Played with an 87 year old lady today…..

[Yuck]

Was just a friendly event.  We were a four person team, each playing our own ball.  One BB out of 4.   She had very old clubs and a flying elbow. stall and flip move,  Pretty animated swing,  She was playing the up tees, maybe 5200 yards at the most.  A really good poke was about 170 for her.  She probably shot in the high 80’s.  Maybe 5 pars and 2 or three doubles.  She was fun to play with, had a good sense of humor and was interesting to talk to.  She clearly enjoyed her golf and maybe could shave a few strokes off with some more modern equipment.  She had what looked like a 200 CC driver head with about 9 or 10 degrees loft.  I left the round with a couple of thoughts.  I would be pleased to hit it like her when I am in my late 80’s.  Also, I enjoyed golfing with her more than with several of my “peers”.

 

Keep an open mind when you are paired up with an older lady.   YMMV.

Edited May 7, 2022 by Yuck

[ohioglfr]

Would've been nice to have sat down with her in the clubhouse and chat for awhile.  She might have some interesting stories.

 

Having a snack after a church service, I found myself seated across from an elderly woman whom I had seen before but had never talked to until then.  Turned out she grew up in an affluent family in New York City, summered in the Hamptons and proactive in the arts.  To my delight (since I love big band swing and jazz music), she described being at the 1939 Battle of the Bands at Carnegie Hall between Benny Goodman and Glen Miller.  Now a widow and living modestly, she said she chose the man she loved over the family money and has never regretted it.

[goaliedad30]

Hitting it 170 at 87 years old means at some point, she could REALLY play! The average female player hits the ball 140-150 .... I know a lot of male players at 87 that aren't hitting it 170 (and it reminds me to remind THEM that red is a COLOR of tees, not a gender definition ....)

 

A few years back, my dad and his buddies in Scottsdale were joined at their club by a retired LPGA pro - not a big name, essentially a "journeywoman". The guys were probably mid 70's at the time. She was mid 60's. She played with them from the 6200 yard tees. According to Dad, she never missed a fairway, hit it about 225-230 straight down the middle, hit 13 or 14 greens, and shot 70. He basically said "she made it look simple. Her hybrids were closer than our wedges. Had she made a few putts, she could have shot 66."

 

It's awesome to see people whose games stand the test of time!

 

 

[LeoLeo99]

Friend of mine got paired up  with an older woman down in Florida for 9 holes.  Every hole she played was fairway, green, 2 putt.  She finally birdied the 9th hole to break up the monotony.  

 

170 yds at 87...where do I sign up?

[MGMiller]

I play with an 88 year old all the time...my Mom! She can't hit her driver farther than my PW but she loves to play and Never loses a ball, always right down the middle!! She has a strong short game, chips and puts well. 

 

Not sure I'll be interested in playing once I can't hit my driver more than 200 yards... time will tell.

 

Glad you enjoyed your round with her... Some older folks can be great to spend time with, on or off the golf course. 

[Socrates]

I've played with my fair share of seasoned golfers.  I had a streak 15-20 years ago where no matter where I teed it up on vacation, I was paired with someone who was VERY seasoned.  Got to the point where it was kind of surprising if they weren't.

 

On one occasion, at Southern Dunes, AZ, I was paired with a couple and their elderly dad and I was riding with him.  He was really struggling as he hadn't played in 6 years (he had spent that time caring for his wife who had now passed away).  After a certain point he decided to only hit a few shots now and then and ride the rest of the holes.  We had a really enjoyable round and discussion as he had led a very interesting life and owned his own business (parts supplier to auto manufacturers).  He didn't hit many shots, but I enjoyed it more than many other rounds.

 

[OnTheBag]

1 hour ago, goaliedad30 said:

Hitting it 170 at 87 years old means at some point, she could REALLY play! The average female player hits the ball 140-150 .... I know a lot of male players at 87 that aren't hitting it 170 (and it reminds me to remind THEM that red is a COLOR of tees, not a gender definition ....)

