LEISURE ACTIVITIES (PodCast) - How retirees can get involved in Golf.
- archiedonovan
- Oct 22
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Here’s a clear, friendly guide on what an older adult needs to know before taking up golf as a pastime — from health and equipment to mindset and social aspects.
1. It’s Never Too Late to Start
Golf is one of the few sports that welcomes beginners of any age. Many players take it up in their 50s, 60s, or even later — and continue playing well into their 80s. The game’s pace, adaptability, and low-impact nature make it ideal for older adults looking for enjoyable physical activity and social engagement.
2. Check Your Health and Fitness First
Before starting, it’s wise to:
Talk to your doctor if you have heart, joint, or mobility issues.
Begin with light stretching or low-impact exercise to prepare your muscles and joints.
Remember: golf involves walking, bending, and swinging — so gentle conditioning helps prevent strain or injury.
Many beginners ease in by using a golf cart at first, then gradually walk more of the course as fitness improves.
3. Take Lessons Early
Getting a few lessons from a PGA-qualified instructor is a game-changer. It helps you:
Learn proper swing mechanics and posture (reducing the risk of injury).
Understand the basic rules and etiquette.
Build confidence faster.
Most golf clubs offer “Get into Golf” or beginner senior programmes, which are friendly and social — ideal for newcomers.
4. Start with the Right Equipment
You don’t need to buy a full, expensive set. Begin with:
Half-set or beginner clubs (often available second-hand or as rental sets).
Lightweight graphite-shaft clubs — easier on joints and ideal for slower swing speeds.
Comfortable shoes with good grip and cushioning.
As you gain experience, you can gradually invest in better gear.
5. Learn the Basics of Golf Etiquette
Golf has a long tradition of respect and courtesy. A few key points:
Be quiet and still when others are taking their shot.
Replace divots and repair marks on the green.
Keep pace with the group ahead to avoid delays.
Dress appropriately (though most modern clubs are relaxed).
These simple courtesies make the game enjoyable for everyone.
6. Join a Friendly Club or Group
Golf is a wonderfully social pastime. Joining a local club or senior league helps you:
Meet people with shared interests.
Get regular games on the calendar.
Enjoy group coaching sessions and social outings.
Community courses are especially welcoming and often have specific times for senior or beginner groups.
7. Prepare for the Outdoors
Golf is played in all sorts of weather, so:
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for sunny days.
Dress in light layers and use waterproofs in cooler months.
A small umbrella and towel are always handy!
Spending time in nature is one of golf’s great pleasures — it’s refreshing for both body and mind.
8. Be Realistic About Costs
Golf doesn’t have to be expensive. Start smart:
Try public courses or pay-and-play facilities.
Check for senior discounts and off-peak rates.
Consider membership trials before committing to a club.
You can enjoy the game fully without luxury clubs or costly gear.
9. Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection
Finally — remember that golf is as much about enjoying the moment as it is about performance.
Don’t worry about scorecards at first.
Celebrate small improvements.
Enjoy the company, conversation, and fresh air.
Golf is a game that rewards patience, persistence, and a sense of humour — perfect qualities for later life!
Older adults should consider golf as a pastime because it offers a unique blend of physical, mental, and social benefits that support healthy ageing while remaining enjoyable and adaptable to different fitness levels. Here’s why:
1. It Keeps You Active — Gently
Golf provides low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints yet keeps the body moving. Walking the fairways, carrying or pushing clubs, and swinging all help maintain mobility, flexibility, balance, and strength — key factors for independence as we age. Even a 9-hole game can mean several thousand steps without feeling like a workout.
2. It Keeps the Mind Sharp
Golf challenges the brain through focus, problem-solving, and decision-making. Planning shots, judging distances, and reading greens stimulate mental activity, helping keep cognitive functions strong. It’s a mindful game that encourages patience and calm — great for mental wellbeing.
3. It Builds Social Connections
Golf is as much a social experience as a sport. Playing with friends, joining a local club, or taking part in senior tournaments helps older adults stay connected and engaged — reducing isolation and boosting mood. Many lifelong friendships begin on the golf course.
4. It’s Enjoyed Outdoors in Nature
Spending time in open, green spaces promotes relaxation, lowers stress levels, and increases vitamin D from sunlight. The tranquil surroundings of a golf course can provide a refreshing escape and a positive boost for emotional health.
