It's fun. But is FlingGolf important?

You may already know that FlingGolf is a fun, simple way to get out on a golf course. You may have heard that it has been played on over 3000 golf courses, in over 40 countries to date. And you may have seen one or more of our tournaments that have been aired on ESPN2, showcasing the top talent in the sport.

You may have either played it yourself or seen players on your local golf course, even playing with friends or families along with traditional golfers.

But there is something I’ve come to see in the sport that is even deeper than these numbers or benchmarks or accomplishments.  It is something I am deeply encouraged by, and that a sport that started out as an avenue tofun, has also become important.

A Challenge to Societal Issues

We are reminded on a daily basis of disturbing societal issues like adult loneliness, teen anxiety from screen time, veteran suicide rates, families disconnected from each other, and nature deficit disorder.  We are also seeing AI create anxiety and manufactured experiences online that are driving a huge need for the authentic – real friends, real family, real nature, real exercise and real challenges.

And while  FlingGolf  was created for fun on the golf course, we are seeing the sport challenge each of these issues and more, in a natural, inherent and effective way.

I could quote National Golf Foundation  figures of current golfers (around 25 Million in the US) and what they call “latent golfers” (another 23 million), meaning those who would like to get out on the golf course, but haven’t taken the first step yet.  But I’d like to go even a step further and speculate on the even larger population that would just love to BE on a golf course  every now and then.  Say, just walking with friends or kids, meeting someone new in their community, or enjoying the wildlife, or the views, or even just getting AWAY from their computers or phones or stress from the office, or as a relief from PTSD or a way to address/manage a physical injury.

Golf courses, however, are not parks and until FlingGolf came along, the frustration and challenges of golf have kept more people off the course than on it: including those who never learned to play golf, injured veterans, kids who have become tied to their screens, and adults who quit or never played golf.

I think the best way to sum up what we've seen and heard from some of our players, is to have them say it for themselves. Here is a small collection of quotes from players that are grateful to be able to be on a golf course:

“I had a stroke on top of my PTSD from my service as a Green Beret. I could no longer skydive or golf due to the complications from the stroke.  My depression and anxiety went off the rocks and I no longer had an outlet. But French Scott introduced me to FlingGolf now I play almost every day and I am off all psychotropic medication. Long live FlingGolf!!! - Steve Phelps, Oklahoma

“I bought a FlingStick for my 16 year old son who is an avid lacrosse player.  He is not the best golfer but FlingGolf gives him confidence to play against me.  I enjoy the opportunity this has presented to allow the family to play golf together.” – Blake S (PA)

“I just bought two FlingSticks and my daughter and I went out to a driving range and had a blast. I am an above the knee amputee and have not been able to golf. I see that this will be a part of my life again. Thank you FlingGolf!” - Terri J (MI

“After not being able to play golf for 20 years because of back injuries, I am able to get back on the course with FlingGolf.” – Mike O. US Marine Corps

“It has been very difficult to get my daughter out of the house. She never seems to want to do anything outside. This past Saturday she reluctantly agreed (to play FlingGolf) and lo and behold we all had the greatest time. The icing on the cake was that I was able to play 9 holes (of golf) right beside her.” – Kevin G (MD)

“Thank you for extending my life with FlingGolf!.” Tom M, 82 (CA)

The difficulty of starting to play golf, getting off that first tee, or not having fun with it when you do, is what has kept millions of people from enjoying a golf course and the societal, psychological, physical and social benefits that come with it. We’ve seen that the simplicity of using a single FlingStick to be on and enjoy a golf course, to play with your friends, your kids, your parents, your old Army buddies: to enjoy a day outside in the sun, have an authentic real experience, become part of a community, challenge yourself and achieve new goals, has given new life and opportunity for many who would not have had it otherwise.

It turns out fun is important.  It’s also important that anyone and everyone has the chance to have fun.

View FlingGolf Adaptive Video