"Golfing ability doesn't improve overnight, but it's never too late to start, no matter what age."
- Philip Moncliffe
"Late to the game, but fully immersed in golf... Moncliffe's golden words in the world of golf"
Age has nothing to do with golf; as long as you have the strength to lift a club, anyone can play and improve their skills. I embraced this famous golf adage as a guiding principle. 'Golden and gemstone' translates to 'golden rule' or 'paramount principle, ' signifying something precious and essential to abide by. But what about the physical decline and loss of focus with age, you may ask? Don't professional golfers retire as they age?
However, Philip Moncliffe's golf aphorism gave me strength. When I first started golf, someone told me, 'Even at 80, as long as you can walk and swing a club, golf is a sport you can challenge yourself with.' Having spent my career in journalism, I retired at 61. At the age of 65, someone suggested I take the professional golf test. At first, I was skeptical, thinking, 'Who takes a pro test at this age?' But I eventually took the challenge and, to my surprise, passed the test."
After passing the professional test at the age of 65, my sense of pride and responsibility ignited
I began meticulously examining my shot mechanics and even contemplated new challenges
However, passing the professional test sparked a remarkable transformation in me. After obtaining my pro license, my perspective on golf underwent a complete shift. Strong pride and a sense of responsibility began to drive me. Thoughts like, "How can I call myself a pro if I can't do this?" constantly occupied my mind. This mindset allowed me to let go of all the misconceptions about golf that I had accumulated over the years and approach golf anew at the age of 65. Personally, it was this resolve that led to a 'revolution' and 'earthquake' in my golf journey. The task of relinquishing 'wrong golf' and seeking 'right golf' continues to this day.
Without anyone prompting me, I began meticulously examining my shot mechanics, driven by pride and responsibility. I also embraced the challenge of constantly refining my swing technique. The key points from famous lesson pros on broadcasts and YouTube started to resonate with me. I found myself delving into golf-related literature both online and offline. Furthermore, I embarked on a bold venture by starting a blog titled 'Life Golf, ' aiming to blend life lessons with golf.
"Golf learning and enjoyment know no age restrictions"
"Even for those of advanced age, let's approach learning golf with determination"
Therefore, I can distinctly divide my golf journey into pre and post-professional test eras. Only at the age of 65 did I encounter a new golf, and I believe I can continue to embrace new aspects of golf in the future. The aphorism, "Golfing prowess doesn't improve overnight, but it's never too late to start, " has also given me tremendous courage. This single phrase serves as a driving force that continually motivates me to keep challenging myself. Age imposes no constraints on learning and enjoying golf.
For those of advanced age, as long as they are determined to learn golf properly, golf will come to them in a new form. Of course, there may be moments of confusion when old habits resurface due to the traces of bygone years. Yet, that's also the nature of golf.
Philip Moncliffe may have begun honing this aphorism at any age; however, even at 65, I confirm that age is not a barrier to discovering the new flavor of golf, the new world of golf. After 2023, I don't recall ever consciously associating age with golf. Perhaps I'm simply enjoying and pursuing golf without dwelling on age.
In the grand scheme of things, age is just a number... there's no reason to be constrained by it
"Remember, golf is something you can enjoy throughout your life and continue to improve until the end"
In the grand scheme of things, age is just a number. So there's no reason to let it hold you back. Forgetting about age and pursuing something throughout your life is undoubtedly fortunate. I'm confident that golf can be a wonderful pursuit that one can strive for and enjoy throughout their lifetime.
Teens can enjoy golf suited to their age, just as those in their 50s, 60s, or 80s can enjoy golf tailored to their respective stages of life. Even at 100, as long as one can walk and swing a club, they can traverse the golf course, shouting 'Good shot!' Even if a 100-year-old golfer can only hit an 80-meter shot with a 7-iron or a 110-meter drive with a driver, they will find happiness. After all, their strength at 100 may have its limits.
Perhaps Philip Moncliffe threw out this aphorism to remind us that golf isn't just about enjoying it for a lifetime but also about continually evolving until the end. As long as you don't put down the clubs, golf offers the opportunity to hone new skills until the very end. They say time flies faster after 60, but golf doesn't have to be at the mercy of time. Embrace the spirit of 'Time, flow on, my skills will continue to flourish!' as you approach golf with seasoned vigor.
Today, through the wisdom of Philip Moncliffe's golf adage, we've explored how age imposes no constraints on golf.
The Story of Maudae’s life and golf continues.
