The Truth About Why You Can't Score On The Course

PGA-certified instructor Phil Moore explains why striving for perfect golf shots and aggressive pin-seeking often leads to double bogeys and blow-up holes. By adopting a defensive course management mindset, selecting safer target zones away from hazards, and raising the quality of below-average shots, high-handicap golfers can lower their scores significantly.

• Focus on improving your worst shots (turning below-average shots into average ones) rather than trying to hit perfect shots.
• Eliminate aggressive strategy—stop aiming directly at dangerous pins and trying to hit maximum distance off every tee.
• Select clubs and target lines that completely take water, out-of-bounds, and deep bunkers out of play.
• Aim to get the ball safely within 100 yards of the green, then rely on chipping and two-putting to score bogeys or pars.
• Lowering your score comes from avoiding double and triple bogeys, not from making more birdies.

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