Breaking 100/90/80? Try Breaking 1,050/940/830

Most golfers eventually have the goal: ‘I want to break X.’ I get it – it’s a thrill to break a milestone number for the first time. But for golfers who want to lower their handicap and shoot that well consistently (which I assume is everyone!) is there a better way to set goals?

I think there is.

To use myself as an example, I have goals of 1) shooting, or even breaking, par and 2) becoming scratch (I can see it in the distance!).

For me, becoming scratch is the bigger goal. So what’s the best way to do that?

I could go out each time and play with maximum aggression – aiming at pins, going for Par 5s in 2, etc. And if I catch lightning in a bottle, that might be the way to break par. But if I play that way every time out, I can almost guarantee that I’ll shoot higher scores on average, my handicap will go up, and I’ll be super frustrated with my results.

What if, instead of trying to break a certain number in a single round, I tried to break 800 over my next 10 rounds?

Let’s say I’m playing my next round and I want to shoot 75 but get off to a poor start. If I’ve set my goals and expectations so heavily on this particular round then I risk making bad decisions to try to make up ground. This is how to turn a 78 or 81 (good scores for me!) into an 87 or 91 (which are frustrating scores for me). It’s also a good way to prevent achieving my ultimate goal of getting to scratch.

But if my goal is to break 800, it’s easier for me to take a breath and not try to foolishly take on risk in a single hole or a single round. I can take whatever that day has in store for me even if I’m not going to excitedly tell my friends about the 82 I just shot.

By playing smart and playing within myself over the long-term, the expected value of my scores is going to go the direction I want it to. I’m going to have days (hopefully!) where I do shoot 74 or 75 (or better). I’ll get closer to my ultimate goal, and I’ll build really good strategic and mental habits along the way.

When you’re on the cusp of breaking a milestone number, I know the temptation is there to “go for it”. I’ve felt it many times myself, and I can’t fault anyone for taking a chance to shoot their best number ever. But I do think it’s worth asking yourself every round, every hole, every shot – what’s the smart play? What does the math and data say?

In the long run, I’m confident that following the data and playing within yourself will lower your handicap, lead to best ever scores, and help you achieve your goals. Instead of “breaking 90”, try breaking 930.