At some point, senior golfers have to accept that their swings will slow and balance will falter—but it doesn’t mean the game is over. Fortunately, golf swings are constantly adapting and evolving, regardless of age.
Paired with new technology, growth, flexibility, and temperament are all factors that can improve your golfing ability. If you have made it to the golden age of golf, below are a few ways you can alter your approach to achieve a positive impact on your on-course experience.
In golf, flexibility and mobility play an essential role in your performance. Thus, how your mind and body gel when on the course can either improve or slow your game.
Despite appearances, golf can become physically taxing, even for younger players. The average round of golf can take four hours, which is taxing if you aren’t physically prepared to swing, aim, and be on your feet for that long.
Excellent at-home exercises that can up your senior golf game are yoga, Pilates, and your typical daily jog.
If you’re experiencing swing limitations, curating an appropriate collection of equipment can make or break your game. There are many specially-manufactured senior clubs on the market with shaft flexes and hollowed-back long iron designs that help maximize distance.
If you’re unsure of where to begin, consider a hybrid model. These forgiving clubs allow you to launch the ball higher and farther. Hybrids are an excellent way to overcome challenges that involve chipping and longer bunker shots.
The some principle goes for your golf balls—lower compression products can travel longer distances with lesser physical strength.
Ensure that you store your equipment properly with the appropriate golf bag and headcovers.
We all age sooner or later. Being brutally honest about your physical state and what you can continue to achieve doesn’t just improve your game when you’re older—it also provides a sense of relief.
Instead of obsessing over what you used to be comfortable with, be honest with your capabilities and update your handicap. Top-rated golf scoring applications can help you automatically calculate these numbers and define your boundaries.
If these boundaries prevent you from participating in intermediate games, consider enrolling in a senior-specific program. Alternatively, you can practice in your own time.
Now that you’re ready to put your theoretical adjustments into practice, it’s time to reduce your backswing. Extended back swings can cause senior golfers to quickly lose balance and decrease distance.
Instead, take a shorter swing and follow through, accelerating your shot before you complete the finish. You can improve your follow through by slightly adjusting your stance. Open up your foot a little wider and walk the ball after impact to get a smooth, sharp hit.
It’s challenging to increase power and flight when you’re suffering from early onset arthritis. With that in mind, there are many ways to strengthen your grip.
Firstly, you’ll want to reevaluate your grip size. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, midsize or jumbo grips can make it easier for seniors to follow through.
In terms of gameplay, try adopting a square or closed grip that allows you to make minute changes for increasing distance. Slightly rotating your hands to the right of your club can also promote consistent draw spins.
If you aren’t playing at the level you once were, making seemingly minuscule adjustments can spell success for your swing. For instance, setting your ball back from its normal position can increase your chances of hitting a draw.
However, you’ll want to time these adjustments right. Moving your ball back will only make sense under warmer conditions in which the ground is dry and hard. As such, though you may experience a shorter ball flight, your roll will get you far.
If you’re a stiff player, turning your right foot out can prevent instances of swaying and losing balance. First, determine your flexibility level by testing your current ability to run swings without an adjustment.
Then, perform a back swing with your foot facing forward. Does your hip remain neutral as you swing your club over your head? If so, you may still be able to perform a full backswing. If not, you could use some loosening up.
Try moving away from the sway line—this moves up from the outer part of your back leg when you come into contact with the ball—and moving your hips forward towards your target to achieve a more powerful follow through.
The Golf Pad GPS and Rangefinder is an excellent rangefinder and a simple way to keep track of your scores. By getting accurate GPS distances, you can drop your handicap, even as you age.
You can even use the app to study aerial maps, hole elevation, and flyovers on over 40,000 courses. Additional features such as shot measurement can put your game into perspective. If you’re looking for intelligent club recommendations and advice, Golf Pad Premium has everything you need to shape up your play.
It’s imperative that you remember golf is a mental game. If you’re stuck in the past, reminiscing over shots once came so naturally to you, you lose opportunities to move forward.
Instead, attack the course like a skilled senior. Visualize your shots and come up with a plan for the course you’re playing. Thinking about where you want to land each shot at your playing level will help you score at a much higher level.
Also, don’t underestimate dressing the part. With the right golf clothing, you can put yourself in an equally positive mindset!
Losing your skill to age is never easy to come to terms with—but it doesn’t mean giving up entirely. Adjusting your gameplay, rethinking your current equipment, and living in the now can do wonders for your on-course ability.
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