This is getting old, as am I.

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By Chuck Z

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  • 25 Replies
  1. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    I visited my fitter last week to look at the new T350 irons. David sent me away because we could not get enough speed to justify a new set. Think Dale might run faster than my golf swing with my irons. A bit of pain on my left side, and as he put it politely, am maturing. David is a longtime friend and can get away it. Want a new set so bad, but when you continue to have the same recurring back issues and tingling in the leg, why not just hack the ball with my old set. Made an appointment with Signe Spine and Rehab center in Mt Pleasant this morning. My neurosurgeon had recommended them and had talked with them back in March. After completing months of Physical Therapy and using machines to develop my core, my lower back has begun show signs of extreme pain at times and some tingling in my leg. After examination they determined that it is my L5 that is causing all my pain and issues. I had it shaved a few years ago and all had been going well. They feel that an injection into the nerves will considerably eliminate the pain that I am experiencing on the left side, which is the my golf swing pivotal side. September 28th , D-day. Nothing is quick anymore, have to use an X-ray to ensure they put the injection in the exact right place. Sounds good to me. 2023 has been a real experience for procedures and really looking forward to 2024 and brighter things. Told him I needed to get ready for my trip in Nov/Dec. Said; "we are on board, to get your there". Once this settles in and I start feeling good, will head back to see my fitter, in hopes that that speed has picked up and we can order a new set of irons. Hakuna matata, all in getting ready for Scottsdale. Guess I will move up to the Super Senior Tees this year. =)

  2. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Wishing you the best and it sounds like you and your team are on the same page to get you where you want to be.

    You may not have known it but in your post, you share a great pearl that I believe everyone can use. I'll paraphrase a bit of it; you will get more out of your fitting when you are your best, physically. Our swings can vary from hole to hole and from round to round. On the other hand, our physical abilities stay pretty consistent (good and bad).

    Sending good thoughts your way, so you're at your physical best at your next fitting. On a side note, I'm loving my T350's. Be well, my friend.
  3. Guy W

    Guy W
    Statesville, NC

    Hope all works out for the best. Good luck with the procedure. Looking forward to seeing you in Scottsdale.
  4. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Hoping the best for you, Chuck. Not sure what defines super senior tees, but under 6000 yards is as much as I can handle to keep a GIR a possibility. The 70’s aren’t being kind to our games. Take care so we can all se you in Scottsdale.
  5. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Don O said:

    Hoping the best for you, Chuck. Not sure what defines super senior tees, but under 6000 yards is as much as I can handle to keep a GIR a possibility. The 70’s aren’t being kind to our games. Take care so we can all se you in Scottsdale.

    I play 5365 yards at our Senior tees and for those over 70 they have SS tees at 4585. Just cannot force myself, even at 77, to move up there. Not pride just based on my capabilities when healthy. Gives me something to work towards. Golf should be about fun and keeping it in the fairways and on the greens. The cortisone injection should hopefully do the trick. It should last for a number of months. Abdon, my fitter is a wise man and stays busy, because of his honesty with his customers. Well respected! May not have new clubs in Scottsdale, but we will have fun. Hakuna matata.
  6. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military

    Don O said:

    Hoping the best for you, Chuck. Not sure what defines super senior tees, but under 6000 yards is as much as I can handle to keep a GIR a possibility. The 70’s aren’t being kind to our games. Take care so we can all se you in Scottsdale.

    Hope that all goes well for you. In regard to what set of tees to play from, I am now playing the forward tees which at my club vary from 4800 to 4900 yards. It's not about what you WERE capable of, it's what it is NOW. The game is yours to enjoy at any age or condition.
  7. Fred L

    Fred L
    Centerport,NY

    Chuck, hope all goes well and you can get back to some normalcy!s
  8. Jonathan Smith

    Jonathan Smith
    Charlotte, NC

    Good luck with the procedure Chuck, I hope this does the trick.
  9. Ron T

    Ron T
    Grapevine, TX

    Heal fast and swing easy! I'd love to meet you in Scottsdale in a couple of months! I love your engagement on the forums...
  10. BHershman

    BHershman
    Palm Beaches

    Sorry, back pain sucks. Hope you heal up soon. I spent the basically the whole month of July on IR because of my back, finally started to feel better in August, and now I did something to my wrist. Ugh.
  11. Jim S

    Jim S
    East Point, GA

    Sorry to hear about your setback. I know someone with your desire and your team of doctors will get you back out there as soon as possible. I know if there is a way you will find it. I will be praying for you.
  12. Andrew A

    Andrew A
    Charlotte, NC

    Chuck,
    While we have never met, I feel like I have gotten to know you throughout the years via your great insight, comments and thought provoking demeanor on Team Titleist forum. I wish you all the best and hope it all goes as smoothly as possible.
    Please keep us updated on your progress!
  13. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    We have 5 sets of tees on our courses; black, blue, white, gold, red. I often bounce around between the white and gold depending on who I am playing with or whether I want to hit more long irons or short irons that day. Nothing wrong with moving up and enjoying the game. Maybe you can work on a more wrist henge swing and use less spine twisting. Sure, you will loose a bit of speed but it might get you a few more years of golf enjoyment. Take care and see you in November.
  14. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Dale V said:

