Revolutionising the Golf Swing for Seniors
Why Traditional Golf Tips Fail Senior Golfers
Most golf instruction is modeled on the biomechanics of young, athletic tour professionals. But senior golfers have different needs, physically, neurologically, and emotionally.
We need rhythm, joint-friendly movement, and instruction that aligns with our aging biomechanics, not myths that simply don’t work!
At Proper Golfing, we’ve spent years researching, testing, and documenting what works specifically for senior players. The truth is clear:
“Everything you’ve been taught about the golf swing is wrong—especially if you’re over 50.”
Here we outline the myths of golf and share with you the science behind the Proper Golfing Methodology
Myth 1: Keep Your Head Down
Proper Golfing Swing Killer 1 – “Keep Your Head Down”
This long-held myth inhibits natural rotation and follow-through. It causes tension in the neck, shoulders, and spine, risking injury. Tension in the golf swing is never a good thing and will lead to injury.
Have you ever been taught about tension in the golf swing?
Dr. Neil Wolkodoff: Restricting head movement reduces clubhead speed by 20–25%.
What the Science Says:
This common instruction forces a fixed neck and spine position, which impedes rotation and flow.
Key Findings:
- Dr. Neil Wolkodoff (Colorado Center for Health & Sports Science)
Found that restricting head movement reduces clubhead speed by 20–25% in older golfers.
[CHSS Biomechanics Report, 2018] - British Journal of Sports Medicine (2016)
Highlights that “static spinal positioning during dynamic motion increases muscular fatigue and joint loading in the cervical and thoracic spine.”
[DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096965] - University of Waterloo Biomechanics Lab (Canada)
Showed that forced visual fixation (e.g. “keeping the eyes locked on the ball”) slows reaction time and disrupts natural motor sequencing.
[Biomechanics of Golf Swings in Aging Populations, 2019]
Myth 2: Keep Your Lead Arm Straight
Swing Killer 2 – “Keep Your Lead Arm Straight”
Keeping your lead arm straight creates tension in the shoulder and elbow, increasing injury risk.
Have you ever suffered tennis/golf elbow? Did you consider it was your golf swing that was causing it? Have you ever been compared to a tour pro?
Keeping the lead arm straight disrupts rhythm, leading to a jerky less consistent swing.
Journal of Sports Sciences (2015): Skilled seniors use a soft, natural bend for better timing.
What the Science Says:
Holding the lead arm rigid introduces tension in the rotator cuff and elbow. This tension compromises swing fluidity and increases injury risk.
Key Findings:
- Journal of Sports Sciences (2015)
Found that “skilled senior golfers exhibited a natural bend in the lead arm during backswing and downswing, improving clubface control and rhythm.”
[DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1022571] - American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Reports a 43% increase in elbow strain when the lead arm is forced into extension compared to a relaxed, flexed position.
[Elbow Pathology in Amateur Golfers, 2017] - European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)
Emphasized that “forcing a ‘textbook’ arm position on aging joints leads to compensation elsewhere—often in the wrist or spine.”
[ESSKA Senior Golfer Symposium, 2020]
Title: Myth: Keep Your Lead Foot Planted
Swing Killer 3 – “Keep Your Lead Foot Planted”
Keeping your lead foot planted prevents proper hip and shoulder turn, reducing momentum. It causes swaying, reverse pivots, and knee/hip injuries.
Dr. Rob Neal: Lifting the lead heel aids balance and reduces spine/knee stress
What the Science Says:
Locking the lead foot to the ground restricts pelvic rotation and shifts strain to the lower back and knees.
Key Findings:
- Dr. Rob Neal (Golf BioDynamics)
States that “restricting foot movement reduces rotation efficiency and increases spinal load—especially in players over 50.”
[Golf BioDynamics White Paper, 2017] - International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy (2021)
Found that golfers who were instructed to keep their lead foot grounded showed 18% more torque in the lumbar spine than those who allowed foot lift.
[DOI: 10.26603/ijspt202101]
University of Pittsburgh Movement Science Department
Research confirms that dynamic heel lift improves balance, hip engagement, and reduces knee valgus stress in aging athletes.
[Senior Mobility and Rotational Forces in Golf, 2018
The Proper Golfing Difference
Rediscover Your Natural Swing
Eliminate the 3 Swing Killers.
Replace with science-backed, body-friendly movements.
Proper Golfing’s approach: Tailored for seniors, focused on rhythm and pain-free play.
