A couple of months back we made the exciting announcement that the sport of disc golf would make its triumphant return to the National Senior Games. We’re back again to not only remind you that the 2015 National Senior Games are coming up soon, but with yet another exciting announcement about the event. Competitors in the disc golf portion of the National Senior Games (NSG) get a Buy-One-Get-One deal when they compete, as they will now have the option to compete in the National Senior Games AND the 2015 PDGA National Senior Amateur Championships!

This concurrent competition is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for senior disc golfers, as they will be eligible for prizes in both competitions at the same time. The only difference for those that wish to compete in the PDGA portion of the event is a required second round of 18 holes on Saturday July 11th for seniors under the age of 70. The PDGA and NSG divisions are completely separate so there are a number of potential outcomes for each and every senior competitor.

The senior divisions of disc golf are quickly reaching a critical mass where they can support their own Senior Tour just like our golfing brothers in the PGA. It is the natural growth of the sport. This is one of the goals of the PDGA Senior Committee, to develop a Senior Tour with a national championship. Disc golf was included as a demonstration sport for the first time in the National Senior Games in Cleveland in 2013 and we are continuing that relationship as disc golf is going to be in the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis in July.

Let's take a look at how the schedule and formats will work for this seniors-only BOGO event.

NOTE: There are two Theodore Wirth Park golf courses. One is a standard sized golf course. The other, which will be used for the National Senior Games, is a shorter par 3 golf course which has a disc golf course mixed in.

National Senior Games - Demonstration Sport

All the NSG divisions below will be competing for medals only, with both men and women eligible to compete.

• Ages 50-54
• Ages 55-59
• Ages 60-64
• Ages 65-69
• Ages 70-74*

*More divisions can be created (E.g. 75-79, 80-84, etc.) depending on the number of entrants 75 years old & above.

Saturday, July 11th

Round 1 - Highland Park Disc Golf Course

• Ages 50-69: Long Tees
• Ages 70 and above: Short Tees

Sunday, July 12th

Round 2 - Theodore Wirth Park

• Ages 50-69: Long Tees
• Ages 70 and above: Short Tees

PDGA National Senior Amateur Championships

This event is run as an XC-Tier charity event to raise money for the National Senior Games. Payouts will be trophy-only and PDGA membership is not required to compete. All PDGA age-protected divisions for both amateur and professional players 50 years old and above will be offered with a minimum of one competitor in each division.

Friday, July 10th - OPTIONAL

Doubles - Highland Park Disc Golf Course

• Seniors of all ages welcome.

Saturday, July 11th

Round 1 - Highland Park Disc Golf Course

• Ages 50-69: Long Tees
• Ages 70 and above: Short Tees

Round 2 - The Valley Disc Golf Course

• Ages 50-69: Long Tees
• Ages 70 and above: NO PLAY

Sunday, July 12th

Round 3 - Theodore Wirth Park 

• Ages 50-69: Long Tees
• Ages 70 and above: Short Tees

On top of the player packs that will be given to all NSG competitors, those competing in the disc golf portion will also be given an additional disc golf players pack. Other prizes will be available through the PDGA portion of the event via Closest-To-Pin contests and an optional Ace Fund.

To compete in the National Senior Games you must be registered by May 1st, 2015! If you are interest in competing or if you know anyone that might be interested in completing, registration information can be found on the official National Senior Games website.

If disc golf is given full sport status in the NSG, players will need to qualify in their State Senior Games (Olympics). In order to make that happen, we need to get more states to offer disc golf in their State Senior Games. Currently there are only 11 states that offer disc golf. Clearly we need to expand on that number. That will only happen if people are willing to step up and get involved in their State Senior Games now.

To help manage and help this growing segment of our membership, the PDGA Senior Committee was formed in 2010. The Senior Committee is looking to expand its committee membership to cover all areas in the US and abroad. Please contact Bill Griffith if you can help, or if you have questions or comments.