RetiredOldMan

Fort Hays, Kansas Thursday, April 14, 2022 Front 9 from the Whites = 47 Back 9 from the Whites = 52 Not happy with the 52 but wind was terrible. (25 to 35 with gust >40) Wind did die down a little toward the end but it was too late to improve my score. Excuses? Still tired from playing 27 holes Monday. Just can't perform like I used to be able to do. (Getting old sucks 😞 ) Oh well, may play 9 more late tonight as weather is turning yucky later tonight. I am schedule to play Men's Senior Tuesday morning but forecast is: 65*, mostly cloudy, windy, with wind south at 25 to 35. (Oh well, at least it is a scramble)

Larned Country Club, Larned, Kansas Front nine, 47 from the Blues Back nine, 44 from the Blues A short 9 hole course. Beautiful day, wind under 10 mph. Played 27 holes but did not keep score the last 9 holes. Not to bad for a 75 year old. However, now I need to rest up for a couple of days.

Thanks everyone for all the kind words and encouragement. I sort of get down on myself because I don't play better and yesterday was the 3rd or 4th day of blowing winds above 40 mph. So I spend my spare time staying inside, on the computer, writing articles that get me banned on FB, and working out on my "going nowhere" Gazelle exerciser. I even wound up looking at "Chippers" on EBay. Today is sunny with winds in the 20 to 30 mph range with gusts around 40 mph. Tomorrow I am gone all day, I normally won't play on Sunday except to hit a few balls with my buddies on a small 9 hole sand greens course. ( No putting as it really screws up my grass greens putting) I do play a Men's Senior every Tuesday morning which started 2 weeks ago and so far, in a 3 man scramble, I shot 3 under and then last Tuesday we were 4 under. I am happy while it lasts. (Oh well, I will still be Happy when it doesn't) But again, thanks for the kind words.

For the last 2 years, I have played with senior flex, clubs, hybrids, and softer balls for more distance and for me; It was a mistake and error to do so. I am 75 years old and finally have changed back to Conventional Golf Clubs, Regular Flex, (with an exception of my 60* loft wedge which has a stiff shaft) and my Mallet putter. I am slowly getting my drive off the tee to 200 yards and hope to bring it on up to 225 250 yards. (Will see but I used to hit it that far.) I changed out my 3 and 4 irons for a #3 & #5 Cobra Hybrid because I find them easier to hit from the fairway. So we will see how things work out this season and I will let you know. I find I play better when I play with golfers who are a little better than me because it helps me stay focused on my game. With that said, I also play better when I am not tired. (I mean at 75 years old I can play 2 days straight and then I have to take a break and regain my strength before going back out again.) Or I wind up mowing the yard in the morning before I go and try to play golf.) I love the game so much that I just don't know when to quit and so wear myself out. Probably, my weakest link is my putting. Some days the putting is great and some days, you would think it was my 1st time. I played "Match Play" last year and did terrible. I did not like it at all but I learned a lot and will try one more year. I am hoping to win a couple of matches and then be satisfied. I don't adjust the lie and if I do adjust the lie of the ball, it generally screws me up. The friend I play with jumps all over me if I adjust the lie. (In a friendly way) When I first started, it was difficult, now it is just normal. Last week I shot a 96 and a 92 for 18 on my home course. (Hubba, hubba) Retired Old Man

1. Consistently shoot below 90 for 18 holes on my home course. 2. Currently shooting 92 to 96 for 18 holes from my home course. (Usually play the Men's White tees. ) 3. Should be able to make this goal by not 3 putting and staying in the fairway. Have also returned to conventional golf clubs and irons. 4. Should be able to make this goal by mid season and then will lower my target to 95. I am 75 years old and play several times a week. WooHoo! Let's Do It!

