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I have a problem and was wondering if anyone else found themselves in this situation. I'm 75 years old and other than a slight loss of distance and what seems to be an inability to make putts, my game is usually between 75 and 85 on most courses. Here's the problem. I've been told that at my age I should just enjoy the game, but for me golf has always been scoring. I have a hard time accepting the higher rounds. As hard as I try I always know exactly where I stand to par. Those that seem to play a different game, and enjoy it, say they just go out and play and enjoy being there. Does anyone else struggle with this??

When I first learned how to play, the guy who taught me said, "Forget what anyone else scores, you're playing against yourself. The leaderboard will take care of itself." So, I try to go out and play for enjoyment - but I have been competitive since birth, and if I notice I'm a stroke or two ahead or behind one of my playing partners three holes in to the back nine, I can't help it - I want to win - and that sometimes leads me to having a Phil Mickelson brain-cramp moment or two. That used to take the fun right out of a round, but I've gotten to the point where I can usually shrug it off and go back to enjoying the day.

Basically, I've been learning to take the same approach to golf as I do to playing baseball - play your best, have fun, and if the other guy beats you - so be it.

I'm getting ready to turn 69 and can empzthize with you. My game has gone from scratch to an 8 handicap in the last three years. And I was winning tournaments at the state, regional and national level just 5 years ago. Three surgeries and another health problem took care of that. As a result I've started exploring other ways to obtain fulfillment on the course. I have several adjustable clubs that I play with (totally illegal, of course) and score in the mid-80s normally. I've also started collecting and restoring antique clubs (wood shafts) and playing with them using gutta percha balls (produced using the old methods and materials). My scores are around 90 with some excursions into the low 80s and occasionally into the mid 90s. This has let me enjoy the game far more than I would have thought possible a year ago. I can play only a time or two a week now and it's great fun. Please send me a PM beemer if you'd like more detailed info.

i'm still just a young blood compared to you guys (no offence) and i really hope i'm able to still play when i get to your ages. i work for a guy around his house he is like 85 and still does alot of his own house work and yard work and such (i helped him redo his roof and all he would have me do is bring the shingles up to the roof he did everything else) this guy amazes me and he also still plays golf too.

but i also always want to win when i play anything just something in me. golf i want to win but i don't mind loseing becuase i know i just started playing and i expect to lose the round but i do like winning a hole when i can. but golf it seems like i have more satisfacation haveing a great shot then i do winning a hole too. its like bob said i am out there playing againest myself and when i can hit a great shot it feels good.

The antique club thing wouldn't interest me as my wife was into antiques all her life and the last piece of furniture I refinished was the last piece I ever wanted to do. It does sound interesting though. I currently play with a set of 21 year old Ping irons and that's as close to antique as I want to get.
My problem is that I can't play as much due to my wife's health, and the few issues I have, so I have really lost consistancy. I'll play along and somehow get a couple doubles and then the game is no longer fun for me as I don't often get birdies. I can't seem to blow this off like some. The guy's I play with must think that I think I'm better than I am, but that's not the case. They say I should be happy the way I play and I probably should but the frustration of trying to play like I did a few years ago wears on me.
Happy that you figured out a way to enjoy the game. I might be getting better, but it's been a slow process.

I just started golf at 40. So I know I'll be somewhat limited compared to if I was 20. But my whole approach to golf is to have fun. I'm in the process of finding clubs that work for ME and make the game fun.

I've taken almost all of my irons out except the 5 and 7 and those may go too because I'm looking to get another high loft wood and hybrid. I'm trying to only carry the clubs I need. I want clubs that help me at my current skill level so I don't get discouraged.

And this goes for balls too. I have NO problem playing a "ladies" ball if it works for me and helps me have fun.

I know I will never be a pro so I don't worry about if I can't hit a long iron or don't use Pro V1's. And I try to play with people who feel the same and aren't trying to be Tiger.

Here's a story my stepson just told me.

He's going to a "golf school" and was playing in a group tournament and he had to play out of a sand bunker. Now, others in his group had to play from there before him and they all used SW's. But he takes out his 9 wood and gets the ball within 2 feet to the hole.

He's learning to have fun and let go of the highly competative attitude.

When I played nearly everyday, several times a month I would take half my irons and a fairway metal out of the bag (i.e. carrying 3, 5, 7, 9irons & SW, driver and 5wood) so that I would have to make shots on my home course which I normally didn't encounter. Also, I would play from "the tips" hitting 2 iron off all the par 4 & 5 tees. That made me expand my thinking and hit some new shots.

Yeah! Good stuff. That's a way to make it fun.

For me, it is shotmaking. Beemer, I want to win too, and can't "Just enjoy the game" if my shotmaking is poor. My satisfaction comes from planning and executing within my abilities, whether at practice or play, regardless of how the ball ended up where it lies. We all want to score, and we all can improve our shotmaking. That's what keeps me in it at 61. One shot at a time, and never hit the ball without having a target. It's the best way I know to eliminate some of the higher rounds, and get a few lower ones as well.

So your 75 years old and can shoot 75? With all due respect, I'm having a hard time feelin' sorry for ya

Seriously though: The fact that you can get that close to par is remarkable. I play with people of all ages. (My regular group consists of a 48 year old, an 80 year old, a 14 year old, and me). We all have good days and bad ones, and although we birdie (and sometimes eagle) holes, we're rarely at 75 by the end of the round.

Instead of focusing too much on the range of your scores, I'd try to think about what seems to be the problem these days with the putting? (In our group, the 80 year old is the most consistent putter. He drains 'em). You figure out the putting, you'll stay low more often, right?

Whatever the case, you should also know that I abhor rounds where I'm over 80, even though I'm over 80 at least half of the time. But what keeps me coming back is the desire to do my best (or at least better) the next time out. I am competitive, even if I'm only playing against myself...

But I enjoy it, too. This game. I can't believe it took so long for me to realize that.

I hope it all comes around

Until then, try not to listen to the folks saying you should just enjoy the game. They're probably just trying to get into your head

Even though I've only been playing a few weeks and understand that it takes time, effort & practice to get even decent at a new sport, I still feel the "competitive juices" when I get on a course. Mainly because my brother in law is my "coach". He plays his home course (lives in a golf community right on an executive "short" course) on par most of the time. I've played 3 times on that little executive course & managed to shoot a lower score each successive time I've played it going from 105 to 95 to 87.

Yesterday, however, was a different story when I finally got the chance to play a full sized, championship course. I shot a 121 and only once or twice did I get the feeling I wasn't having any fun. I basically blew off everyone around me except my play partner even though on a couple of holes it took me 2 or 3 strokes just to catch up to his initial drive! I'd get frustrated simply because I'm competitive, but for some reason, each time that happened I was able to clear it away somehow & manage at least a decent if not good shot to get me back into having fun again. Just so you can see what I'm "competing" against...bro-in-law shot a 78 with the course par at 72.

I gotta tell ya...this is a weird game! LOL

Beemer, I have to say this too...I'm only 44, but I hope I'm able to shoot between 75 & 85 regularly when I get to be your age. I'll buy the first beer if I ever meet you!

Hey, last night I beat Tiger on the playstation! I went 6 under and he was 3 over. That computer Tiger STINKS.

(Now if only I could actually PLAY on those courses in the game! )

As anybody tried that Wii game? Because I gotta tell you....playing the game on playstation HAS helped me in real life.

Appreciate all the comments. I am thankful that I can play as well as I can, just need remember that it is "just a game."

Beemer - when you figure out your putting and start having fun again...Ill be first in line for a lesson.