I love this game, but I can no longer play

[deadsolid...shank]

I have to say, this is a depressing thread.

 

Actually, it's not. From someone who considers the time approaching (in 5-10 years, who knows) due to health and life changes, it is what it is. There are no regrets. I loved triathlons and I quit, and only a few times in the past 6 years have I thought about doing it all over again. Same with golf, when I quit, it'll be because I want to quit. That can include health physically and mentally. It's not depressing at all. Times change. Life changes. It is what it is. Life is a journey and you have to enjoy the journey, not just the end result/goal. There will be something to take the place of golf. It's what I do for now!

 

Thanks for pointing this out. I don't know why people get so much grief around here for admitting that they quit playing the game. There are a lot of things I used to do when I was younger that I no longer do, because I no longer enjoy them. I don't remember any community uproar when I gave them up. Abandoning an activity isn't a personality shortcoming; it's a personal choice.

 

I don't recall anyone getting grief, I only read statements that are supportive or reflective of their own experiences.

 

I

 

[kgeisler13]

I always say once I start to get bad and lose alot of yardage I'll quit but I see my dad 67 still hitting his drives 230 - 220 yards on a good. I guess I could deal with that lol.

[bazinky]

I think the real difficulty is having to deal with a "sudden" drop-off in ability.

 

Using myself as an example, I don't foresee myself quitting the game due to gradual declines due to age and distance issues. However, I recently had a stroke at the ripe old age of 48. I was lucky that the majority of the effects were primarily quadrantopsia (upper left visual field loss) and some sensory issues, so I was still able to work and function pretty normally afterwards. However, If my vision and sensory issues had not gotten better (which was not a given), I would have given up golf. Just would have been too tough to go from a mid-single digit to 20 handicap. Not to imply that there is anything wrong with being a 20 'cap, it's more just suddenly having your index go up that much. I'd have felt the same going from a 20 to 36.

 

The one big plus of my stroke is that it's finally killed my temper on the golf course. I'm just grateful to be out and able to play!

[Roody]

This thread has been very enlightening to me. I'm 44, and I've often wondered if I would be able to enjoy the game later in life if I lost the ability to score as well as I do now.

 

3-4 years ago I was much more focused. I spent a lot more time at the range, working to get better. I got my handicap down to a high 6. But the downside was I was definitely a lot more angry at myself when I would hit a bad shot. I would let the anger fester, and beat myself up over things when they went bad.

 

Fast-forward to this season. Other than warmup buckets before rounds, I think I have gone to the range just once with the sole purpose of practicing. And I've learned to be much more happy-go-lucky about bad swings. But the result is my handicap is 9.9 as of this morning. I shot 81-90 this past weekend. During the 90 round I went at it with an attitude of "oh well, the swing is just not here today". Whereas the Roody from 3-4 years ago would have been saying "what the hell is wrong with you, idiot? Stop swinging like a moron"

 

My point is, I think I'm learning that even if your ability declines, there are still ways to enjoy playing golf. Being good or bad at golf doesn't define who I am. I just need to remember that as I get into my 50's and 60's and the physical aspect is what's keeping me from playing as well as I used to.

[Hateto3Putt]

Ya wanna know what’s nice about getting old??

 

Nuttin!!

 

(Ok, maybe Grandkids)

 

I’m pushing 60, think I’m still 29, act like I’m 12, and on some days feel like I’m 90.

 

So confused.

[ChaosTheory]

A couple of years ago I played in a senior scramble. Many of the guys couldn't hit it out of their shadow. But as long as they had a longer player in the group, they were happy as clams. They held the scramble every week. Skins game, etc. When the alternative is staying home, not getting out with the guys, the expectations can soften a lot. I've seen a lot of older seniors who used to be excellent players in their day, but no longer are. I'm sure there are still challenges that inspire them.

 

As an aside: At my current course, there is no stigma about playing the senior tees. And they are nice and short. I've seen a 70+ y.o. drive and eagle a par 4. Now that's the way it should be. They have a chance for par on most holes.

[disco111]

Found the secret for playing FUN golf

 

[wrmiller]

I'm 63 and now retired (not my choice). I am actually surprised at how well I still swing a club, but am coming to the realization that I may soon be unable to walk the course. And I really, really hate the prospect, but it is what it is. Getting old suc...err...stinks.

 

I don't know how long I will be able to play, but I have other things I like to do and will switch to those when I can no longer play. The money I save on golf can go to towards materials and cutters for my little machine shop in the garage for example. I can spend a few years building a custom 1911 or two. :)

[mfm22]

Motrin & Ice -

[118811]

Ya wanna know what’s nice about getting old??

 

Nuttin!!

