5 Course Management Mistakes That Stop Golfers From Breaking 80

/ Dennis Sales Golf Academy /

Struggling to Break 80? Avoid These 5 Course Management Mistakes

At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we teach players how to think and play smarter. Breaking 80 often comes down to decisions and not just technique. Below are five of the most common mistakes we see golfers make on the course, and how we use Arccos data, the DECADE system, and TrackMan dispersion testing to fix them.

❌ Mistake 1: Unrealistic Expectations Based on Myths

Many golfers assume scratch players are almost perfect hitting every fairway and green. But Arccos Golf tells a more realistic story:

  • Driving distance: 259 yards

  • Birdies: 2.2

  • Pars: 10.5

  • Bogeys: 4.6

  • Doubles or worse: 0.7

  • GIR: 56%

  • Putts per round: ~30.7

  • Fairways hit: 51%

✅ Takeaway: You don’t need perfection to shoot in the 70s. You need smarter strategy.

❌ Mistake 2: Thinking 3-Wood Is “Safer” Than Driver

ShotScope and Arccos data show that 3-woods are not more accurate than drivers, but they leave you with longer second shots.

✅ Takeaway: Hitting driver more often can actually improve your scoring opportunities.

❌ Mistake 3: Not Using DECADE or Personalized Targets

Dennis is a trained DECADE instructor and integrates these systems into our coaching. He also uses TrackMan dispersion testing to help players develop shot patterns and targets customized to their swing.

🎯 Want to see how we build these targets? Watch the videos above.

✅ Takeaway: Play to your pattern, not your hopes.

❌ Mistake 4: Trying to Force Birdies Early

PGA Tour winner Charlie Beljan promotes a “first 3, last 3” mindset—stay even early, attack the middle holes, and finish with focus.

✅ Takeaway: Smart starts and finishes lower your risk and help you score more consistently.

❌ Mistake 5: Taking Too Many Full Swings Into Greens

Scratch golfers control their distances. They don’t take max-effort swings on every approach. They hit knockdowns and partial shots that improve proximity and minimize miss zones.

✅ Takeaway: Shorter, more controlled swings lead to better scoring chances.

📊 Real Driving Distance Averages (Arccos Golf)

Table showing average driver distances by handicap from Arccos Golf, including scratch through 20 handicap.

Chart showing average driver distance by age group from Arccos Golf, covering 20s through 70s and older.

Chart showing average driver distance by age group from Arccos Golf, covering 20s through 70s and older.

✅ These stats are from real on-course play - millions of tracked shots, not simulator estimates.

Final Thoughts

Golfers who break 80 make better decisions. At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we blend the best of on-course learning, DECADE strategy, TrackMan testing, and indoor precision training to help you play smarter and score lower.

Ready to Play Smarter and Break Through?

We offer:

  • On-course playing assessments (18 holes at Lantana Golf Club)

  • New student assessments at the premier indoor golf training center in Argyle, Texas

To get full details or book your on-course playing session, email us today. Use the link below to schedule your new student assessment.
Let’s build your scoring plan on the course and in the studio.