Too Old?

[Shindig]

I am thrilled to see you're able to play and are continuing to enjoy, despite the difficulties you described at the beginning. 

2 hours ago, RetiredOldMan said:

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. 

I agree you don't want to push the driver if it's going to result in a situation where you can't advance the ball as meaningfully on the next shot.  However, it isn't so much that the fairway is important as the ability to advance the ball.  If the first cut is just a slight propping up of the ball, you might even find that preferable in some situations.  It's the trees, water, sand, and deep grass I want to stay out of.   I hit only one fairway in my last round, but I still managed 10 GIR -- in part because most of my fairway misses were in the first cut. 

So don't beat yourself up over missing the fairway.  If you can advance the ball, you're in good shape, especially as you're trying to get back to the mid-80s.   I don't know if you've read Broadie's book Every Shot Counts, but his research shows us that someone shooting low 80s typically has their putter in hand (on the green or on the fringe of the green) for their par attempt in 14-16 holes per round.   Either way, I'd track this (he calls the stat "GIRP") -- I find it encouraging, and even if I'm putting poorly, I do love seeing a good number of these.  

While I agree that putting is 40% of the score, I'm less certain the number of putts on its own is the key to count.  Strokes gained/lost putting, compared to some reasonable handicap benchmark for yourself, is far more reasonable.  I should know:  in 2025 (I've played far more in 2025 than the 28 months previous to it), I have been putting at about the level of a 25 handicap player, despite being a 15 handicap overall.  The good news is, focused putting practice can bring down a score faster, even though (as you know, as I see you have read LSW) the full swing is better for long-term scoring improvement. 

[RetiredOldMan]

Believe it or Not!

I am so excited. 

Yesterday, on a hot and windy day, I played a 9 hole course in Claflin. Kansas.

1st 9 = 54

2nd 9 = 43

 

I am going to try and go back out late this afternoon and play 18 holes at Hays, Kansas. 

My 3 hybrid came in yesterday and I am really anxious to try it out. 

WooHoo 🥳 🙌 👏 

Retired Old Man, Terry 

[Shindig]

Enjoy the new hybrid!

[RetiredOldMan]

Hello Golfing Buddies,

It has been awhile since I posted but I am the Retired Old Man that asked for advice because I suffered two "T.I.A.'s about switching from playing right handed to playing left handed. 

I purchased a Callaway Edge Left handed golf clubs. I changed the grips to oversize grips. 

Well, two weeks ago and still at 79 years old, I shot a 44 and 47 on a small course in my hometown. 

I am currently changing my shafts from regular flex to Senior flex. 

So, you can see' it can be done!

So, you other old timers; get with the program!

Blessings to all of you.

Retired Old Man

(Terry Warner)

 

[Shindig]

Hi @RetiredOldMan!  I am glad to see you are still playing and having good scores.  I hope that when I am 79, I am not only able to play, but still able to produce as good scores as you have been doing.   I look forward to hearing more of your success and your opinion of the senior flex shafts.

[RetiredOldMan]

I refuse to give up. 

Well, after switching from right handed to left handed and being fairly succcessfull, my medications got changed awhile back and I just (for curiosity) pulled my Cleveland Launch Driver (12* loft, Senior flex shaft) and was hitting around 130 to 150 yards with it. (Nice and straight) 

My golfing buddy just happened to have his new Q135 Taylormade (and hits about 250 yard drives.) 

As a side note, I was taking a drug to keep my heart from fluttering  (Propranonol) and it was suspected that it was driving my pulse down. (From the 70's to the low 50's. ) 

So, since my Cleveland Launch does a little better at slower swing speeds, I switiched back to my right handed clubs. Cleveland driver, 3 & 5 wood, and Majek Hybrid irons. 

Well, Sunday, my pulse was back up in the 70's so I decided to play right handed. I felt really well and my strength had returned. 

Front 9, I shot a 54. (I am now 79 years old and have set a goal to shoot my age this year or next year at 80) I play fairly well either right handed or left handed. 