No thanks. I still have flashbacks and nightmares. I hold no grudges or anger against anyone but have been unable to get the images out of my mind. Just finally was ale to visit the wall in Washington D.C. last year. (It helped a lot) Serving other Veterans helps a lot too. Thanks for your kind words. Retired Old Man

I contracted Parkinson's disease from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. It showed up two years ago. The exercise greatly reduces the shaking in my right hand. I am now 74 years old and it is excellent exercise. I will play every day if I can. However, if I play everyday for three or four days, I need about a week to lay off and build my strength back up. I actually play fairly well and totally enjoy it. Retired Old Man

Played a round of Golf at Crazy Horse in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Nice and Challenging) Although I only lost one ball and I played from the Men's tee, I was terrible. So, I rested up a few days and went to the Golf Center to be fitted for a new driver. I like Callaway and had been hitting a stiff shaft FT-5 driver. I warmed up with a 7 iron and then started with a Maverick head and a regular shaft. This caused a constant draw that I didn't much care for. Also, my distance was around 170 yards. Tried several different things and still the performance was pitiful. Finally, went to a stiff shaft and started hitting the middle of the fairway and increased distance to around 175 yards. As a last resort, I went back to my old Callaway FT-5 Driver, 10.5 loft, and set up for a slight draw. Distance went to 185 and finally just shy of 200 yards. Swing speed of the driver was 80 mph. So, I am selling my Hybrids and going back to my conventional irons and original driver. I am tired and frustrated trying to make my Senior Flex clubs perform like my conventional clubs. I wonder how long it will take me to build back up to 200 + yard drives. (Which I was doing before I started trying to hit my Senior Flex Hybrids.) BTW, I was hitting a Srixon golf ball on the simulator. Just before I left, I grabbed a Titleist DT Soft, red letter, golf ball and drove it 200 yards using my old driver. (Just saying) Anyway, did not spend $500+ yesterday. Waiting for the weather to warm up to head back out. Currently, 31* and snowing. Retired Old Man P.S.>Time to get back to playing for fun and learn to enjoy bogey golf.

Hi Fellow Golfers, I am looking to buy me a new driver. I really like my #5 Callaway Rogue fairway driver and hit it around 170 to 180 yards. Would a Callaway Rogue Driver with a regular shaft, 10.5 loft, be okay to just go ahead and purchase since I like my Callaway fairway wood so well? Or do I go through the process of being fitted for a driver and look at other options. I am 74 years old, with a 17 handicap, and have regular shaft woods and senior flex hybrids which I really like. I am currently using a Taylor Made FT-5 Driver with a stiff shaft. I do good to consistently get 200 - 225 yards per drive. (2012) I also had been using an old Nike driver with 10.5 loft and a regular shaft and can get 200+ yard drives with it. (2006) So, as you can see, I have been trying everything to increase my distance and mainly have wound up frustrated. Your opinions and advice is greatly appreciated. (Smart remarks will be graded) Retired Old Man

I try and play the best I can. However, it is a game. At 74 years old, that's what I like to do. My group makes smart remarks all the time. Again, it is a game to be played for fun. Alcohol is not involved at all. Retired Old Man

Well, I picked "C." I am usually the oldest, and I play with some long ball hitters. If they are having a rough round, I can usually catch up by staying in the fairway and making my putts. Otherwise, I am playing the senior tees by myself and I make everybody adjust to me being on a different set of tees. Most of the senior tees are on the front of the tee box and it is not a real big advantage on distance. (At least the courses I play) One other thing I do though. If I can't make the green on a second shot on a par 4 because of a hazard, (usually water), I will lay up closer to the hazard where I am more likely to get over the hazard and have a decent approach shot to the green. I really concentrate on staying in the fairway, as that is a key factor. I am happy if I can play bogey golf. Retired Old Man

I will be 74 tomorrow. (11/13/2020) I have a Hot launch Senior flex driver (12* offset and 12* loft) . #3 & #5 woods are regular flex. (Callaway X and Rogue) #3 through #PW are Majek hybrids with senior flex shafts. My Loft wedge (60*) and A wedge (52*) are stiff shafts. I carry a 17 handicap and started playing again 3 years ago after quitting in 1975. I found I was trying to "Baby" my hybrids. Finally, just started swinging them like my regular irons, take a slight divot, and I like the way they play really well. Welcome Back, Retired Old Man

