Alright, let’s be real. If you’ve been out there grinding, trying to finally break that elusive 100 in golf, I feel you. Been there. Some days it feels like you’re one solid shot away from greatness, and other days—well, let’s just say the driver ends up in the trunk before the back nine even starts.
You’ve watched the tutorials, taken a few tips from your buddy who swears his slice is “just a fade,” and maybe even dropped some cash on a new driver. And yet, here you are—hovering around that three-digit scorecard wondering what in the actual heck is going on. You’re not alone. Breaking 100 is one of those classic golf goals that seems totally doable in theory… but maddeningly elusive in practice.
But here’s something you might not expect: the biggest thing holding you back might not be your swing mechanics, your grip, or even your club selection. It might be something sneakier. Something subtle.
Yep. Tension.
That tightness in your hands, your shoulders, even your jaw? It’s wrecking your rhythm, throwing off your tempo, and stealing distance and accuracy from every shot you take.
So today, let’s unpack that tension. Let’s figure out why it shows up, what it does to your swing, and most importantly—how to get rid of it so you can finally shoot that sweet 99 (or lower).
First Things First: What Does “Breaking 100” Even Mean?
If you’re new to the game or just trying to wrap your head around golf lingo, let’s clear this up.
“Breaking 100” simply means scoring under 100 for 18 holes. On a par-72 course, that gives you 27 extra strokes. That’s a decent cushion. You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to break 100. You just need to avoid complete disasters—and play smarter, not harder.
But if tension is creeping in, that goal feels miles away. So let’s figure out where that tension’s coming from.
Why Tension Happens (Especially for Us Trying to Break 100)
Let’s be honest: tension doesn’t just show up out of nowhere. It sneaks in when we care too much, when expectations creep in, or when things don’t go the way we planned. And if you’re trying to break 100, you’re probably carrying a mixed bag of hope, pressure, and frustration every time you tee it up. Sound familiar?
Let’s dig a little deeper into why tension shows up and how it can slowly sabotage your swing before you even realize it.
1. You’re Trying Too Hard
The desire to break 100 is real. And that pressure builds. You want this round to be the round, and in trying to be perfect, you actually tighten up. Your grip gets firmer, your swing gets shorter, and your body stops moving freely. You’re no longer playing the game—you’re forcing it.
2. Fear of the Miss
You stand over the ball and think, “Please don’t shank this. Please don’t top it.” And guess what? Your body listens. Fear creates hesitation. Hesitation creates tension. And tension leads to—you guessed it—a bad shot. It’s a brutal cycle.
3. Overthinking the Swing
It’s easy to fall into the trap of swing thoughts overload. You’ve read a dozen tips, watched YouTube tutorials, and now your brain is trying to juggle all of them mid-swing. “Turn the hips, keep the head down, don’t lift the arms, rotate, extend…” It’s like trying to dance with someone shouting instructions in your ear. You tense up just trying to remember everything.
4. Peer Pressure or Self-Pressure
Maybe your buddy already broke 100. Maybe you’re playing in front of strangers and want to prove you know what you’re doing. Or maybe you’ve told yourself this round is the one where everything has to click. That kind of mental pressure bubbles into physical tightness. And your body? It can’t swing freely when it’s in survival mode.
5. Lingering Frustration from Past Rounds
We’ve all been there. You duffed a shot on hole 3, and you’re still mad about it on hole 6. That frustration clings to your swing like static cling on a polyester shirt. You’re gripping harder, moving faster, and completely out of sync.
6. Lack of Confidence
Confidence breeds fluidity. Without it, every swing feels like a guess. And when you don’t trust your game, your body goes into defense mode—it braces for failure instead of flowing with intent. Tension is the body’s way of saying, “I don’t know what we’re doing here.”
So yeah, tension isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and situational. The good news? Once you spot where it’s coming from, you can start doing something about it.
How Tension Ruins Your Swing
Now let’s talk about what that tension actually does to your swing.
1. It Kills Your Tempo
Good golf swings are smooth and rhythmic. Tension throws off your timing and makes everything jerky. Think Charles Barkley’s old swing (yikes).
