I want to improve my game, feel more confident on the course in different situations, be able to use all the clubs in my bag, and lower my handicap from 28 to 25. The only downside is that I’m a little—but really just a little—getting on in years. The thought that comes to mind is: Does practice really make perfect, regardless of age? Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
The coach, Anders, asked me what my goals were, what I wanted to achieve, and how much time I could commit. After our discussion, he put together a program consisting of a number of lessons with various game-based exercises, as well as independent practice and plenty of time playing on the course between each lesson. After that, we went to the studio and started by doing a swing analysis.
The lesson I learned—among many others—was to really engage my hips while keeping my right leg bent and still throughout the entire backswing so that the power is directed forward instead. Phew! My right buttock was sore after that session!
Practice round and 18 holes. A rough start but a decent finish.
Putting practice. Great exercises that I need to do over and over again. And how hard can it be? Hard! 18 holes. Good game. 39 points.
Chipping practice. Feet slightly apart, weight on the left foot, clubface pointing straight at the target, and head still. It went really well and was a breeze—during PRACTICE! Played 18 holes terribly. Nothing went right—27 points.
The driver—aim higher. Shift more weight to your right foot and keep your right shoulder down and parallel. Position your body behind the ball and swing upward. It’s all pretty tough, but… when you hit it right… WOW, 170 meters! Very rarely, though! 18 holes. Played well.
Bunker. As difficult as it gets—my real Achilles’ heel! 18 holes. Tough, wet, and windy…
Short game. A slightly open stance—the club pointing toward the target. Just think—sink it in the right corner! 9 holes. A dream round of golf!!! My best ever, with 25 points and one par. All my drives were on target, as were my wood shots; my approach shots were brilliant, and I only needed one or two putts on each hole. Who said golf is hard? It’s so much fun! I’ll definitely remember that birdie on one of the par-5 holes. Hallelujah!!!
Now you’re probably wondering about my handicap after all these rounds and training sessions—25.5!!! I’ve achieved my goal for this season, and it feels like if I continue next year in the same way—with concentrated and focused training—then even my dream goal will be within reach: a handicap of 20.
Wonderful, fun, and a huge THANK YOU to, above all, Anders, who has taught me so much. I’m actually so incredibly happy to be a part of this particular club. With diligent practice, you can succeed at just about anything—unless the goal is completely unreasonable, apparently. And… well, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Ulla Hyséus, 65 years old
