Senior golfers often have a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and experience—on and off the course. But one of the most powerful lessons that comes with age is that simplicity, patience, and precision often outperform brute force and complexity in the game of golf. This philosophy was front and center in a recent virtual gathering of golfers discussing insights from the new Proper Golfing Handbook and their shared experiences.
Here’s what they learned—and how it can transform your game.
Swinging, Not Hitting: The Key to Longevity
Derek, one of the participants, put it best: “I’m definitely a hitter, not a swinger… but learning to swing allows your body to move properly.”
Hitting, he explained, introduces tension, disrupts balance, and invites injuries—problems familiar to many senior golfers. Swinging, on the other hand, is about rhythm, relaxation, and allowing your body to flow naturally through the motion. It’s a shift in mindset that’s as much about letting go as it is about learning.
Breathe, Relax, and Flow
One of the simplest and most transformative lessons was about breathing. Dick Stockton shared how taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly before each swing helped him relax and find his rhythm:
“Letting out that breath puts everything into motion.”
Relaxation isn’t just about calming your nerves—it’s about unlocking your body’s ability to move freely and efficiently. Tension creates barriers to a smooth, powerful swing. A well-timed breath can remove those barriers.
The Art of the Release
Releasing the club properly is a cornerstone of a good golf swing, yet many golfers struggle with it. As Julian Mellor, the coach and author of The Proper Golfing Handbook, explained:
“Holding onto the club too tightly prevents the release. The wrists need to cock and uncock naturally, and the body must stay in motion to prevent the dreaded slice or low hook.”
One effective drill shared during the session was the split grip. By slightly separating your hands on the club, you can better feel the release and gain confidence in allowing the club to square up at impact.
Sand Play: Mastering the Most Feared Shot
Bunker shots are notoriously tricky, and for many seniors, they can feel like a nightmare. But with a few tweaks, they can become manageable—even enjoyable. Key takeaways included:
• For Soft Sand: Use the club’s bounce to glide through the sand. Accelerate confidently to avoid digging in.
• For Hard Sand: Slightly close the clubface to expose a sharper edge, allowing it to penetrate the surface without skimming.
• Finish Fully: One of the biggest mistakes is stopping the swing. Commit to a complete follow-through to ensure the ball pops out and rolls onto the green.
The Power of the Rope Drill
One unique training tool discussed was the rope trainer—a simple piece of weighted rope designed to mimic the feel of a golf club. Why use a rope? Because you can’t cheat with it.
As Julian demonstrated:
“If you rush or tighten up, the rope will flop around uncontrollably. But when you stay smooth and let centrifugal force do its job, the rope moves as if it were a club.”
This drill helps develop rhythm, balance, and an understanding of how the swing should flow. Many golfers at the session noted immediate improvements after incorporating it into their practice routines.
Choosing the Right Club for the Job
When it comes to the short game, many golfers fall into the trap of using one club for every shot around the green. Julian challenged this habit:
“Why use a sand wedge for a low runner? Or a 7-iron for a high lob? Different shots require different tools. Play the shot that suits the lie and the distance, and you’ll find consistency.”
On tight lies, for example, a hybrid or club with a wide sole might glide more effectively than a wedge with too much bounce. Experimentation and confidence in your decision-making are key.
Overcoming Instinct: Hit Less, Swing More
A recurring theme of the session was the instinct to “hit” the ball. Julian recounted watching golfers on the practice range take beautiful practice swings, only to lose their technique once a ball was in play.
“As soon as the ball is there, that little voice in your head says, ‘I’m going to hit this.’ And all the technique goes out the window.”
The solution? Shift your focus from hitting the ball to swinging the club. As one golfer put it:
“The ball just gets in the way of the swing.”
Rhythm, Tempo, and the Metronome
For golfers struggling with tempo, Julian suggested a surprising tool: a metronome.
Available as a free app, the metronome provides a steady beat to guide your swings. Whether you’re chipping or driving, the consistent rhythm can help prevent rushed motions and establish a smooth, repeatable tempo.
Half Swings: The Ultimate Challenge
Half swings may sound simple, but they’re deceptively difficult. Why? Because they demand precision and coordination. Julian emphasized their value as a practice tool:
“A true half swing—where the club only goes halfway back and halfway through—teaches balance, timing, and control. Most golfers think they’re doing a half swing but end up with a full swing at half speed.”
Practising half swings is an excellent way to reset your mechanics and improve consistency.
Why Proper Golfing Works for Seniors
The Proper Golfing Handbook is packed with insights tailored to senior golfers, from stretching routines to mindset tips. What sets it apart is its focus on simplicity and efficiency—qualities that resonate deeply with older players.
As Julian reminded the group:
“It’s not about how far you hit the ball. It’s about how well you swing the club.”
The journey to better golf doesn’t end with age. With the right tools and mindset, your best game could still be ahead of you. As one participant concluded:
“How good can you make your swing? That’s the real challenge—and the real joy.”
For more insights and drills, check out the Proper Golfing Handbook, now available on Amazon and through Julian Mellor’s website. Happy golfing!
