3 Mistakes Senior Golfers Make When They Start Losing Distance (And How To Fix Them)

It's a part of the game that can be frustrating, and some of it is hard to avoid. Our Arccos data on golfers who keep their handicap as they age shows penalty strokes drop first, and short game and putting carry more of the load in the 50s (see [What Changes In Your Golf Game As You Age?]).

Losing some distance is normal, but there are things you may be doing that cost you even more.

Mistake 1: Setting up exactly like a young, high-speed player

Many seniors stick to the same setup they've used for decades. Others try to copy younger golfers who can swing at 110 or 120 miles per hour.

The standard "feet square, ball off your lead heel" approach might have worked in your prime. However, as you lose distance, flexibility and speed, the traditional setup may cause you to lose yardage by limiting your hip turn.

The fix:

• Slightly close your stance: Set up normally, then drop your trail foot back slightly. This minor tweak increases your ability to turn without feeling forced.
• Move the ball forward: Having the ball closer to your lead shoulder (even off your big toe) encourages a positive angle of attack-hitting more on the upswing with the driver which adds carry and roll. You want those extra carry yards as you age.
• Tilt your lead shoulder up: At address, feel your lead shoulder rise slightly higher than your trail shoulder. This promotes a natural upward strike.

Mistake 2: Locking everything down (too much tension)

If advice like "keep your lead arm straight," "keep your head still" or even "keep both feet firmly planted" is starting to confuse you, it may be time to let go of those thoughts.

Thoughts like these add tension to the golf swing. As you age, tension increases causing tighter muscles and joints.

Tension also restricts the length of the backswing which can cost you even more yards.

The fix:

• Allow more freedom in your lead heel: Let your lead heel lift off the ground slightly in the backswing if it needs to. No big moves here but if you can get better rotation by letting the lead foot lift, go for it.
• Soft lead arm: Your lead arm doesn't have to be rigidly locked. Keep it relatively straight but relaxed enough to allow a full shoulder turn.
• Stay flexible: Stretching and mobility work help recover speed. Spend a few minutes before each round loosening your hips, hamstrings and back.
• Don't slow down: Reducing tension and slowing the swing are different things. Don't slow your swing. It will cost you yardage. Go after the ball with less tension in your arms.

Mistake 3: Ignoring necessary equipment changes

If you are losing distance, chances are your specs have changed, and you need a golf club fitting. As swing speeds decrease, you typically need more loft and a lighter shaft to keep the ball airborne longer.

Golfers often keep the same driver and iron specs they used when they used to swing 10-15 mph faster. Playing with outdated or improperly fitted clubs forces you to "work harder" to get the same results.

The fix:

• Get professionally fitted: A qualified club fitter can measure your swing speed, launch angle and spin rate. They'll recommend a shaft and loft combination that helps your game today and moving forward.
• Consider a higher-lofted fairway wood or hybrid: Replacing a long iron with a 7-wood or hybrid can give you more carry and consistency.
• Look at super game-improvement irons: If your irons look hard to hit, a bigger, more forgiving head can help your confidence.
• Take more club: Swallow your pride and move down a club, a 6-iron where you'd hit a 7. Hitting the right club well beats forcing the wrong one.

Final thoughts

Some yardage loss with age is normal, but it may not have to be as much as you think. If you avoid these three mistakes and add a little mobility work, you may get some of that distance back. And if there's a senior golf topic you'd like us to cover, tell us in the comments.