The Secret To Breaking 80 In Golf Every Time

[@MarkCrossfield]

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[@thewatchman6074]

I generally don't find it too difficult to break 80, but it's always the back nine that puts me over the 160 mark.

[@drrob1963]

Try increasing your 'gimme' distance to 6, or even 8 feet - that knocked a good 10 shots off my scores!

[@domokun3142]

Lmao, this is gold

[@jerrystoopack72]

Took me a second... Love it

[@markpoppe8681]

Brilliant!

[@Si-Harris]

@@drrob1963 I increased the gimme range in my last round to 150 yards and still shot over 100 :(

[@DougieMontana]

I hope Rick tunes in to this…

[@ducatidad8231]

😮😂😂😂😂😂😂 Rick should also game the Crossy chipper!

[@petemajor5693]

Thats below the belt😂

[@barryglynnglynn2841]

I think Mark needs to look at it.

[@fraserthomson349]

Ricky definitely needs a chipper in his bag, his chipping is pony.

[@fraserthomson349]

Ricky definitely needs a chipper in his bag, his chipping is pony.

[@chriscook1892]

Coach’s daughter’s jumper comment will keep me smiling for a long time! Thank you guys, brilliant as always!!!

[@markhallett9264]

I think I know this stuff having played golf for so long but you guys made it so clear. Very good info!

[@lindsaynewell6319]

Good content. My golf and my playlist are both stuck in the 80s. A good way to break 80 is to move forward one tee box. One tip Mark could have added at 4:55 is "commit to the club and the shot"😆 He's good enough to execute it despite the negative thoughts. For most of us, that thinking leads to a bad swing.

[@Cornish_Maid]

I’m a 20 handicapper, and feel I hit 40% of our greens in reg, however, what used to destroy my round was chipping, but I’ve practiced that area of my game for the past 6-8 months, and now I’m much more confident about it. Hopefully when I get back to playing a course, I will get my handicap down.

[@johnnymossville]

Got back into golf two months ago after many years off and loving your content. I broke 90 yesterday for the first time back to playing and feel like breaking 80 with some luck and a good day with the putter could happen if I keep practicing. this is exactly the kind of content we need. thanks!

[@timdench2583]

Great video, thanks. Matt looks like he is picking up ‘road kill’ when carries his divots back.

[@Errburritoes]

😂😂😂

[@alexandersullivan5504]

Great content! I’ve had 10+ low 80 rounds this summer without breaking 80, so this video is highly relevant for me. I’ve always thought my short game was decent but clearly not. I’m easily achieving >36% GIR but I’m 3 putting at least 2-3 times per round and not getting inside 6ft/2 paces with 50 yards. Know what I need to work on!

[@christopherdanjou]

The little book of breaking 80 was a great read I literally just finished. Live in Boston so have to wait till spring to put the ideas into play

[@andrewsauter8749]

Thanks, great video guys. This is going to be so handy once I break 90!

[@Mizman76]

I shot 79 over the weekend which wouldn't be impressive in and of itself. But, we had sustained 28mph winds with gusts to 50+. Played shots I'd never dream of playing normally. Mental game is key to golf. Frustration kills. Saw it in my group as well as others.

[@dwayneblount5802]

Always enjoy ya’ll videos. Great chemistry, very knowledgeable, funny and great golfing!!

[@grahamramsdale8408]

Hi Mark, i find the averages you quoted as very useful. It really is a numbers game!

[@alnewsom8614]

Have a 5.8 index, don't 3 put generally, good inside 120yds, have to work on accuracy 140yds and out, I currently shoot under 80 every 3 to 4 games depending on course and conditions, very helpful video guys! Thanks!

[@mrtopramen]

Having an overall decent game will do it. My final straw was putting so I watched loads of green reading videos and bought a perfect putt mat, got a consistent square stroke, and now it’s probably one of the better parts of my game. It’s much easier to learn than pretty much anything else, it’s just kinda boring.

