Better Late Than Never

You gotta admit there's something unusual, slightly perverse, and touching about being a female who enters the game of disc golf at a Senior Grand master level. For example, there's no one else to play with who is my age, but apparently that hasn't stopped me. For the record, I'm 66 years old. It was 2005 when I threw my first disc, a poorly directed hyzer that went perhaps 35 feet.

I took up the game of disc golf after nearly thirty years of horse ownership: a combination of pleasure riding and competition in dressage. For many reasons, it was time for me to give up the horsie lifestyle and I desperately needed a physical activity to fill the void. Enter the wonderful game of disc golf.

Mind you, I had never even thrown a frisbee. I had no natural skill for this game. I predate Title 9, and I'm a slow learner when it comes to physical pursuits. In my day, girl's basketball was a yawn. You were only allowed two steps and then you had to throw the ball to a teammate. You weren't allowed to run the full court, lest your uterus fall out. I'm serious! That's how it was in the olden days.

So we've established that I'm not a natural athlete, but I'm a dedicated wanna be. And I'm incredibly persistent; that's why I'm still throwing. I joined the Lansing MI-based women's league as soon as Erin Oakley founded it, started playing regularly, and began signing up for tournaments despite the lack of a suitable division for the likes of me. I just wanna throw, even if I have to play against women who are my granddaughter's ages!

Thanks to the support of my partner and league friends plus many hours on the soccer field working on technique, I have slowly progressed. In 2008 I managed to set a new world distance record in my age category and that was a blast. It's hard to believe that in three and a half years I'll be a Legend and I've still got a lousy handicap. But do I have fun? You bet! And so do the women I play with. After all, it's only a game.

Here's my shout out to anyone who reads this missive: I'd love to see more women my age on the course and in tournaments. Bring out your moms, your grandmothers, aunts, and any other women of a certain age who can still walk and use their arms! Give them some 150 class discs and let 'em rip! Tell them I'll see 'em on the course!

[mr ed]

hey now,not that I know of in reguards to the La Vie En Rose tourney.Peace

[William Gilbert]

Kathy you didn't say where you are from but my wife is in her 50's and she plays and has played with leslie. We are from MI as well.
Mr Ed. did any of the ladies in FL get a chance to play in the La Vie En Rose that took place last month in FL?
Keep Disc'n

[mr ed]

hey now, we have a few senior females that meet at the course in Port Charlotte,Fl and enjoy the sport for the activity and challenge that disc golf provides over ball golf.Another woman brings her young,7 yr old grandson out to throw with her,both have improved their game in over the last year.She has a great attitude towards showing her grandson that there is more activity 'outside the box(tv/video").keep throwing.;^} Peace

[Terry "the Pirate" Calhoun]

:)

[Kathy McCormack]

Woo Hoo! another woman disc golfer. I am 49. My son moved home two years ago with a portable basket. I was soon playing putting games with him and his buddies. To say the least, I sucked rotten eggs. I was soon hooked and they were taking me all over the place to play courses. Before long, I got my own putters and looked for a driver that worked for me. My Valkaries like water and all of them to date are sitting in some pond or other water source. I played in two tournaments last year so I could play with ladies. They were all young, kicked my but, but I had a wonderful time. I play a lot of doubles with my son, and what we call 'herd golf'. Everyone gives me encouragement and advice. I still can't throw far (my son says I have a floppy arm) but I am getting straighter and I am a pretty good putter. I bought my own basket last year and we have a make shift 9 hole course on my 3.24 acres. Playing in a tournament at Walla Walla this weekend, looking forward to seeing folks I met at the two I played last year. I love the exercise, the fresh air, the sound of the birds and watching the boys goof off with each other. I love the sport and my doctor says it is good for my arthritis and cholesterol...like I need an excuse to get out and play. Go women disc golfers!!!

[Leslie Charles]

You are too funny and thanks for the sweet words of encouragement. Dude, I've learned a lot from those young women I'm forced to play with, that's for sure!

[Chainz-4-Brainz]

Leslie-
Any woman in her 60's who is capable of using the term "shout out" in it's proper context is, without a doubt, an amazing lady. :^) Kudos, and keep 'em flying!