I guess this is what sorts me out from a professional golfer. My problem seem to be that there is always something that is not working. Take my last round for example. I went around on par but my game at the greens sucked massively. I had 29 putts, but those stats are a little skewed because I am not counting putts from foregreen and not counting them as green hits. I had like 4-5 three putts and even 1 chip 3 putt.

What saved me that day was putting a 80 metre straight into the hole for eagle and a 30 metre for birdie.

Another day I can walk around hitting 8 greens and still post under par with 24 putts.

I think this is mostly a mental thing. Do you guys have any tips on what to practise to get past this "barrier"? Are you in the same situation?

Any tips are helpful here

when you find out let me know

cheers Steve

I teach a lot of advanced juniors who struggle with this as well. To break the "glass ceiling" you'll need to believe you can do it and get the confidence to go lower instead of backing up to a number. Here's some drills I do with them:

1) once per week (or more) play 9 holes from the red tees using driver on every hole except the par 3's. You will probably shoot your usual score the first couple times. This forces you to be in birdie position on almost every hole, and stresses short game & scoring. In a couple weeks you'll be under par and feeling comfortable turning at -4.

2) at least once per week play 9 holes from the tips only using an iron off the tee. This will make the course play entirely different, and you'll tend to miss more greens, so you'll work harder on your short game/scoring.

3)Play "Birdies" with a friend - the only way to win a hole is with a birdie - doesn't matter if you run the birdie putt 20 feet past. Once you are at par, pick up the ball. It's obviously not great for game management, but it forces you to try & make birdie from everywhere. You'll be surprised how your attitude changes doing this.

4) Play 9 holes missing every green - you'll have to pick a very definitive spot (much smaller than the green in most cases) where you'd give yourself the best chance to get up & down. This forces you to work your short game on every hole, and improves your focus and shot making.

5) Drop 3 balls at 100, 80, & 60 yards (or any yardages inside 120) and play them all out - try to finish in 8 or less (6 would be every ball up & down) - it's much harder than most think - if you can't get up & down consistently from those yardages, you're wasting shots.

I have players in my academy do all these weekly. If you're struggling mentally, books by Rotella & Gio can also help.

Good luck

dagolfdoc, thank you very much. going to try those setups for my practice

followup: what do your aspiring juniors shoots on the 3 balls under 100 yards? i'm seeing alot of 9's in my future

thanks doc.

great reply x 2.

I have out of action with a crook back, but look forward to implementing.

cheers steve

Thanks Doc, I'll try these as soon as possible.