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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why… I sometimes play from the most forward tees at our course. Doesn’t bother me. Why all this stigma about tee color. Each set of tees represents an entirely different course. Shorter is not always eaiser by any means. Play all the tees you can and enjoy. It’s kind of boring to simply put 20 yards between all the tee markers. I think a lot of courses could make a great improvement by putting truly different tees on the holes, so that it actually changes the hole. Maybe from the back set you have to draw the ball, and from one of the shorter tees you need to fade the ball on that hole. Have one set that plays "long and straight" and another that plays "short, but you have to work the ball". Themes like that.
Sounds good… but is it feasable… Some courses do have a litle of this. For example the shorted tees are often on different humps than the middle tees which are on different humps than the back tees and the humps are not all lined up in a row. However on our course the whites and blues most often share the same hump of earth… and the only difference is a few yards. However the reds are in another world. Totally different view… much shorter… but totally different. dsc
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers. It does seem to concern a senior male that I sometimes go around with. i see no problem at all! We are all different. Women tend to be physically weaker and smaller than men – so what? We all get less flexible and wearker as we get older – so what?
Well I guess you really get what ever you expect. If you expect to get old and feeble you probably will… more and faster. Do what you can to slow/reverse the effects of aging… Change your expectations… work on your fitness (if there are no health considerations that would prevent it). dsc
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Why… I sometimes play from the most forward tees at our course. Doesn’t bother me. Why all this stigma about tee color. Each set of tees represents an entirely different course. Shorter is not always eaiser by any means. Play all the tees you can and enjoy.
It’s kind of boring to simply put 20 yards between all the tee markers. I think a lot of courses could make a great improvement by putting truly different tees on the holes, so that it actually changes the hole. Maybe from the back set you have to draw the ball, and from one of the shorter tees you need to fade the ball on that hole. Have one set that plays "long and straight" and another that plays "short, but you have to work the ball". Themes like that.
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I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers.
Why… I sometimes play from the most forward tees at our course. Doesn’t bother me. Why all this stigma about tee color. Each set of tees represents an entirely different course. Shorter is not always eaiser by any means. Play all the tees you can and enjoy. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely. 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had).
If you are still healthy you can improve. It’s not too late. You can start a stretching and light weight training program. For most seniors (and even some not-so-seniors) a lack of flexiblity is the major power leak. So you may gain most by working on that. Just check with your doc first and don’t overdo it. I know several 70+ year olds that work out every day. One of them in particular claims an increase in length off the tee since he started just a couple years ago. Another guy that is 72 doesn’t golf, but is a runner and has been for a long time. He has stepped out his fitness and diet program, dropped about 20 pounds this year and is running times he hadn’t seen in 3-5 years and thought he would never see again. dsc
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Thanks for your comments; and encouragement, Alan…..
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It seems to me I heard somewhere that ClasSport wrote in article I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers.
I’m 72, and probably pretty comparable to you, Alan. At the local munis I normally play almost nobody uses the front (red/silver) tees. I prefer the middle/white tees but will move to the back/blues if the group does (I go as a single walk on, so I’m part of an ad-hoc group). Over the months and years I see little difference in my scoring from the middle and back tees. 2. I know the answer to this has to be "check you swing speed" and I will find a way to do that. But can I get some recommendations on golf balls, assuming that my speed is that of the average guy at my age? I really think I’m wasting money trying to get good distance from the titanium long balls but I’m so inconsistent in my swing I don’t really have any basis for comparing. Any recommendations on ball selection would be appreciated.
I like the TopFlight X2000 Exceptional Spin; I find I can work the ball fairly well, and placement is more important (and more doable) for me than distance. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely.
I’m only a few yards ahead of you. I haven’t hit driver more than a few times a year lately, and the results have justified that. Lately my ball striking has improved and I may start hitting driver again on appropriate holes. My lateral accuracy has improved a great deal in the last few months, and my short game is fairly dependable. 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had).
I’ve had clubs for over thirty years, but have never had a lesson or opportunity to play regularly. Since I retired a few years ago I’ve learned a lot through reading, practice, and rsg, and I’m more satisfied with my playing ability if not with my scores. I’m generally in the mid to upper 90s, but in the past I’ve had some rounds in the 80s. I think I have the potential to do it again, if my health holds up. My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often.
Congratulations – you’re ahead of me. My senior group, which isn’t too fastidious about its handicapping methods, rates me at 28. I usually seem to gross higher in their tournaments than when I play alone. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson.
