Golf is one of the only sports that we can play well into our golden years. Unfortunately however, as the body ages we lose flexibility, strength, and some of the coordination we had in our youth. This doesn't mean that you can't improve at golf as a senior, it just means you have to modify your swing and practice regimen accordingly.
Here are some suggestions that I believe will help older golfers get better at the game:
> Stretch
The more you stretch, the more your body will allow you to make a full golf swing that involves the proper shoulder turn, hip turn, release, and follow through. Focus on stretches that involve the shoulders and hips primarily. Although you may find that you might not be able to bring the club back as far as you once did, you will still be able to create the torque necessary to achieve clubhead speed if you stretch regularly. Stretching also elongates and strengthens the muscles. There are books and online videos that specifically show which stretches are the most beneficial for golfers. Go to Google or your local library and do a little research.
> Lift weights
This should be a no-brainer. Lifting weights helps negate the muscle deterioration that comes with getting older. It better prepares us to swing a golf club and make our way around a golf course without fatigue. Obviously, don't overdo it and check with your physician if you have health issues. Again, there are books and online videos that address a weightlifting regimen for senior golfers. Google, YouTube, Library, you see where I'm going with this.
> Switch to more flexible shafts
As our swing speed slows down, we should assure that our clubs have enough flex to maximize power. Senior flex, or "A flex" shafts are recommended, as they are better suited for slower swing speeds. If you are the stubborn type that doesn't believe that your swing has slowed down yet, go to your local driving range and demo a couple "A flex" clubs; you might be surprised at how much further you hit it. Additionally, having a flex that is not compatible to your swing speed can result in the clubhead contacting the ball at the incorrect angle (equating to pulls or pushes). One of the quickest fixes for the most common problem in golf (the slice) can be switching to a softer flex. I recommend seeing a clubfitter if you have any uncertainty.
> Switch to lower compression balls
Similar to flexible shafts, lower compression golf balls help the senior golfer hit the ball further. These balls have a softer core, which will allow for more 'rebound' off the clubface for slower swings. Seek out golf balls that have a compression of 80 or under if you are a senior citizen. These balls also tend to be cheaper than the high compression balls and have a harder, more durable cover (so they last longer).
> Live on the practice green
Lets face it, we're going to lose distance as we get older. So, we should gain as much of an advantage as possible by dialing in our short games. We've all played with the older fellow who only hits it 100 yards off the tee (but straight every time) who manages to get frequent pars due to a deadly accurate putting game. We know that over 50% of golf shots are played on or right around the green, so practicing the heck out of putts and chips will help drop strokes and make up for shorter tee shots.
> Hinge the wrists earlier during the full swing
As we age our body turns less during the swing and the backswing becomes a bit shorter. To compensate for this, I recommend cocking the wrists earlier in the backswing to get more of a whipping motion through the contact area. Set the wrists earlier, then unhinge them quickly just after contact. It would be ideal to continue to use a big shoulder turn on the backswing and fast rotation of the hips on the downswing as the 'primary movements', but at a certain point we should start compensating for decreased mobility by utilizing the hands, wrists, and arms a bit more to achieve distance.
Hopefully these tips help. Have a good time out there!
