Competitive golf doesn't stop at 50. Many golfers play some of their best and most enjoyable competitive golf in later life, through seniors' sections, senior amateur championships, age-group events and, for the very best, senior professional tours. Here's what's available.
Club seniors' sections
- Weekly or monthly competitions.
- Inter-club matches.
- Social events.
Read golf for seniors and how golf clubs are run.
Senior amateur events
- Regional and national senior championships, often from age 50 or 55.
- Super-senior categories for older age groups.
- Team events between regions and countries.
Read amateur golf competitions explained.
Professional senior golf
Professional senior tours feature professionals aged 50 and over, often with shorter events and no cut. Read how professional golf tournaments work.
Staying competitive
- Fitness: strength, mobility and balance. Read balance training for golf.
- Equipment: lighter shafts, more loft and hybrids. Read what clubs to carry.
- Strategy: accuracy and short game. Read how to score without distance.
- Tees: play from appropriate tees. Read which tees should I play?.
Formats common in senior golf
| Format | Why it suits seniors |
|---|---|
| Stableford | One bad hole doesn't ruin the card. Read Stableford strategy |
| Fourball better-ball | Partners share the load |
| Foursomes | Fewer shots each, quicker rounds |
| Texas scramble | Social and fun. Read golf scramble strategy |
| Match play | Head-to-head contests with fair strokes. Read match play rules and strategy |
| Nine-hole competitions | Shorter rounds for those who prefer them. Read nine-hole golf |
Club seniors' sections in more detail
Many clubs have a seniors' section, typically for members over 55 or 60. These sections usually offer:
- Weekly roll-ups and competitions, often on a set weekday morning.
- Inter-club matches against other seniors' sections, home and away.
- Social events, such as lunches, dinners and trips.
- Their own captain and committee, organising the programme.
Joining a seniors' section is one of the best ways to play regular competitive golf and meet new people. Read golf club membership guide.
Regional and national senior events
Above club level, regional and national associations run senior championships, team events and age-group competitions, often with divisions for different ages (such as over-55, over-65 and over-75). Some require a minimum handicap. Read amateur golf competitions explained.
Staying competitive as you age
- Play the right tees: many clubs have forward tees for seniors. Read which tees should I play?.
- Fit your equipment: lighter shafts, more loft and hybrids. Read golf shaft flex guide.
- Train your body: mobility, balance and strength. Read golf fitness exercises and balance training for golf.
- Sharpen the short game: it's where seniors can gain the most strokes. Read how to score without distance.
- Look after your health: warm up properly and recover well. Read golf recovery after a round.
The social side
For many seniors, competitive golf is as much about friendship as results. Matches, trips and section dinners build lasting social connections. Read golf for seniors.
Senior golf with buggies
Many senior events allow buggies, especially for golfers with medical needs. Check event rules in advance.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a golfer a senior?
Often 50 or 55, depending on the event.
Are there senior amateur championships?
Yes, at regional and national level.
Can seniors compete with younger golfers?
Yes, thanks to the handicap system.
What is a super-senior?
An older age category, often 65 or 70 and over.
At what age can I join a seniors' section?
Usually 55 or 60, depending on the club.
Are there senior tournaments for higher handicappers?
Yes. Many seniors' events are handicap competitions open to a wide range of abilities.
The bottom line
Senior golf offers rich competitive opportunities, from club sections to national championships. Stay fit, choose suitable equipment and play smart. For more, read golf knee and hip pain.