The math: bogey golf is enough
On a par 72, a bogey on every hole is 90. Breaking 100 means shooting 99 or better, so you can make 18 bogeys and still have nine strokes to spare for doubles. You don't need a single par.
A typical 105: two pars, four bogeys, seven double bogeys and five triples. Turn three of those triples into doubles and three doubles into bogeys and it's a 99, without a single extra par.
So the plan isn't to hit more great shots. It's to take the big numbers off your card.
1. Stop losing balls off the tee
A lost ball or a ball out of bounds costs stroke and distance: you're hitting your third from the tee. Two of those a round are worth four or more strokes. On tight holes, tee off with the club you hit straightest, even if that's a hybrid or a 7-iron. A ball in play 180 yards out beats a drive in the trees.
2. Get out of trouble in one shot
Most triples start with a heroic recovery: the gap between two trees, or a long iron from deep rough. When you're in trouble, take the shortest way back to the fairway, even if it's sideways. You give up one stroke to save two or three.
3. Aim for the middle of the green
Ignore the flag. Aim every approach at the center of the green, and when you're between clubs, take the longer one: most missed greens are short. From 100 yards and closer, the goal is anywhere on the green.
4. Two-putt from everywhere
Three-putts quietly add four or five strokes a round for many golfers. On long putts, think only about distance and try to stop the ball within three feet. Spend half your practice time on putts from 20 to 40 feet.
5. Play to your own par
Treat every par 4 as a par 5 and every par 5 as a par 6. On a long par 4, three comfortable shots to the green and two putts is a bogey, which is exactly on target. It takes the pressure off and keeps the big numbers away.
Know what's working
Keep track of three things for a few rounds: penalty strokes, 3-putts and double bogeys or worse. Whichever is highest is your fastest way under 100. See how to track golf stats.
Updated November 12, 2026 by the Greens team.