Too Old ?

**RetiredOldMan** · June 30

Hi Friends,

I am a 78 ear old male.

I have played right handed golf from day 1.

I have contracted Parkinson’s disease about 10 years ago. (From being exposed to agent Orange in Vietnam. 1966-1967)

Recently, my golf game went from the Mid to upper 80s to having a difficult time breaking a 100.

Being left hand dominant, on a whim, I borrowed my friends driver, 3 wood, and 5 iron.
immediately, I hit the best balls I have hit in years.

All of my golfing buddies say since I am left handed, I need to switch.

I was trying to shot my age (78) this year or at least get close.

Your thoughts, please.

Terry

**gg194** · June 30

We’re very similar, age, left handed playing right, Viet Nam and similar handicap. I don’t have enough coordination to change to playing left handed but if it works go for it. Have also been hoping to shoot my age but my scores are creeping up faster than the years. Did have a 39 on one nine a while back but can’t seem to put two nines together. Don’t know that we’re too old but it’s getting harder each year, the heat seems hotter, the hills steeper and the holes longer. At the point that there’s rounds that I have to say “at least I was able to play”. So many of our friends can’t say that.

***iacas*** · June 30

Worth a shot, I think, even if it just asks you to learn new things. I think the importance of that — making yourself take on a new challenge — is worth at least as much as the potential change to your scores.

**ChetlovesMer** · June 30

Hey Terry,

Man, your story kind of hits me harder than expected. The short version is my father's best friend for like 60 years is also named Terry. He too, was in Vietnam. He too, has Parkinson's. I've known the guy, very literally, my whole life.

I lost my dad a couple years back, so his old buddy, Terry and I try to chat regularly. I kind of take my dad's place in their little circle of coffee shop conversations.

The last round of golf I ever played with my dad, I played with him and Terry. It was seven years ago, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Actually, just writing this it's hard to believe it was that long ago. Time flies. Terry had, at that time, just switched to a "Heavy Putter" which he thought would help him (also due to his Parkinson's). Not sure it worked or not, but who cares. We had a great time.

My advice is simple. Go ahead and switch. But with one caveat. That you get out there and practice and/or play with people you care about. Make memories. My dad was a terrible golfer. Which for those who've seen me play means something. But I have really fond memories of playing golf with him. So, again, I'd suggest getting out there and playing with your friends or your family members, whichever. It will be great for them to see you trying to learn something new. It will be great for you to try to learn something new.

My opinion, if you'll indulge me, is that life is just about collecting a series of stories. Memories that you can share with your friends and family. People think politics are important, or that their job is important, and to some degree they're right. But at the end of the day, we share stories and memories. One day, somebody will sit back and say "Remember when Terry used to play golf right handed?" .... or ... "Remember when Terry tried to play golf left handed?" or maybe that somebody will be you. You will be telling the story of how you switched from right to left handed. Or somebody will tell the story of when your ball got stuck next to fence or a tree. "Man, if Terry still played righty that would be an easier shot."

So, if you want to try left handed. Do it. Give it a try. Bring your family or friends along for the ride.

AND ... thanks for the reminder. I'll give me dad's old buddy Terry a call today and check in on him. We'll share some stories.

**RetiredOldMan** · July 5

Two of my golfing Buddie's are left handed. I will play a couple of rounds and use their clubs and see how I do.

Played last Thursday and had the worst game ever. (Playing in really strong winds. (SW @ 20 to 30 mph with > gusts.)

Will let everyone know when I get back out. May not play until Monday.

Thanks everyone, for your encouragement.

Terry

**WillieT** · July 5

Terry - what a story…I’m about 12 yrs your junior but I do have friends in similar places of life. Like others have said - “go for it”. The fact that you’re willing to challenge yourself in the midst of dealing with something like Parkinson’s is hero level stuff….looking forward to seeing how this great adventure plays out and make sure to get some of it on video as well. Make them memories dude!