[@Paulmckennaefc1989]

One of the best videos I’ve seen for a while. So many relevant points regarding course management etc. The hole when you club up twice is something that I need to do more often and take the ego out of it. I was sick of getting my wedge out to chip on near enough every hole because I’ve come up short… be it because of a bad strike or other factors such as wind and temp. I suppose it’s easier to hit a smooth 8 rather than try and whack a 9. And your point about fairways is just so obvious but it’s the biggest killer of my game sometimes. Hitting out of trees, rough or off other bad lies because I’ve strayed off line. Definitely things to think about over the next couple of rounds Honestly, Excellent video! Also, loving Lockeys Knitwear 🥴

[@HardingCody]

GIR is my focus for next season. Short game and putting have become my strength.

[@j.w.matney8390]

Started playing golf again in March 2021 after a 5 year absence and finally shot a 79 in September of this year. Difference was putting and GIR. GIR average is currently 41%. Average putts are 35.

[@Simplycomfortfood]

Hello Mark. I truly enjoy your channel. This break 80 series will be wonderful to watch. I have been sidelined this year with a knee replacement however I have started swinging a club and doing some chipping. Being a 18 handicap I am always striving to break into the 80's. I will be watching your game management. A side note, I would love to see you have James Robinson back on your channel. I love to see James get beat. Cheers

[@simonwhite2890]

Superb stuff, on course advice like this invaluable

[@ydargybwen]

Really like the camera work

[@NoPlayJack]

I'm a 6hc. Definitely need to work on that 6ft chipping. My GIR is 49% and my 3 putt % is .07/round.

[@bobpaine4987]

Love these video’s with Mark and Matt, lessons with humor attached 😁

[@claytonpetree527]

I follow you on Twitter and didn't know you make YT videos. JUST missed you guys by a few days near Lisboa. I played Troia a few times and WOW, what a great course. 6,900 yards of beautiful golf. It seems like Mark is hitting his "summer" yardages and even though it's somewhat warm in PT, the ball is absolutely not traveling like summer. I had to add an extra club (or two) to make distance - even when it warmed up to over 20*C. However, down in Algarve and in Southern Spain, I was getting more "normal" warm weather distances.

[@JamieHannan433]

Interesting and good points. Feel like most people get lost in distance and solid strikes for a full round instead of little things like these

[@ceesvennink5825]

Hi Mark and Lockey, great video. I used to play off 8, however after 2 hip replacement and a back surgery I now play of 15. My short game is pretty decent, my GIR percentage is terrible I miss too many fairways. Above all I struggle with my fairway woods and hybride from the fairway, leaving me with long iron approaches.

[@tonywestwell]

My handicap is 16.4, lowest its ever been, however, my putting at the weekend was atrocious. Zero 3 putts, in your dreams Mark. Must get a putter lesson/fitting soon can't keep going like that. Great information as always Mark and Coach. West cliffs must be sand based with those beaver pelts Coach was getting with his wedges.

[@SolomonLi]

Great tips… I’m doing none of these things at the moment. LOL. Well…I jest since I don’t really 3-putt now that I’ve done some distance control work thanks to you boys. The GIR is really what kills me. I come up short a lot less now too thanks to re-thinking what kinds of shots I want to hit and with which clubs.

[@superduperawesome6858]

Club up on approach shots 😎

[@richiejbhoy1888]

That was quite interesting. I hit 7/18 greens after thinking back on my round at the weekend. 38%. I generally chip a lot closer than the 2 step that you measure out as my putting is hit or miss. Hit a 76. 4 over. My HC is 5. Where I can get better is putting, but I think like many golfers I just don't practise enough putting.

[@Paulmckennaefc1989]

It’s funny that most golf videos are “how to hit your driver longer” or “how to flush your irons” When really the club we use most is the putter but there’s no “fix” for how to read a green is there, it is just lots and lots of practice I suppose.