Colin007, That is too bad. Do you have any reasons for not liking scrambles or playing with others? Nervous, mis-matched, jut hard to concentrate with all the other stuff going on? I play with a bunch of old retired guys and leave the younger players alone. The younger players seem to try and out do their peers, whereas us older players are content to just play and be glad we are in the fairway. Maybe it will improve for you as you keep playing. (The more you play, the better you will play.) Retired Old Man

Played 2 man scrambled at Ellis Golf Club in Ellis, Kansas. (Senior) Probably a little over 50 payers. We placed 1st in the 3rd flight and even won some money! Number 8 hole, from the fairway, I hit an 8 iron/hybrid, and backed the ball up just like the pro's. I also birdied #3 par 3 by hitting about 3' from the pin. Very rewarding day for me and my partner. He was hitting the long drives and I was playing the short game. Front = 39 and Back - 35 for a 74 total. Retired Old Man

Played back 9 twice at Fort Hays Municipal in Hays, Kansas. From the whites: 1st round = 49 2nd round = 43 Total = 92 Very happy and enjoyable round. Retired Old Man

I quit playing in 1972. I started playing again in 2018. I played with a set of MDX irons with a stiff shaft. I was losing distance and bought a set of hybrid irons with a senior shaft. Had a difficult time getting the feel of the irons and placing my hitting the green. Got mad and pissed off and out of frustration, swung my new irons with new vigor and determination. This made a big difference in my hybrid/ iron performance. In other words, don’t let the “Senior Flex” label make you need to swing easy because of your age. Haul off and hit the irons with purpose. They can handle the swing. I just played a scramble with a 61 ear old, who takes a good size divot, and hits the ball great. Be patient, the old game will come back. Retired Old Man

I played my 1st big Charity Golf Tournament today in Dodge City, Kansas. ( Maraiah Hills ) 36 teams of 4 with a shotgun start. It was a 4 man scramble. We finished 8 under with a 63. The winner was a 55 with 16 under. We did, however, finish in the bottom of the Championship Flight. It was a blast. I managed to play very well by keeping my ball in the fairway and letting the others go for longer drives. I also made two birdie putts. We were Doing very well until we stopped for lunch and lost our momentum. It was a blast. I still came away with several freebie gifts. Looking forward to doing it again. Retired Old Man

I ordered a new driver today. Should be in Wednesday. I will post pictures and a review as soon as I can. Thank you everyone for your advice and information. Retired Old Man

Hi All, I have been hitting a Tour Edge Driver with a 12* loft and a 12* offset. Senior Flex. (2017) It has been disappointing. It brought my distance down to 200 yards and sometimes less. (Carry) I finally went back to my Ignite (Nike) 450cc and no offset with a 10.5* loft. Regular Flex. (2005-2006) Immediately, my control came back and my distance went back to 220 yards and a little more sometimes. I was hoping to get back to 240 yards and probably will as I build my strength back up. The Ignite Driver is just a little heavier and somewhat harder to control when I get tired. Right now, if I get too tired, I just hit my 3 wood off the tee and stay in the fairway. Searching on the internet, I found the most forgiving driver (rated) is the Cobra F-Max. I found one fairly reasonable on EBay but it is a 460cc club head. I am 73 years old and soon to be 74 years old. Excellent health, but with Parkinson's in my right hand, which causes me to tire out a little when playing 18 + holes. My question is: Would I be able to feel the weight difference in 10cc's? I am leaning toward getting this driver but if it is too heavy from the start, I will search for a 450cc. Your thoughts and comments appreciated. (smart remarks will be graded 🧐 ) Retired Old Man

Well, resting up helped a lot. I shot a 48 from the whites but only played 9 holes. Getting ready to go back out again this evening and try again. I did run the weed eater and worked in the yard for a couple of hours but then came in and took a bath and a 2 1/2 nap. Feeling well rested now. Retired Old Man P.S.> Watching 2000 PGA Tournament with Tiger and Fritz ( I think). 663 par 5. Both of them are on the green in two. Tiger hit his driver and the rest of his 240 yards with his 6 iron. (Wow, in my dreams!)

