Anyone Just Accept Their Swing?

[Sandhills Golfer]

Anyone just accept their swing? As I approach age 60, I was thinking of just giving in and accepting my flawed swing - especially while I am working. Perhaps, in retirement, I might feel differently. I have made some improvements over the years, changed equipment and have taken lessons. In the end, my score isn't too much different than 20 years ago. Perhaps, it's time to stop wondering if I will magically find something that really works in the next round and just start enjoying the company, beautiful surroundings, do some traveling and play new courses etc. 

[DaveP043]

5 minutes ago, Sandhills Golfe said:

Anyone just accept their swing? As I approach age 60, I was thinking of just giving in and accepting my flawed swing - especially while I am working. Perhaps, in retirement, I might feel differently. I have made some improvements over the years, changed equipment and have taken lessons. In the end, my score isn't too much different than 20 years ago. Perhaps, it's time to stop wondering if I will magically find something that really works in the next round and just start enjoying the company, beautiful surroundings, do some traveling and play new courses etc. 

For a long time, I've been doing the last part, enjoy company, surroundings, travel.  I've also accepted my swing for the most part, although I've practiced to improve consistent tempo and effort.  But almost 18 months ago, after reading a lot of posts in the Member Swing forum here, I took the plunge and posted my own videos.  This was the first time in well over 20 years that I sought out instruction, and I'm glad I did.  I can't claim that I really practice correctly, but I do practice, trying to change some bits of my swing in a positive direction.  I see and feel the difference.  Last fall I got to my lowest handicap ever, and I'm close to that level now.  And I'm 62 now, essentially the same age as you.  

So here's my advice.  No matter what you choose to do, enjoy the game, and your friends, and the scenery.  And if you choose to keep trying to improve, do it and enjoy the process!

[Patch]

I accepted my swing as is a few years ago. Yes, there have been a few tweaks here, and there, but it's basically the same swing. Most of the tweaks have been in my short game. 

I now have a swing that is as good as it is going to get. It's not a great swing, but it serves me well, while being consistent. I am also on the down hill slide just a little, due to age, and a few orthopedic repair jobs..

I now play, and practice just for the fun of it. No other expectations, other than just hitting a golf ball, being able to find it, and hitting it again. The scores take care of themselves. 

Best part of of having a consistent senior swing, is I know I am never the worst golfer on the course. 

Edited September 24, 2018 by Patch

[onthehunt526]

1 hour ago, Sandhills Golfe said:

Anyone just accept their swing? As I approach age 60, I was thinking of just giving in and accepting my flawed swing - especially while I am working. Perhaps, in retirement, I might feel differently. I have made some improvements over the years, changed equipment and have taken lessons. In the end, my score isn't too much different than 20 years ago. Perhaps, it's time to stop wondering if I will magically find something that really works in the next round and just start enjoying the company, beautiful surroundings, do some traveling and play new courses etc. 

I accept it to a point. I've slowed down a lot. I mean a lot. I don't swing nearly as hard any more. Getting used to 240 yard drives and 150 yard 7-irons is rough. But when you know to within 5 yards where it'll end up it's nice.

Edited September 24, 2018 by onthehunt526
Grammar.

[JonMA1]

2 hours ago, Sandhills Golfe said:

Anyone just accept their swing? As I approach age 60, I was thinking of just giving in and accepting my flawed swing - especially while I am working. Perhaps, in retirement, I might feel differently. I have made some improvements over the years, changed equipment and have taken lessons. In the end, my score isn't too much different than 20 years ago. Perhaps, it's time to stop wondering if I will magically find something that really works in the next round and just start enjoying the company, beautiful surroundings, do some traveling and play new courses etc. 

I'm about the same age and the level of golf as you and have been playing for about 7 years.

I don't know if I can stop trying to improve by changing the swing even though I sometimes wish I could. I'd like to at least stop taking it so seriously.

I'm getting very close to being at the level I've wanted to get to, that being at or just below bogey golf and if that happens, I don't see any reason to believe there's much more than that to be had. I'm pretty sure I've peaked as far as distance but believe there's still room for improvement on some of the skills that are affected less by age.

Kind of rambling response to your question. I'm not sure it's in my nature to accept what seems obvious. Making the change I want to my swing has been difficult (understatement). So maybe I'll work on incremental improvements over the years and not expect too much.

The game can be enjoyable at our level.

[Vinsk]

2 hours ago, Sandhills Golfe said:

Anyone just accept their swing? As I approach age 60, I was thinking of just giving in and accepting my flawed swing - especially while I am working. Perhaps, in retirement, I might feel differently. I have made some improvements over the years, changed equipment and have taken lessons. In the end, my score isn't too much different than 20 years ago. Perhaps, it's time to stop wondering if I will magically find something that really works in the next round and just start enjoying the company, beautiful surroundings, do some traveling and play new courses etc. 