[@ohiomoto]

Very educational. Thanks.

[@Mboogie69]

Depending on the day it’s either poor pitching and not hitting enough greens or a bad putting day that keeps me over 80. On a good day I’m mid to high 70s. Keeping the ball in play and getting it pin high are usually strong suits, but some days too many little mistakes just add up

[@HiReZ09]

never struggle with gir avg 61% on arccos stats, been struggling with three putts lately (that's killing me currently) but normally it's the long game that kills me getting that sorted has taken away from the putting practice unfortunately but will come back. been off 8.8 for about a year. played alot like old pat pat mark an currently transitioning to gain distance as I can move it pretty quick I feel (around 94mph chs with 6 iron around 110 driver with my on course swing)

[@steviewonder2492]

Enjoyed this video! Can someone explain why we use paces? Yards on the approach and feet on the greens makes sense but why do we need paces?

[@FrCuda11]

I have been using shot scope this year and I would agree with these stats. My handicap is 5.7 and my greens in reg is 43% I hit to 0-5 feet also 43% of the time. My 3 putt avg is the down side at 12.2 holes. My avg score is +8 on a par 72 course so it’s sounds pretty spot on to me.

[@jamiesloan7259]

Along with having zero 3-putts, you also need to have zero chunks, tops, or skulls. These horrible strikes rob your confidence, and make you very tentative, and cautious over the ball. Low confidence leaks into the rest of your game, as well. Strike is king. Period.

[@chrispearce9224]

Don't forget shanks. LoL. They has infected my swing the past three weeks. Buuuut...I only shank the short irons....PW, 50°, 54°. All other irons from 3 to 8 are fantastic.

[@jamiesloan7259]

@@chrispearce9224 Yea, shanks are horrible too. We’ve all been there. lol

[@BTal-kp1qd]

Agreed, you can't be good at golf if you can't hit a golf ball very well.

[@grahamt1088]

Great content as usual Mark and Lockey, Get inside 2 strides alot of the time as I generally dont reach the green in regs on par 4's as often so have to be sharper on the chipping !. 3 Hcap

[@jimmybreeze00]

this course looks awesome

[@ryanalley2446]

I'm a low 80's scorer and have broken 80 about 3 or 4 times. My stumbling block to regular sub 80 rounds is double bogeys. I always have 2 or 3 on my scorecard and they wreck my scorecard every weekend. The double bogey's are caused by compounding errors. I may have one 3 putt per round but my goal every round is to try and eliminate double bogeys. My handicap index is 7.5 Thanks for the video

[@4srv]

Hey Mark, on course games/ challenges such as a near impossible putt, chips, shots are very entertaining . Thank you for including more challenges at the end of instructional videos as well.

[@chrisclarke4071]

Good tips again…. What apps do people recommend to log/track stats? GiR? Etc…. My biggest weakness is keeping it in play from the tee….

[@conetti19]

Nice video. Do you have the same sort of stats for breaking 90? Thanks

[@juha-mattinaukkarinen7015]

This was good,thanks guys!👍

[@daverowbottom9888]

Dropped my handicap from 24.9 to 16.5 in last 12-14 months. I'm definitely nowhere near 40% GIR. Think I'm going to start playing back yardages and aim at centre of greens to see if I can improve this. Think a Shotscope H4 might be my next investment to properly track my stats and see where I'm losing the most shots. I think its definitely approach play.

[@rikh78]

i've played West Cliffs and the greens were insane, crazy slopes and then grain to make it even more confusing!

