by Richard Foster

Created on: January 22, 2009   Last Updated: January 16, 2012

Traditionally 90 has been considered the crucial breakthrough score as, with most golf courses setting a par of 72, it used to equate to being one-over-par for each hole. So by breaking 90, the player will have achieved a reasonable standard of golf and a consistency over the whole round which would be recognised by all who understand the game. There could be a few bad holes in the round compensated for by some good ones to remain under 90. In the modern era the par score of many courses has been reduced, which should mean more people breaking 90, but this has not happened.

The main reason why the majority of golfers do not break 90 is psychological. With a fair amount of practice and tuition, most coordinated people should be able to break 90 - but they fail to do so. By being aware of this target the majority of golfers will start to worry about breaking through, and once the mind is troubled by such thoughts, there is very little chance that they can keep their game together sufficiently to reach their goal.

Performance in golf is influenced, to a much greater extent than most sports, by the processes of the mind. Technique is one thing and you must have the basics of the game, such as a decent swing and good timing, to score well. There are many golfers who are very good technically but their mental approach lets them down and means they will never break 90, whilst there are many less-gifted players who will succeed because they have the right mentality.

All sports require the right mental approach, but golf is a distinctive test which is unparalleled. It is partly down to the nature of the game: as an individual the pressure is more intense and the long gaps between playing shots can have a negative effect on the weak. One bad shot can derail a round that has been going well, and if the player allows it to gnaw away everything can fall apart very quickly. The problem is you have too much time in between shots to think about what has gone wrong or could go amiss. Negative thoughts can fester endlessly in the long gaps in action.

Finally, the one area of the game which requires the most mental toughness but is often prone to doubt and hesitation is putting. As the most important aspect of any score, putting can make or break a round. So ask any golfer, at whatever level, the problem they most fear and it's not a slice or a hook, it's the yips - a psychological condition.

Learn more about this author, Richard Foster.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.