5. It Offers a Sense of Purpose and Achievement
Golf provides ongoing personal challenges — there’s always room to improve, regardless of age or skill. Tracking progress and celebrating small victories adds motivation and satisfaction. It can also give structure to retirement life and something to look forward to each week.
Golf is one of the few pastimes that can be played for a lifetime. It’s inclusive, adaptable, and rewarding on multiple levels — physically, mentally, and socially. For older adults seeking a healthy, social, and fulfilling hobby, golf may be the perfect fit.
Golf used to have a snobbish reputation, but that’s changing fast.
1. The “Snobbish” Reputation — Where It Came From
Historically, golf was associated with wealth, exclusivity, and status. Many private clubs had high membership fees, strict dress codes, and, in some cases, social barriers that excluded people based on class, gender, or background. This gave the sport an image of being a “gentleman’s game” reserved for the upper classes.
In the mid-20th century, particularly in places like Britain, Ireland, and parts of the U.S., golf clubs were often social institutions as much as sporting ones — which reinforced that sense of exclusivity.
2. Modern Golf — More Open and Inclusive
Today, the culture around golf is much more welcoming and accessible.
Public courses and municipal facilities allow anyone to play without expensive memberships.
Affordable equipment and casual dress codes have made it easier for newcomers to try the game.
Women’s, youth, and senior programmes have broadened the player base.
Initiatives like Golf for All, Get into Golf, and First Tee (in the U.S.) aim to make the sport diverse and inclusive.
Many players today view golf less as a status symbol and more as a healthy, social, outdoor pastime.
3. The Social Shift
The modern golf community is more about enjoyment and connection than prestige. Seniors, families, and new players often find the golf course to be a friendly and relaxed space — particularly at public or community clubs.
Of course, some elite clubs still hold on to traditional exclusivity, but they’re now the exception, not the rule.
4. Why It Appeals Beyond “Status”
Golf offers benefits — fresh air, gentle exercise, focus, and friendship — that have nothing to do with social class. For older adults especially, it’s more about well-being and companionship than appearances or competition.
While golf once had a snobbish image, it’s evolving into one of the most inclusive and enjoyable pastimes for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Golf can be an excellent activity for older adults — combining gentle physical exercise, mental focus, and social engagement. However, like any sport, it also has some drawbacks. Here’s a balanced overview:
Benefits of Golf for Older Adults
1. Physical Health Benefits
Low-impact exercise: Golf is easier on the joints compared to high-impact sports like tennis or jogging. Walking the course and swinging the club promote mobility and balance without excessive strain.
Cardiovascular health: Walking several kilometres per round helps maintain heart health and improves circulation.
Muscle strength and flexibility: Regular play strengthens core, leg, and arm muscles while improving flexibility through the golf swing.
Balance and coordination: The sport’s emphasis on posture and precision helps older adults maintain balance — reducing fall risk.
2. Mental and Cognitive Benefits
Stress relief: Being outdoors in calm, green environments promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Cognitive stimulation: Strategy, focus, and decision-making in golf stimulate memory and concentration, which can help slow cognitive decline.
Mindfulness: Golf encourages patience and awareness, helping players stay mentally present and engaged.
3. Social and Emotional Benefits
Social interaction: Playing with friends or in clubs reduces isolation and builds a sense of community — vital for emotional well-being.
Sense of achievement: Tracking scores and improving skills fosters motivation and confidence.
Outdoor connection: Fresh air and nature exposure contribute to overall happiness and vitamin D intake.
Drawbacks or Risks of Golf for Older Adults
1. Physical Risks
Joint and back strain: The repetitive motion of swinging, especially with poor form, can aggravate arthritis, back pain, or shoulder injuries.
Overuse injuries: Common issues include golfer’s elbow, wrist strain, and knee problems from uneven terrain.
Sun exposure: Long hours in the sun increase the risk of dehydration, sunburn, and skin damage.
2. Financial and Accessibility Factors
Cost: Membership fees, equipment, and course fees can be expensive, particularly on fixed retirement incomes.
Accessibility: Not all seniors can manage the physical walking required on hilly or long courses, although golf carts can help.
3. Time Commitment
Lengthy games: A full round can take four or more hours, which may be tiring or impractical for some older adults.
How to Maximise Benefits and Minimise Risks
Warm up and stretch before each round.
Use proper swing mechanics and lightweight clubs to reduce joint strain.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen or protective clothing.
Consider 9-hole games or walking only part of the course.
Join senior-friendly leagues for social and physical balance.
