How to Break Par in Golf Consistently (10 Tips)

Breaking par in golf is one of the toughest milestones in the game. It’s the line that separates “good golfers” from truly elite amateurs—and it’s why so many players set their sights on breaking par or breaking 70.

But here’s the truth: golf is much harder than it looks. Social media might make it seem like everyone is flushing drives and spinning wedges, but going this low is tough.

As a +2 handicap, I want to share exactly what it takes to shoot under par as an amateur golfer.

If you’re reading this, you’re ready for the next big leap. You’ve broken 80, maybe even flirted with par—now the goal is to start going under par consistently. This guide will show you what it really takes to make that jump, without overhauling your swing.

What Breaking Par (or 70) Really Takes

The first step to breaking par is understanding what the numbers actually look like. It’s not about perfection—in fact, in 2025 I had a 68 with a 4-putt! Instead, it’s about building a consistent statistical profile.

• Birdies & Pars: Scratch golfers average about birdies per round, 10–11 pars, 4–5 bogeys, and less than one double. Avoiding the blowup holes is key to playing your best golf!
  
• Par 5s Are Key: To break 70, you must take advantage of par 5s. Scratch players average under par on par 5s (about 4.8).
  
• Par 3s & 4s: Even scratch golfers play these slightly over par (3.2 and 4.2 respectively). The key is damage control.
  

Here’s a quick scratch golfer profile based on Shot Scope & Arccos data as referenced in Wicked Smart Golf II: The BluePrint to Breaking 80 Consistently:

• Driving Distance: ~272 yards
• Fairways Hit: ~50%
• Greens in Regulation: ~58%
• Scrambling (0–25 yards): ~57%
• Sand Saves: ~39%
• Putts: 30–32 per round
• 3-Putts: ~1 per round
  

Notice what stands out? Scratch golfers don’t hit every fairway, and they don’t play mistake-free golf. What they do is minimize doubles, capitalize on par 5s, and make up-and-downs consistently.  

The lesson: you don’t need a tour-level swing to break par—but you do need a tour-level commitment to smart golf. 

How to Break Par (Breaking 70 in Golf)

Here are 10 strategies to help you break par and maybe even shoot in the 60s. 

1. Develop the Right Mindset

Before you can shoot under par or break any score goal, you need the right mindset. This is where most golfers sabotage themselves.

The #1 mistake? Setting a score goal. 

Telling yourself, “Today I’ll shoot 69,” creates unnecessary pressure before you even tee off. Instead, focus on your routine over results:

• Commit fully to every shot.
• Stick to your pre-shot process.
• Stay in the present, one shot at a time.

If your mind wanders, use your senses to come back to the present moment. As Dr. Izzy Justice says, your senses are the “five doors to the brain.”

Another key mindset shift? Gratitude.

During my own tournaments, when the pressure gets intense—crowds watching, final matches on the line—I reset by reminding myself: “I’m lucky to be here.” 

That shift in perspective keeps you calm and present, even when everything is on the line.

2. Track Your Stats 

If you want to break par, you can’t just guess at what’s holding you back. You need hard data.

Tools like Arccos and DECADE Golf give you a clear picture of your game by showing strokes gained across every area. They reveal whether it’s driving, approach play, short game, or putting that’s costing you shots. 

Instead of chasing random tips, you’ll know exactly where to focus your practice for the fastest improvement.

3. Practice Your Weaknesses

Once you’re tracking your stats, the next step is obvious: work on the areas costing you the most strokes.

Most golfers default to practicing what they’re already good at—hitting drivers on the range or rolling a few short putts. But that won’t move the needle if your stats show you’re losing strokes with wedges, missing too many fairways, or three-putting too often.

This is why I always say: practice should have a purpose.

Stat tracking shines a spotlight on your weaknesses so you can target them directly. That’s where my Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula comes in—it’s packed with 75+ practice routines that help you turn your weak spots into strengths.

When you start practicing with intention, every session builds toward lower scores. And the best part? You’ll see progress faster because you’re finally working on the areas that matter most to breaking par.

4. Increase Driving Distance 

Distance isn’t everything in golf, but let’s be real: it matters—especially if you want to break 70. The more par 5s you can reach in two (or par 4s where you’re hitting wedge instead of mid-iron), the easier it gets. 

That’s why speed training should be a priority. I recommend the Rypstick Speed Trainer as the best speed trainer in the game. 

This tool is proven, easy to use, and delivers real results. Countless golfers—myself included—have added 5–15 mph of swing speed, translating to 15–40 yards more off the tee. 

Don’t forget, lower handicap golfers simply hit it further. More distance = shorter approaches = more birdie looks. Check out the best speed trainers in golf to find one for your game. 

5. Hit More Greens in Regulation

The quickest way to start flirting with par golf is simple: hit more greens.

