Where has my distance gone?

hardten · July 18, 2012

I am sure this is a common lamment but it seems I have lost maybe 30+ yards on drives over last couple years. Turned 65 in March and had cortisone shot in knee in Feb. 12 and hip replacement in right hip Nov. 2010 ( Tom Watson variety). Still work out 35-50 minutes 5- 6 days a week on bike or elyptical and some wieghts in winter. Done this or ran 3-5 miles a day,6 days a week, religiously 40 years. Played college football before that and am 5'10" (shrunk) 235lbs. Need to lose 20 lbs put on after hip replacement and quiting smoking.

Swing speed has gone down gradually from 105 twenty years ago to mid high 90s to now 90 est. Was solid 10 HC but went up while hurting from hip,back,knee.

Actually now finally feeling good and played right with guys 40 years younger for 5 day tournament last week. Irons are maybe 1/2 to 1 club shorter depending on if I use my AP1 710s or TM TP MCs. Went to regular shafts in woods and 11* in driver. Being a card carrying equipment freak I try lots of sticks but mainly irons.

I usually play with guys 15 years younger and single digits and was always driving right with most,longer than many, and only behind only the very longest. Now seems I am 20 yards shorter than most of them.

Is it simplely what it is the natural progression or could lessons or equipment help. I know without seeing me or swing and clubs a definitive answer is impossible but I know my situation has to ring a lot of bells. I am still stronger than most guys 20 years younger but the flexibility is adequate but of course not what it use to be. As I type this I think I am answering my own question but if there are suggestions let me hear them. Thanks.

ironmikes · July 18, 2012

sounds like you have lost clubhead speed with your driver due to some medical reasons. have you considered going for a lesson to see where your power leaks are ? since you put on some weight and lost some strength you need to rely more on technique it would seem. if your irons are going well maybe you do not have a positive attack angle on your driver like you used to.

Nspiel58 · July 20, 2012

You should video your swing on Youtube and then link it and get comments. I'm sure that would help. It's awfully difficult to make an observation without actually seeing your swing. Based on your description, your body seems to be saying, "I don't have the capacity to be as active as I've been in the past, so I'm slowing down". Mind/body thing. At 54, I'm still flexible and pretty strong. In a way, I'm glad I gave up competitive sports when I was in my late 20s. I have no aches or pains, other than an achilles issue which I have to watch. I have a cousin who's 2 years younger than I. His knees and achilles are shot. He was a very active badminton player for years, into his 40s. He still thinks he can play old-timer's baseball once a year. I think, what a headcase. I told him a while back that he's going to have to be wheeled around by his wife by the time he's in his sixties. I think you might need an equipment change, more flexible shafts for a start. But I'm just making educated guesses. Good luck with finding solutions.