Too Old ?

[RetiredOldMan]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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