**pganapathy** · July 6

On 6/29/2025 at 10:30 PM, RetiredOldMan said:

Hi Friends,

I am a 78 ear old male.
Your thoughts, please.

You are never too old to learn something. The question is how much effort will you put into practice to ingrain the swing and make it second nature. Without that, you may well struggle beyond a certain point.

Good luck with switching hands and shooting your score

**RetiredOldMan** · July 11

Played 18 holes at Fort Hays, Kansas Wednesday.

It was 95* and very windy. We had to play the back 9 twice because the course had Men's night tied up on the front 9.

In the wind and heat, I shot a 56. 2nd round, I shot a 50. (The last 2 holes I played left handed.)

The wind died down a little and the last two holes (17 & 18) I shot using the left handed clubs.

17th hole is a par 5 and using a left handed driver and 2 fairway #3 woods, I was on in 3 strokes. I did 3 put for a 6.

The 18th hole is a par 3 over the water to the green. I sliced the shot (playing left handed) because I was using a 5 iron to compensate for the wind. (Normally would use a 7 or 8 iron as it is only 123 yards.) Landed short of the green and then chipped on an took a 4.

So, my 18 holes, in heat and winds, I shot 56 & 50 = 106, and played the last 2 holes left handed.

Now, my 2nd question. I can buy a left handed starter set for around $200 complete with bag and putter.

Or do I just switch the woods? I shoot a pretty good short game inside 100 yards.

I love hearing your encouragement and positive opinions.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's around 10 years ago. It started in my right hand and has now spread to no feeling in my right leg below the knee. (I asked the Neruologist how could I walk if I had no feeling and he said, "from muscle memory." )

Then into my left leg and left hand. I am 90% disabled but continue to view exercise as my best friend.

From January 1 to July 11, I will have walked 724,795 steps, 421 miles, and 1,420 flights of stairs. I have to use a cane 1st thing in the morning and take a hot bath to loosen my leg muscles up enough to walk. (Takes about 2 hours) Currently, I am doing physical theraphy 2 times a week but that may be ending soon.)

My weight has dropped from 175 pounds to 159 pounds. Because my body is constanntly moving. Consquently, myright side is affecting my golf swing.

Also, my friends see the outside jerky movements. However, Parkinson's is a neruological disease and the involuntary movements are minor compared to the lack of taste, no appetite, mental mood swings, night sweats, and foggy brained.

Well, enough of my problems. I fight this disease every way I can and am not a quitter.

So back to my original question. Do I totally change over to left handed golf or do I just change the Woods?

Your thoughts please.

BTW, My Dad, L.G. Warner was Texas State Left Handed Golf Champion in the 50's. The reason I play right handed was becuse left handed clubs were difficult to find and not popular until sometime later.

Blessings,

Retired Old Man, Terry

***iacas*** · July 11

2 minutes ago, RetiredOldMan said:

So back to my original question. Do I totally change over to left handed golf or do I just change the Woods?

Your thoughts please.

So few of us would ever even come close to actually having to contemplate such a thing that I'm not sure any of us can really provide much insight here.

Do what you feel is best. Or most rational. Or most interesting.

All I can say is this: whatever you choose, commit to it and go with it. Don't half-ass it and waffle between your choice and the other options.

**RetiredOldMan** · July 13

Played several holes today with my Buddy's left haded clubs.

I was going to order just woods, but after playing again today and hitting the irons well, I will be ordering a complet set of Left handed Clubs.

They are Callaway Edge, Regular flex.

I am excited !

Will let you know after I try them and let you know how well they performed.

Retired Old Man, Terry

**WillieT** · July 14

33 minutes ago, RetiredOldMan said:

Played several holes today with my Buddy's left haded clubs.

I was going to order just woods, but after playing again today and hitting the irons well, I will be ordering a complet set of Left handed Clubs.

They are Callaway Edge, Regular flex.

I am excited !