[@justbobgolf]

These conditions look pretty fun to play in. Hope to be being more 80s after seeing this 💪

[@martyndaly1539]

Not based on any data but when I was playing and just trying to break 80 I just said I wanted to be 'in the green complex' in 2 on a par 4. It stopped me putting pressure on myself to hit a small green with a 6 iron after a so-so drive. Obviously this wouldn't have worked if my short game was terrible but it really helped me to cut out double bogeys because I could almost lay up rather than trying to be the pro that I'm absolutely not

[@robinc3307]

West cliffs....tough track for me to break 80 on 😁😁

[@Mstr0K]

From Canada, played West Cliffs a few years ago. One of my all time top 10 courses. Amazing. They didn't like that we tried to tee off before 8 like normal Canadians though. 😂

[@hadesignite]

12 handicap but broken 80 a few times in the last month (first times). I'd say my keys are clubbing up, putting the driver down more often than not, having variability in the top end of the bag (an old tip of Marks) and putting practice! Approach is my worst stat on shotscope (3/4 of my handicap!) but clubbing up helps, shot 79 on Saturday with tee shots being my worst area of the day.

[@matthewwhitehurst2180]

Please do a Crossfield/Bob Does Sports match!! I think you guys would have some epic banter, and you could give old bob and cold cuts some lessons.

[@brooksfriess3139]

Would love to know what your new camera setup is

[@robertmoore5246]

MARK I can’t find lockeys video. Any chance of a link please?

[@ChrisMason.333]

I’d love to see RS game with you and coach

[@jpxst180s6]

Can you do a break 70 video please 🙏 and a break 70 podcast with the stat man and Greg also please !!!

[@pauledw]

Interesting video.. I'm a 9HC. I average 30% GIR, average 0.4 3 putts per round, I average 14 feet from the pin on all 0-50 yard shots and just over 55% of FW... Just trying to work on hitting more greens at the moment, having reduced my 3 putts from 2 per round....

[@royclose946]

Golf is all about percentages and well done mark cracking 2 putt 🏌😄👍

[@rolfvandulst1605]

Trying to break 90 consistently currently. Handicap has gone down from 21 to 17.8 this year. Target is 15 and 2 months to do it!

[@rupertoleeancajas6927]

I’d like to see Mark and Matt take on Garret and Grant!

[@ian339]

11 handicap, averaging 22% GIR! I can drive the ball an acceptable distance and i can putt the ball well. In between the two is hit and hope.

[@Alan_Edwards]

Did not get to golf much this year until fall, but the 10 or so times I did, I struggled to get close with my chipper. Yet when I go to the range I am deadly with it. Not sure why it's not translating to the course. Accuracy is fine, I just end up way short a lot - definitely not 40%. Any ideas on using a chipper specifically would be great....I mean seeing as you are the chipper master sir.

[@hollywood_golf]

I hit greens but sometimes struggle with proximity to the hole. My putting usually bails me out. Hcp 3.8

[@Tonytone2727]

Shooting in the low to mid 80s, hoping this helps! I’m close.. 11 HC hitting around 30% GIR, 3 putt every 10ish holes and chipping inside 6ft probably 50% of the time.

[@terrybrett6164]

Coach the smartest golfer in golf.

[@bjj3674]

I had my best score recently a 75. I went down to 9 handicap as a result. I didn’t think I played well all through the round as my driving wasn’t the best although it was always on the fairway. I putted ok, however on this occasion my three wood was going extremely well and my approach shots were generally within close putting distance. Getting your chips close is vital and I practice this when I can, however it is difficult to be consistent when you only play once a week. To improve your scores practice your putting and short game. Good luck all. 😀😀

[@roy5515]

I counted 14 practice swings on a par 5 approach, by mr Crossfield. Is that necessary ? Is it practical without slow play?

[@andrewkirkland6684]

Hi I’m averaging around 12-15 depending on all your points raised and how well I overcome the challenges of each shot. My worst is chipping and pitching. I rarely get close from a pitch over a full swing 50 to 100 yards

[@jamesdiguilio9376]

@mark/coach, you have both discussed the merits of clubs that offer a little more help vs more of a true players club (irons). How much of an impact on scoring would you say the extra help provides? If it’s somewhat meaningful, why don’t more good players go that route?

