Golf Tips for Seniors
When it comes to golf, “Much of anyone’s game is played (or should be played) in the short six-inch course between the ears,” according to Louise Suggs, professional golfer and cofounder of the LPGA tour. Whether you have been playing for years or are taking up the game now that you’ve retired, exploring golf tips for seniors is a smart move. What tips should you consider?
Take Care of Your Body
“People think golf may not be a sport, but it is a sport and it’s demanding,” pro golfer Bernhard Langer tells Golf Guidebook. “It’s never too late or too early to get started on a lifestyle regime, and once you do, you’ll enjoy the benefits for years.” He encourages senior golfers to do four things:
- Focus on flexibility and stretching. Flexibility is a major factor in your swing. Stretching and yoga are fantastic ways to improve your flexibility.
- Build a strong core. The abdominals and glutes are vital for solid performance on the golf course. Building a strong core is key.
- Warm up when you arrive at the golf course. With any form of exercise, warming up is wise. Arrive early to give yourself time to stretch and warm up before you begin golfing.
- Do not overplay. Being retired may give you more time to play, but overtaxing your body can lead to injuries that could do your health and your game more harm than good.
Polish Your Fundamentals
It’s easy to neglect the basics, especially if you’ve been playing for a long time or are eager to learn everything you can about a new passion. However, fundamental skills like grip, stance, and good posture all provide an essential foundation. It may be helpful to take a few lessons to have someone else assess your movements.
Look for Senior-Friendly Equipment
If you’ve ever walked into a sporting goods store and seen the sheer volume of goods in the golfing section, you’re already aware that there is a lot of customization available in equipment. It should come as no surprise that you can find senior-friendly clubs. GolfPad suggests looking for clubs crafted from lightweight graphite with shaft flex marked Senior. The combination should help with a faster swing speed. What about golf balls? Opt for golf balls with a low/soft compression rating to accelerate ball speed. This will help compensate for a slower swing speed.
Keep Your Cool
A golfer who gives in to his temper or ego tends to lose. Remember that golf is a game where cool heads and experience are major advantages. While other golfers might hit hard to try for a flashy move, take the time to consider your moves and keep your score in mind. After all, a power player may make an exciting splash when they are lucky enough to score, but that frantic energy also leads to a lot of wasted strokes. It’s often beaten by a thoughtful, practiced strategy and a strong short game.