5 Proven Practice Tips to Break 80
/Breaking 80 isn’t about grinding longer, it’s about practicing smarter. At Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, Texas, we’ve helped countless players break through scoring plateaus by building structured training systems, using world-class feedback tools, and tailoring repeatable improvement plans, once the right plan is in place.
But that plan starts with an assessment. Without it, meaningful progress becomes far more difficult. One of the most important lessons we’ve learned over the years is this:
What most golfers want isn’t what they need and what they need, they often don’t want. But once we give them what they actually need, they all get better.
If your goal is to stop “almost” breaking 80 and start scoring in the 70s consistently, these five practice tips, plus a few Dennis Sales Golf Academy exclusive twists will help you get there.
1. Dial In Your Stock Driver Shot
The Tip:
Groove a reliable “fairway finder” shot. Same shape. Same target. Consistently. This shot doesn’t need to be your longest, it needs to be your most reliable. A slightly lower trajectory that gets on the ground faster and stays in play is often the smarter option. Once you master that, then chase the high bomb.
DSGA Twist:
We use TrackMan to validate your ball flight and GEARS Golf to ensure your shaft matches your swing DNA. A shaft with a mismatched EI curve can force flawed compensations. When the club and your body are synced, everything becomes more efficient and more repeatable.
Pro Tip: Go through your full pre-shot routine every 5 balls during practice. Build habits that translate under pressure.
2. Create a Scoring Club Matrix
The Tip:
Know your distances with your scoring clubs, typically wedges and short irons. Start with three stock distances: full swing, knockdown, and half swing.
DSGA Twist:
We use TrackMan or GC Quad to dial in exact carry distances and organize a wedge matrix based on what you need on the course. We then layer in supervised simulator play to test these shots under real conditions.
Instead of trying to master all options at once, we simplify: lock in the full swing, then build the knockdown, and finally add the half swing. Simplicity and time make a huge difference in your long-term success.
We also ensure your wedges are properly gapped. Poor loft spacing forces awkward swings. A clean system allows you to adapt to the course and gain confidence through consistent reps.
3. Short Game Challenge
The Tip:
Get 25 different shots inside a 5-foot circle before leaving the chipping area. This sharpens feel, decision-making, and pressure tolerance.
DSGA Twist:
We start indoors with flat lies, using controlled variables to help players understand setup differences for high, low, spinning, and running shots. Once baseline techniques are understood, we teach how to adjust for different lies, slopes, and turf conditions.
It’s not just about hitting shots, it’s about learning how to read lies, predict outcomes, and execute the right shot with confidence.
We also film each session, allowing players to review, refine, and build processes that hold up under competitive stress.
4. Putting Practice (3–6 Feet)
The Tip:
Mastering short putts is one of the fastest ways to lower your score. Use a mirror to check setup and chalk lines to ensure the ball starts on your intended line.
DSGA Twist:
We use SAM PuttLab to assess your stroke pattern, face angle, and tempo. It’s not always nerves, it’s often a mechanical pattern that needs refining. With this data, we help players build a personalized putting template to use every practice session.
Our 45-foot putting green also gives players the chance to train speed control and pressure putting with game-like scenarios. This is where tournament readiness is built.
5. Master One Iron
The Tip:
Most golfers use the same 3–4 clubs regularly. Focus on mastering one iron,likely your most frequently used, rather than spreading effort thin across the entire set. Once that one club is dialed in, the clubs one up and one down naturally improve due to similar specs.
DSGA Twist:
We first ensure your shaft profile fits your swing, then build out systems for low point control, face strike, and flight windows. The result? Reliable patterns, tighter dispersion, and more trust in your swing.
Mastery doesn’t mean hitting every club the same, it means learning the core patterns that transfer across your bag.
Want to Practice Like a Pro?
Ready to break 80 for good?
Let us help you create a system built around your body, your game, and your goals. We offer comprehensive programs for golfers needing assistance and those DIY golfers. It all just starts with booking assessment.