Chasing my age..Start date April 24, 2020
By Mike Boyd
There are very few goals a man can achieve after 65. Most of a man’s personal and financial goals have basically been reached, or were out of reach in the first place. However, there is one chase to pursue, and it’s a worthy one.
For a golfer to shoot his age says two things…he’s a good golfer and he’s most likely maintained a hearty and healthy lifestyle. Now with that said, it still is no easy undertaking. I’m a ten handicap and if I keep shooting my average score it will take 17 years to shoot my age. That means I’ll be 82. There aren’t a lot of 82 year old guys still playing golf, let alone shooting their age.
Hence, I have to pursue the goal with purpose and discipline. I need a plan. First off, I need to more closely look at my health. Too often, I tank on the last 3 or 4 holes. I get a little tired and lose concentration and focus. I need to get fitter. When I’m not practicing or playing, I need to get on the stationary bike or do some road work (walking). Next, sit ups and some modest weight training. I’ve always had a lot of core strength and it helps me in golf. I hit the ball far further than most guys my age because of it. That will be helpful moving forward. Also, I need to drop 10 pounds. I’m starting the fad diet of our time…intermittent fasting. I can only eat in an 8 hour window and eat nothing in the other 16. No sweets, no ice cream, no nothing. Sounds doable. I’ll see.
But I need to improve my overall game…lower my handicap to say… a 5 or a 6. At 64 my range of scores fell between 73 and 90, with most around 82. That would mean I’ll have to wait until I’m 73 to shoot my age, assuming Father Time stands still during those 8 years. He won’t. So, for me to shoot my age, say in my late 60’s…I’ll have to realistically cut 5 shots off my handicap, and have a career round. But like the guy in Dumb and Dumber…there is always a chance it could happen.
Now, besides getting fitter, how do I cut 5 shots off my handicap? First off, my equipment is fine. I recently procured some Ping G 710 irons and G 410 woods. I definitely get more distance, and have more control than I had with my 20 year old Ping Eye 3’s.
The second need I have is the biggest for me. I’ve always had good eye/hand coordination, strength and finesse. I’ve always been able to make some heroic shots due to my athletic ability. But they are few and far between. My biggest problem is, I need to think I can do it when I don’t need a heroic shot. I need to believe I can hit every ball from 150 yards and in, onto the green. Too many times I’m over a ball without the highest of expectations. And I need to stand over a putt thinking I’m going to make it, instead of hoping I don’t miss it. Confidence was never my short suit until a few years ago. Not sure why. Just happened. I’ll likely peruse a few Dr. Bob Rotella books to improve my psyche.
As I mentioned, I’m comparatively long off the tee. That’s not my problem at all. I chunk too many chips and I record too many three putts. Improving in that area alone would save me some shots. I’m diving into videos that will show me how the best guys do it. I need to learn more about bounce and grind…so I know which wedge works best for me. In addition, I’m erratic out of bunkers. Teaching pro’s say bunkers should be your friend, but to me, they are distant and mean spirited. And then, of course, there is putting. I first need to get rid of three putts and then work on making 5 and 6 footers more often. Right now, I am not getting up and down from off the green more than 50% of the time. For me to lower my handicap, that’s a must.
I’m convinced you don’t need to have been a scratch golfer all of your life to shoot your age. That it’s possible for your slightly better than average weekend warrior. But it will take some discipline and there is a way to make sure you stick with it…catalog it. For me to improve, I not only need to do the drills correctly, but I need to record my successes and failures. A number of sports psychologists say that recording your results will allow you to absorb the nuances and subtleties of your improvements…and put them to work for you.
So, I’m off and running (make that walking)…but I’m committed to do it. I’ll update my progress as time moves on. Shooting 65 by 65 may be out of the question, but 70 at 70? Maybe not.
(Mike Boyd and PGA Professional Rick Price host The Golf Arizona Show on ESPN/Tucson every Saturday from 8-9 am on 1490 am/104.9 fm.)