 

(Ok, maybe Grandkids)

 

I’m pushing 60, think I’m still 29, act like I’m 12, and on some days feel like I’m 90.

 

So confused.

 

I’ll be 60 in January.

I’ve been hard on my body most of my life.

Football, then motocross and surfing. Golf for the past 31 years. All hard on the spine and low back. Had an MRI in 2005. It showed I had very little soft tissue between the spinal discs. Consequently, I have pain at times . I have adopted a slower, smoother swing which allows more pain free days.

Sure I’ve lost SS but I concentrate more time on short game and putting.

Like a few of you said....”the body at times, just doesn’t behave”!!

Managing expectations is tough at times!!

 

Trying to age gracefully in golf & LIFE!!

 

[nix]

at some point, we all need to check our ego if we want to play this game into older age.

[deadsolid...shank]

at some point, we all need to check our ego if we want to play this game into older age.

 

True. And I foresee that being a difficult challenge. No matter what level a person starts from and falls to.

[Hateto3Putt]

at some point, we all need to check our ego if we want to play this game into older age.

 

True. And I foresee that being a difficult challenge. No matter what level a person starts from and falls to.

 

That Dude is wise! :taunt:

[PixlPutterman]

I dont know if it would be of any help to your spirits, but I would volunteer with some youth golf programs.

 

If you cant play, you can instill the good spirit into the next generation and see some kids really be successful.

 

That is at least what I plan to do when I get too old, provided I live that long :)

[deadsolid...shank]

at some point, we all need to check our ego if we want to play this game into older age.

 

True. And I foresee that being a difficult challenge. No matter what level a person starts from and falls to.

 

That Dude is wise! :taunt:

 

Nice!!

[wrmiller]

at some point, we all need to check our ego if we want to play this game into older age.

 

True. And I foresee that being a difficult challenge. No matter what level a person starts from and falls to.

 

As my Mom is fond of saying: "Getting old is not for the faint of heart."

 

I used to laugh when she said that. I'm not laughing any more.

[Bucken77]

I have to take some sort of painkiller prior to the round, middle of the round, and end of the round just to play now. Dozens of procedures on my back have left me with next to nothing of my old swing. Still grind it out and learning how to take less of a backswing and still hit the snot out of the ball.

 

I look at it as every once in a while things will click and I will have a great round. The rest of the time I get to see the sunset on a golf course. Win/win

[wrmiller]

I have to take some sort of painkiller prior to the round, middle of the round, and end of the round just to play now. Dozens of procedures on my back have left me with next to nothing of my old swing. Still grind it out and learning how to take less of a backswing and still hit the snot out of the ball.

 

I look at it as every once in a while things will click and I will have a great round. The rest of the time I get to see the sunset on a golf course. Win/win

 

Two asprin prior to the round, a couple of Advil and maybe another asprin at the turn. And my lower back and right hip still hurt when I'm done.

 

I then head home and grab the single-malt. :)

[Yuck]

My last round under 70 was when I was 50, over 8 years ago. My last USGA qualifier (Mid AM) was three years ago, and I got "the letter". I am now a weak 6, which is too high too compete in scratch events, but my cap is too low to compete with the Net sandbaggers.

 

I still enjoy the game, but I am now shorter, less consistent, and a very marginal putter. My ball striking expectations are still rooted in my skills from a decade ago, so I am disappointed in 95% of my shots. I will still shoot a stray sub par nine now and then, but invariably the other nine will be in the 40's. I am delusional enough to think I may regain my game, so I still slog along. At the end of the day, I truly feel less coordinated than I used to.

[MountainGoat]

Just got a nice note from a student who scored the best round of his life on a local course that's quite difficult. I can't seem to help myself anymore, but it was gratifying to hear that I had helped someone else.

[Bucken77]

I have to take some sort of painkiller prior to the round, middle of the round, and end of the round just to play now. Dozens of procedures on my back have left me with next to nothing of my old swing. Still grind it out and learning how to take less of a backswing and still hit the snot out of the ball.

 

I look at it as every once in a while things will click and I will have a great round. The rest of the time I get to see the sunset on a golf course. Win/win

 

Two asprin prior to the round, a couple of Advil and maybe another asprin at the turn. And my lower back and right hip still hurt when I'm done.

 

I then head home and grab the single-malt. :)

 

Haha more like Vicodin/Vicodin/Oxy. Aspirin don't even touch my back anymore. Single malt I am all in for though

[larryw]

Still playing and enjoying at 73. However, a nagging muscle strain seems to come more often and last a little longer each year. Played 220 rounds last year but think that 200 will be a stretch this year. Golf will eventually have to give way to the next sport - I think that might be billiards - but there will hopefully be a sport. Going to try Pickleball this year but think that if I can't Golf then Pickleball will probably be out of the question also - of course that depends on the ailment.