Here’s a great starting point for an older adult in Ireland hoping to take up golf — one friendly club that offers beginner / returning-golfer support.
In Dublin, the Spawell Golf Academy is a good choice for beginner / returning-golfer support.
It’s located in Dublin (Templeogue / Tallaght area) so easily accessible for older adults living in or near the city.
They offer beginner golf lessons / returning-to-golf sessions — for example, the coach Brendan McDaid lists “Beginners Golf Lessons (perfect for anyone taking up the game)” on the site. Brendan McDaid PGA Golf Academy
Flexible lesson times (morning, evening) are offered, which is useful when you prefer non-rush hours.
The environment is described as “walk-in classes … for both men and women.”
What you’ll want to check & ask
Ask whether they have senior-friendly beginner groups (slow pace, less pressure).
Check equipment rental or loan — if you’re just starting, you may not yet want to buy full gear.
Ask their fees for beginner lessons, and whether there are group beginners sessions (often lower cost).
Enquire about course access vs driving range only — you’ll probably want to play some holes eventually.
Confirm how hilly or strenuous the access is (walking, stairs etc) and w
Whether they offer cart/buggy or wheelchair-friendly facilities (if needed).
2. Carrick‑On‑Shannon Golf Club (Co. Leitrim)
Why good for older beginners:
They offer a specific “1st Year Beginner” membership for new golfers which gives full access to the course, bar/putting green/driving range. carrickgolf.ie
Located in a more relaxed, scenic setting (Leitrim) which may mean less pressure and more enjoyment for learning.
Older adults can benefit from the reduced-entry year and ease into the game before committing to full membership.
What to check:
Ask how many walking holes the course has and how hilly the terrain is (important for ease of walking).
Ask about rental clubs or beginner sets so you don’t need to invest heavily immediately.
Ask about beginner-friendly times/tee slots so you’re not paired with very fast/competitive groups.
3. Tipperary Golf Club (Co. Tipperary)
Why good for older beginners:
The club states they have a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for players of all ages and abilities. Tipperary Golf Club
They specifically mention “beginners” and “seniors groups” in their club offerings.
Good value beginner entry/membership options (especially when compared to more exclusive clubs).
What to check:
Find out how often beginner or senior-friendly group games run (so you can play with peers).
Ask about lesson programmes tailored to a slower pace and older learners.
Ask about course length/hills/terrain to ensure walking is manageable.
4. Grange Castle Golf Club (Greater Dublin)
Why good for older beginners:
They have a 7-hole course that’s ideal for beginners and smaller rounds. Grange Castle Golf Club
A dedicated “Golf Academy” and driving/practice facilities with a PGA professional.
Located in the Dublin area — good if you want something closer to the city.
What to check:
Whether eligibility for full 18-hole plays is there after you’re comfortable (so you can progress).
Beginner membership rate and what restrictions apply (e.g., certain tee times only).
Accessibility: whether walking is manageable and if carts are available.
5. Letterkenny Golf Club (Co. Donegal)
Why good for older beginners:
They explicitly list beginner membership and “Get into Golf” beginner programme prices. Letterkenny Golf Club
Senior membership options given too — indicates they cater for older players.
For someone in or near Donegal (or willing to travel), this is a solid option with good beginner support.
What to check:
Whether there are specific “beginner/senior” tee times (less busy, more relaxed).
The condition of walking paths/hills, as Donegal terrain can sometimes be more rugged.
Whether lessons are particularly tailored to older learners or slower pace.
6. Royal Tara Golf Club (Co. Meath)
Why good for older beginners:
They have a dedicated “Get Into Golf” beginners programme explicitly stated. Royal Tara Golf Club
They mention “beginners who are eager to learn and enjoy the wonderful game … perfect for you” — good inclusive tone.
Good for someone in Leinster wanting a club within commuting distance of Dublin or surrounding areas.
What to check:
Cost and schedule of the “Get Into Golf” programme (make sure suits your pace and time).
Whether after the programme you can move into regular play/membership without too high jump in cost.
Terrain/walking effort (check hills or long walks) and availability of carts or buggy if required.
How to pick the right club for you
Choose clubs within reach (travel time matters, especially for older adults).
Look for those with beginner-friendly memberships, shorter/walkable courses, good practice facilities (driving range, putting green).
Ensure they have less pressured tee times (morning or off-peak) and a welcoming social atmosphere.
Ask about lesson programmes tailored for slower pace or older adults.
Inspect the walking terrain and whether a golf cart/buggy rental is available if needed.
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