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?

[Jim Coonradt]

Wow, a rant about beer consumption. I'm fifty years old and believe that at this point in my life I can have a beer or two when I want one. And I am healthy and definitely not a drunk or binge drinker. Lighten up.

 

I really don't want to hear about getting old and my "different needs". That's not for me. I just go out and play disc golf and enjoy myself. That is what life is all about. Sure I have a few more aches and pains than when I was younger but who cares? In fact I'm going out to play a round today in the sixty degree weather we are having today. And I won't be drinking any beer until tonight when I get done with work and polish off my last Anchor Steam before bed.

[John Hansen]

I'm 52 and have been playing for over 30 years. learn a backhand. Use light disc's, way less wear and tear. Also have you tried a 150 putter? I will never go back to a heavy putter. I have a cart but i only use it on courses with short grass and smooth fairways, or for long tournaments. 150 r-pro boss added 30 to 50 feet to my drives. Great disc.

[Mack]

There comes a point when you realize that you cannot master something...I'm there with respect to a RHBH.  But, acknowledging that and tailoring my game to my RHFH has paid off.  I'm pretty happy with my putter, I've actually learned to throw it in a variety of different ways.  I throw heavy discs, but don't feel any pain since I changed my style. 

 

Ya know, I think people missed the whole point of my post....sigh.  No matter, I always appreciate feedback.

[mr ed]

I'm not sure if we missed the point.Feedback was given to what we all know what is out there to throw.Chuck mentioned the PDGA site for senior dg'ers,150 and weights  have been advised and the answer might be hidden beneath all responses...NO.The best answer to all this might still  be Chuck's response,PDGA senior site.

This sport grew from those babyboomers that helped Wham-O,Ed & Fred to what disc golf is today.I've thrown a lid,frisbee,disc since late 50's.Off and on for the fun and serious competition.Take what you learn,see,read and questions asked to encompass this into our/your senior filled days.Jusy my 2 cents.See ya on the fairway youngster;>}.Enjoy,have FUN and don't take this too seriously.from one BB to another BB.

[Mack]

Yea, I re-read it and you may be right...except that I still say opportunities to attract NEW (older) golfers are missed.  Maybe more emphasis on doubles play, where someone without a killer drive can still contribute every hole.  I think there are still way too many people I encounter who have no idea this sport even exists.  I didn't until recently...and I played a ton of sports in my day.  This sport fills a hole in my life that existed when I stopped playing both basketball and stick golf.  Anyway, I'm having fun, and I appreciate it when people chime in.  Go throw!

[mr ed]

Practice putting,half the battle.

[Paul Novak]

When I read the title of this post the first thing that came to my mind is yeah,  Older golfers need Stratus's instead of Nukes.

[Jim Coonradt]

Since I officially fall into the category of older disc golfers now (50 years old) I might as well add my two cents. I do not throw lighter discs. I also just started throwing a Lemon Lake Katana and I have recently thrown some shots with it that are longer than I have ever thrown before. I do experience some pain from time to time but I don't think about it too much. I also don't take any painkillers (no aspirin, no acetaminophen, no ibuprofen). I just deal with pain. Frankly we are a society that relies on a pill for most everything out there (along with the huge list of side effects). So at this point I have no plans to slow down or do anything differently. I just plan to play like I always have. And so far it is working. Maybe when I'm a lot older and wrapped in Depends I will change. But right now I am just going to keep on throwing and enjoying life.

[xians421]

I only use Ibuprofen because I had to cut back on the Heroin!

[Jim Coonradt]

Very nice. I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue. Airplane.

[Mark Janssen]

and dont call me shirley