Every Golfer wants to be proud of their own course, make sure you are a help to your green staff and not a hindrance
Repairing a pitch mark on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It’s an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you.
A pitch mark can cause the grass in the depression to die, leaving not only a scar but also a pit in the putting surface that can knock well-struck putts offline. Repairing a pitch mark restores a smooth surface and helps keep the grass healthy. But “repairing” a pitch mark incorrectly can actually cause more damage than not attempting to repair it at all. This is where the GREENSTICK come in to play. The greenstick helps golfers make sure that they are repairing a pitch mark correctly; with specially designed tool the greenstick promotes a clean repair minimizing the chances of affecting the green.
Many golfers struggle to repair their pitch marks because of a back problems but with the greenstick it helps those golfers by being extendible so the golfer does not have to bend down to repair their pitch mark.
Please visit out website at www.seniorgolfuk.co.uk or to buy a greenstick please go to www.richardbrowngolf.co.uk
Maintaining the quality of the golf course for the enjoyment of all is good golfing etiquette, especially in winter as courses become more vulnerable to the elements. Looking after your golf course in the winter is largely matter of common sense and preparation.
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If you can carry your clubs instead of using a trolley (especially electric trollies which are heavy) then please do so.
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Stick to the paths provided. Do not take shortcuts across soft ground and if you do have to use a trolley or buggy then please keep them at least 5m from the putting surfaces.
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Do not walk onto tees or greens unless you are playing on them.
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Observe cart rules. Some courses will post “cart path only” signs; others will ask you to observe the “90-degree rule.” Do as you are told.
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Observe ropes and other directional instructions installed by the green staff – they are there for a reason.
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Ensure your shoes are in appropriate condition for winter golf, i.e. soft spikes in good order.
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Be careful not to damage the edge of the hole when removing your ball – this is very bad manners as it is directly detrimental to the enjoyment of your fellow players.
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Repair your divots in the fairway – they can take longer to heal in the winter!
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Repair your ball marks on the green.
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Always rake sand bunkers after hitting to erase your footprints and damage to the area where your ball was.
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Avoid taking a divot on a practice swing.
For the senior golfer or the less mobile golfer observing course etiquette can prove more of a challenge as bending to repair ball and pitch marks can be difficult. This is where the design of the ‘Greenstick’ can assist the less agile golfer. Repairing pitch marks is excellent golfing etiquette and is essential in order to maintain a smooth, true putting surface and The Greenstick makes this easy for the less agile but considerate golfer. Now available to buy on-line visit http://richardbrowngolf.co.uk/product/the-green-stick/.
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!