Will let you know after I try them and let you know how well they performed.

Retired Old Man, Terry

Congrats on the new leg of your journey - the challenge of learning something new while dealing with Parkinson’s is totally awesome.

**RetiredOldMan** · July 15

Well, on a "Bummer Note," I borrowed a Great Big Bertha driver, a 5 wood, and a 7 iron. I did not do very well but did shoot a 112 playing both right and left handed.

So, I decided to take a breather and play golf on my Play Station 5 and not play any real golf until the new set of clubs get her.

So, I will be back in a week or so and bring everyone up to date.

Retired Old Man = Terry

Edited July 15 by RetiredOldMan

**RetiredOldMan** · July 18

New clubs arriving today.

Played my last round yesterday with my right handed clubs. [Callaway Rogue Driver, 3 Wood, 5 wood; (All Rogue's) Cobra 7 wood, Ping G15 Irons, Pure spin 60* Wedge, "A" Wedge, and blade putter.) (46 & 47) Not bad, but still will be switching to left handed clubs because of dealing with the progression of Parkinson's.

Plan on going to the driving range 1st as this is turning into and "Adventure." 😄

The 2nd round yesterday I played without using any woods. Just my 7 iron, loft wedge, and putter.

It is amazing what staying in the fairway and out of sand traps will do for your game.

My 7 iron and 60* wedge are 2 of my favorite clubs. I am trying to shoot my age (78) before my birthday in November.

I know it is high expectations for this "Old Retired Guy," but what is the worst that will happen?

Back in a few days with an update.

Retired Old Man, Terry

P.S.> Will update profile and equipment before I come back.

Edited July 18 by RetiredOldMan

**RetiredOldMan** · July 21

Received new set of left handed clubs. (Callaway Edge; Driver, 3 Wood, 5 Hybrid, 6 - SW, and a blade putter) July 18th around noon.

Headed for the golf course Friday afternoon. It was quite the spectacle.

I hit the left handed clubs well except for the times I forgot and didn't change hand position over, and tried to hit cross handed. Anyway, 1st time out, I shot a 112 for 18. (Putting is not working well at all.) [And that is about 40% of my score.] I started keeping track of my puts several years ago.

Saturday, still hitting well, but in all directions. (Especially in my short game) However, I did score a 56 on back 9 and then relaxed and played another 9 and started concentrating on aligning up correcty. Actually, hitting fairly well. Putting still not working well, but finally bringing direction under control.

Sunday, I went to the driving range and could do no wrong. (Well, mostly no wrong.)

Went through and used all of my clubs and took note of distance.

Driver 150 to 200 yards. Seems like it wants to slice a little. I need to work that out.

3 wood around 125

5 rescue around 100 yards

7 iron 150 yards max

My pitching wedge inside of 75 yards, I am having trouble hitting the ball because I am not trusting the length of my swing well. It is improving but have only played 4 rounds with these clubs.

My back feels a lot better and I can see improvement every time I play.

I am almost completely comfortable and at least getting on the right side of the ball. 😄

Scheduled to play later this afternoon and will continue the saga for those of you who are interested.

Most of all, I am having a ball. Have decided to stay with all left handed clubs as I should have done this some time ago.

When I was young and starrted playing golf, left handed clubs were hard to find, so my Dad, made me play right handed. I am have always been left handed dominant except in golf and baseball.

After a few swings, I got the "hang of it" and as long as I keep my head down and shoulders stable, I am doing ing pretty well. (Amazing 🤩 )

Thank you everyone for your encouragement.

Retired Old Man - Terry

**phan52** · July 23

I am in the same boat, a lefty who has played righthanded all my life because my Dad cut down some of his clubs when I was a kid to hit in the back yard. I am completely lefthanded except for golf, baseball and hockey. It took me years to engage my right side in the swing, but I had a killer backhand in tennis.

