Golf Pointers for Seniors

Independent Living at Brandermill Woods includes many perks, including a membership to the Brandermill Country Club. With the freedom of Independent Living, you can spend a lot more time on the links using that membership. Whether you're a golf pro or new to the sport, these golf pointers for seniors can help you improve your game and enjoy your time on the course.

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Prepare Your Body

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For many people, golf is a relaxing pastime rather than a strenuous activity, but you might improve your swing and keep yourself safe on the course if you prepare your body properly. General exercise helps keep up your endurance to make it through all 18 holes feeling strong and healthy.

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Strength, flexibility, and balance also come in handy on the links. Maintaining your strength makes it easier to hold, swing, and control your golf clubs, and you can get more power behind your swings. Core strength is also beneficial in golf. Flexibility helps with your range of motion while you swing, while good balance lets you keep your footing and improve your swing.

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As you get older, those things can decrease, so doing exercises that support them can help your golf game. Plus, they can help you stay mobile in general. Lots of stretching before and after you play golf can help. Here are some specific exercises to try:

• Side bends: Standing upright, alternate bending to the left and right slowly. If you're on the golf course, you can hold a golf club over your head while you do this move.
• Twists: Strengthen your core by twisting back and forth at the waist instead of bending side to side.
• Lunges and squats: Try variations of lunges and squats to strengthen your lower body for a stable base. This can also help with your balance.
• Toe touches: Keep yourself limber by bending over and touching your toes or coming as close as you can.
• Windshield wiper stretch: To loosen your ankles, sit with your feet on the floor. Turn both feet to the left, back to the middle, and to the right like the motion of a windshield wiper. Repeat a few times.

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Gear Up Appropriately

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It could be time for a new set of golf clubs if your game isn't what it used to be. Start by ensuring your equipment is correct for your height. Staff in the pro shop can help you get the correct size. Another option is switching to senior golf clubs. They typically have lighter shafts with more flex. The design helps you improve your swing speed, which can often decrease as you age. Larger grips can also increase comfort, especially if you have arthritis or your grip strength has decreased.

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Time Your Golf Game Right

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When it comes to outdoor activities, such as golf, avoid the hottest parts of the day to protect yourself. That means aiming for an early morning or later evening tee time. Morning start times let you golf before the temperatures rise for the day. Waiting until the evening means you can avoid the harsh direct sunlight of midday. Use those hot times of the day for enjoying cooler activities and amenities offered to Independent Living residents.

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Protect Yourself From the Heat

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Even morning and evening rounds of golf can get hot, so taking precautions can keep you from overheating. Choose light-colored, lightweight clothes to keep you cool. A hat can also keep you cooler in sunny weather. Apply plenty of sunscreen, and pack hydrating drinks, such as water and sports drinks with electrolytes. Cooling towels and portable fans can also keep you cooler.

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Adjust Your Game

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As you age, you might have to change your stance, swing, and other features of your game. Working with a golf pro to receive a few golf lessons can help you make adjustments that improve your game or make you feel more comfortable on the course. Consider using the senior tees, if you don't already do so, to even the playing field based on your age.

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Learn to Love the Game

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Golf looks like a simple, relaxing game, but it can get frustrating if you're just starting. Experienced golfers often notice changes in their game as they age. Learning to love the game and release your expectations can make golf more enjoyable. Even though your game might not be the same, you can still play golf well into your senior years. Focus on celebrating the wins you get, and let the rest go. Finding a regular group of golf friends who also take a laid-back approach can help. You might find that relaxing on the golf course can actually improve your game.

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Schedule Your Visit

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Ready to enjoy the carefree lifestyle of Independent Living? Brandermill Woods offers a wide range of amenities along with an attentive staff to make your life easier. Contact us today or call (804) 744-1173 to schedule your visit.