Golf Over 60 — There Is Nothing Wrong With Being a Normal Golfer
One of the saddest things I see in golf is how many golfers quietly feel they are not good enough anymore
“One of the saddest things I see in golf is how many golfers quietly feel they are not good enough anymore.”
One of the saddest things I see in golf is how many golfers quietly feel they are “not good enough” anymore.
Not because they can’t play.
But because modern golf constantly shows them what they’re not.
More speed. More distance. More flexibility. More power. More technology. More “secrets.”
And over time many golfers slowly stop appreciating the golf they actually can play.
I wrote those words one evening recently and shared them on my Facebook page. I was simply sharing some thoughts — I had no idea what was about to happen.
Within days the post had been seen by over 100,000 people. More than 66,000 individual golfers read it. The comments that came in were some of the most honest, moving and funny things I have ever read from the golfing community.
101,810 views · 66,301 individual viewers — in under three weeks, from a single Facebook post
I am sharing the post in full here, along with some of the responses that stayed with me most. Because I think this conversation matters — and I think more golfers need to hear it.
I’ve coached golfers in their 60s and 70s who apologise for only driving it 180 yards. Honestly — apologise to who?
You’re out walking a golf course. Still competing. Still learning. Still trying. Still flushing the occasional shot that keeps you coming back.
That’s golf.
And sometimes I think the game forgets that.
What Most Golfers Actually Want From the Game
The reality is most golfers are not trying to win on the PGA Tour.
They simply want:
- A few more solid shots
- Less frustration
- More confidence
- Less effort
- And to enjoy playing with their friends again
That’s a perfectly good ambition.
In fact, I’d say it’s a healthier one.
Because golf was never supposed to make ordinary golfers feel inadequate. It was supposed to challenge you, humble you, reward you occasionally — and give you a reason to look forward to tomorrow morning.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to play better. But there’s also nothing wrong with being a normal golfer. I think more people need to hear that.
Golf over 60 — still out there, still competing, still enjoying it
What Golfers Over 60 Had to Say
When I shared these thoughts recently, the response was extraordinary. Hundreds of golfers responded — from their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. What they said was moving, funny, honest and worth sharing.
“I’m 77 and when things aren’t going as well as planned, our group say at least we are out here playing. There are plenty of people lying in hospital beds wishing they could be out on the course having a bad round.”
Ray“I only took up golf 14 months ago at the age of 60. I’m never gonna be a big hitter and I probably won’t even break 100. But I love it. What’s better than being on a golf course on a lovely bright morning — winter or summer — with friends, enjoying a good walk and hitting the one superb golf shot?”
Dave“I turned 80 this year. I was a 7 handicap in my 30s. I’m having more fun now as a 15 with all my old fart friends than I ever had as a better golfer.”
Bill“I’m 72. I played a round recently with a fellow who is 87. He was in great shape and whupped me by 10 strokes. More importantly I have a new friend.”
George“I’m 86 and gone from a 4 to a 16 handicap but can still compete with anyone. The handicap system is excellent.”
Norm“At 85 I still play golf three times a week. Don’t hit them too far these days, which is good — I can still see where my ball lands.”
Shane“I am still playing at 85 years but get quite down on myself because I don’t play as well now. But you are right — fresh air, exercise and company are so important.”
Janet“Age 75, handicap 10. I divide my round as follows: one third golf scoring, one third surroundings, one third friendships. Together they combine perfectly for a wonderful, enjoyable experience. Golf is my ultimate happy place.”
Robert“Brilliantly said. I’m 68 now and have played for 50 years and still just love getting out there to play. Yes I wish the age clock would just slow down a bit so I could get more rounds played and courses visited. But I look around, see all the nature and wildlife, and think — yep, all is OK.”
AndrewGolf Over 60 — The Part Nobody Talks About
What struck me reading through these responses was not just the warmth and humour — though there was plenty of both. It was how many golfers were carrying a quiet burden of comparison that was slowly diminishing their enjoyment of something they clearly love.
Golf over 60 is a different game. Not a lesser game — a different one.
The distances change. The body changes. The recovery changes. But the pleasure of a well-struck shot, the companionship of a good group, the beauty of being outside on a course on a clear morning — none of that changes.
“Golf should be enjoyed, not endured.”
Mike
One response in particular stayed with me. Richard, who is 70 and managing chronic injuries alongside a recent leukaemia diagnosis, wrote about playing 4,700 yards from the forward tees, shooting 85, and still being questioned by other players about why he wasn’t on the senior tees.
He wrote: “You get sick of having to explain yourself.”
That sentence says everything about what happens when we allow other people’s expectations to define what good golf looks like.
Julian Mellor and Jo Cameron — Proper Golfing, Royal Leamington Spa
What Good Golf Actually Looks Like
At Proper Golfing, we work with golfers at every stage of the game. Many of our members are in their 60s, 70s and beyond — and what they want from coaching is not to swing like a tour professional.
They want to swing with less effort and more freedom. They want to hit the ball more consistently. They want to feel confident on the first tee. They want to enjoy the game without the frustration that comes from fighting a swing that no longer feels like their own.
That is what the Timeless Golf Swing® is built around. Not positions. Not power. Not trying to replicate what you see on television.
Movement that works with your body. A swing that lasts. Golf that you can actually enjoy.
Once you make peace with your limitations as you grow older, it’s actually more enjoyable. Robert Young
We could not have said it better ourselves.
Golf That Works With Your Body
If you would like to find out how the Timeless Golf Swing® can help you play with more freedom, more confidence and less effort — we would love to hear from you.
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“When I’m having a poor round, which is most of the time, I just remind myself that at 71 years old, at least I’m the right side of the grass.”
Malcolm