Golf has many health benefits both physically and mentally so if you enjoy playing golf there is no reason to stop in your senior years. But the senior golfer may have some challenges to overcome or adjust to as the years keep on rolling by! If you play for competition, social interaction or exercise there are steps you can take to keep your game at the top level.
Senior Golfers must warm up!
Every golfer should warm up before a game no matter what the age but for the senior golfer to avoid injury its vital. Take a short brisk walk to increase the heart rate and take a few practice shots on the range so you are fully stretched and ready before you get on the course.
Posture
In very simple terms, as we age our posture changes. We become more curved in the upper part of our back, detrition often occurs in our spine, we can be carrying a bit of extra weight around our tummy and our leg muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be.
Simple strength and stretching programmes you can do off the golf course will help you to open up the muscles in your chest and shoulder area. Ask your physiotherapist for more information.
Strength and Flexibility
Advancing years can affect our strength and flexibility, distance and accuracy inevitably suffer. A good exercise routine will keep you as fit and strong as possible as well as adjusting your game to the body you have now, not the one you used to have. It could just take minor tweaks such as a simple change in foot position to make your hips turn move easily through the ball. Speak to your local PGA professional who will be able to advise on the correct adjustments for you.
Equipment
As your body changes so should your golfing equipment. There is a wide range of equipment on the market designed for the senior golfer. The Greenstick featured on the website was designed with the senior golfer in mind allowing him/her to repair ball marks and retrieve golf balls without having to bend over. There are a wide range of clubs like high launch drivers and hybrids that have allowed much more forgiveness and helped increase distances hit compared to older clubs. Again speak to your local PGA professional who can advise on the correct equipment.
A good tip below in the video explains how adjusting your grip on the club can create greater leverage when our movement is restricted.
Making tiny adjustments in your game, seek the correct advice from the professionals and buying the correct equipment can see you enjoying the golf course for many years to come, no matter what your age!