[@lepepus]

When you do these, might be nice to put a link to Matt's channel in the description

[@llewysrolph3709]

Something I'm trying to do is break 80 and I'm finding that me missing a lot of gir is what's causing me not to I'd say per round I'll hit 2 maybe 3 greens in reg. My shotscope stars is something around the mud 60% Mark for missing short. But then I'm to nervous to go up a club as my home course alot of the greens have oob long. But think I'll be looking at playing the back yardage from now and maybe try taking a bit off of it and see if that helps

[@grahamparsons4590]

Was wondering what are the stats on them 3 points for breaking 72 (level par)

[@bobbywickes8937]

What a place that part of Portugal is. Did you enjoy the trip?

[@andygreen1677]

I’ve concluded that my wedges and putting definitely need to be dialled in. Don’t play a long course at 5,800 yards from the yellow tees and I’ve got decent length off the tee. A bigger concern for me is maintaining focus and concentration for the whole round. I let my mind wander for a few holes and then it’s almost impossible to get the focus back when the damage is done. Many people would think it’s easier to play the same course regularly but I find that because I’m so familiar with my home course it’s easier to lose focus. When I play unfamiliar courses I may well hit shots to the wrong part of the green etc but it’s not because I’ve lost focus or concentration. Currently a 6.7 handicap and have been as low as 3 so I must have been doing something right at some point. Would definitely appreciate an opinion on how to maintain concentration around a course that you’re familiar with 👍

[@topoDaMornin]

If you have a consistent pre shot routine it's easier. Eg, work out where you want the ball to finish, then desired yardage, then wind/slope, then pull the right club, approach the ball etc. This stops you just grabbing a 5i because that's what you always hit off this tee. Same with putts, always read them properly even though you know the breaks by heart.

[@chrislewis7]

Hitting it further (in play) off the tee would help me and a lot of people who shoot closer to 90 more than anything else. Being 30 yards closer to the green means I'd be hitting 2 or 3 clubs less into the green improving my GIR numbers and reducing my score. It also reduces distance to the pin and so reduces 3 putts. Hitting it less than 220 yards off the tee (and often 200) makes shooting 80 difficult.

[@r.fletcher]

When does part 2 drop on Coach's channel?

[@stephenorourke2297]

Mark liked the video

[@BeardyHammy]

Anyone know where to find the GIR stat on Shotscope app? I can see approaches but does that take into account if it’s a GIR or just an approach from xxx distance?

[@markwalker521]

I need to find a way to make my mind up on the tee box, if I am able to hit a 2 iron 250 and hit a mid-iron in on long par 4s or risk the driver being a little wayward and having a wedge in from an odd angle.... so many decisions and so little time with pace of play being my issue. I don't like to take too much time

[@jimmahT]

Thanks Mark

[@AaranStroud84]

Fairways hit vs keep in play. What's better the accuracy or an extra 20/30 yards but "in play"?

[@Wlf-Ice]

My gir is getting better my last round was 45% but I do struggle to get shots from within 50yards within 6ft consistently, I’d say I’d average 15-20% if that. Currently an 8 handicap

[@stangetz534]

been playing 2 years, lowest score 76! no mulligans or lie improvements etc! big fan here. was 5.0 tennis player though before golf.

[@adski0125]

This year, 36% Driving Acc, 26% GIR, 32.33 Avg putts, Avg over par = 18.22. I don't have a handicap. I'd like to think I'm somewhere between 12-16, but no real clue. I want to break 80, but my scores this year are 86-92. I bought shot scope earlier this year to try and work out the weakest part of my game. which appears to be approach play and short game. My putting has been getting gradually worse over the last few years as well.

[@ItzG1NG3RxDAV3]

It’s the GIR which is where my game dies due to poor choices on approach shots. My recovery rate from short game is solid and rarely 3 putt. I feel if your not hitting fairways or GIR you end up forcing yourself to be good at short game and putting just to keep a card going

[@simonwhite2890]

I’m a 14 handicap player, my chip shots from the fringe are usually pretty good, but I doubt if I ever get my 50 yard shots within 2 strides 4 out of ten times, and I miss a lot of greens.