 

Baseball => Fast Pitch Softball => Slow Pitch Softball => Tennis => Golf => Billiards?

 

How my life has gone!

[Carl Spackler3]

Played this great game for 50 years, but I just can't seem to play anymore. Gone through 2 complete shoulder replacement surgeries in the last two years. Still re-habbing and from a pain management point, I could not be happier, just can no longer swing the club like I use to. Before all the shoulder pain was about a good 7, now a 15 and trending higher. Lost all kinds of speed, just can't hit it solid. Feel at times like I've never swung a club. Just needed to boo hoo on some shoulders. Thanks for listening.

hey I’ve been there, I am there. I had a bad bought of cancer, followed by some radical surgeries and removal of several whole muscles. Swing speed down 25 mph , I went from stiff blades to regular cav backs . From 9.5* to 12* with senior shafts. There’s a ton to enjoy despite not playing your best. Whatever you decide I wish you health and happiness

[Tyeetime]

I played with an old guy last year. Very rough shape, back and shoulder problems. He was recovering from a surgery and could only play nine.

At the end of the nine I looked at the card. I shot 41 and he shot 37. His short game was deadly.

[easyjay39402]

Just turned 74, haven’t been a single HCP in more than 15 years. Yet ... I may enjoy the game even more now. It was rough facing up to the undeniable fact that I will never be a “player” again. But I take pleasure in the community of golfers, the playing of the game. Despite all evidence to the contrary, I still have hopes of improving my game, of finding a few more yards off the tee. So I still hit the range 2-3 times per week. Dealing with chronic pain is an issue as you age (I have RA) and diminished vision ( glaucoma), etc. We all get this stuff if we live long enough. It’s about relaxing, enjoying the back 9 of life ... and finding a good pain management physician.

[PixlPutterman]

Im not old so I dont speak from experience, but seeing my father in law having to give up the game I fee confident when I say this.

 

The key to playing as you get older is maintaining flexibility!!!!

[Obee]

So sorry to hear this! It is, indeed, a truly great game....

[FourTops]

Played this great game for 50 years, but I just can't seem to play anymore. Gone through 2 complete shoulder replacement surgeries in the last two years. Still re-habbing and from a pain management point, I could not be happier, just can no longer swing the club like I use to. Before all the shoulder pain was about a good 7, now a 15 and trending higher. Lost all kinds of speed, just can't hit it solid. Feel at times like I've never swung a club. Just needed to boo hoo on some shoulders. Thanks for listening.

 

Don't sweat it. There's a body shelf-life for every sport, some much earlier. So 50 years is a great run...besides....how many folks can play football, baseball, tennis at the level they once did? No one. When I can't play well anymore, I will volunteer to teach.

[sui generis]

Played this great game for 50 years, but I just can't seem to play anymore. Gone through 2 complete shoulder replacement surgeries in the last two years. Still re-habbing and from a pain management point, I could not be happier, just can no longer swing the club like I use to. Before all the shoulder pain was about a good 7, now a 15 and trending higher. Lost all kinds of speed, just can't hit it solid. Feel at times like I've never swung a club. Just needed to boo hoo on some shoulders. Thanks for listening.

 

Don't sweat it. There's a body shelf-life for every sport, some much earlier. So 50 years is a great run...besides....how many folks can play football, baseball, tennis at the level they once did? No one. When I can't play well anymore, I will volunteer to teach.

 

Of the non-linear sports, golf (and perhaps doubles tennis) is one of the few sports we can safely engage in much past the age of 25. They'll have to pry the golf club out of my cold, dead hands. ;)

[FourTops]

Played this great game for 50 years, but I just can't seem to play anymore. Gone through 2 complete shoulder replacement surgeries in the last two years. Still re-habbing and from a pain management point, I could not be happier, just can no longer swing the club like I use to. Before all the shoulder pain was about a good 7, now a 15 and trending higher. Lost all kinds of speed, just can't hit it solid. Feel at times like I've never swung a club. Just needed to boo hoo on some shoulders. Thanks for listening.

 

Don't sweat it. There's a body shelf-life for every sport, some much earlier. So 50 years is a great run...besides....how many folks can play football, baseball, tennis at the level they once did? No one. When I can't play well anymore, I will volunteer to teach.

 

Of the non-linear sports, golf (and perhaps doubles tennis) is one of the few sports we can safely engage in much past the age of 25. They'll have to pry the golf club out of my cold, dead hands. ;)

 

Well done! But...25? What have you been doing? Lol