 

A few years back, my dad and his buddies in Scottsdale were joined at their club by a retired LPGA pro - not a big name, essentially a "journeywoman". The guys were probably mid 70's at the time. She was mid 60's. She played with them from the 6200 yard tees. According to Dad, she never missed a fairway, hit it about 225-230 straight down the middle, hit 13 or 14 greens, and shot 70. He basically said "she made it look simple. Her hybrids were closer than our wedges. Had she made a few putts, she could have shot 66."

 

It's awesome to see people whose games stand the test of time!

 

 

I still play often with one of my former bosses.  After carrying her bag for almost 10 years, I think her game is better now in her late 50s, than it was when she was 30 (albeit shorter).  It is not uncommon for us to get paired with guys in their mid 30's on a trip through the RTJ courses.  She was never a household name on tour.  Very much a "journeywoman" as you describe, so no one recognizes her.  After a few holes, it becomes evident who the better golfer of the group is.  My biggest envy of her is accuracy.  She will pick a spot on the green and drop a 5w or 7w within feet of it.  Drives me nuts that I can't do that.  

[Yuck]

Just for realities sake.  Her 170 was maybe 140 in the air and the rest was roll.  But she really went at it with vigor.  I was just impressed by her ability to put the club on the ball with her unwieldy action.

[Esox]

Last year I played with a woman in her mid 70's that was straight down the middle every shot. Sure it took her 3 to hit most par 4's but she was usually pretty close to the pin on most approaches if the pin wasn't severely tucked. She shot in the mid 80s and easily kept pace doing so. 

[martinbns]

When I was in my early 30's I played hookey from work one day and played with two old women, who would have been in their early 80's.  Turned out as we were playing she told me she was a Canadian Amateur Champ in the 1950's.  She was super steady and gave me a tip or two that were really helpful.

 

Now at 59 I play with older guys all the time. 

[Shushwap]

Thats awesome... I played with a guy that was 83 last year and he was a little bummed as it was his first year having to take a cart.... He plays 3 days a week now  and always walked the course... Its a flat course mind you... I almost felt bad being in my 50,s and taking a cart with him LOL

He was a hoot to play with.. He retired in his early 50,s... Wife passed a few years ago and he said all he has to look forward to is his golf... He said his kids are trying to make him move to where they are 5 hours away... He joked saying all they want to do is put him in a home... I just hope I can still golf and take a cart  in my 80,s.... He made my day playing and chatting with him..

[jordan2240]

Regularly play with a guy who is 90.  He has as much rotation in his swing as anyone on the course.   He walks 9 holes on a relatively (but not completely) flat course with ease.  Rides when we play 18, but he does better than the two guys in their 70s stamina wise.  We always play better ball scramble format, so rarely use his drives, but use a fair amount of his other shots.  I think his secret is being Italian.

[Murphy76]

 

I play in a weekly game with a guy who is 92.  He can't drive very far, but is lights-out around the green.  

Fun to play with and a great guy.  He drops some of the filthiest and most "offensive" jokes I've ever heard. 

 

Our culture doesn't value older people enough.  I think we need to look to the example of Japan.

[Bonneville85308]

 

On 5/7/2022 at 2:26 PM, Yuck said:

 

Keep an open mind when you are paired up with an older lady.   YMMV.

 

In my experience they are usually quick players too. When you see an 87 year old lady just walk up to the ball and hit it down the middle with no wasting time, makes you wonder why so many others can't.

[larrybud]

I'll be happy if I'm above ground at 87, let alone popping it out there 170 (or 100).

 

[MrFlipper]

A lady who is about 80 plays and walks regularly at the course I work at. You can tell by the way she handles herself that she is a golfer from way back. She golfs her ball around quite well. Hope I'm like that at her age, it's really a cool thing to watch her hit her shots.

[13wes13]

My buddy and I got paired with a couple of ladies in their 60's earlier this year. And while neither of them could hit 170 they were still fun to play with. 

 

On about the 14th hole one of them sinks a long birdie birdie putt and was fairly blah about it ....... Get to the next tee box and she goes finally I can crack out the birdie juice. . and proceeded to grab a bottle of fireball and butterscotch schnapps with 4 shot glasses.... We were laughing historically.. will never forget it..

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by 13wes13

[larrybud]

16 hours ago, 13wes13 said:

My buddy and I got paired with a couple of ladies in their 60's earlier this year. And while neither of them could hit 170 they were still fun to play with. 