I hate to give the boring answer...but it depends. If you have a swing that you appear to be able to repeat and it doesn't cause disaster misses, then I can see just going with it. I unfortunately cannot do that. I have zero natural talent when it comes to golf. And my swing as it has been for years is a yank to the inside, flat with the hope that I'll manipulate the club enough to not shank. But if there is a blaring issue that doesn't require a miracle to fix then why not give it a go? I mean, working on your swing and accepting the challenge and enjoying the process can also be as rewarding as just accepting it for the way it is right? I remember when Lodka from Taxi transformed into Alex Reager and said to the psychologist: ' I've come to realize that my taking pride in accepting things for the way they are is really just an excuse for my  total lack of motivation.' But if you're struggling and not enjoying the process then finding a way to enjoy it otherwise seems like a good option.

[NM Golf]

I've accepted my swing, its not traditional, but it works for me. I can hit the ball a long way, and even find my ball most of the time! I realize there are a few faults in my swing, but I can return to club face squarely to target most of the time and that's the most important thing. I am a scratch golfer, I am doing something right.

[Vinsk]

3 hours ago, NM Golf said:

I've accepted my swing, its not traditional, but it works for me. I can hit the ball a long way, and even find my ball most of the time! I realize there are a few faults in my swing, but I can return to club face squarely to target most of the time and that's the most important thing. I am a scratch golfer, I am doing something right.

Question: Do you think you accept your swing because you’re a scratch golfer (some natural talent there) or are you a scratch golfer because you just accept your swing? 

[boogielicious]

I only accept things I cannot change or have no control over. My swing is neither of those. For a round, I will go with what I have, but I am always looking to improve. That is my approach to everything. 

[billchao]

1 hour ago, boogielicious said:

I only accept things I cannot change or have no control over. My swing is neither of those. For a round, I will go with what I have, but I am always looking to improve. That is my approach to everything. 

This is how I feel.

[Sandhills Golfer]

There's almost a relief in acceptance of your swing. I am a higher capper and sr golfer, but, this can apply to anyone's swing. I'm looking forward to the next round of golf. 

Also, great replies, guys. It's nice to have the support without getting flamed as you will find in other forums. For once, no one suggested lessons and just debated the topic with their personal in-put. 

[dennyjones]

1 hour ago, boogielicious said:

I only accept things I cannot change or have no control over. My swing is neither of those. For a round, I will go with what I have, but I am always looking to improve. That is my approach to everything. 

I realize there are holes in my golf game.   That I accept but I don't think I'll ever accept that I can not improve.   I enjoy the challenge of each round trying to improve over the previous round. 

[Groucho Valentine]

I do. I had my shot at glory 4-6 years ago when i was playing +3 golf and was competitive on a national level. Still wasn't good enough. So i just let it go. Sometimes ill shot 2-3 under, other times ill shoot 10 over. It is what it is. Ive given up trying to be "good" by improving my swing. 

[Vinny Cap]

I have been playing for like 7 years, never took a lesson and practice when I can... I try to improve my drives, get longer with the irons, up and down with the wedges and not 3 putt any holes.  I think most do this as well.

I am a bogey golfer who goes out with his buddies who are about the same bogey golfers and try and have a morning/afternoon of fun.  We will play for beers so its not a ton of $$$ if you lose and nice if you win.  I will never be a scratch player, I accept this, I just started golfing too late in life.  I accept I have a decent swing but do try to improve when and if I can. 

4 hours of good banter with friends, fresh air, beautiful nature and no cell phones... can it get any better???

[NM Golf]

10 hours ago, Vinsk said:

Question: Do you think you accept your swing because you’re a scratch golfer (some natural talent there) or are you a scratch golfer because you just accept your swing? 

Good question! I think I accept my swing because I am a scratch golfer. As I have said, I worked pretty hard to get to my current level. I hit tens of thousands of golf balls in my 20s and early 30s and practiced and played for hours on end. My swing is not what anyone would call technically sound, but over the years I have ingrained it and have achieved a level where I can return the club face to the ball in a repeatable way. I believe though if I have anything terribly wrong with my swing that still cost me shots on a consistent basis, I would try and make changes.

 

[Mr. Desmond]

Nope - not retired, 2 yrs ago at 60, I started my swing change. Take lessons, have a course 5 minutes away with a great range. Overall game has improved and still putting it all together. Don't wait too long because it is a process.

[billchao]

2 hours ago, Vinny Cap said:

4 hours of good banter with friends, fresh air, beautiful nature and no cell phones... can it get any better???

Sure it can, if I'm playing better golf than I currently am.

[Vinsk]

1 minute ago, billchao said:

Sure it can, if I'm playing better golf than I currently am.

Absolutely true for me. It’s my problem but this is why I can’t accept my swing. I’ve said it before but I honestly do not enjoy the ‘scenery, the chit chat with friends, the fresh air’ If I’m playing awful. I can do all the above mentioned in a dozen different ways. I’m on a golf course to play golf and chasing after shanks won’t be mitigated by a colorful bird in a tree. Hell I'm likely to kill the poor thing with my 7i hosel rocket.