Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back to our March 2003 issue where we published a story on how many greens you need to hit to break 80 — and how to get to that figure. For unlimited access to the full GOLF Magazine digital archive, join InsideGOLF today; you’ll enjoy $140 of value for only $39.99/year.
Breaking 80 is no easy feat. Most people who pick up a golf club will never come close to posting a score in the 70s — but everyone keeps the goal in mind.
There are many ways to reach this elusive goal, but there are some baseline stats you should aim for if you want to accomplish it on a consistent basis. One of them is the average number of greens in regulation you need to hit.
Back in our March 2003 issue of GOLF Magazine, we published a story outlining the target number of greens you need to consistently hit to break into the 70s — along with some tips and tricks on how to get there. Read up on them below and before long you’ll be one of the lucky few who posts scores below 80.
Hit more greens to break 80
Ask yourself this: What is the one factor that most directly impacts your score? According to Lucius Riccio, president of the Golf Analyzer, it’s the number of greens hit in regulation.
Riccio studied more than 1,000 rounds, and his findings led to Riccio’s Rule: A golfer’s score is equal to 95 minus two times the number of greens hit in regulation. For example, if you hit five greens, the formula predicts you’ll shoot 85, or 95-(2 x 5). And that means, unless you average five greens per round, you’ll never consistently shoot in the mid-80s.
So, how can you put yourself in position to hit this magic number? Start by following the tips listed below.
Find the short grass
Hitting more greens starts with hitting more fairways. To do this, try swinging your driver at 80 percent. The smoother the tempo, the better your balance and the better your contact. To groove good tempo, finish your warm-up with this drill used by the late Payne Stewart. Hit five tee shots with a full swing, but try to hit them only 150 yards. Then repeat this feeling on the first tee; you’ll naturally pick up the tempo due to your adrenaline but will swing more within yourself.
Take an extra club
Take one more club than usual on approach shots (e.g., a 5-iron instead of a 6) and make your normal swing. You’ll be surprised how many times your ball finds the green. The longer club allows more room for error, so the shot can be less than perfect and will still get there. It also makes up for the average golfer’s tendency to choose a club based on a perfectly struck shot, not his or her average shot with that club.
Paint a bullseye
Jack Nicklaus made a nice career out of shooting for the middle of the green. Follow his lead and don’t go for sucker pins; instead, imagine a bull’s-eye in the middle of the green, and aim dead-center. Rarely will you be penalized for hitting the middle of the putting surface. And if you hit the ball a little offline or slightly misjudge the distance, you still have a reasonable chance of getting somewhere on the green.