2. It Shortens Your Backswing
When you’re tight, you can’t make a full, fluid turn. Your backswing gets shorter, and you lose power.
3. It Locks Up Your Hands and Arms
You need feel in your hands to release the club properly. Tension takes that away. Ever hit a ball that felt like a brick? That’s tension, my friend.
4. It Messes with Your Clubface Control
Loose grip = square face = better contact. Death grip = open or closed face = slices, hooks, shanks—you name it.
The Secret Sauce: Relaxation = Better Golf
Let’s not get all Zen on you (unless you’re into that), but there’s real truth here: relaxed golfers swing better. Period.
So how do you chill out without losing focus? Let’s get into it.
10 Ways to Relax and Finally Break 100
1. Check Your Grip Pressure
Hold the club like you’re holding a tube of toothpaste—you don’t want to squeeze it out, just keep it steady. That alone can change everything.
2. Breathe Like a Human
Seriously. Deep breath before every shot. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Simple. Effective.
3. Loosen Up Before You Tee Off
Do some dynamic stretches—arm circles, trunk twists, leg swings. Don’t just take two practice swings and go. Get the blood moving.
4. Use a Pre-Shot Routine
Repeating the same routine helps you get in the zone. It calms nerves and cues your brain that it’s time to perform.
5. Focus on One Swing Thought
One. Not ten. Something simple like “smooth tempo” or “finish high.” Your brain can’t handle more than that in the moment.
6. Play the Shot You Know, Not the One You Dream Of
You want to hit a high draw over the trees? Cool. Can you actually do that? No? Then don’t try. Play the simple shot. Tension drops when expectations are realistic.
7. Laugh It Off
Bad shot? Shake it off. Laugh. Make fun of yourself. Golf’s hard for everyone. Tension fades when you stop taking it so seriously.
8. Stay Loose Between Shots
Don’t carry the last shot into the next one. Take a few relaxed swings or shake out your arms as you walk.
9. Use Music or a Chill Vibe
If your course allows it, a little background music can relax your mind. Nothing too wild—just enough to get out of your own head.
10. Remind Yourself: This Is Supposed to Be Fun
You’re not on the PGA Tour. You’re here to enjoy the day, not qualify for Augusta. Keep it light.
What Happens When You Play Loose
When you start relaxing, a bunch of good stuff happens:
- Your swing gets smoother
- You make better contact
- Your misses are less catastrophic
- Your confidence grows
- And yep—you finally start breaking 100
It might not happen right away, but the more you train your body and brain to stay loose, the faster you’ll improve.
Real Talk: You’re Probably Closer Than You Think
If you’re consistently scoring 105–110, you’re not far off. You don’t need a miracle—just a few less blow-up holes. And tension? That’s a big cause of those blow-ups.
Drop the tension, and suddenly:
- You stop topping the ball off the tee
- You stop chunking wedges
- You actually two-putt more often
It adds up quick. Before you know it, you’re writing 99 on that scorecard and smiling all the way to the clubhouse.
Final Thoughts: Chill to Break 100
Breaking 100 isn’t about having the prettiest swing or buying the fanciest clubs. It’s about consistency, patience, and playing smart.
But most of all? It’s about staying loose.
So the next time you’re standing over the ball with your teeth clenched and your shoulders up near your ears, take a second. Breathe. Wiggle your fingers. Loosen your grip. And swing like you’re trying to send the ball home—not punish it.
You’ve got this. And when you finally break 100?
Oh man, that smile’s gonna be worth it.
And hey—don’t forget this feeling. Once you break 100, your next goal might be breaking 90, then 85. But that tension? It doesn’t magically disappear. What you’re learning now—how to relax, reset, and let your natural rhythm lead—isn’t just for this milestone. It’s for the long game. Literally.
So take what you’ve learned, keep grinding, and trust the process. Golf is a game of progress, not perfection. And as long as you keep swinging with intention—and without tension—you’re headed in the right direction.
Bonus Tip: Grab a buddy who’s already broken 100 and play a casual round with them. No scorecard, no pressure. Just play. You’d be amazed how relaxed golf can feel when there’s nothing on the line.
Now get out there and go low. Or at least… go loose. 😉