How to get the most out of golf whatever your age - your thoughts and tips please!

[Tashyboy]

Can only really speak about the fifties coz that's when I got back into golf again. Felt like a born again virgin, but enjoying it better and more appreciative. Golf is struggling. I am sure the cost of buying equipment, and playing the game is paramount to that. Being in me 50's is early signs of being a grumpy old fart and being able to say that. But I am retired, play with regular PPs and we have a good laugh. Am at a stage where mentally and physically I am challenged. I still cling onto that " one good round". I still have a bit of physical and mental ability to achieve that or so I tell myself. I have the financial ability to play the finest courses. But common sense says two weeks supermarket money is not gonna pay for 18 holes.

 

[NearHull]

I am 66 and with a BMI not recommended by the medical profession. I play 4/5 times a week , carry 10 clubs during winter, electric trolley the rest of the time. Over the past couple of years I am experiencing stiff muscles and stiff knee joints after the round. It’s particularly bad when I stand after a a post game drink and then during the evening when I stand after being brain numbed by the tv. I do stretch expercises before the round and feel fine during the round.

To get to my question, should I do some post game stretches etc or is there a vitamin “cure” that posters would recommend? Or any other (sensible) suggestions out there?

 

[DCB]

Having played since I was a youngster I can see the various stages of my game in the OP. My best golf was undoubtedly played in my early 40s, probably for a variety of the reasons given in the GM Towers thoughts. Having reached my 50s I was playing regularly and although heading upward I still enjoyed playing and trying to be competitive. In 2004 I had a serious spinal accident, a target during my rehabilitation was to get back on the golf course. This entailed physically re-learning the game in it's entirety. Amazing what an old mindset can do when re-learning a game you have played for over 40 years. Whilst physical limitations restrict my distance on the course, the head can still work out what I need to do to put together a score. Short game and putting are still strong points, but the long game needed help from modern equipment, seniors shafts and larger grips. On a good day I can play to 24. Modern equipment would undoubtedly help so many "older" players who may still try to play with clubs more suited to a more athletic swing. Our bodies do slowly change and have greater recovery times after a round. Get the right kit and take all the help you can. I certainly find it still makes my golf an enjoyable experience. Roll on the 60s and hopefully more time to play after I retire.

PS The one good thing is I don't lose so many balls off the tee.... I can't hit them far enough to lose now

 

[Brian 222]

hi all

We are looking to produce a feature for a forthcoming issue on how to get the most out of golf, whatever your age

This will look at the natural advantages each decade offers and also then some tips to help make your golf even more enjoyable at each lifestage

We're keen to hear your experiences and, if you have any, your hints and tips for getting the most out of golf in each decade

Here are a few thoughts we've had at GM Towers

Why golf in this decade of your life is great…
In your 20s you have your peak fitness and no commitments, still have reduced membership fees but it's tough as you don't have much spare cash
In your 30s you start to have a bit more disposable cash, can play better courses but probably have less time due to family and work commitments
In your 40s you know your game, you learn to play within yourself, if you have kids then you get more perspective and realise that golf isn't the be-all-and-end-all, you start to be able to introduce/play golf with your kids. Perhaps it's the sport you can do and get into when you stop playing more demanding sports like football or rugby
In your 50s you begin to get more time, have fewer other commitments, can start playing in senior amateur events that you should be very competitive in given your relative youth in this bracket
In your 60s you have the chance to travel even more widely and modern golf equipment helps to counter the effect of ageing
In your 70s and above - it's just great that you can still play the sport you love!

Over to you - any thoughts very welcome!

I'm 80 and can "still play".
If anyone ever talks to me like that I'll give them a word or two. Something like "Want to tee it up with me? "