Golf not only requires physical fitness, but mental agility too and this is never truer than for a senior golfer. The ability to concentrate, to ignore any outside influences such as noise and focus on the game is paramount, particularly if your physical strength has waned somewhat.

Even if you play your golf for relaxation and sociability, you probably still want to win. It is said that golf is 10 percent physical concentration and 90 percent mental effort, so you definitely need to train your mind to filter out background noise and anything else that could distract you. You have to learn to ignore ringing mobiles (not that they should be turned on when on the golf course, traffic, aeroplanes flying above, talk and laughter, to name but a few.

The senior golfer must discipline him or herself to focus solely on the shot and never mind what else might be going on. In addition to that, physical fitness will aid mental fitness so be sure to do the stretching and strengthening exercises you need to face the rigours of the golf course.

You may play with people who are very subdued when on the tee or the green and they may seem a little antisocial, but they are probably just concentrating really hard on getting their shots right. On the other hand, the senior golfers on the course who are larking about and laughing are relaxing in their own way and may find that preferable to supreme focus.

Some golfers shout a lot and throw their clubs around, which may or may not be their own way of releasing tension and therefore enabling concentration. This isn't behaviour to be recommended, however, as fellow golfers are unlikely to appreciate it.

Mental focus may be a little harder for the senior golfer, particularly one who is only just starting his or her golfing career but when all's said and done, it's no harder than the physical requirements of the game, so keep your mind and body fit and enjoy your golf.