Top Tips for Golfers 60+ Who Play Frequently
Golf is a sport that we can enjoy well into our later years, but it does require some special considerations for players who are 60 and over—especially those playing multiple times a week. Staying fit, flexible, and maintaining good form is essential to continue improving your game while avoiding injury. Here are three valuable tips for golfers aged 60 and up that can make a big difference on the course.
1. Focus on Upper and Lower Body Separation
One of the keys to a smooth and powerful swing is the ability to separate your upper body from your lower body. This separation allows the shoulders to rotate around the spine without disrupting your original stance or balance. Many golfers, especially those over 60, struggle with this because flexibility often decreases with age. To work on body separation, try practicing rotational exercises that involve your core and shoulders while keeping your lower body stable. Not only will this help you gain consistency in your swing, but it can also prevent strains and help improve your overall power.
2. Strengthen Your Core Muscles
A strong core is the foundation of a stable swing. For golfers, core strength includes your abdominal muscles and glutes. Strengthening these areas can help maintain your spine angle during the swing, leading to more consistency and better posture. A stable core also protects your back and helps you stay balanced. Simple exercises like planks, bridges, and standing rotations are great for golfers of any age, but they are especially helpful for those 60+ who need extra support for spinal stability. Building up core strength will contribute to fewer aches and pains, allowing you to enjoy more rounds without fatigue.
3. Improve Hip and Shoulder Flexibility
Flexibility in the hips and shoulders is essential for golfers. If these areas are tight, it’s difficult to reach key positions in your swing without straining. As we age, joint stiffness can limit our range of motion, which affects swing power, accuracy, and consistency. Try incorporating regular stretching exercises that focus on the hip flexors, hamstrings, shoulders, and back. Yoga and mobility-focused routines can be especially helpful, as they increase flexibility and support your posture. With improved flexibility, you’ll be able to maintain a stable position and produce a more effective swing, even as you play frequently.
Golfers with limited core strength, tight hips, and restricted shoulder movement often find themselves compensating in their swing to adjust for these limitations. Over time, this leads to inconsistent ball striking, a decrease in distance, and sometimes even pain.
Try a Tailored Golf Fitness Plan
To address these common challenges, a TPI Certified Doctor in Texas has developed a 28-day flexibility and core-strength program specifically for golfers aged 60 and over. This easy-to-follow program is designed to help you gain mobility, build core strength, and keep your swing consistent without needing any gym equipment. The flexibility-focused plan aims to help golfers feel their best, even if they’re playing multiple times a week.
One participant, John Ballew, shares his experience: “I am 60 and play golf about 4 times a week, and after day 5 I already notice a difference in how my body feels.”
With over 27,500 golfers worldwide benefiting from this specialized program, it’s like having a yoga or Pilates routine built just for golfers. Ready to get started? Visit Golf Body Rx to learn more.
Conclusion: Make These Tips for Golfers a Part of Your Routine
Applying these tips for golfers—separating body movement, strengthening your core, and improving flexibility—can make a noticeable difference on the course. If you’re committed to improving your game, especially as a golfer over 60, focusing on your physical fitness is just as important as practicing your swing.
Want to join a community of dedicated golf professionals? Become a member of the International PGA and connect with other golf enthusiasts and instructors dedicated to advancing the sport. Visit our membership page to learn more.