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?

[bbnet]

-- News Flash --
Boomer Golf Discs, Inc. announces three new molds:
The Flying Prune - guaranteed to keep your game flowing smoothly
The In-Depends-Able - for staying dry on those water hazard shots
The Viago - keep the tip up for unbelievable hang time

[Brandon Swanson]

WOW... I have to grant that this is clever.

[Mack]

Damn, you made me spit out my metamucil.

[Peter Bonnel]

Do you have a website for Boomer Golf Discs?
Seriously, there is some good advice in the earlyer post. I passed number 60 (not score) last year and the more I play disc golf, the better I feel. My back doesn't bother me as much. All of the bending and stretching helps you. I have had a total hip replacement and have arthritic knees, so I use a cart to carry my gear. I think it saves wear and tear on my joints. I use discs in the 168-170 range and some of the older disc (beast, sidewinder) work better for me than the newer discs. A truly great sport for all ages!

[Charles Isaac]

I am 45. I have been a year longer then you. This winter, I did lots of thinking and decided to try 150class discs.
Wow.
I mean WOW! WOW! This season has been mostly good so far.

I love the 150s. I suggest looking at Hero Disc USA for good 150 class Innova discs. They have 150 RPro Rocs and 150 Champ Monarchs and 150 class and less Katanas. I love my 156g Katana I can 's' out the disc on most drives.

I hit my first ace with a 150g Monarch. I live a very windy part of the country (South Dakota) and have no problems dealing with wind. On days that heavy disc players have problem with win I have a touch more problem. However I throw low flat throw. My common mid range is 165-170 Buzzz.

I also use a cart for tourneys.

[Dylan Prince]

ia bit of advice that might help man, is take it slow and try to just slowly pick it up and learn new things.
find something that suits you and works for you,
It would probably make it easier if you did so and easier on your body as well.

[Donny Olow]

Try lighter plastic . 165 grams or less even.

[Chuck Kennedy]

The PDGA has a new initiative addressed toward senior players. I think the head of the group is over 70. But the idea that players can play disc golf 'til they drop is the purpose of the group to address issues pertaining to older players. http://www.pdga.com/disc-golf-for-seniors

[Mack]

Seems that the conventional wisdom is that I get some lighter discs, and work on a more fluid throwing style. I want to thank everyone that took the time to butt chime in with advice. Watch your six, fellas, I'm gonna be comin up in the senior class in no time.

[mr ed]

Stretching before you leave the house and then before your first round of dg.Throw 150 line of discs,Hawk,Impact,Comet,Stratus discs have been mentioned.Find your roller game.I've been throwing lids since the late 50's and the shoulder knows it all too well now.Play your game,enjoy the fun.Practice your putting for those 15-30 min daily.Will turn 59 this November,some of those years saw little action,but I've always thrown.Welcome to this club,hit chains.

[Carl Fusco]

This may mean it's time to adjust your throw. You're using the same throw for lighter discs, thus why they flip. Try tipping the wing down and letting the power of your throw straighten it out in the air.

[Brandon Swanson]

Maybe it is just a matter of getting used to the timing of a lighter disc. Your arm does get moving faster with a 150 class disc. I have a hard time believing there's not a 150 class disc out there that wouldn't work for you. The 150g dx xcal I had was still crazy overstable.