I tried out playing lefty about thirty years ago, but it was very daunting. Length is enticing, and I could hit it farther lefthanded but it went all over the place. I only gave it about a month before I stopped and I should have given it more time because I think it could have worked out, but I was a decent righty at the time (around a 7 index) and wasn't willing to put in the time. I never had a lot of length, but I could keep the ball in front of me and there is something to say about being in the short grass.

Good luck. Hit 'em straight!

**RetiredOldMan** · July 25

Have played 3 serts of 18 holes since Monday and last night added 6 holes but had to quit because it got dark on us.

My last time I shot a 56 on the front nine with 16 puts. I shot a 57 with 16 puts on the back 9.

I am ordering a 60* Pure Spin Wedge this Tuesday that I found on Ebay.

I am having trouble controlling my drives, but a lot of it is being nervous and still just starting to relax a little.

I am planning on playing Men's Senior this coming Tuesday.

It is definitely an adventure but so far it has been worth it.

My back pain (lower) is gone, and my leg cramps are almosrt gone.

My putting is improving.

Okay, Golfers: As of this morning, starting on January 1, 2025:

Steps = 1,035,587 ; MIles = 472.14 ; Stairs = 1, 664

Not bad for a 78 year old golfer that is 5'10"and 150 pounds.

I will quit bragging for now and say a big "Thank You" for all your encouragement.

Will play a little more over the next few weeks and see if I can lower the score.

I even have a book: "Lowest Score Wins" by Erik J. Barzeski & David Wedzik; I think I have seen some strategies somewhere inside. 😄

Thanks,

Retired Old Man, Terry

**WillieT** · July 26

17 hours ago, RetiredOldMan said:

I even have a book: "Lowest Score Wins" by Erik J. Barzeski & David Wedzik; I think I have seen some strategies somewhere inside.

That’s one great book! One of my fave takeaways from it has been on nGIR (near Greens in Regulation) and working to get consistent up and downs. Also sounds like the switch to Left-handed clubs has been a boon to your game and more importantly your mental and physical health….

**RetiredOldMan** · August 12

I have palyed >12 times with my new left handed clubs. Yesterday, I shot a 52 on the front and a 53 on the back.

I also played my first round using a Pure Spin 60* wedge. I was not ready for the learning curve necessary. I need to hit chipping balls into a bucket in the yard. My right handed lob wedge, I could hit close to 70 yards. This one, I am doing good to get 40 yards out of it. So, I put the club in time out until I can get a little more use to playing this club left handed.

I have ordered a 3 hybrid that should be in by tomorrow. (Wednesday 8/13/2025)

Today, is rest up day and will probably play tomorow.

In all honesty, I am thrilled to even play this good.

One more thing, I have a bad slice if I try and push the driver to try and get a little more yardage. Staying in the fairway is essiential to playing good golf.

Another thing I do, is keep track of my putts. You will find that your putts can account for as much as 40% of your score.

The group that I play with do a little game called "Star Putter" for 10 cents a hole. I find this makes me take my putting seriously with out costing me an a lot of score and some money.

If you will find ways to play a good game, it is so much more fun than hitting a long drive but can't find your ball in the rough.

Another thing I quit doing was always trying to make the fairway larger than it was inrtended to be. In other words, the edge of the first cut, I consider as of the fairway, and I consider it to be in the rough. I am a instrument rated pilot (not current) and I was always having trouble making smooth landings.

One time, on a check ride, I was complaining about not having smooth landings. My CFII said, "Your landings are rough because you are not being accurate with your procedures, altitudes, and air speed." You know what? He was right.

So apply the same principles to your golf game. Ease off of trying to be the longest ball hitter and instead, play the center of the fairway and strive to limit your putts to 2 per hole.

I will play a few more rounds and let you know about my progress. I have set a goal to shoot my age (78) and that will be pretty hard to achieve but I am confident I will eventually get there.

I really appreciate all the comments and tips this forum gives me.

Blessings to you all!

Retired Old Man, Terry

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