Lesson 4 - How to break 85 consistently

Turn Bogeys Into Pars Without Taking on Unnecessary Risk

Breaking 85 is not about hitting more perfect shots. It’s about eliminating the decisions that cost you strokes and building a scoring structure that holds up under pressure.

1. Build a “Bogey‑First” Strategy

Bogey is your baseline. Par is the bonus.

When you play for bogey:

• Doubles disappear

• Pars happen naturally

• Scores drop quickly

2. Play the Hole Backwards

Ask:

• “Where do I want my third shot from?”

• “Where do I want my approach from?”

• “What tee shot sets that up?”

This is how you build a scoring plan.

3. Avoid the Three Biggest Score Killers

• Penalties

• Short‑siding

• Recovery shots

If you eliminate these, you break 85 even on average ball‑striking days.

4. Use Your Strengths to Create Scoring Chances

If you’re good with wedges:

• Lay up to wedge distances

• Avoid long‑iron approaches

If you’re good with hybrids:

• Use them off the tee

• Avoid risky fairway woods

5. Build a Round Around Predictability

Your scoring formula:

• 7–9 pars

• 7–9 bogeys

• 0–2 doubles

This is the blueprint for consistent 82–85 golf.