Golf is one of the few sports where age doesn’t have to hold you back. Plenty of golfers hit their stride in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Over the past decade, participation among those 65 and older has jumped by 64%.
That said, your body isn’t the same as it was twenty years ago. Maybe your swing speed has slowed, or those walks between holes feel a little longer than they used to. But that doesn’t mean your game has to suffer.
You don’t have to let that slow you down. The secret to staying sharp - and even improving - after 50 is upgrading your gear. The right clubs, balls, and accessories can help you hit farther, stay consistent, and play comfortably.
At Newton Golf Co., we love seeing experienced players continue their passion for the game. In this guide, we’ll break down the best gear choices for golfers over 50, so you can keep enjoying every round without feeling like you’re working against your own body.
Adjusting Your Clubs
If you haven’t updated your clubs in a while, you’re probably making the game harder than it needs to be. Modern club technology is designed to help with exactly the kind of challenges that come with getting older.
Drivers
The driver is where many golfers over 50 start to notice a drop in performance. Slower swing speeds make it harder to get the ball airborne and squeeze out those extra yards off the tee.
However, a few smart equipment choices can help.
- Choose a higher loft. A driver with at least 10.5° or even 12° of loft helps you launch the ball higher and carry it farther.
- Go for lightweight materials. Titanium and carbon fiber drivers allow you to generate more clubhead speed without extra effort.
- Use a senior flex shaft. If your swing speed is under 90 mph, switching to a senior or regular flex shaft can help you create more whip and speed through impact.
But there's a better option: Newton Motion Shafts. These shafts are designed with older golfers in mind, offering unique features that improve distance and consistency.
- Elongated Bend Profile: Newton Motion Shafts feature an elongated bend profile, which helps create more speed through impact. This added flexibility can give you extra distance off the tee, making it easier to keep up with younger players.
- Perfect Symmetry: Unlike traditional shafts, Newton Motion Shafts are perfectly symmetrical and have no spine. This means the shaft bends the same way, no matter how it’s installed into the driver head. It offers consistency, even if you adjust the loft or lie angle settings on your driver. This helps older golfers maintain a reliable ball flight and ensures better control.
Irons
In case you’re still playing with the same blade-style irons from your younger days, you’re working way too hard. Game-improvement irons are designed to make solid contact easier, even if your swing isn’t as consistent as it used to be.
Cavity-back irons are a great option if you want a little extra help. The wider sole and perimeter weighting makes it easier to get the ball up in the air on off-center hits.
Another smart move is switching to graphite shafts. They’re lighter than steel and absorb more shock, which is especially helpful if you deal with arthritis or joint pain. The added flexibility can also help you generate a bit more swing speed without extra effort.
Instead of struggling with long irons, swap them for hybrids or fairway woods with a flexible shaft, like the Newton Motion 3 Wood Shaft.
Wedges
As you get older, your short game becomes even more important. If you’re no longer hitting long drives, your ability to get up and down from around the green will play a bigger role in your overall score. Well-chosen wedges can help you save strokes and maintain consistency on approach shots, chips, and bunker play.
Wedges with extra bounce work exceptionally well in soft conditions or thick rough. Because bounce prevents the club from digging too deeply into the turf, it’s easier to glide through the grass or sand and execute clean shots.
Higher-lofted wedges, such as 58° or 60°, can also enhance your short game by offering greater stopping power on the green. These clubs allow for softer landings on approach shots and provide more control when hitting out of tight lies or deep bunkers.
Choosing the Right Golf Ball
As your swing speed slows with age, consider using a ball designed to complement that change. Low-compression golf balls are an excellent choice for players over 50. These balls have a softer core that compresses more on impact and allows you to generate speed and distance more efficiently.
A urethane-covered ball is another feature to consider. Urethane covers provide better spin control and precision on short-game shots. The added responsiveness can help with approach shots and putting.
Accessories That Make the Game Easier and More Enjoyable
Beyond clubs and balls, you can upgrade to more age-appropriate accessories to reduce strain on your body.
Grips
Midsize or oversized grips help by reducing the pressure needed to hold the club, which can be a big relief for players with arthritis or stiffness. Soft, tacky grips also absorb shock and make each shot feel easier on your hands.
Golf Shoes
Consider spikeless or lightweight shoes with extra cushioning. These styles provide solid traction and support without placing excess strain on your knees or back. Lighter shoes also help you feel less fatigued by the end of your round.
Push Carts
Carrying your bag or pulling a heavy cart can wear you down. Use a three-or-four-wheel push cart to give your back and shoulders a break. If you like walking but want less strain, an electric push cart takes care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on your game.
Adjusting Your Approach
Gear can help, but strategy is just as important. Golfing after 50 isn’t about trying to overpower the course - it’s about playing smart.
- Play from the right tees. There’s no shame in moving up a set of tees to keep the game fun and manageable.
- Focus on accuracy, not distance. A well-placed shot in the fairway is always better than a long shot in the rough.
- Work on your short game. Putting and chipping can save more strokes than an extra 10 yards off the tee.
Keep Playing, Keep Improving
Golf is a lifelong sport, and just because you’re over 50 doesn’t mean you have to give up distance, accuracy, or enjoyment. We hope this post gave you enough insight into how to keep improving your game well into your golden years.
Newton Golf Co. offers cutting-edge motion shafts for effortless power and gravity putters for precision and control. Whether you're looking for extra distance, a smoother stroke, or more consistency, our innovative gear is designed to help you play your best.
Shop now and keep your game strong. Because at the end of the day, age is just a number - but birdies still count the same.