Golf Tips for Senior Golfers
I am a Senior Golfer. I love Rory McIlroy. I tried to play golf like whilst I was searching for golf tips for senior golfers, but now I’m in the hospital
Watching him win the Race to Dubai was amazing but it prompted me to put pen to paper…
Based on too many true stories ….
Golf is a game for life, but for senior golfers, the journey often involves adapting to changes in strength, flexibility, and endurance. Unfortunately, some coaches forget this essential truth, pushing their students toward unrealistic goals. That’s what happened to me. I’m a senior golfer, and my local pro compared my swing to Rory McIlroy’s. He put my swing on one screen and Rory’s on another, comparing my movement and technique. The result? A back injury that’s kept me off the course for weeks. Here’s my story—and what I wish I had known before.
I can’t blame him. That’s all he knew and all he’d been taught.
You see, senior golfers are the biggest group of golfers in my club but throughout their training PGA professionals spend zero time on the looking at the different needs of senior golfers.
The Problem with Unrealistic Comparisons
When I signed up for lessons, I was excited to improve my game. I told the pro I wanted to build a sustainable swing that would allow me to play well into my golden years. But during my first session, the comparisons began.
“Look at Rory McIlroy’s backswing—he generates so much power,” my coach said.
“If you can get more rotation like Rory, you’ll add 20 yards to your drive,” they added.
At first, it sounded inspiring. Who wouldn’t want to emulate a world-class golfer? But what my coach didn’t consider was that I’m in my 70s, with decades of wear and tear on my body—not a 30-something elite athlete at peak physical performance.
Pushed Beyond My Limits
The pro encouraged me to mimic Rory’s swing mechanics, particularly his deep rotation and explosive follow-through. I tried my best, but as a senior golfer, my flexibility and core strength weren’t what they used to be. I’d had a hip replacement and have recently been under the doctor for possible arthritis. During one session, I felt a sharp twinge in my lower back after forcing a rotation I simply couldn’t sustain.
What followed was a painful lesson in what happens when you push your body beyond its limits. My back injury not only sidelined me from golf but also disrupted my daily life. And all because I was trying to achieve something my body wasn’t built to handle anymore.
Some of my fellow golfers have also had issues. One is a retired ambulanceman in his 70s. He got injured during a lesson too. He told me about his friend in Dubai who also ended up in hospital after a lesson. Then there was the story about the man with the rod in his back who nearly had to call emergency services as he was forced into difficult positions and then the chap with a bent arm due to childhood surgery whose pro kept telling him to straighten his arm (when clearly it wasn’t physically possible)
Golf Tips for Senior Golfers : Why Senior Golfers Are Not Rory McIlroy
Here’s the hard truth: comparing a senior golfer to a professional like Rory McIlroy is not just unrealistic—it’s dangerous. Rory trains for hours every day, works with a team of physiotherapists, and has the physical advantages of youth. Senior golfers need techniques that respect their unique abilities and limitations. It’s a completely different ball game. It would be like me going to a running coach who tells me I can run as fast as Usain Bolt or as far as Mo Farah!
Mimicking Rory’s swing can:
1. Increase Injury Risk: Forcing your body into positions it’s incapable of can lead to strains, tears, or worse.
2. Ignore Individual Goals: Not all golfers aim for explosive power; many prioritize consistency and enjoyment.
3. Overlook Sustainability: Golf should be a lifelong game, and sustainable techniques are key to longevity on the course.
Golf Tips for Senior Golfers
If you’re a senior golfer, here are some takeaways to avoid making the same mistake I did.
After my injury, I discovered Proper Golfing, and it’s been a game-changer. Their philosophy is all about building a swing that lasts a lifetime, emphasizing tension-free mechanics and mindset mastery. Instead of comparing golfers to pros like Rory McIlroy, they focus on what makes each golfer unique, helping you play smarter, not harder. They spend time listening to you to find out what your golfing goals are and where you would like to be in 6 to 12 months time.
They have a unique method that is purposely designed for senior golfers and they are really nice genuine people who you feel completely have your best interests at heart.
Even online that comes across in droves.
A Final Thought on Golf Tips for Senior Golfers
Golf is meant to be a source of joy, not frustration or pain. If your pro is pushing you to emulate a professional like Rory McIlroy, it’s okay to speak up—or even find someone new. Some of my pals have walked out mid-lesson.
As senior golfers, we deserve coaching that respects our goals, our bodies, and our love for the game.
Have you had a similar experience? Let’s start a conversation. Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]