    We have 5 sets of tees on our courses; black, blue, white, gold, red. I often bounce around between the white and gold depending on who I am playing with or whether I want to hit more long irons or short irons that day. Nothing wrong with moving up and enjoying the game. Maybe you can work on a more wrist henge swing and use less spine twisting. Sure, you will loose a bit of speed but it might get you a few more years of golf enjoyment. Take care and see you in November.

    good pointe...we also have five sets....blue, white, gold, red, orange.....no trouble of the tee....my teacher is out having back surgery.....playing interclub match on Monday see how it goes....see who shows up, Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde....just adding a club in the meantime, until the 28th. Thanks, Dale, see ya soon. Give us a good weather report about a week out. Need to know how to pack. Just stocked up from FJ, sleeves, mid layers, vests, polos, rain shorts, s/s hydrolite X rain shirt. You know, fall order.
  15. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    I turn 58 this year, every morning something hurts. Maybe I abused myself in my younger hockey/military days, maybe it's the fact that I still had a juiced up 450 dirt bike well into my 40's. Let's just call it like it is, without our age demographic, the golfing world is in trouble. The stats show it overwhelmingly. They need us old broken down warriors!
  16. Erich F

    Erich F
    NY

    Good luck Chuck, wishing you success and a speedy recovery.
  17. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Erich F said:

    Good luck Chuck, wishing you success and a speedy recovery.

    Thank you, but I have scoliosis, which at my age cannot be corrected thru surgery. Just have to live with it and have gone thru months of Physical Therapy. Cortisone injections can ease the pain in the lower back and of course golf is not the best form of exercise for the spine. Just prolong the inevitable as long as I can. My speed has started to decline in my golf swing recently even though my core has strengthened. My neurosurgeon told me just go, enjoy golf and life, and hopefully we can get you some pain relief. Hakuna matata. =)
  18. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Spoke with our head pro today and he is going to work with me after I get my injection. The pro I normally work with is out on medical leave. He has had two back surgeries and will not be back probably til the first of the year. Our head pro is a master instructor and hopefully can get me back on track prior to Scottsdale. Going to go with the flow and enjoy myself in AZ.
  19. Dave N

    Dave N
    Dade City, FL

    Chuck, I hope it works out well for you. I read somewhere if you take an average of your driver distance and multiply it by 27 that is the total yardage you should play from to be competitive and still have fun.
    Example 200X27=5,400 yards for 18 , have fun.
  20. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Interesting.
    I read 5 iron x 36. For 160 yards, that’s a 5760 yards. Granted I use a hybrid for a 5 iron, but when the second set of tees for the shorter men’s play are 6100, Houston, we have a problem.
  21. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Don O said:

    Interesting.
    I read 5 iron x 36. For 160 yards, that’s a 5760 yards. Granted I use a hybrid for a 5 iron, but when the second set of tees for the shorter men’s play are 6100, Houston, we have a problem.

    Agree, Don. We are supposed drive the speed limit also. Hakuna matata. A Jack says, play where you feel comfortable and have FUN.
  22. greg p

    greg p
    Chicago 'burbs, IL

    Hang in there, Chuck. Don’t let the old man in.
    You still got a lot of holes left in you.
  23. Rob R

    Rob R
    Chicago, IL

    Hope the procedure goes well and you feel better quickly Chuck.
  24. Marcus L

    Marcus L
    Rapid City, SD

    Prayers for you!
  25. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Put the clubs down this week until I get the injection. Will play with the interclub team on Monday and then getting with the head pro to see if my game is actually physical or mental. You know golf is 90% mental and the other 10% is all in our head????????
  26. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Optimistic. Pain and Rehab Clinic yesterday with injections. Under x-ray one in left and right side for the pain I had been experiencing. They determined it was because of L5 issues. In and out procedure. When I walked out of clinic my wife's first words were that I no longer slumped over but was walking tall again. She had been on me for years to stand up straight and to stop stooping over. Brought a tear to this old dudes eyes. Wife and I walked around the neighborhood this morning. No pain in hips, only in hamstrings from working event on Wednesday. Cleared to play golf on Monday and he referred me to Physical Therapy on Tuesday. Going to a different PT this time, not because the other did not help with core development, but this PT is TPI (Titleist) certified and is on staff. He is my wife's PT and that is how I met him. Going to a PT who can work specifically on my golfing needs and speaks golf.

    Step 1 - Injections. Done
    Step 2 - PT Tune up. October 3rd and continuing.
    Step 3 - See Pro for tune up - upon completion of PT release.
    Step 4 - See fitter again after release for PRO (T350s ???)
    See everyone in Scottsdale
    Hakuna Matata........ thanks ya'll

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