Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a former golf teaching professional, I worked with many senior golfers. It’s hard for golfers over 50 to accept that the game changes as we age. With modern equipment and access to more data, your low scores are not gone. However, there’s a good chance you are making some big mistakes that are increasing your score. Here are 5 handicap increasing mistakes senior golfers make.
Ignoring Flexibility and Warm-Up
When you are 30 and you run to the first tee box and just take three practice swings, you can get away with it. It’s not great for you, but it can work. However, when you are 60, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Not warming up and stretching before you play can lead to injuries and poor performance on the course. Some simple ways to warm up include stretching, going for a walk in the morning, using a weighted club, and spending at least ten minutes at the range before the round.
Insisting The Old Clubs Are Just As Good
I know you spent good money on your clubs 15 years ago, and it’s hard to retire them, but they are done.
Modern equipment is entirely different, and with the rate your game is changing, you need the right equipment to help you keep up. Lighter golf clubs with hotter faces and more forgiving technology will help you get the ball in the fairway and go low on the course.
Consider going for a club fitting, launch monitor technology, and the right custom fitting expert can ensure you are on the right track.
Playing From The Wrong Tees
Do you know why golf courses created senior tees?
They made them for you.
They are there because it’s only fair that you get to start a few yards closer to the hole when your golf swing can’t produce the same yardage it used to. Most country clubs add tee boxes, so you don’t have trouble finding the perfect tee box for your game.
If you can hit a driver around 200-240 yards, play from 5200-5700 yards.
Neglecting The Short Game
I understand you can no longer hit the ball as far as the 30-year-olds. I won’t even try to convince you that you can. However, I have no doubt you can chip and putt better than them.
There is nothing that stops a senior golfer from being the best chipper in the club.
The goal here is to start really prioritizing the short game. Set up a weekly or daily practice routine where you practice not just the stroke but also your accuracy and feel.
Another important tip is to make sure you are using a golf ball with enough spin to assist your short game. Some of these softer senior golf balls just don’t spin enough, which can make it hard to control your short-game shots.
Even if you sacrifice 3 yards of distance from the tee, spin around the greens is worth it!
Poor Course Management
As your golf game changes, your course management must also change. Holes where you used to go for the green in two may now take three shots. The key is to position yourself (physically and mentally) to tackle the course with the game you have now.
Let’s take a long par 4, for example. You can try to hit the driver and then a 3-wood to go for the green, but your 3-wood may leave you in the bunker or deep rough. Instead, try the driver, 7-iron, and wedge.
If you’ve practiced your short game like I mentioned above, you have a really strong chance of making a par.
Plan your round ahead of time and consider the shots you can and can’t hit. Be realistic; if every green is just too far, it’s time to move up a tee box.
Final Thoughts
Senior golfers may need to invest a little more time than younger golfers to play well. However, if you want to shoot the lower scores, you need to work on these handicap increasing mistakes senior golfers make. You’ll be glad you did. In addition, don’t overlook physical fitness and strength and professional instruction. These two components can also take your game to the next level.
