How to Drop Five Strokes Without Having One: Finding More Enjoyment in Senior Golf

by Drake, John D., Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9781462060382
• ISBN10: 1462060382
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-18
• Publisher: Author Solutions

Summary

"Ten years ago I could easily have cleared that pond." "I'm okay until about the fourteenth hole; then I can feel myself getting tired." "I've had to shorten my backswing; otherwise, my old back will keep me up all night." Sound familiar? As much as we may hate to admit it, at sixty-plus we're different from younger golfers both physically and mentally. While this isn't necessarily bad, it does impact how we play. In How to Drop Five Strokes without Having One, author Dr. John D. Drake explains how awareness of these changes can allow us to adapt; we can still lower our scores and get more fun from our favorite pastime. Drake offers specific techniques and strategies geared toward seniors that can be readily adapted to every facet of your golf game-tee box, fairway, bunker, and green. How to Drop Five Strokes without Having One provides not only easy-to-apply suggestions for lower golf scores, but also tips on how to reduce anxiety and tension. With photos included, How to Drop Five Strokes without Having One helps solve the unique problems encountered by aging golfers and helps you lower your handicap while enjoying the game.

Excerpts

This is not your typical golf book—it doesn't even teach a swing! Instead, it's chock full of tested strategies, alternative shots, and suggestions to help seniors enjoy more success at the game. John Drake, the author, recognizes that, for most senior golfers (himself included), aging also brings physical limitations—lower energy, less flexibility, and diminishing strength. John solved the aging problem by developing "senior-comfortable" shots—shots not typically depicted in golf book or magazines. These shots compensate for physical limitations and are easy for seniors to use. They helped John reduce his handicap from 23 to 16 and win his club's member-guest and member-member tournaments. Want to lower your handicap? You can easily do it. You won't even have to change your swing. Simply implement some of John's alternative shots—all of which are fully described and supported by many photographs. He shares with you his research on the best "percentage" shots for getting into the cup. For example, lobs versus bump-and-runs. In addition of easy-to-learn shots, John also provides suggestions and course strategies for lowering scores and, especially, for getting more enjoyment from each round. As any golfer knows, golf is a "mind game." And, in How to Drop Five Strokes Without Having One, Dr,. Drake brings his psychological training to the course. He describers how to remain confident, minimize course tension, and to be relaxed, even when the going gets rough. For example, he outlines specific steps that you can take to avoid mishaps on the tee box, despite pressure from threatening hazards or spectators. Highlighted summaries and photographs make it easy to focus on those parts of your game that you want to improve. You'll enjoy John's format—it's like one senior golfer talking with another.