I agree. Unfortunately my golfing partner has a day job and can't get away until after work. I do play Tuesday mornings Senior and sometimes Thursday's Senior Open. However, a lot more play time in late afternoon. Today, I have laid off of the yard work and have intentionally laid around the house so I can play better this evening. I noticed the wind has picked up, Southwest at 14 mph. More of an annoyance than a factor because in Kansas the wind blows all the time. Well, will let everyone know how it goes tomorrow. Retired Old Man

What started all of this was hole #10 at my course. We started on the back 9 yesterday because the back 9 was totally open. I hit a beautiful drive, (a little over 230 yards) right down the middle and stopped just short of the water. The next 3 balls were in the water for my 2nd shot. Finally, the 4th ball skipped across the water, hit a rock and rolled into the fairway. So 1, for the drive, 2 into the water, 3 out of the water penalty, 4 into the water, 5 into the water, 6 skipped on the water, hit a rock and bounced into the fairway, 7 was short edge of the green, 8 chipped on the green, and 2 putts for a 10. I know I could double bogey and picked up using the new rules but I am a stubborn fellow and refuse to change. (At least right now) Anyway, I think I had 1 par and no birdies for the rest of the round. We then went and played the front nine. I held my own (bogey, bogey, bogey, par, par, bogey, and then got to the 7th hole and were behind a group of ladies who were playing super slow. It was late, we quit, and went to Wendy's for supper. Today, I am resting up in hopes I can recuperate enough to play a decent game this afternoon. I will let you know. Don't worry about me. I play for fun and am fortunate I play as well as I do. (This to shall pass) Just thought I would let you fellow golfers know how I felt. 😄 Retired Old Man

As most of you know, I am 73 years old. I have a huge place with a yard that covers 1/2 of a block. So, I mow in the morning, trim trees, work in the garden, and then try and quit by noon. Eat lunch and then take a nap. Usually head to the course and play at least 18 holes and sometimes 24 to 27 holes. My problem? I am so tired I have trouble controlling my driver. So, I get mis-hits, slices, pulls, and a bunch of other maladies. I have yet to shoot the low 80's this year. So, today, I am resting up and doing nothing to see if I can shoot a low eighty score before the season goes away. I just need some sympathy, coaching, and understanding. I wonder how many of us "everyday golfer's" understand just how good a shape these Professional Golfers are in? Most of you Golfers, just don't understand how tough it is being retired. 😉 Retired Old Man P.S.> Seriously, I need to work less and play more. 😀

I use a 60* Pure spin I got from EBay for a total of $37. I love it. The thing I found out I must do was follow through and not be afraid of going over the green. When I first got it, I could only hit it about 35 yards. Now, I am able to close the face and can reach a good 50 to 75 yards with the wedge. For my pitching wedge I use a Pure Spin 52* wedge. It is good for up to 95 yards with my swing. It takes some getting used to the 60*, but I really enjoy using mine. Retired Old Man

Yes, my handicap is current and accurate. (It should stay that way until the next round, 😁 ) This is the 2nd year I have kept track of my handicap. I quit playing golf in 1975 and then took it up again 3 years ago. The first year after taking it up again, 2018, I played a small 9 hole course with sand greens. I got to where I could shoot par on that course. I still play it some but mainly stay away from sand greens. My boss, at my part time job, started taking me to Hays, Kansas where it is a very well kept course. From there I expanded out to other courses with grass greens, updated my clubs, and started getting serious about shooting better golf scores. However, in playing tournaments, it seems it is always a scramble or scratch golf. In 2 years I have yet to use my handicap for play placement or anything else other than to know what my handicap is. I have been wondering if I could get to a 10 handicap at 73 years old. I have been as low as 17 and it seems like that I may be stuck around that for awhile. So, I mainly keep it for personal reference and a little bragging rights. I still mainly play the white tees as the person I play with just turned 60. When I do play the red or senior tees, I find the course to be a little more easy to play. (Especially when getting on the green in regulation) I love the game, and I really don't play to much for competition except to beat and improve my score. I mainly try and play "Bogey" golf. I am not sure I will renew my GHIN next year. Retired Old Man