 

On about the 14th hole one of them sinks a long birdie birdie putt and was fairly blah about it ....... Get to the next tee box and she goes finally I can crack out the birdie juice. . and proceeded to grab a bottle of fireball and butterscotch schnapps with 4 shot glasses.... We were laughing historically.. will never forget it..

 

ouch... 60s ain't exactly 87!!!

[Ghostwedge]

On 5/15/2022 at 3:59 PM, Bonneville85308 said:

 

 

In my experience they are usually quick players too. When you see an 87 year old lady just walk up to the ball and hit it down the middle with no wasting time, makes you wonder why so many others can't.

They could but don't for a myriad of reasons. I once got paired up with a 80+ yr old guy, old club hustler from Houston. Eye balled the yardage, pulled his club, barely set up and the ball was gone, never missed a fairway and had numerous birdie putts. Fun to watch.

 

[r0scoe]

I prefer playing with older folks vs guys in their 20's. Anyone who has played with me will tell you I waste no time playing golf (could probably knock off some strokes if I slowed down a little). But I do everything at high speed, I have zero patience at the plate so to speak

[garyt]

Not golf (but my Dad did play till 93 and shot a 43 for his last round) but I  just started playing 65 and over senior softball and there's a guy on my team who's 89 and is faster than I am.  And I'm not a slouch I still play full court basketball twice a week.. Dude is ramrod straight and a flat belly. I couldn't believe it the first time I saw him run to first. I have to believe he could win some senior Olympic events

[IndyArcher]

Almost 90 years old and she can still hit a golf ball. Doesn't take any more than that to leave me impressed. The rest is just amazing icing on top of the cake!

 

Sounds like a wonderful time!

[Kale_m]

I am a + handicap. I played as a single one day on a course just outside of if the city and got paired with 3 ladies in their late 70’s. 
 

it was probably one of the more enjoyable groups I have even joined up with. They were ribbing me by the first green, they were trash talking each other and were having a great time 

 

don’t always judge a book by its cover 

[AngryGilmore]

I didn't have many friends growing up (I still don't) so I played with a lot of the older regulars on the course.  60 and 70 year old guys were more than happy to dish out life advice to a 15 year old kid.  Great group of guys.  I miss them.

[RSinSG]

I’m old (not 84 thankfully) but I play with lots of guys in their 80’s and some of them still break 70 on a 6k yard course. 
 

A few years ago my buddy and I got paired with a couple in their 80’s at Wolf Creek. They were a hilarious couple and pretty good golfers. I learned a great phrase from the lady. Her husband hit a crappy shot that didn’t go anywhere and she said “That’s a FISH.” I asked what that meant and she explained “F, it’s still here” though she didn’t say “F.”  Caught me off guard and I was laughing for the rest of the round. 

[acegolfer]

I live in FL and play alone often. I get paired with many seniors in 70s and occasionally 80s. Some (not all) still have the smooth swing, which I hope I'll have in my 80s. 

[woodriff]

We’ve got a few in our small City club and they walk, which is great. All fast players. Picking up their balls after 3 putts. 
Standard joke from the fellas in our group is that we don’t know how much time we have left, so play quickly. 
Had a senior scramble the other day. We were 8 under and figured our team had it locked down. 
A group of older than I gentlemen won with 13 under. Amazing. 

[elsie451]

I once was playing the back 9 at a course that lets you walk on and play the back 9 without a tee time starting at 6:30am.  I probably teed off around 6:50 or 7:00. While waiting at the par 3 12th tee, a foursome comes up who had started at the 1st tee. They were all in their 70s, walked and carried. We invited them to play through. No exaggeration, within 30 seconds of the green clearing, all 4 had teed off and and were walking off the tee box with all 4 balls on the green.

[dmay73]

Played with a 85 year old man last year.  He shot 84 and beat me by one stroke.  He never missed a fairway all day.  

[Pastit]

21 minutes ago, dmay73 said:

Played with a 85 year old man last year.  He shot 84 and beat me by one stroke.  He never missed a fairway all day.  

Did he hit it far enough to miss a fairway ? 
 

I played in a medal at Hillside, Lancs, U.K., a hard course, with an 81-YO who shot 78.  He had been off 3 in his prime though.