Give him clubs, but not yours. :-) — Don
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On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175
yards driving distance with a 3 wood. While I was looking up some information on the calculation of slope, I came across the following: A model bogey golfer is one with a Handicap Factor of 17.5 to 22.4 strokes. A bogey golfer can hit tee shots an average of 200 yards and can reach a 370 yard hole in two shots. Hell, if you hit your 3-wood 175 yards you currently do not have great power, but are not far away from the so-called model bogey golfer. You most likely reach some par 4s in regulation. If you have a decent short game you might still get a bogey or par even if it takes three strokes to get on the green. With some lessons you will almost certainly increase your power and have respectable results. I’m 47 and do not know what a 70 body is like, but there are a lot of golfers over 70 who play well and nobody is too old to learn. (yes, it is a good idea to take lessons) When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball
entirely. Yes, it’s hard to play within your current limits. I stress current because with some work on swing technique, general fitness and flexibility you can expand those limits. But your observation applies to all golfers – try a little too hard and bad things happen. My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to
low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often. Low to mid 90’s doesn’t sound too bad to me (I’ve yet to break 100 – ok, I’ve yet to break 120). I always ask myself – "did I have fun?". If I did, then the score only serves to help measure my progress. If not, then what difference does the score make? Some people shoot a 78 and are miserable for a week. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I
love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson.
If you enjoy playing, by all means, make the commitment. Get a second set for your grandson and play with him. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when
the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers.
I always hit from tees either at the back or near the back but that is because I want to push myself and if I do swing properly, the ball goes a respectable distance. However, there is no reason to be embarrassed about hitting from the gold/red tees. I can’t imagine someone giving you a hard time about it unless they are close friends and do so in a manner that they know you will not take offense. If some jerk wants to tease you because putting people down helps him feel good about himself, he’s probably not the guy you want to play with. Honesty can be very disarming – if someone teases you about hitting from the forward tees it can be quite effective to simply say "yes, I’m 70 years old and taking up the game after many years of not playing. Right now I’m not good enough to play from the blue tees". Kinda takes the wind out of their sails. Do not let where you play from hinder your enjoyment of the game.
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Dave……let me know when and where you’ll be playing with your Dad. If at all possible, I’ll make a little road trip and meet you. Who knows, maybe Frostback or Laville might make it too…
Right now we plan on playing at the muni in Greenville. I could see if he’s interested in making a small road trip ourselves and play someplace else (Tunica maybe??) I’m arriving Thursday the 13th and heading back Sunday. Dave
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Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson.
Next month I will travel to Mississippi to play my 72 year old father. He will kick my ass on the course. He ain’t long off the tee but it’s in the fairway. But the key to his game is (stop me if you’ve heard this before) the short game. He has more up and downs than Carter has liver pills. He usually shoots in the upper 70s on a course that I think is about 6000 yards from the tees he plays. One thing that you can do is experiment with long drivers. Many seniors are going to 46, 47, or 48 inch drivers and getting some distance that way. Good luck!! Dave Clary/Corpus Christi,TX http://home.stx.rr.com/dclary RSG Roll Call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/claryd.htm
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Dave……let me know when and where you’ll be playing with your Dad. If at all possible, I’ll make a little road trip and meet you. Who knows, maybe Frostback or Laville might make it too… — Joe Cartpath – www.joecartpath.com Basic Golf Clubmaking & Memphis Area Golf Course Guide and….The Memphis MG Page…
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson. Next month I will travel to Mississippi to play my 72 year old father. He will kick my ass on the course. He ain’t long off the tee but it’s in the fairway. But the key to his game is (stop me if you’ve heard this before) the short game. He has more up and downs than Carter has liver pills. He usually shoots in the upper 70s on a course that I think is about 6000 yards from the tees he plays. One thing that you can do is experiment with long drivers. Many seniors are going to 46, 47, or 48 inch drivers and getting some distance that way. Good luck!! Dave Clary/Corpus Christi,TX http://home.stx.rr.com/dclary RSG Roll Call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/claryd.htm
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I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers.
It does seem to concern a senior male that I sometimes go around with. i see no problem at all! We are all different. Women tend to be physically weaker and smaller than men – so what? We all get less flexible and wearker as we get older – so what? 2. I know the answer to this has to be "check you swing speed" and I will find a way to do that. But can I get some recommendations on golf balls, assuming that my speed is that of the average guy at my age? I really think I’m wasting money trying to get good distance from the titanium long balls but I’m so inconsistent in my swing I don’t really have any basis for comparing. Any recommendations on ball selection would be appreciated.
Get a ladies (or seniors’ ?) ball. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely.
Get a lesson. The pro could suggest ways around this, eg in set-up, like pulling back and flaring your right foot … 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had).
From what I’ve read there are adjustments then pros recommend to seniors (see above), so no. My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson.
From what i see there are a lot of people your age playing in the UK who walk around the course. maybe this helps with their fitness. I do hear, however, that in the US, that many people prefer to ride! What do you do? Being here in the UK and very conscious of the obvious relationship between fitness/longevity and exercise, I would never, ever ride when I have the option to simply walk. — F.
