Long Way Back

[soupy1957]

 I have a sneaking suspicion it’s going to be a “long way back“ to get back out on the course and play a round. 

 I took my wedges and a half dozen balls out of the backyard the other day and I saw just how lousy my back and my swing was. I was topping the ball (I was certainly not controlling the ball), and taking monster divits!!

My plan is to get out to the driving range and spent a lot of time there this summer after having a 20 year hiatus. Obviously I don’t have the back that I had when I was 25, and I’m going to have to make some concessions to the way I play.

 When I went to the golf Expo this past weekend, there was a girl there who specializes in back issues, and we talked for a little bit about how the spine moves; and her recommendation was to make sure I did a good amount of “warm up,” and that I had to be careful, because I could seriously injure what’s already compromised in my back. 

 

 

 

[dennyjones]

It will be a slow process after a 20 year break.   Get excited about the small swing improvements.   Read the forum for help, post a swing video, ask more questions and purchase @iacas's book "Lowest Score Wins".   It's inexpensive and an eye opener about the golf swing.

Regarding your back..go slow, stretch often both before and after swinging the club.   It may sound hokey, but find a yoga studio, it will pay huge dividends down the road.

[shooter]

Try and play as much as possible.  The driving range is just a tool. It's not golf. 

Get your back in the best shape possible so you can limit the amount of compensation required to achieve a desirable impact position. 

Good luck! 

[Patch]

I missed  few years due to injuries. I was actually told I would have to forget about playing golf again. I didn't believe the experts.

My come back plan was simple. Take it one day at a time, and basically start from scratch. Slowly from scratch.

I read up on relearning the game backwards. By that I mean from putter to the driver. Once  my physical repair jobs allowed me to putt well, I moved to chipping. Then to pitches. From there to longer approach shots, and finally to the tee box. 

In essence, I let my body tell me when to add another part to my game. Chips, and putts we're no big issue. They are mostly arms only for me. The Paul Runyon putt/chip stroke. 

Pitches were a bit tougher since they involved movement in more body parts. However, with perseverance, I managed to get those body parts to work well enough to move on to longer shots.  Eventually I was making full swings with my driver.

I let my body tell me what I couldn't do at first, but when I could do them. It took quite a while.  There was no rush. I was breaking 90 in less than year. 

With a back issue, and a 20 year layoff, I would suggest you take your time, and maybe read up on relearning the game backwards. Get your body into golf shape, a little at a time. Use the little swings to get into enough shape to take on the next longer swing. Your body will tell you when you are ready to move on to the next level of your golf swings.

Just a thought. . 

[MarvChamp]

1 hour ago, Patch said:

I missed  few years due to injuries. I was actually told I would have to forget about playing golf again. I didn't believe the experts.

Wow! I will remember this when/if I start feeling sorry for myself about my injuries. I actually hit wedges this weekend at the 6-month point of recovery. And I am planning on going to the course in about 10 days. We are blessed to be able to get out there and act like boys again! Best to you @soupy1957! - Marv

[The Hook Meister]

Good luck with your come back. After 20 years there is bound to be some ring rust. Do yourself a favor don't be in a rush. Once you start hitting the ball fairly well, try a 9 hole pitch and putt and see how you do. Once again all the best..