On the back 9, I started hitting my buddy'x Q135 driver and had worked the distance up to around 175 yards off the tee. (9.* loft and stiff shaft) Changged my swing to a softer and smooth  swing style. (By bringing my back swing more vertical and the swing more relaxed and smooth. I don't swing strong enough to get much flex on a stiff shaft. ) 

I finished the round with a 52. (Playing Fort Hays, Kansas) 

So,,,,,,,I ordered me a new Q135 Taylormade, 10.5* loft, and Diamona Regular Flex. 

I will go back to playing with my Majek Hybrids and play right handed, since my medications have been adjusted and are working quite well. ( I wonder if they have a medication  that would increase my swing speed.)

Been raining and I can only play 18 holes and then at least a day to rest up for another 18.

 

Golfers, play for fun, enjoy the game, but don't quit!

Don;t get hung up on what your buddy is doing; having your mind somewhere else, while you are trying to make your body play golf.  

I will let you all know how my new driver works out. Thanks for reading. 

Retired Old Man

[StuM]

Your determination & tenacity inspires me.

keep at it!  I’m looking forward to your shooting that 79!

Edited June 2 by StuM
Fixed typos

[RetiredOldMan]

Hi Everyone,

 i ordered a new Qi 35 Driver, 10.5*, Regular Flex Diamoana shaft. Received by Fed X on Thursday, June 4th. 

Took to Precision Valley and had a "Jumbo Grip" installed. 

Friday morning, headed to Claflin, Ks. and played 18 holes. Front 9 wasn't to bad but I had hit my budddy's Qi with better success. Finally got a little more accustomed to the new club. I shot a 50. 

Back 9, I started hitting the driver really well with the Driver delievering longer and straight drives down the fairway. 

On my last drive, it was about 230 off the tee. I shot a 53. 

(We play for .10/hole; $1.; Birdie; $5 or an Eagle. I won $0.60) 

I was tired and headed home. (46 miles one way to play this course but the yearly rate is very cheap. They also have grass greens instead of sand.) I pull my Golf cart with a trailer.My nearest course witrh grass greens  is 25 miles away.

Saturday,  I had the iPhone in do not disturb. Finally took it off of DND and I had a text from my golfing buddy that he wanted to play Hays late afternoon. So, he came by, picked my up and we headed to Hays. I was tired from playing 18 holes Friday and was hoping I could play 9 holes and call it a day.

At Hays, KS.. I started off pretty rough and just could't seem to relax enough to hit well. (I was planning of finishing the front nine and the go home. However, on hole number 8, it's a 322 yard par 4, and I was able to get on in 2 and 2 putt for a par. #9 hole is a 114 yard par 3 and I hit an 8 iron and landed on the west edge of the fringe for pin high. Chipped up and 1 putted for another par.

Front nine = 53

Headed to the back 9. Eerything started to click and #10 = 6; #11=5, #12 = 5, #13 = 4, #14 (Par 5) on in 3 and 2 ptted for par [Driver, 3 wood, and 9 iron and 2 putts] , #15 Par 4; I had a 6, #16 Par 4, I had a, #16 I had a 5, #17 Par 5,  I had a 5. (Driver, 3 wood, 3 wood, 8 iron, 1 putt; #18 Par 3, I had a 4.    

BACK 9:  I SHOT A 45!

 

Yes sir, I like this Driver. I would like to go out again tomorrow but will see how I feel.

My goal is to shoot my age before I turn 80 year old. 

So, backto Right handed clubs. Qi35 TaylorMade Driver, 3 Wood, Callaway Rogue; 5 Wood

Callaway Rogue, Majek Hybrids 4-PW, A Wedge, Loft wedge (60*); White Hot Blade Putter.   

When I decided to change to the new driver, I went back to playing right handed. My hybrids are failrly new and are easier to hit.

I do carry a conventional 7 iron in case I ge into a bad rough. 

I will keep you up to date as the summer moves on.

 

Blessings, 

RetiredOldMan

 

[StuM]

So, you are currently playing right handed but do you Cary a left-hand club just in case you need it for better stance?

I cannot play left-handed at all but always thought this would be a good idea if I could hit left-hand.

[RetiredOldMan]

StuM, 

I have, in the past, added a left handed club. (Ususally a 7 iron) However, I usually take a stroke penalty and move the ball to where I want it. 

I play for fun and in a pinch can use theback side if my club if I don't want the penalty stroke. 

 

RetiredOldMan, 

Terry