I'm a conservative player, not a risk taker. That is how I manage to shoot consistently in the 70's.
There's a big difference between someone that occasionally shoots a round in the 70's and someone that expects to shoot in the 70's every time he plays.
Also, there's a big difference between shooting in the 70's playing official USGA rules and playing "friendly" rules.
Also a big difference playing from the white tees or playing from the TIPS.
That being said, I think you can break the game down into 2 parts, physical and mental.
The MENTAL part requires that you NEVER GIVE UP. You have to concentrate on every shot. Don't let your previous shots affect your next shot whether it was good or bad. You need to be able to focus your attention to the point where nothing distracts you while you are taking your shot. There are no do-overs because someone was talking during your back swing or a bee landed on your ball. In my case, I'll never play a shot unless I'm 100% sure I can pull it off. And to be 100% sure requires lots of practice and playing time.
Practicing your game backwards is one way to go. In other words, if I feel confident over 3 foot putts, that takes pressure off my lag putting and short game. Feeling confident about lag putting and the short game takes pressure off my iron game. And so forth.
Creating consistent pre-shot routines will help you focus on each shot. Those pre-shot routines should never vary whether it's a drive, chip or putt. You should use those routines when you are practicing too. Get it to where it's automatic. It will calm your nerves and will also help block out any distractions around you.
When I practice at the range, I never just hit the ball straight away. Everything at the range is set up so you will line up to hit the ball straight. The mats, cones, fences, etc. I like to find targets to the left and right to make myself learn to aim at different angles. That way I always feel comfortable aiming on the golf course.
Playing golf with players that are better than you also helps a lot as long as you don't mind losing every match. I find it harder to focus when I'm playing with 90's shooters compared to high 60's or low 70's shooters.
The PHYSICAL part requires that you are able to consistently strike the ball well. If I'm going to miss a shot badly, I'd much rather hit it thin than fat. At least I'll get my distance that way. Really its just about controlling the ball and minimizing your mistakes. For a 7 handicap player, any hole can be bogeyed. So when you come up to that tough hole, make sure you get your bogey and be satisfied and move on. There is no reason for a double bogey or worse. You can afford to make 7 bogeys per round and still shoot in the 70's. Throw in a few birdies and now you shot 75.
Probably my biggest problem with my swing is remembering to "SLOW IT DOWN". When I get anxious, I have a tendency to speed it up.