But here’s the mistake most golfers make—chasing pins. A tucked flag over a bunker might look tempting, but aiming at it often leads to short-sided misses and doubles. Instead, think “middle green, two-putt par.” That strategy alone will save you strokes and keep big numbers off the card.

A few keys to hitting more greens consistently:

• Play one shot shape. Stop trying to curve it both ways. Commit to your stock shot and trust it.
  
• Club up more often. Most golfers come up short because they grab the club that goes their max distance, not their average. Take one more and swing smoothly.
  
• Know your numbers. Distance control is everything. Tools like the Voice Caddie SC300i or SC4 Pro give you accurate yardages so you can dial in each club with confidence.
  

The more greens you hit, the more stress you take off your short game. And when you do roll one close, that’s your birdie opportunity. The middle of the green might sound boring, but boring golf wins every time.

6. Build a Wedge Matrix

If you want to break par, your scoring clubs need to be automatic.

Too many golfers just “guess” with their wedges—sometimes taking full swings, sometimes chipping, and never really knowing how far each shot will go. That’s why you need a wedge distance matrix.

Take the time to map out your partial wedge shots (¼ swing, ½ swing, ¾ swing) with each scoring club. Write down the carry distances, and you’ll suddenly have a reliable menu of shots from 40–120 yards.

No more guessing = more birdie putts inside 15 feet.

7. Train Like an Athlete

Your swing can only go as far as your body allows it.

If you lack strength, mobility, or endurance, your mechanics will eventually break down under pressure — especially in the later holes. That’s why fitness is the hidden lever behind breaking par.

The good news is, you don’t need to spend hours in the gym. Programs like GolfForever  give golfers a simple, structured plan to build speed, prevent injuries, and stay strong for decades. 

I’ve personally used it to keep my body fresh during stretches of playing 10+ days in a row, and it’s been a game-changer. If you want to hit it longer, stay consistent, and still be playing your best golf in your 50s, 60s, and beyond, fitness is non-negotiable.

8. Master Speed Control and Short Putts

Putting is where low scores are made—or lost. To break par consistently, focus on two main areas in your practice routine; short putts and speed control from 30-feet (the range most of your birdie putts will average).

If you can’t control speed, you’ll leave too many long putts short and give away strokes with three-putts. This doesn’t mean you need to get every putt to the hole, in fact most pros leave roughly half of long putts short for a comfortable two putts. Spend time on speed drills as the course so you’re leaving yourself easier next putts.

Next, focus on the short putts inside six feet with an at home putting green like PrimePutt (you can read my full review here). Roll putts on a mat (or carpet) to dial in pace, then set up drills for 3–6 footers to simulate pressure.  

When you start eliminating three-putts and make your “must-makes,” your scoring average drops fast. This is the easiest way to save 2–3 strokes without even swinging a club.

9. Take Advantage of Par 5s

Par 5s are the scoring holes. Scratch players average under par on them—and so should you if you want to break 70. That doesn’t mean you have to go for every green in two.

• If the risk is low, take your shot.
  
• If the risk is high, lay up to your favorite wedge yardage and wedge it close.
  

Commit to birdieing at least half of the par 5s you play, and you’ll shave 2–3 shots per round instantly.

Manage Risk on Par 3s

Par 3s are sneaky scorecard killers. Scratch golfers average slightly over par on them, which means your job is to avoid blow-ups. Club up, aim for the fat side, and walk away with stress-free pars.

10. Think Like a Pro With DECADE Golf

Swing mechanics alone won’t break par. You need to master course management, just like the pros. DECADE Golf is the system designed for that — it teaches you where to aim, how to pick targets, and how to manage risk vs. reward on every hole.

When you start thinking strategically (instead of emotionally), you’ll avoid doubles, minimize bogeys, and give yourself more birdie opportunities. Often, the difference between a 72 and a 68 isn’t ball striking—it’s decision-making.

Closing Thoughts on Breaking Par in Golf Consistently 

Breaking par isn’t about playing perfect golf—it’s about stacking the right habits, making smarter decisions, and committing to the process. Every shot is a chance to prove to yourself that you’re capable of reaching the next level.

The truth? You already have the potential. Now it’s time to give yourself every possible advantage to unlock it.

Consider investing in these three tools to take your game to the next level: 

• Rypstick Speed Trainer: Add effortless distance off the tee so you can attack par 5s and shorten every approach. It’s the simplest, most effective way to gain 15–30 yards without overhauling your swing. Read my full Rypstick review now. 
  
• Mental Golf Coaching: The difference between 79 and 70 is often mental, not mechanical. Learning to manage pressure, build rock-solid routines, and play with confidence is the secret weapon most amateurs overlook.
  
• GolfForever Training System: Your body is the engine of your swing. GolfForever makes it easy to build strength, mobility, and endurance so you can hit it longer, stay injury-free, and keep playing your best golf for decades.
  

Breaking par doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right strategy, the right tools, and the right mindset, it’s absolutely within your reach.