[@streamleazefishhouse]

My stats off 13 6 for 2022; FIR 35%, GIR 24%, up & down 32%, av par3 3.9, par 4 5.0, par 5 6.0, av putts per round 31.5, average score +17.5 strokes gained to 10hc; tee 0.25, approach -3.00, short game 0.45, putting -2.77. So I'm guessing my irons I need to work on, that said my course has small greens, that makes a difference?

[@Shippey1970]

Chipping is key for me as my distance is poor. 9.1 hdcp.

[@emmsone]

I've played a few pretty slopey courses recently and have struggled with the ball below the feet shots. I know it seems to be a weakness but I haven't worked out a way to practice them yet. Ranges are typically flat. Any tips? No official handicap yet but typically score mid 80s to low 90s

[@markpoppe8681]

If you don't mind a few stares you get get a couple of boards to stand on to elevate your feet above the level of the ground. Even on a level range it will teach your body how to adjust. Use a longer club for the distance required and shorten your swing to stay in balance.

[@larryveal7263]

I'm 71 and drive the ball 200 yards with a perfect strike. GIR ~ 8. 1.4 three putts. I clearly need to be closer to the hole 50 yards and in. I came to that realization a couple of days ago. I really appreciate your timely (for me) video. I break 80 about a third of the time from the up tees. 18.3 handicap index.

[@johnhey9642]

I would say greens in regulation but that comes from off the tee as chipping out doesn't help if I hit fairways I have a high chance of hitting the green.

[@Keef1664]

Shot 84 off the back tee`s after walking off the 18th with a 9!! shouldn't have looked at my score on the 18th tee. Just to add insult to injury, missed out on the comp win by one shot!

[@gazstaf]

Listen to the podcast 👍

[@julia-6195]

I'm struggling getting 40% GIRs in the first place. 16.2

[@Geep1778]

If you want to break 80 the key is to make par on your Par 3s. 1 bogey won’t kill you but any doubles on the par 3s are really scorecard killers. I’ve broken 80 a bunch of times and it’s always when I’m flushing my irons. When I’m trying to break 80 it’s always the par 3 doubles that are the culprit.

[@GabrielGuess]

I generally have no three putts, it is usually gir I have issues with

[@jeremylonsdale3350]

I'm 9 hcp so breaking 80 is pretty rare. My home course has massive greens so I find my greens hit % is pretty irrelevant as my bad putting days destroy my score.

[@mackenziecook2119]

Had best long/approach game of my life, ended up with 80 (third time I've shot 80, never broken), had 72% GIR! but had 2 3putts, 0/3 up and downs chances (except one up and down for bogey), and had one double bogey blow up on a par 3 from a poor target line (should have gone middle of the green) Not only that, but had a number of good birdie chances (~3) and none of them dropped. So this one I think your last 2 points of short game + putting were my downfall. I'm usually between 35-45% GIR but everything was clicking that round. Had another round where I had 65% GIR, putting was clicking well, but had a triple bogey on 17, parred out for 80. 11.3HCP trying to get to single digit.

[@shaneWARs1]

The last 2 years I've been so close to breaking 80, 6 times I've shot a 80 . I used to be average 90s to hundreds now I live in the 80s lol I do only get to play once a week and have 0 time to practice. Another I've noticed is I've most of the time played the same ball the hole round

[@machinehead9334]

As someone who currently shoots 90’s - 100’s I’d love to know how you managed to improve your game…?

[@shaneWARs1]

@@machinehead9334 sure it was all mental for me and lag putting I would erase bad holes and shots and not care. Consistent set up on every shot and putts don't rush any shot. Most of all I joined a men's club it helped me with pressure