—losing balls is. If you can play 18 holes without penalty strokes, you’ve already saved yourself 5–6 shots or more.
Eliminate the Blow-Up Holes
Every beginner has that one hole where it all goes wrong—a tee shot OB, chunked approach, duffed chip, and a three-putt for an 8. Avoiding just one of those “disaster” holes each round can be the difference between a 102 and a 98.
When you’re in trouble, the key is to take your medicine. If you’re in the trees or behind a hazard, pitch back to safety. Give yourself a chance to recover instead of compounding the mistake.
I cannot stress enough how IMPORTANT this one is. Avoiding blow up holes WILL lower your scores and is easiest to accomplish with smart course management.
Build a Reliable Short Game
You don’t need a Tour-level short game—but you do need one or two go-to shots around the green.
- Learn to hit a basic chip that gets the ball rolling quickly.
- Get comfortable with a simple bump-and-run using a pitching wedge or 9-iron.
- Practice your putting—especially from inside 3 feet.
A lot of strokes are lost within 30 yards of the green. Getting just a little more consistent here can save you 4–6 strokes a round.
Putt Smarter, Not Harder
Three-putts kill your score, especially on greens with some speed or slope. You don’t have to be a great putter, but you should work on:
- Distance control: Focus on lag putting from 20–40 feet.
- Clean up the short ones: Practice 3–5 footers until you can confidently knock them in.
Bonus tip: When reading a putt, pick a line and trust it. Overthinking usually leads to deceleration—and missed putts.
Avoid Hero Shots
You’ve probably seen it—or done it. You’re behind a tree and try to hit a low slice with a 4-iron through a tiny window to the green.
Spoiler alert: That rarely works.
The smart play? Punch out. Chip on. Two-putt for bogey. You’ll feel better walking away with a 5 than a 7.
Track Your Progress
Use a scorecard, app, or spreadsheet to track how many fairways, greens, and putts you hit. Even just keeping tabs on penalty strokes or 3-putts can give you insight into where the biggest improvements can be made.
And when you do break 100? You’ll have a record of how far you’ve come.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace
Breaking 100 isn’t about having a perfect swing—it’s about avoiding big mistakes, playing within yourself, and being patient.
Every round is a chance to learn. Don’t let a few bad holes shake your confidence. Stay focused on the next shot, keep the ball in play, and give yourself chances to score.
Follow this blueprint, and you’ll be shaking hands after a 99—or better—sooner than you think.