How to Lower Your Golf Scores Without Changing Your Swing

Hemanth Bandlamudi
Aug 27
2 min read

Most golfers think the fastest way to lower scores is to hit it further or fix their swing mechanics. But the stats tell a different story. Let's take a closer look.

🎯 The Numbers Don’t Lie

A scratch golfer averages 11.4 greens in regulation (GIRs) per round.
A 5 handicap averages 9.3 GIRs.
A 9 handicap averages 7.4 GIRs.
A 15 handicap? Just 5.5 GIRs.

Here’s the kicker: those 2 extra greens per round translate into about 5 strokes of scoring difference.

Scratch golfer scoring average: 72.7
5 handicap scoring average: 77.5
9 handicap scoring average: 83.6
15 handicap scoring average: 88.6

Not 20 more yards off the tee. Not a magical move at the top of the swing. Just 2 more greens.

🧠 Why It’s More Mental Than Mechanical

You could spend years grinding on the range trying to find those 2 extra GIRs…

Or you could unlock them with your mental game, which is how scratch golfers separate themselves — not just talent, but mental discipline:

A clear, repeatable pre-shot routine
A calm body, free from tension
Focused decisions instead of overthinking
The confidence to commit fully to every shot

🎧 Try This Mental Game Routine To Lower Your Golf Scores

Here are 3 guided audio lessons from the Centered Golf App that will help you play with more clarity and confidence:

On the Range → "Alphabet Pre-Shot Routine" (15 mins)
- Ingrain a consistent, reliable pre-shot routine which works under pressure.
The Night Before Your Round → "Visualization for Making Birdies" (11 mins)
- Prime your mind to see birdie chances before they happen.
On the Way to the Course → "Process Over Outcome" (7 mins)
- A pre-round pep talk to lock in your focus and calm your nerves.