Older golfers have different needs

I'm 53, took up this sport in August 09. Make no mistake, I plan to play this right up to the time they lower me into the ground. The thing is, at my age, progress is slow. A 50 yr old doesn't have the flexibility or muscle mass of a twenty-something. Throwing discs is hard on our joints. In the workforce, there is about to be a massive shift as baby boomers start to retire in record numbers. This sport will also see a corresponding rise in the number of older players. So....I'm wondering, has there been any discussion as to developing discs tailored toward older players? Or throwing styles? I throw forehand, and I suffer after every round. For now, I'll take that trade, as I love this sport. But I think major disc golf companies ignore the needs of older golfers at their peril. Whattya y'all think?

[Nibs Carter]

If you plan to keep this up, I would recomend taking up at least a mild workout plan. I am 44 and have been using a Bowflex for the past 3 years. I was in pretty unfit state before this, but now I am in the best condition of my life. I have notice mild gains in distance, but the most important thing is something you mentioned. I can play two or three rounds and not feel like I have been ran over by a truck for the next three days. Hope this helps.

[Mack]

Like I said, I'm all in on this sport. Yes, workouts are always a good idea, I try to keep fit, and I still play a bit of round-ball when I get the chance. I guess I'm just saying that the sport tends to ignore the needs of older players, and that might be a bit myopic as the demographics of this sport shift over the next ten years. Anyway, thanks for your input.

[Marshall Scribner]

I'm over 60 and have played disc golf for 30 of those years. I suggest throwing lighter plastic and use a cart . Stretching becomes real important. As far a special equipment (discs) ? I don't think it will happen. Look at ball golf. There are no special clubs or balls to speak of other than long shafted putters and hybrid fairway woods touted as good for older players. The younger pros are using them too because people will use whatever is out there that works better.

[Mack]

30 years? Congratulations! I wondered about lighter discs, I throw a 175 Star Excaliber since I learned I could throw it straight and long. Its been 8 months or so, can't seem to get a handle on a RHBH, but I'll keep trying. Do you think there is truly a significant difference between 160 and 175 grams? Enough that one weight may be more or less likely to cause a throwing injury? I'm not suggesting there isn't, but when you are talking about grams...it seems so slight. Lastly, I'll admit to forgetting to stretch sometimes. A very bad habit.

[bbnet]

15 grams might not seem like much when held still but during the whipping action of your throw's hit, the extra mass is multiplied significantly.

[Mack]

Yeah, that sounds reasonable...I don't have the best grasp on the physics of this game...but I'm learning.

[Brandon Swanson]

I think it does matter, but drop all the way down to 150 class. The 150g xcaliber I had was one of the most overstable discs I've ever thrown. They make a 150g z flick that is crazy stable too. So you can throw 150 class, save your joints, probably pick up some extra distance, and not sacrifice anything in terms of stability.

Maybe you just need to try some of the other stuff out there. A 175 star xcal takes a lot of arm to get it to fly far. There are other choices out there that don't take as hard of a throw to get them to go about as far. The pro katana is a good example. Definately try out the lighter weights when possible. DaveD from Innova said that only the really really big arm throwers achieve full arm speed potential with 175g discs. He said the rest of us would benefit from lighter weights. Pick up something less stable that will do the work for you. Pick up a star sidewinder. The 150 sidewinders are remarkably easy to go far and you don't have to throw your arm out to do it. My beat up pro d stratus goes the furthest with just a minimal effort. I do sympathize with your plight. I don't look forward to that, but I am planning for the inevitable and I think there are currently some good options out there that are better for aging players.

I hope none of that was insulting from a punk kid. :-/ I mean it with all due respect and I hope it helps you out.

[Mack]

Man, are you kidding? I appreciate anyone that takes the time to respond to another golfer's concerns. Seriously, this is how we learn. Thanks for the suggestions...I'm ordering a few lighter discs this very day. Be well.

[Boom Boom Dino]

f**king punk kids

[Brandon Swanson]

haha, nice...for an old fart. ;-) I am actually not THAT young I suppose. The 14-15 year olds I was giving tips to are now in their early 20s and bombing their discs 50' past me. I turn 29 this month and stay home with 3 kids 4 and under, so I often feel a bit older and the hair is graying WAY too fast.

[Jim Coonradt]

I turn 50 this year so at that point I think I might as well sign up for the electric wheel chair or the Power Scooter. Actually DG keeps me young (along with the beer).

[Marshall Scribner]

You would be suprised at how a few grams will change the feel of a throw. Stable discs like the wraith , orcs , beasts ect will throw well even at 150 grams with a lot less effort. Wind conditions then start to dictate when you can throw them.