You are never too old to start golf.

Golf as many of us know is a sport for all ages, and that is true for everyone including beginners. During our working lives many people don’t have the time to dedicate to starting a new sport, much less one that takes a lot of time and effort to reach an acceptable level to get out onto the golf course.

Golf however is a great sport to take up when you retire. You have more free time, you need something to keep you active, but don’t want to go out running around a tennis court or football pitch. Golf is ideal, a great form of exercise and a challenge that will keep the brain working.

If you decide to take up golf as a retiree, then you should consider the following;

1 – get yourself a good golf coach that will guide you in the right direction and be aware of the physical limits of your body. A good golf coach should ask you questions regarding your physical limitations and be prepared to work within those boundaries. You must do all you can to avoid niggling injuries that may impact on your entire life.

2 – Set yourself goals, these should range from very short term to long term and should not be easily achieved, you need to push yourself. A goal must be reachable but not without effort. I always begin with learning to hole 10 putts from 1 metre in a row, then move onto chipping and pitching goals. Perhaps learn to pitch 30 metres consistently. You should never ever start with the full swing. Learn from the hole and back towards the tee.

3 – Do not buy any equipment, other than golf shoes, before you have had at least half a dozen lessons. This may sound strange, but depending on your ability and strength you will need to ensure that you get the right weight of club and flex of shaft. This is hugely important as you may need a softer more flexible shaft to get the true potential from your swing.

4 – Make sure to keep flexible. One of the most common issues faced when you begin to play golf, especially as you get older is flexibility. You may find that after a lesson or a practice session your muscles ache. This is normal as you will be using muscles in a different way to what you are used to. Keeping flexible and stretching when you leave the driving range will help you to avoid those aches and pains.

But above all make sure to have fun!