As a professional golfer, I am of course biased when I say that golf is a marvelous sport for all ages and abilities, it is also a game that offers many benefits.
Nowadays, people expect to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in their retirement years. This is reflected in the increasing number of older people enjoying membership of gyms, leisure centres and participating in a wide variety of sports. People approaching retirement often decide to take up a new activity and many choose golf. After cycling, swimming and football, golf is the 4th most popular sport in the UK, with over 4 million adults taking part.
So what are the benefits? For senior players, golf is great for physical health and fitness. Like any form of regular exercise it improves circulation, breathing and can help to reduce high blood pressure. It also promotes flexibility, balance and stability as the golf swing requires movement of all muscle groups and joints.
As well as the obvious fitness benefits of the game, walking in the fresh air in the beautiful setting of a golf course helps us to switch off from everyday worries or tensions. It promotes general feelings of well-being and is a great stress reliever - as long as you don't hit too many bad shots!
Golf is also a very social game and is a great way to meet new friends and companions, especially for older single or widowed people. The famous comedian Jack Benny once quipped "Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner and you can keep the golf clubs and the fresh air!"
For the last twelve years I have run a golf society for, mainly, retired men and women. Over this time I have seen many long lasting friendships established. Members really look forward to their weekly game at different courses. There is much fun and laughter to be had every time we play, especially at the 19th hole over a drink and a bite to eat. For some people the golf can almost become secondary to the social benefits of joining a society or club.
So how do you start to play? Your local driving range really is a good place to learn the basics of the game. Do start with lessons from a PGA professional who will safely instruct you in the correct techniques of the swing and give advice on suitable equipment for your needs. Well meaning friends and spouses issuing their own theories about the swing and how it should be executed have put many a beginner off the game!
Good Professional coaching is all about communication and building confidence. It's all about adapting a way for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, with different levels of physical ability, to be able to play comfortably and enjoy the game. What does the player need? Just a willingness to learn and a sense of humour! I have coached many retired men and women from novices to experts, from 50 to 90 years old. Who said that golf, like measles, should be caught young?
I can promise you that it's never too late to start the game, learn new skills, meet new challenges, keep active and enjoy the benefits.
