Do graphite shafts and titanium heads really help senior golfers?

Hi there,

Not surprisingly I found a number of web sites that say graphite
shafts and titanium heads help senior golfers, who just happened to be
in the business of selling them. Regardless, the argument is simple
and makes sense - with old age comes frailty, and reducing the weight
of clubs is about the only way to make them easier for old folk to
swing. Flexible shafts also help seniors.

"I’ve seen several studies on the impact of ageing on golfers. One
suggested that we all lose 1% of muscle size per year. Another
maintained we lose 50 % of our strength by the time we are 65 and we
lose 30-50% of spinal movement by the age of 70. Whether or not the
numbers are right doesn’t matter. We all know that by the time we are
seniors, we are not as strong or flexible as we were in our 20s - 30s.
But many senior golfers are trying to play with the same equipment as
younger golfers. And therein lies the problem. You need golf clubs
that suit the golfer you are today."
http://www.clubmaker.co.uk/newssenior.htm

"Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, and are easier to
swing for some players, specifically ladies and senior golfers."
http://www.instantreplaygolf.com/Custom.htm

"Graphite shafts result in a lighter weight golf club than one made of
steel. The weight difference may only be 20-40 grams, but it can
result in a tremendous difference in the feeling of the club by giving
it a much lighter feeling. This is particularly good for women and
senior golfers because it can assist in generating a bit more clubhead
speed and result in greater distance. Graphite shafts are also
beneficial to those who suffer from arthritis and other joint or
muscular pain because they tend to absorb a bit more of the shock and
vibrations associated with hitting a golf ball then do steel shafts."
http://www.golfmonkeys.com/faq.htm#q7

"Due to lack of strength, graphite can be of significant benefit to
ladies, seniors and younger players."
http://www.theclubclinic.co.nz/faqs.htm

"For senior golfers, junior and some other players who have an easy,
smooth swing a more flexible shaft is the best choice."
http://www.justgolf.com.au/clubfitting/clubfitting_programs.htm

The following sites do not sell golf clubs:

"As a person gets a little older, the need is there to use a more
flexible shaft...Lighter clubs are recommended for senior golfers.
Using clubs fitted with graphite shafts can help accomplish
this...Mahon also credits the introduction of the titanium in
lightening golf clubs."
http://www.cjonline.com/accesstopeka/stories/063099/50j_golf.shtml

The American Chiropractic Association recommends graphite shafts for
women, because they are lighter and more flexible. The same reasons
apply for senior golfers.
http://www.amerchiro.org/media/tips/golf.shtml

Golfclubreview.com recommends a number of senior and fadies flexes:
http://www.golfclubreview.com/senior_&_ladies_flex_shafts.htm

Rather than getting lighter clubs, another option might be to increase
your strength and flexibility:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/golfonline/seniorgolfer/nov-dec00/fitness.html

Google searches used:

"senior golfers" graphite
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&q=%22senior+golfers%22+graphite
"senior golfers" titanium
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&q=%22senior+golfers%22+titanium

I trust that this answers your query. Feel free to request
clarifications on any aspect of my response.

Thanks for using Google Answers, and best wishes,
from robertskelton-ga

Mr. Skelton even had a reference to arthritis, which, though the
question asked did not mention that, is exactly why I wanted to get
more information on this subject.