Jim Miller
Jim Miller, an advocate for older Americans, writes “Savvy Senior,” a weekly information column syndicated in more than 400 newspapers nationwide. Based in Norman, Oklahoma, he also offers a free senior e-news service at SavvySenior.org.
If you love golf but struggle with arthritis, back pain or other conditions that limit your play, help is available through a wide variety of nifty golf accessories and adaptive equipment…
Specially designed gloves and grips can make holding the club easier.
Powerglove has a small strap attached to the glove that loops around the club grip to secure it in your hand and keep it from slipping during the swing. Cost: $19.95 per glove. (800-836-3760, www.PowerGlove.com)
Oversized grips make gripping clubs easier and also are very good at absorbing shock when you don’t hit the ball. Oversized grips usually are one-sixteenth-inch or one-eighth-inch larger in diameter than a standard grip and cost around $10 per grip. You can find these grips (and have them installed) at your local golf store or pro shop.
A number of innovative gadgets can eliminate the repetitive bending and stooping that golf entails. To find dozens of these, visit www.UprightGolf.com (319-415-5035). Some of the best…
Upright Golf Stick is a modified golf shaft with a plastic tee-and-ball- holder device attached to the end of it that allows you to insert the tee in the ground…place the ball on the tee…and retrieve the tee. Cost: $39.99.
Kool Tee is a 30-inch aluminum device that has a spring-loaded ball-and-tee holder and a pistol-grip trigger that releases the ball/tee when you insert it into the ground. It also has a suction cup tip for picking up the ball and a medal spade that slides out of the shaft tip to repair divots. Cost: $69.95, which includes 12 custom tees and a bag clip. (800-324-6205)
Ergonomically designed golf carts can help you transport your golf bag and clubs around the course. Two options…
Bag Boy also offers a padded cart seat accessory for $50 that attaches to the push-cart wheel base so that you can sit down whenever you need a rest. (800-955-2269, www.BagBoyCompany.com)