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ClasSport, I am 68, will be 69 in October. I gave up the game 20 years ago and started again almost 2 years ago. I was a fairly low handicap, 8, and had a little problem when I started again. I have found that I can now get 230-250 from my drives fairly consistently and occasionally a little longer. I had lessons about 35 years ago and it really helped. If you are in reasonably good health and have pretty good flexibility, I think that you can improve on that 175 yards. I also think that lessons can be a big help even at our age. I am thinking about taking a few to hone up my swing. I play to an 11.5 or so now and my goal is to get into the single digits. I think that it is a realistic goal and if you can stick with it, you can most certainly get down into the 80’s.
I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers.
I see many people our age playing from what our course calls the seniors tees. Don’t feel embarassed about playing from there. 2. I know the answer to this has to be "check you swing speed" and I will find a way to do that. But can I get some recommendations on golf balls, assuming that my speed is that of the average guy at my age? I really think I’m wasting money trying to get good distance from the titanium long balls but I’m so inconsistent in my swing I don’t really have any basis for comparing. Any recommendations on ball selection would be appreciated.
Everyone has a favorite ball. I use Top Flight XL2000’s because they are cheap and they get good distance. You can pay from 50 cents to 5 dollars a ball, but the XL2000’s cost about a dollar apiece at Walmart. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely.
As I said, get some lessons and you can develop a swing that will allow you to get over 200 yards I believe. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had). My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson. Thanks!!
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3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had).
No! Not too late. Just remember that since you’ve been playing so long, half your work will be forgetting bad habits. Put another way it might take you twice as long to learn a different move as someone brand new to the sport. But I see no reason why you can’t drive the ball over 200 yards, which will allow you to potentially break 80 from the white tees if the rest of your game is sound. Be honest with yourself about your goals. If one of them is to drive the ball 300 yards, forget it. But do you want to strike the ball better? More accurately? Longer? Or simply score lower? You might go about those things different. If your main goal, for example, a lot of your time might be spent on a) getting a swing, and a driving club, that will put the ball in the fairway b) distance wedges c) putting If your main goal is to move from the red tees to the white, then you will spend a lot of your time might be spent on a) full power swing technique, both words and irons b) a strengthening and stretching program In all cases – go for the basic lessons. And tell him exactly what your goals are.
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ClasSport, Stay at it. My club’s "Oldest Member" just came in third and fourth in two of the last three tournaments. (net score) He is 83 and carries a 28 handicap. I play a couple of times a month with our "Second Oldest Member" and while doesn’t carry a handicap, his left hand is paralyzed so his glove has a little loop on it to catch the grip which makes it non conforming he shoots between 87 and 95 depending on where the tees are set etc. Both of them play from the white tees, the middle set, 71.9/133 6510 yards AND no Florida roll. I’d get a lesson or two to help build confidence, forget the high priced "long" balls, play a soft feel ball and work on the short game. Have some fun! Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers. 2. I know the answer to this has to be "check you swing speed" and I will find a way to do that. But can I get some recommendations on golf balls, assuming that my speed is that of the average guy at my age? I really think I’m wasting money trying to get good distance from the titanium long balls but I’m so inconsistent in my swing I don’t really have any basis for comparing. Any recommendations on ball selection would be appreciated. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely. 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had). My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson. Thanks!!
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I just hit age 70 and was never a very good golfer even at age 35. I also started playing again just a few months ago. 1. It’s embarrasing to me to hit from the gold/red tees. So I only do it when the hole is very long or there’s nobody else in sight. Wondering if that’s a common concern for other senior high handicappers. 2. I know the answer to this has to be "check you swing speed" and I will find a way to do that. But can I get some recommendations on golf balls, assuming that my speed is that of the average guy at my age? I really think I’m wasting money trying to get good distance from the titanium long balls but I’m so inconsistent in my swing I don’t really have any basis for comparing. Any recommendations on ball selection would be appreciated. 3. On distance, regardless of the ball I’m using, I rarely get more than 175 yards driving distance with a 3 wood. When I try to stretch back for more, I usually top or miss the ball entirely. 3. And finally, just a comment. I am playing every bit as well at age 70 as I was at 35 which would be remarkable if it wern’t for the fact that I didn’t play well at 35 either! At my age and station, I’m wondering if its likley too late to start with basic lessons(which I have never had). My handicap? Never really established but I was able to play in the mid to low 90’s when I had time to work on it and play fairly often. Thanks for any comments, encouragement or honest "forget about it’s". I love trying but I’m on the verge of either making a commitment to improving or giving my clubs to my grandson. Thanks!!