Breaking 80 in golf is a challenging milestone that many golfers struggle to achieve. LPGA Tour winner Linn Grant offers a useful tip for those trying to break this barrier. Grant advises that players with a handicap over five should not carry a club with more loft than a sand wedge in their bag. She believes that using a 60-degree wedge can cause more problems than it solves, as many amateurs struggle to control the extreme loft of this club.
The common issues golfers face when using a 60-degree wedge include difficulty digging into the sand, sculling shots across the green, and inconsistent distance control. Grant emphasizes the importance of practicing with high-lofted clubs to master their use, something that many amateurs do not have the time to do. Golf Digest Best Young Teacher Katie Dixon-Brady echoes Grant’s sentiments, noting that many players struggle with the 60-degree wedge because they do not understand how to use the bounce properly.
Instead of using a 60-degree wedge, Grant recommends using a 56 or 58-degree sand wedge to hit a variety of shots around the green. She suggests using higher-lofted clubs whenever possible for better results. For easy chip shots where height is not necessary, Grant advises using a pitching wedge or even a nine iron. By simplifying their approach and choosing the right club for each shot, golfers can avoid big mistakes and reduce the number of strokes on their scorecard.
Grant’s advice addresses a fundamental issue that many amateurs face: making the short game too complicated. By selecting the easiest shot for each situation and focusing on solid fundamentals, golfers can eliminate costly errors and improve their chances of breaking 80. Mastering the use of high-lofted clubs and prioritizing simplicity around the greens can help golfers achieve their goal of shooting in the 70s. With dedication, practice, and the right equipment, breaking 80 is within reach for any golfer willing to put in the effort.
