comparison is the thief of joy, especially for senior golfers
By Julian Mellor – Proper Golfing
If ever there was a weekend that reminded us of the beauty and brilliance of golf, it was Scottie Scheffler’s win at the PGA Championship.
With quiet determination and seemingly effortless rhythm, Scottie proved again why he’s one of the game’s finest. But as I watched him lift that trophy, I was struck by a familiar thought I often share with senior golfers:
comparison is a thief of joy
And nowhere is that truer than when golfers over 50, 60 or 70 start comparing themselves to Tour professionals.
The Highlight Reel vs. Your Reality
Watching Scottie hit laser-like irons or swing the driver with that calm tempo can be inspiring. Still, it can also be misleading, especially when the commentary and analysis can focus on the distance of his shots. What you’re in the elite golfers is the end result of decades of physical training, mental conditioning, and thousands of hours of high-level coaching. They also have the support of a whole team of people behind them, physico’s mental coaches, and a host of other people who maintain their physicality.
The problem starts when senior golfers, whose bodies, joints, and swing priorities are completely different, try to replicate what they see on TV. We all strive for that perfect shot, (that’s what keeps us playing this beautiful game) but a perfect shot for us as senior golfers is far different from the perfect shot of a tour player. I know that seems like common sense but sometimes we forget.
Let me say this as clearly as possible:
You are not meant to swing like a Tour pro. You are meant to swing like you, at your age, with your body, and with your enjoyment in mind.
What Tour Pros Do That You Shouldn’t Copy
Scottie’s swing is built for speed, power, and playing under pressure. But here’s what senior golfers must understand:
- Tour pros often play through pain. You shouldn’t.
- They train like athletes. You don’t have to.
- They can practice for hours daily. Most senior golfers can’t, and shouldn’t. For senior golfers it’s all about practise with purpose not hitting endless shots on the range.
Trying to chase a “Tour-level swing” often leads to tension, frustration, and injuries, none of which belong in your golf journey. Using the Proper Golfing methods, we espouse practice plans and drills that are easy on the body but just as effective.
Celebrate Greatness Without Losing Yours
I loved Scottie’s win (although he sometimes lacks the exciting passion of the other tour players). It was classy, calm, and a masterclass in composure. It amazes me how unemotional he is in all situations, which we will all understand is an inexplicable skill to have. But rather than trying to be Scottie, let’s learn from him in the right way:
- Tempo over tension (Swing Tension Free – Proper Golfing Key Number 1)
- Composure over chaos (Coordination and consistency – Proper Golfing Key number 2)
- A clear head and smooth finish (The Signature 6-second finish – Proper Golfing Key number 3)
You’ll notice that none of those things rely on youth or athleticism; they rely on coordination, calmness, and confidence. That’s what we teach every day at Proper Golfing. These are our mantras.
Your Best Golf is Still Ahead
The Proper Golfing methodology was designed precisely for golfers who’ve tried to “swing like the pros” and ended up confused, stiff, or stuck, and at worst, injured and in bed.
We teach you a senior-friendly, tension-free swing, built on rhythm, balance, and the joy of playing well without pain. That’s something no Tour player can give you, but we can.
So the next time you watch a major championship, cheer them on. Be inspired. But don’t compare. Because joy doesn’t live in comparison, it lives in confidence, and in playing the game your way. Here’s to Scottie, and To Unleashing Your Ultimate Senior Golf Swing
To download HERE your FREE guide to Unleash Your Ultimate Golf Swing
To download HERE your FREE sample of The Proper Golfing Handbook
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