Starting to golf later in life can seem like a daunting challenge. Where do you even start when trying to golf at 50?! Especially, if you have friends and family already playing. Many older prospective new golfers may feel like its impossible to learn the game later in life, but that is not the case at all!
Golf is a game for everyone, regardless of age, skill set, or physical ability. Learning golf at any age just takes time and patience. If you are willing to practice and commit the time needed to learn the game, you will be re regular in no time. If this sounds interesting to you, keep reading below. We are going to cover all you need to know about starting to golf in your 50s.
Can I Take Up Golf As A Hobby At 50?
Yes, of course you can! Golf is an excellent hobby for empty nesters and soon to be retirees. By the time you hit 50 you are in the perfect position to give golf a try.
Golf is perfect in multiple ways for those in their 50s. It does not require the same amount of physicality as other sports, making it ideal for older individuals who still like to compete. Golf is also an excellent form of exercise. It is a low impact, full body activity that is ideal for individuals as they age. For more information on the health benefits of golf, check out our article ” How Many Steps in a Round of Golf?.”
Golf has also become more affordable over the years. There is a perception of golf that it is an expensive sport only played by the wealthy. Many people think they are priced out of the sport before even picking up a club. The reality is that you can take up golf on a budget if you are smart about things.
How To Start Playing Golf At 50
The best way to start playing golf at 50 is to go down to your local driving range. Driving ranges are places where golfers of varying skills can go and practice their swing by hitting a few balls. They are the perfect starting point for all new golfers.
A lot of driving ranges will allow you to borrow or rent a few clubs for a nominal fee meaning you don’t even need to fork out for a brand new set of clubs before your first trip to the range. If, after you’ve been to the driving range and enjoyed yourself, you may well consider buying a cheap set of clubs for your next visit.
After a few trips to the range, your next step will be to test yourself on a real golf course. Find a local golf course online that does not require membership and is beginner friendly. Book a tee time online or over the phone and test your skills on the course.
Once you’ve got a set of clubs, been to the driving range and got a couple of rounds under your belt you will likely be in a position to decide how seriously you want to take your new hobby. You may decide to leave it entirely, continue at the same level or ramp things up by purchasing better equipment, joining a golf club and booking yourself in for some lessons.
Why You Should Start Playing Golf At 50
The number one reason why you should start playing golf at 50 is because it’s always fun and rewarding to try new things as you get older. It may well be outside of your comfort zone to do this but the only way to find out what you like is to try something and then decide on whether you like it later.
Other reasons why you should start playing golf at 50 include:
1) It’s a great way to relax on the weekend. Golf courses are usually built in beautiful surroundings, so if nothing else you are going to spend your afternoons walking around scenic gardens, getting your steps in and exercising in the process.
2) At 50, you should be in the prime of your life. Taking golf up at this age means that you are unlikely to struggle with the physical demands of the sport, while also being mature enough to deal with the emotional/frustrating side of the game.
3) It’s difficult but rewarding. The feeling of hitting a new personal best score and bringing your handicap down is superb. Knowing the hard work you are putting into your game is paying off can be really rewarding and help you feel good about yourself.
Who Should Not Start Playing Golf At 50
Despite what we’ve been saying, there are a few reasons why golf might not be the sport for you. The number one reason why you shouldn’t take up the sport is if you have a short fuse. Golf can be frustrating for the best players so it can be even worse for those who don’t know how to play it properly.
Other reasons why you shouldn’t start playing golf at 50 include:
- Time and money commitments. When you’re 50 years old, you are likely going to have other time and money commitments that take priority over taking up a new hobby, including looking after children, paying your house bills and looking after your parents. A typical round of golf takes four and a half hours so it can be difficult to squeeze it into a busy schedule.
2) It’s a weather and season dependent hobby. Sure, you *can* play golf in the wind and the rain but it’s about as much fun as watching paint dry. You can only really enjoy golf when it’s dry, meaning it’s only going to be a hobby worth pursuing in the summer.
Final Thoughts
Golf can be an amazing sport to take up at any age, but especially when you’re older and have a wiser head on your shoulders. We hope that our advice above will help you get started on your golfing journey and that you never look back.
Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
