The sport is called FlingGolf, and supporters say it’s making golf more accessible for people of all ages, skill levels and physical abilities.
“FlingGolf is another way of playing the sport of golf,” said French Scott, a Tulsa-area player and ambassador for the sport. “Instead of hitting the ball, you’re able to throw it with a stick. You play alongside traditional golfers using the same course, the same holes, the same ball, the same scoring.”
Scott discovered FlingGolf after seeing it featured on ESPN a little more than a year ago. He wanted a way to enjoy the golf course without feeling intimidated by traditional golf.
“I thought I might give that a try,” Scott said. “I was afraid people were going to think it was weird, but once I got out there, it was easy to pick up, and it was fun.”
Since then, Scott has become one of the sport’s biggest advocates in Oklahoma, helping introduce dozens of people to FlingGolf and building a local community of about 25 to 30 regular players.
He says one of the biggest advantages is accessibility.
“It’s getting people out on the golf course that wouldn’t typically be there,” Scott said. “Families can play together. Someone can play alongside their father, child or spouse without needing years of experience or an expensive set of clubs.”
Scott compares the relationship between golf and FlingGolf to skiing and snowboarding.
“They’re different sports, but they can share the same course,” he said.
For Steve Phelps, FlingGolf became much more than just a new hobby.
Phelps suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in 2023 that left the left side of his body paralyzed. Although he regained much of his mobility, he no longer had the grip strength needed to swing a golf club.
“I thought I’d never be able to play golf again,” Phelps said.
After meeting Scott, Phelps decided to give FlingGolf a chance.
“I didn’t think it sounded athletic enough at first,” he admitted. “But once I tried it, I loved it.”
Now, the 72-year-old plays nearly every day.
“It improves my mood, gives me something to look forward to and helps my mental health,” Phelps said. “I’m pretty much off a lot of the medication I was taking, and I love it.”
He says the sport has given him confidence, exercise and a renewed sense of purpose.
“There’s not many things I’m getting better at in my 70s,” Phelps said. “But I’m getting better at FlingGolf, and that puts a smile on my face every day.”
Scott hopes stories like Phelps’ encourage others to give the sport a try.
“It’s exciting to see people’s lives change,” Scott said. “Whether they’re losing weight, recovering from an injury, or just finding a new way to spend time with family, FlingGolf is opening the game to more people.”
Scott hosted a World League FlingGolf regional tournament at The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge in Sand Springs on Aug. 1, bringing players from across the country to Green Country. But he says the real goal is growing awareness of a sport that continues to gain momentum.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Scott said. “Once people try it, they usually want to get back out on the course as soon as they can.”
