Breaking 80 - the 666 system
With our goal to break 80 we set some times where we would meet certain benchmarks and also defined some immediate things to work on. I’ve recently gone over those times and goals, but the original items to work on were:
- Hit more fairways
- Aim for the middle of the green
- Go for the two putt
With two sub-90 rounds recorded, I think it is time to revisit what we are focusing on and why.
Reasoning behind original goals
Our original goals were focused on becoming a more consistent golfer (consistency off the tee, hitting greens, and putting). This made a lot of sense as my scores were often in mid-to-high 90s due to several double, triple, and even quadruple bogeys. I was taking 2-5 strokes in penalties every round due to errant shots.
New game improvement system; 666
Influenced by a great system from Sidekick Golf, the 666 system breaks down as follows (go read the original post on his blog).
Every round we need:
- 6 greens in regulation
- 6 up-and-down par saves
- 6 over par holes
- Improved mental game
Looking at my lowest round of the year when I shot 86 at Mill Quarter, each category broke down as follows:
| Goal | 86 at Mill Quarter |
|---|---|
| 6 greens in regulation | 9 |
| 6 up-and-down par saves | 1 |
| 6 over par holes | 13 |
| Improved mental game | Great headspace, so +++ |
I approached greens wonderfully, but I couldn’t score. My chipping and putting brutally hurt me this round. Some things to note:
- 4 three-putts
- 11 total chips
- 1 one-putt (my only up-and-down par save)
- 1 two-chip
- 0 penalties
I knew that I needed some work around the greens, but according to this data, this is where I am lacking the most. My inability to stick it close from off the green and then sink a putt is keeping me from scoring.
With 11 total chips around the green, and only 1 up-and-down, I have a lot of room for growth.
What’s next?
I’ve already identified a need to improve my mechanics for my swing, but short game is more feel and confidence than anything. I did not spend a lot of time around a green in practice in 2020 and that will need to change heading into 2021.
Improved accuracy and consistency off the tee and on my approach, combined with improved confidence and feel around the greens, might make 2021 the year where it all comes together. Time to get to work!