Encouraging my dear old Dad.....

[Alan P Mills]

My Dad now in his 70's is struggling to remain competitive especially off the white tees. He has had a slow increase in handicap over the last few years and it's getting him down. His short game and putting is still there he has just lost some distance off the tee and with his long game.

He has switched to senior flex shaft in his driver and changed his golfing strategy on the course, I.e playing the par 4s as par 5s, but he is still struggling.

I'm not asking for a solution here as age eventually creeps up on us all, but would welcome suggestions or advice on how I can encourage my dear old Dad so that he gets back to enjoying his golf.

 

[John_R7]

Play with the seniors who have a similar game to him (assuming he does not already do so).
Senior comps often play from the yellows in some places.

Set realistic targets - they may be radically different from past targets but if they are achievable occasionally it may help the enjoyment.

Discuss how good it is that he is still managing to play, ailments in age prevent many from continuing at all.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

How competitive is he ?

Maybe its just unrealistic targets and need to find a way to reduce the expectations ?

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Stop playing in competitions......simples.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Stop playing in competitions......simples.

Or maybe play in senior comps to ensure he can still be a little competitive !

 

[williamalex1]

Play in open senior comps , i try and play at least once a week great value and most have 3 age categories. And he will meet a lot of good people who speak the same language, and a chance to win some cash. I'm fed up beating big hitting young whippersnappers.:rofl:

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Play in open senior comps , i try and play at least once a week great value and most have 3 age categories. And he will meet a lot of good people who speak the same language, and a chance to win some cash. I'm fed up beating big hitting young whippersnappers.:rofl:

So you are a pro playing for money now Alex!

 

[Pin-seeker]

Let him play a round with me. He'll feel like a world beater again.

 

[williamalex1]

So you are a pro playing for money now Alex!

Yes Doon, I won sweep money, 2s money and vouchers , golf balls last year total value £350.00, thank you very much. your never too old.:thup:

 

[pokerjoke]

My dad has just reached 70 and over the last couple of years I have noticed a change.
He doesn't hit it as far but its generally on the short stuff.
The key to him is he just loves the game.
He is competitive still but I believe he know his limits.
Saying that 2 years ago he won the club champs net comp beating all the young
long hitters.
As I always say to my dad hes lucky to be still playing,there are many his age that
are not.

 

[Hobbit]

Typically, juniors play better than their handicaps and seniors play worse than their handicaps. I used to monitor both group and be a little brutal on the kids cuts but carry out regular reviews on the seniors, and give the odd lift to keep them involved with the comps and their buddies. From a business sense it works, and more importantly to those who've been involved for donkey's decades, it keeps them out there having fun.

Not sure if handicap secs have that leeway with the recent CONGU changes, but it might be worth having a word with the club.

 

[CMAC]

Yes Doon, I won sweep money, 2s money and vouchers , golf balls last year total value £350.00, thank you very much. your never too old.:thup:

sounds good- so whats the good Seniors Opens to get involved with William as I'm unfortunately 2 yrs into this age group and despite rebelling I have to accept what will be will be.

Plus I played a 36 holer last year in 2 balls and I was paired with a 14 yr old- we really don't have a lot in common for a forced 7 hrs play

 

[williamalex1]

sounds good- so whats the good Seniors Opens to get involved with William as I'm unfortunately 2 yrs into this age group and despite rebelling I have to accept what will be will be.

Plus I played a 36 holer last year in 2 balls and I was paired with a 14 yr old- we really don't have a lot in common for a forced 7 hrs play

We use the Wee Yellow book, it give dates type of comp fees etc and telephone numbers of over 400 clubs.Dalmahoy £15 including a buffet, Downfield gc. 4bbb £15 each or individual £18. Ratho Park £14 , Drumpellier gc £10, Strathaven gc £12.
Those are the dearest we play , most are in the £8 to 10 bracket. Age wise some are over 50 some over 55 some over 60. All the info is in the wee book
.Played with a guy about 4 years ago age 72 who played of 5 shot and 77 scratch , never forgotten his name Will Smith

 

[Joff]

We use the Wee Yellow book, it give dates type of comp fees etc and telephone numbers of over 400 clubs.Dalmahoy £15 including a buffet, Downfield gc. 4bbb £15 each or individual £18. Ratho Park £14 , Drumpellier gc £10, Strathaven gc £12.
Those are the dearest we play , most are in the £8 to 10 bracket. Age wise some are over 50 some over 55 some over 60. All the info is in the wee book
.Played with a guy about 4 years ago age 72 who played of 5 shot and 77 scratch , never forgotten his name Will Smith

Was his caddy Tommy Lee Jones? If that's the case he might have been cheating, but you'd never remember.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Your lucky. Lost my dad ten years ago and still pine for one more round with him. A lot of our senior comps are played off the yellows which makes it much more enjoyable and a more level playing field. If I was him, I'd perhaps stick to stablefords off the white tees as it still gives him a degree of error that perhaps medal play and his age doesn't allow

 

[williamalex1]

Was his caddy Tommy Lee Jones? If that's the case he might have been cheating, but you'd never remember.

Wrong colour and nationality.don't be ageist i can remember everything when i want to.

 

[williamalex1]

Your lucky. Lost my dad ten years ago and still pine for one more round with him. A lot of our senior comps are played off the yellows which makes it much more enjoyable and a more level playing field. If I was him, I'd perhaps stick to stablefords off the white tees as it still gives him a degree of error that perhaps medal play and his age doesn't allow

Some courses play of yellows but most use the whites.

 

[Alan P Mills]

Thanks for comments gents. Sticking to stablefords is good point and playing in more senior comps is a good idea, we have green tees for senior comps (shorter course).

He's a grumpy old bugger sometimes but he's my dad! :fore:

 

[williamalex1]

Thanks for comments gents. Sticking to stablefords is good point and playing in more senior comps is a good idea, we have green tees for senior comps (shorter course).

He's a grumpy old bugger sometimes but he's my dad! :fore:

In that case he would fit in just nice on this forum .:thup: