Restarting golf after 12+ year hiatus

[Bulldog Bruce]

I am going to play some golf in November on a trip to Florida. I have not played at all for 12+ years. I was a 3 handicap when I hung it up and went fishing with all my spare time. I gave away my irons to one of my Sons-in-law a few years ago. I found a set of Ben Hogan Forged Edge irons (4-P) in great shape for under $150. I have an old Orlimar fairway metal and a Taylor Made bubble shaft 4 wood. I had bought a Cleveland 855 driver right before I quit. I bought the absolute cheapest set of wedges I could find on Amazon. Used wedges are either a disaster or still expensive. I still have my old Ray Cook Anser type putter.

I bought a net for my backyard so I could hit cheaply. I did go to the Driving Range this past weekend just to see what was actually happening. I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

The question is what I should consider as a 65 year old guy who is not swinging very fast for balls? I used to play Pro V1s or Bridgestone Tour balls. I don't want to spend 50 or 60 a box for now. I do want a Urethane cover.

I am not gonna spend big bucks on a driver or putter, but any ideas on improvement for those clubs I would appreciate.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

If you are really getting back into it a club fitting is helpful. If it’s just for this one time, I’d go get a lesson. With your net, consider getting a cheap tripod that will hold your phone and using the free version of Swing Coach. It’s decent and gives swing by swing feedback. I wear my AirPods while using it and adjust based on feedback

ETA: if you get to where the ball matters, you've arrived. i got some Chromesoft before a recent round. First time I had used them. Had my best round in years. Next time out, lost most of them...

 

[Perd Hapley]

I am going to play some golf in November on a trip to Florida. I have not played at all for 12+ years. I was a 3 handicap when I hung it up and went fishing with all my spare time. I gave away my irons to one of my Sons-in-law a few years ago. I found a set of Ben Hogan Forged Edge irons (4-P) in great shape for under $150. I have an old Orlimar fairway metal and a Taylor Made bubble shaft 4 wood. I had bought a Cleveland 855 driver right before I quit. I bought the absolute cheapest set of wedges I could find on Amazon. Used wedges are either a disaster or still expensive. I still have my old Ray Cook Anser type putter.

I bought a net for my backyard so I could hit cheaply. I did go to the Driving Range this past weekend just to see what was actually happening. I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

The question is what I should consider as a 65 year old guy who is not swinging very fast for balls? I used to play Pro V1s or Bridgestone Tour balls. I don't want to spend 50 or 60 a box for now. I do want a Urethane cover.

I am not gonna spend big bucks on a driver or putter, but any ideas on improvement for those clubs I would appreciate.

High double-digit handicapper and lifelong MSU fan here.

Instead of hitting off a tee, I would advise having your caddy throw the ball towards the ground in front of you at about 80mph, and see what happens.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

I didn't play for 15 years and started back almost 2 years ago. Timing was way off but it came back. I went ahead and bought new clubs because my old ones were steel, stiff shafts and I knew that was a no go. My swing speed had dropped over 15 mph. I tried several different balls and really liked the Vice Pro Air and Pro plus. You can by them at walmart or order in bulk and drop the price a good bit. I also found the Srixon Q Star tour, it's a urethane cover that plays close the Vice Rro Air. The Titleist AVX is also in the same category but cost $10 a dozen more.

On the driver, go to Edwin Watts and hit some on the simulator. I went with the Callaway AI Smoke and love it. They get some good deals on used because so many people trade as soon as the new models come out.

 

[ZombieKissinger]

High double-digit handicapper and lifelong MSU fan here.

Instead of hitting off a tee, I would advise having your caddy throw the ball towards the ground in front of you at about 80mph, and see what happens.

Second this. There are some good prospects this year in the caddy draft, which will take place at Shuckers in Ridgeland in a few weeks

 

[OG Goat Holder]

I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

That's what went for me after I didn't play for about 5 years - mobility. Felt like I couldn't turn through the ball well enough - and it was like a physical limitation.

All new golfers struggle with the turn, that's why there are so many slices. But it was weird to feel like I couldn't physically do it.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

I didn't play for 15 years and started back almost 2 years ago. Timing was way off but it came back. I went ahead and bought new clubs because my old ones were steel, stiff shafts and I knew that was a no go. My swing speed had dropped over 15 mph. I tried several different balls and really liked the Vice Pro Air and Pro plus. You can by them at walmart or order in bulk and drop the price a good bit. I also found the Srixon Q Star tour, it's a urethane cover that plays close the Vice Rro Air. The Titleist AVX is also in the same category but cost $10 a dozen more.

On the driver, go to Edwin Watts and hit some on the simulator. I went with the Callaway AI Smoke and love it. They get some good deals on used because so many people trade as soon as the new models come out.

The Hogans I did find with R shafts. Edwin Watts is a good idea

 

[MaxwellSmart]

The Hogans I did find with R shafts. Edwin Watts is a good idea.

When trying new clubs, remember this chart.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

When trying new clubs, remember this chart.
View attachment 1399806

That's why it's called a simulation. They want to sell clubs. If it flew like it does on the course no one would ever buy a club.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

For putter, hit some Pawn shops. Might be surprised what you find.

 

[BrunswickDawg]

Just grip it, and rip it.

 

[Dawg1976]

I’m 72 and I recently switched to a Maxfli Tour S golf ball. I like them. Around
4th of July Dicks had them on sale for $23.75 dz so I bought 4 dozen. I see now they are $40/ dz so not that cheap but cheaper than Pro V1 balls. In a package of 4 dz the Mazfli’s average $30/dz.

 

[Called3rdstrikedawg]

I’m 72 and I recently switched to a Maxfli Tour S golf ball. I like them. Around
4th of July Dicks had them on sale for $23.75 dz so I bought 4 dozen. I see now they are $40/ dz so not that cheap but cheaper than Pro V1 balls. In a package of 4 dz the Mazfli’s average $30/dz.

I buy my golf balls from the pond scavengers! I’m likely to hit them back into the hazard so I might as well buy water seekers!

 

[aTotal360]

I tried it after about 20+ years. Noticed I cannot torque my body around, and I look like a total grandpa. Gave it up after 9 holes.

 

[o_Hot Rock]

My best handicap rating was a four. I am 63 and I quit for about 15 years and tried to make a come back this year. It did not go well. My best round was 85 and worst was 102 since coming back. I ended up having to change my grip because of arthritis to a baseball style. The pain was too great.

I can hit the ball cleanly but the left and right is more difficult since my hands are too far apart and its harder to hit the ball with a square face.

Then my swing. I went for that club fitting and lesson ($4000 worth). My swing speed was 106 and now it's 94. My carry was only about 220. The instructor changed my swing a bit and was back to a 245 carry with only 94 swing speed. I love the added distance but now I can't hit a long iron cleanly after the lesson. I worked and worked and was just about to start getting the feel back and my back went out.

I hope to be cleared to play golf soon. My thoughts for you:

Physical Therapy. - I am going to a chiropractor... he is giving me some good strengthening exercises. I don't know the best place to go to get the best exercises but I bet someone on here knows. Find them and get some good training to get stronger for injury prevention. Here is what I am doing after the injury. It takes longer to get back than it does to prevent.

stretching - elephant walk and some stretches I learned in HS. I do these everyday multiple times

Glute Bridge (form of stomach crunch) - twice daily

Standing leg lifts with a band for resistance - standing with a band - strengthens the back butt and back of legs

McKenzie Method or Sphinx Pose. - Helps with my degenerate discs & crooked vertebrate from broken back as a kid and football

Pushups..

When I go back, he said I was ready to start some specific exercises to aid in golf that helps in my turning motions. I do that for a month... I may be able to get back out there and shoot 100 again.

Good Luck Stay healthy and I hope you get back to a single digit handicap. No reason you can't, especially if you move up to a the senior tees if you can stay healthy. That is what I found harder to do.

 

[johnson86-1]

I bought a net for my backyard so I could hit cheaply. I did go to the Driving Range this past weekend just to see what was actually happening. I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

Not everybody can have the natural talent and athleticism of the average sixpacker, Bruce. You may just have to accept that you lost the genetic lottery and just never had a chance at a sport involving hitting a round ball with a stick like object. Maybe take up running or rowing or something else that requires less hand eye coordination.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

Not everybody can have the natural talent and athleticism of the average sixpacker, Bruce. You may just have to accept that you lost the genetic lottery and just never had a chance at a sport involving hitting a round ball with a stick like object. Maybe take up running or rowing or something else that requires less hand eye coordination.

We will see. I always could play pretty much any sport. I averaged over 200 bowling. I was very good at Basketball average 20 pts/game in HS. Tennis I used to play with the guys on the Tennis team and they kept asking me to play on the team. Golf I always shot under 85 even when I played once or twice a year. Ice Hockey was more difficult because you really have to work on skating but I was ok in pickup games. So I don't know if I will handle it mentally if I just can't do it.

 

[Seinfeld]

Man, that TM bubble shaft brings back some memories. I had the original burner driver with the bubble shaft, and I couldn't hit it a lick, but man did I feel like the coolest guy on the course after I got it.

With my kids getting older, I've been really wanting to get back into it too, and I've also been struggling to figure out what to do about clubs. I was never anything better than an 80s golfer, and I'm never going to be able to get back to playing more than a few times per month, but I've got to find some replacements for Nike slingshots that haven't been made in 15 years.

When trying new clubs, remember this chart.
View attachment 1399806

 

[MaxwellSmart]

Man, that TM bubble shaft brings back some memories. I had the original burner driver with the bubble shaft, and I couldn't hit it a lick, but man did I feel like the coolest guy on the course after I got it.

With my kids getting older, I've been really wanting to get back into it too, and I've also been struggling to figure out what to do about clubs. I was never anything better than an 80s golfer, and I'm never going to be able to get back to playing more than a few times per month, but I've got to find some replacements for Nike slingshots that haven't been made in 15 years.

View attachment 1399997

I found a new set of year oldTaylor Made Stealth irons and hybrids at Edwin Watts and have been happy. They feel good and are very forgiving.

 

[ckDOG]

https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/golf-balls/top-5-longest-and-shortest-golf-balls-for-low-swing-speed-golfers/

I've liked the recent Maxfli products for a good ball but not as pricey as some of the others.

I'd also say ignore your ego and pick up a couple of hybrids to replace your longer irons. I was skeptical but I hit them way better than 3/4 irons. You can get good height and get them to land soft.

 

[champdawg.sixpack]

Get really good around the greens and putting. Those two things kept my score to where I’d come back and play again

 

[jethreauxdawg]

@Bulldog Bruce taylormade speedsoft is your answer. $25/dozen. I normally play proV’s but these were recently given to me so I tried them out. You’ll like them.

 

[DawgNsuds]

played today for the first time in forever, short game was atrocious. Played with my father in law and his group, and we played up a bit. Timely post Bruce since I've recently retired and have some of the same questions.

 

[Dawgbite]

Someone gave me a box of Members Mark balls from Sam’s Club for a birthday present. I’d always been a Srixon guy. I threw them in my bag and finally decided to play them a few weeks ago. They aren’t the longest ball I’ve hit but they make up for it in forgiveness and accuracy in spades. I’m beyond impressed and three dozen balls for $30 I don’t waste time looking for a ball anymore. I just drop and go on. If you need a little help with your driving distance look at Krank Drivers. They make some non conforming drivers that will make your driving look twenty years younger.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

Get really good around the greens and putting. Those two things kept my score to where I’d come back and play again

I've always been pretty good there. Don't expect that to be an issue.

 

[85Bears]

I am going to play some golf in November on a trip to Florida. I have not played at all for 12+ years. I was a 3 handicap when I hung it up and went fishing with all my spare time. I gave away my irons to one of my Sons-in-law a few years ago. I found a set of Ben Hogan Forged Edge irons (4-P) in great shape for under $150. I have an old Orlimar fairway metal and a Taylor Made bubble shaft 4 wood. I had bought a Cleveland 855 driver right before I quit. I bought the absolute cheapest set of wedges I could find on Amazon. Used wedges are either a disaster or still expensive. I still have my old Ray Cook Anser type putter.

I bought a net for my backyard so I could hit cheaply. I did go to the Driving Range this past weekend just to see what was actually happening. I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

The question is what I should consider as a 65 year old guy who is not swinging very fast for balls? I used to play Pro V1s or Bridgestone Tour balls. I don't want to spend 50 or 60 a box for now. I do want a Urethane cover.

I am not gonna spend big bucks on a driver or putter, but any ideas on improvement for those clubs I would appreciate.

Piss missiles

i recently started golfing Again, horrible looking swing but I can hit the ball pretty good.

 

[Dawgbite]

My best advice, stretch. Stretch before during and maybe after your round. It really makes a difference, not necessarily in your score but keeps those pulled muscles away.

 

[85Bears]

My best advice, stretch. Stretch before during and maybe after your round. It really makes a difference, not necessarily in your score but keeps those pulled muscles away.

I’m arm swinging too much, not turning my back foot, leads to low back tightness. My college age son is really into golf, so I started going with him over the summer. Hard to put all three phases together , when my drives are good my putting is off etc.

 

[THE Bruce Dickinson]

High double-digit handicapper and lifelong MSU fan here.

Instead of hitting off a tee, I would advise having your caddy throw the ball towards the ground in front of you at about 80mph, and see what happens.

High Double Digits? Like 95? I bet you are hell on wheels in a member-guest. *

 

[goindhoo]

I would go grab a 5-6 year old titleist driver and 3 wood. Ts1 or 2. Older, cheaper but still great drivers with modern tech. Irons are irons. I was hitting my old ping eye 2s just as good as my new srixons when I was waiting on new shafts. Get a mallet (spider) putter that is 5 or 6s years old. Don’t know what to tell you on balls. Only hit prov1s.

 

[goindhoo]

Callawaypreowned is having a pretty big sale right now. There are also some gloves on Amazon that are great, cheap and never wear out. Finger Ten is the name

 

[MaxwellSmart]

If you're really wanting to get deep into the differences in all the golf balls out there and the changes from year to year, check out golf ball addict on YouTube.

 

[champdawg.sixpack]

If you're really wanting to get deep into the differences in all the golf balls out there and the changes from year to year, check out golf ball addict on YouTube.

I’m claiming that there is no one on this board who scores lower depending on the 17 ball that they use Please

 

[DawgNsuds]

I've always been pretty good there. Don't expect that to be an issue.

so was I, played yesterday and was humbled by how bad my short game was out of whack. Hoping you don't experience the same, left way to many strokes out there from my short game.

 

[Dawgbite]

I’m arm swinging too much, not turning my back foot, leads to low back tightness. My college age son is really into golf, so I started going with him over the summer. Hard to put all three phases together , when my drives are good my putting is off etc.

You will put it all together about once per year, the rest of the time you wonder why you even play! I’m normally a low to mid 90’s golfer. A couple of weeks ago I played and shot an honest 82. Every drive was in the fairway, my irons were working great, I was hitting greens, and even my putter was working. I thought to myself that just maybe I had figured this game out. That was on a Monday. Went back Thursday, same course, same partners, same everything. I could not get the ball off the ground, every shot I topped and was a line drive. Spent more time in the woods than on the fairway. Couldn’t make a putt to save my life. Shot a 102. Golf is a fickle beach!

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

so was I, played yesterday and was humbled by how bad my short game was out of whack. Hoping you don't experience the same, left way to many strokes out there from my short game.

I hear you. I'm sure that I won't be at the level I used to be right away. However, I am not worried that I won't get back there fairly quickly. My little net has these holes for targets and my wife says I bet you can't hit it into one of those holes. She was filming me so it is on video. I missed the first chip a little low. I moved it forward a bit and put the next one in the hole. She is talking about I was just lucky and I hit the next one in the hole as she is talking.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

I have no expectations to get where I was. It's just that in November I will be playing with my 63 year old brother who is a +4. I just don't want to be embarrassed by then.

 

[Wesson Bulldog]

I am going to play some golf in November on a trip to Florida. I have not played at all for 12+ years. I was a 3 handicap when I hung it up and went fishing with all my spare time. I gave away my irons to one of my Sons-in-law a few years ago. I found a set of Ben Hogan Forged Edge irons (4-P) in great shape for under $150. I have an old Orlimar fairway metal and a Taylor Made bubble shaft 4 wood. I had bought a Cleveland 855 driver right before I quit. I bought the absolute cheapest set of wedges I could find on Amazon. Used wedges are either a disaster or still expensive. I still have my old Ray Cook Anser type putter.

I bought a net for my backyard so I could hit cheaply. I did go to the Driving Range this past weekend just to see what was actually happening. I have never felt so unathletic in my life. After hitting a few balls each night i have went from swinging like a rusty gate to adding some WD40 on the hinges. My last few nights I might be where I have replaced the hinges with new ones.

The question is what I should consider as a 65 year old guy who is not swinging very fast for balls? I used to play Pro V1s or Bridgestone Tour balls. I don't want to spend 50 or 60 a box for now. I do want a Urethane cover.

I am not gonna spend big bucks on a driver or putter, but any ideas on improvement for those clubs I would appreciate.

lostgolfballs.com

 

[gtowndawg]

If you're really wanting to get deep into the differences in all the golf balls out there and the changes from year to year, check out golf ball addict on YouTube.

I'm a golf ball addict myself and I love his content. My Golf Spy has good ball ratings every year as well. If you have a launch monitor (or access to one) Ping has a great ball fitting tool that only cost $15 at ballfitting.com. You load your data (swing speed, ball speed, spin rates, etc. for driver and 7 iron) and it will give you 5 balls you should be playing and why.

 

[HulksStache]

Order some Takomo irons. I’ll gladly accept some golf balls as a thank you