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Guys, my dad has become somewhat intrigued with GR – every time we meet up we invariably (amongst other things) chat about what’s been/being discussed on the forum. So he’s asked me to pose a question to you – as golfing fellows (as follows):

“Ask your friends if they have any suggestions as to why a 68 year old man would develop a shank - especially with a wedge. You can tell them I’m 68, and been playing about 50 years…”

And that’s about how he put it - he’s asked me about 3 or 4 times. He’s only recently started playing again (last 3 months or so) after pulling through a mysterious medical condition that saw him whiter away in agony for over a year to the point that he lost his zest for life (went from 210 lbs down to 140 and, fortunately, now back up to about 180). He obviously doesn’t have the strength he used to due to his age & the condition (was a low handicapper ever since I can remember until a couple of years back) and appears to be somewhat ‘rickety’ to me when he swings. But he’s back, and when he hits it well his joy is that of a true golfer-for-life. This game was, and is, everything to him.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

I don't know how much this will help, but when I $#@nk, I just work through it. For me, it's usually due to yanking my shoulders through and a basic loss in tempo. Maybe he could just practice chipping balls, then move onto half swings and so on to try to see where that-which-much-not-be-named starts occuring.

Though tthis was spam lol with a name like that! I usually shank the ball when i move my body too much or my head to much i try to keep as stable as possible.

tell your dad to just keep playing and not be so concerned how he does, but that he's out there enjoying the fresh air, green grass, wild animals/ birds, and the game itself.. some of his game will come back on it's own in time as his golfing muscles get stronger, but he's going to have to except the fact that it won't be like it was before.

i see this at the bowling lanes alot, being a USBC local lane rep for 4 years now, many people have gotten to know me and i here this from some of the olders bowlers " Mike, i used be average 195 years ago, but i just can't seem to get anywhere close to that now, i don't know what to do? and i tell them, "(name) when i'm your age , i just hope i'm able to bowl, do your best and enjoy the game". eventually, they do accept the fact that as you get older, their performce is going to go down, in most cases.

Erik, thank you for spelling that vile word that way. That is the word that should never be spoken or seen. It's contageous!!

Concentrate on keeping the club close to the body during the swing. If the downswing on the wedge gets outside or even too far inside it is because the arms are not following the plane of the take away.

Here 'ya go . . .

The weight fluctuation and physical problems he's experienced have likely altered his swing and flexibility quite a bit. The s$%&#s are probably the only golf malady I haven't had to deal with so I don't really have any advice except to keep working at it and enjoy the good shots. Best of luck to both of you !

Tell your Dad to pay attention to maintaining his width on the swing. If you don't keep your width, you will slice, shank, and even pull the ball. This has happened to me in the past. It's a simple fundamental, but easy to overlook. Also, be sure to tell your Dad, that there are "Kajillions" of golfers out there in their 70's & 80's hitting the cover off of the golfball. He is still a "Puppy" with a long way to go. He just had a little "Detour" he had to address.

i had a great experience on holiday,went away myself on a golf trip,4 older guys said i could join them,we made 2 teams and i met them for next few days,two of them were in their seventies,i scored 74 on first day at a par 63 = 11 over my average is about 14 over,these guys were hitting same as me off tee and with every club,one guy had bad athritis but had adjusted,anyway i digress,the dreaded s444%k word happens to me if either i look up too early and also with higher irons i keep my weight more on left foot and make sure i am hitting down on the ball,i get the fault you mention if i hit a ball on the upswing with an iron,on the upswing is the job of the driver

Just a quick note to all from my dad - THANKS!
I printed this thread for him yesterday and even this morning he was going through, and recalling, the (your) motions - or should I say 'notions' - on the course. Baie dankie!

Have him watch how Cheeh helped Kevin work through "the S)"^@#s" in the movie "Tin Cup"