Great Video from Rick Shiels Golf. We break it down here:

If you’ve been chasing the elusive goal of breaking 90, the key isn’t mastering complex swing mechanics or adding extra distance off the tee. Instead, practical, course-tested strategies can help you avoid big mistakes and improve consistency. Here are three essential tips, plus a bonus strategy, to help lower your score and break 90 with confidence.

1. Take Your Medicine

Bad shots will happen. Whether you land in the trees or face an awkward lie, the goal is to avoid compounding mistakes. Accept that bogeys are part of the game, but avoid doubles and triples at all costs.

When you find yourself in the trees, resist the urge to go for the “hero shot.” Instead of attempting an advanced, risky shot, focus on getting the ball back into the fairway. Use a low-lofted club like a 7 or 8-iron for a controlled chip that stays under branches. Narrow your stance, grip lower on the club for more control, and focus on accuracy over distance. Your objective is simple: get back into play and set up the next shot, minimizing damage.

2. Conquer the Bunker

For many golfers, bunkers are a major obstacle to breaking 90. But with the right technique, you can escape with ease. If you’re in a greenside bunker, the key is loft—use a sand wedge or lob wedge, and make sure the clubface is open to maximize elevation. Before you grip the club, rotate the face open, and then regrip it. This ensures the club stays in the correct position throughout the swing.

Hit the sand a couple of inches behind the ball with confidence, and commit to the swing. Use the club’s bounce to glide through the sand and splash the ball onto the green. If you’re in a fairway bunker, opt for a conservative shot. Avoid long irons and focus on getting back onto the fairway rather than going for distance.

3. Perfect the Bump and Run

The bump-and-run is an underused but powerful shot, especially from just off the green. If you’re facing thick rough near the green, this technique can help you get up and down for par. Use a low-lofted club, like an 8-iron, to keep the ball low and running toward the hole.

Position the ball slightly back in your stance, grip lower on the club for control, and avoid scooping the ball. Instead, focus on a simple stroke that keeps the ball rolling smoothly toward your target. This shot minimizes risk and gives you better chances of saving strokes around the green.

Bonus Tip: Stay in Control in the Rough

When your ball lands in thick rough near the green, many golfers try to get cute with lofted shots. Instead, use a controlled bump-and-run to ensure a safe outcome. Staying in control of your game means reducing unnecessary risks, which is key to consistently breaking 90.

Final Thoughts

Breaking 90 doesn’t require dramatic swing changes or heroic shots. It’s about smart decision-making, controlling the ball, and minimizing mistakes. Stick with these practical strategies—taking your medicine, escaping bunkers efficiently, and mastering the bump-and-run—and you’ll soon find yourself on the right side of that 90-mark.