When is your game too far gone to get it back?

[John Foley]

As I age I've become obsessed w/ the physical side to ensure I can compete here as long as I can. My game has benefited significantly from the advanced workout regimen I've started 3 years ago. I know in the long term I can't win, but working hard to stay in the game is the only way I see to stay enaged. Too much of a competitor to give up and just batt the ball around.

[Lou_Duran]

A question I've been pondering a lot lately.  My goal as a super senior has been to shoot my age, which I missed by a single stroke in each of the last three years.


With two knee surgeries including a full replacement in late '23 that hasn't healed well, and a high-impact auto accident in January, I'm trying to come back, but  my last four rounds have averaged in the high 80s (81-93), which makes reaching my goal speculative at best, and seemingly impossible presently.


I'm committed to playing the best I can in 2025, but retirement from golf is sneaking into my mind frequently.  The comparison of Seve and Langer is apt.  What the latter has in spades, discipline, the former's strength was artistry fed by intense passion, which proved insufficient to overcome whatever physical shortcomings he may have had.  I wish I was more like Langer, but my temperament has been more similar to Seve's, which does not portend well for golf going forward.   

[Tommy Williamsen]

A question I've been pondering a lot lately.  My goal as a super senior has been to shoot my age, which I missed by a single stroke in each of the last three years.


With two knee surgeries including a full replacement in late '23 that hasn't healed well, and a high-impact auto accident in January, I'm trying to come back, but  my last four rounds have averaged in the high 80s (81-93), which makes reaching my goal speculative at best, and seemingly impossible presently.


I'm committed to playing the best I can in 2025, but retirement from golf is sneaking into my mind frequently.  The comparison of Seve and Langer is apt.  What the latter has in spades, discipline, the former's strength was artistry fed by intense passion, which proved insufficient to overcome whatever physical shortcomings he may have had.  I wish I was more like Langer, but my temperament has been more similar to Seve's, which does not portend well for golf going forward.

Lou, I hear you. I had both ACLs done on my knees, foot surgery, and two thumb surgeries in the last fifteen years. I thought about retiring my clubs because my game and attitude suffered. My wife made me endure it all. Glad she is so bossy. 


As an aside, forty years ago, I was running my first marathon. After about the 20-mile marker, my back hurt so much I couldn't move. She drove by in the car, jumped out, kicked me in the behind, and said, "Get up, Williamsen! I didn't come all this way to watch you quit." I got up.

[Philippe Binette]

If you lose it mentally.. you're done...
If it's only swing mechanics... you can comeback or reinvent the way you play...


On tour, the margin is so thin that you can be lost without losing your game..
0

[David_Tepper]

Hovland and Thomas at/near the top of the Valpsar leaderboard. These guys can find their form almost as quickly as they can use it.

[Tommy Williamsen]

Hovland and Thomas at/near the top of the Valpsar leaderboard. These guys can find their form almost as quickly as they can use it.

Well, I guess their games were not so far gone that they couldn't get them back. Good on 'em.

[Ian Andrew]

Tommy,

I haven't played in 3 years due to my wife's illness.  I have tried the range a few times, including so I could play at the November ASGCA meeting, and declared my game as either worthy of Long Term Injured Reserve or Do Not Resuscitate.  As I said in another thread, I really like golf courses more than golf, and it has crossed my mind that I may never actually play again.

I'm not a regular here anymore.


Sorry to read this news. I'll assume you have priorities far larger than golf now.
From my experiences with my mother and father, make sure there's some time for you.
I obviously don't know your situation, but I do know caregivers often go first with the stress.


I hope that wasn't too forward, but its from a place of caring about you.
And from some personal experience too.


- Perhaps there's a game to be played one afternoon with friends -


We send our hugs to your wife - and always - to you!


Ian and Cindy

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