Answer: Many golfers at this age experience the same thing. You are certainly not alone — data from Arccos shows this is extremely common.

Few things feel more frustrating than no longer being able to carry the corner bunker on a dogleg, or facing a par 3 that used to be a comfortable 7-iron but now quietly requires a fairway wood or rescue club.

You probably don’t want to hear advice like “go to the gym more often.” Still, let’s be honest: equipment alone cannot fully replace the 20 yards that time has taken away (Father Time is undefeated — unless your name is Bernhard Langer!). However, optimizing your launch conditions is a terrific starting point and can deliver meaningful improvements.

1. As swing speed drops, your launch conditions change

If your launch angle is too low or your spin rate too high, both are “distance thieves.” These issues can often be improved simply by adjusting loft.

It can be as easy as taking the wrench that came with your driver and experimenting with a few settings to see whether you can find better launch and spin numbers. Of course, seeing a fitting professional is ideal. If not, rely on a launch monitor rather than “eyeballing it.” The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is a portable and reliable option.

2. Consider switching to a lighter shaft

A lighter shaft can help increase clubhead speed, though it doesn’t always translate to more effective impact. A shaft that is too light can even backfire. Nonetheless, trying a lighter shaft is absolutely worthwhile.

There is no miracle solution, but stacking small improvements can add up to noticeable gains.

3. For iron sets: move from steel to lightweight or graphite

If you’re still using heavy steel shafts, switching to lightweight steel or graphite could help you regain speed and distance. At age 60, if you're still gaming heavy steel shafts, you’re either on the PGA Tour Champions or in the U.S. Senior Amateur!

Also, many modern irons have much hotter faces, increasing ball speed and helping reclaim lost yardage. Don’t forget your wedges — muscleback wedges with heavy steel shafts look “tour-like,” but cavity-back wedges with lighter shafts are far easier to hit on full swings.

4. Do not overlook the golf ball — it matters just as much

Choosing the right golf ball can give you a more optimal trajectory, not only with the driver but also with irons. At lower swing speeds, using a firm tour-level ball (like the Bridgestone Tour B X) will not maximize distance.

Fred Couples said it best (via Bridgestone):

“If I were younger, I’d still use Tiger’s ball. But at this stage, the Tour B RX fits me better. I can swing comfortably, the ball goes farther, and I still get control.”

The RX is designed for driver swing speeds under 105 mph — ideal for Couples’ current speed profile.

5. Can you really get back 20 yards?

If you’re not playing persimmon woods or a wildly outdated set, probably not. But you can absolutely regain several meaningful yards through equipment optimization — from drivers and fairway woods to irons and golf balls — with options purpose-built for golfers of all ages.

The key is understanding your current swing, your launch numbers, and whether your equipment is helping you… or holding you back.