Too old for instruction

[Machine528]

I have started taking my game improvement serious over the last year. I have been playing since I was 12 when I started and am now 35. I never had lessons and am self taught.  One of the top instructors in my state is 20 minutes away. Would it help at my age working with him?  My swing had always been inconsistent and I am looking for a fundamentally sound swing I can practice. 

[RH31]

You're never too old. However, It will take quite a bit of hard work to go from inconsistent to fundamentally sound. IMO, the more bad swings you've taken that are your normal swings, the more your brain and body have to "unlearn". You may find that you've got it on the range, especially when working with a pro, but then your "old" swing dynamics take over when you are on the course. Good luck !

[Mr. Desmond]

60 yr old and retooling the swing.

[RandallT]

I've used the age thing myself to rationalize my lack of instant progress, but in the end, I don't think you're ever too old to learn new mechanics. It takes time for old patterns to slowly fade, and new (better?) ones to take their place, but with diligence, you can make it happen. Besides, 35 is nowhere near that limit. At 50, I've changed my swing pretty drastically the past few years.

Regarding inconsistency, there is much evidence that swings are fairly consistent- even in bad players. That feeling you feel on a "bad shot" may not necessarily be a swing that is wildly different than another swing where you feel like you swung perfectly.  From what I gather, there are certain mechanics that are prone to inconsistent contact- which gives you the sensation of an inconsistent swing.

See these threads:

 

 

[nevets88]

Look at Martin Chuck's channel on YouTube. Lots of people well over 35. 5SK's channel/FB too. George Gankas has a 70yo making an awesome swing on his Instagram account. In university, not a trivial number of students your age in my classes. When I want to stop learning just shoot me. 

[Patch]

I'm well into my 60s, but in my case, I am quite satisfied with my overall golf game. It's not that I  don't think I am too old to learn anything new. I'm just happy with what I already have. Yeah, I go through times of poorer than average play, but I also know my normal game is just misplaced for a while. Not totally lost.

If there is one thing I have learned in the past 45 years of playing this game, most golfers, and instructors (to some extent) make the game harder than it needs to be. 

Now if I were 35, with an inconsistency issue in my golf game, and I could find a qualified instructor, I'd be at the head of the line picking this golf guru's brain. At 35, the golfer still has a lot of time left to make positive, permanent repairs to their game. 

[newtogolf]

Started in late 40's to take lessons and after some bad experiences with poor instructors I've finally found one that is helping me.  Your biggest obstacle isn't your age but finding a good instructor.  Two key things I'd suggest;

• Establish realistic expectations for yourself and instructor.  Even the best instructors can't work miracles.  It's going to take time to acquire the muscle memory for a consistently good swing.  
• Perfect practice is critical.  Ask the instructor for key pieces you should work on and do the work before you take your next lesson.  I spend hours a week working in front of a mirror on pieces of my swing.  On the range I focus on what my priority piece is from my last lesson.  This requires a lot of self discipline because at the range it's very easy to get caught up in hitting balls and not practicing.  

If your swing is inconsistent and you've been playing for 13 years it's going to take some time for you to see the results on the course.  On the range and in my lessons my swing looks good but it doesn't always on the course, bad habits creep in under pressure.  

Good Luck

[GolfLug]

41 years old and re-tooling. Drastic changes (very positive) in the last year or so with guided help. Most weekenders with average physical abilities should have no reason why they can't be a 5-10 HCP with structured work.

Few things when making changes from my experience:

1) It is not a race against time. Do not measure your efforts on a timescale... "Gosh, I have been working on this move for 3 months!!" Meaningless.

2) I do not think you have to 'unlearn years worth of bad habits'. Just learn the new ones. Honestly it is almost never clear what are the 'bad habits' are what causes them anyway. Ignore and focus on your priorities.

3) Get in the habit of using alignment aids. Make them your best friends. Visual and physical. Our eyes and feels fool us all the time. I almost never see good golfers who don't use them.  

Anytime you are frustrated, stand back, think of the thousands who are going through the same struggle, smile and get right back in it.

 

[Machine528]

I love this forum ! Thanks for the responses ! I'm looking forward to getting started! I practice a ton.. I've always been a range junkie.  I've been going 3/4 times a week and spending about 2 hours working on my game. I just want to work on good habits and hopefully seeing a pro instructor will help.  As you saw in my previous thread I was once somwhat decent and played to single Didgets... Now my game is in a funk and I will do whatever it takes to go even lower than my previous handicap! 

[RH31]

22 hours ago, Machine528 said:

I love this forum ! Thanks for the responses ! I'm looking forward to getting started! I practice a ton.. I've always been a range junkie.  I've been going 3/4 times a week and spending about 2 hours working on my game. I just want to work on good habits and hopefully seeing a pro instructor will help.  As you saw in my previous thread I was once somwhat decent and played to single Didgets... Now my game is in a funk and I will do whatever it takes to go even lower than my previous handicap! 

I suggest you find a pro who will videotape and break down your swing for you. I find it much easier to understand if the pro points out specific things in the video to me. The pro I found shows me where I am (video) and then where I need to be during lesson.

[Mr. Desmond]

On June 13, 2016 at 7:36 AM, nevets88 said:

Look at Martin Chuck's channel on YouTube. Lots of people well over 35. 5SK's channel/FB too. George Gankas has a 70yo making an awesome swing on his Instagram account. In university, not a trivial number of students your age in my classes. When I want to stop learning just shoot me. 

Earned two law degrees at 34 and 36 - you choose to open your mind to learn, or you can choose to shut it down. I remain open to learning and the ego is shoved into a closet. I've learned 3 areas of law since age 36 - admittedly, there is a time when you want to get somewhat settled, but you can expand skills. Besides a relatively new area of law, I've attempted to expand skills in dealing with and listening to clients/customers. Am now more aware of different personalities, and dealing with them.

Same with golf - you can choose to make changes and go through a somewhat turbulent period as you learn new patterns, or remain with the status quo. Some are comfy with the status quo. Others are not.

Decide who you are and what you want.