After discovering Disc Golf by accident, Paul Taurgrasso turned a casual curiosity into a lifelong passion that transformed his health and brought his entire family together.
Disc Golf isn’t just a sport for 72-year-old Paul Taurgrasso. It’s his reset button, his bonding time and favorite way to stay active. The New Yorker has been competing for 20 years, and it all started with an accidental encounter at Beaver Island State Park.
“My wife Angie and I were tossing a beach frisbee around when we saw people throwing discs into baskets. We had never seen the game before, but it instantly intrigued us,” Paul said.
A few days later, while wandering the aisles of Walmart, Paul stumbled upon three disc golf starter sets: one for him, his wife and their son. Their first rounds? “Oh, terrible!” he laughed. “But it was just so fun.”
That fun never faded. Through the years, Paul has continued with the sport, never playing a round without carrying a special memento: a mini frisbee he and Angie gave out as favors at their wedding.
After retiring from the Coast Guard, Paul found himself struggling with weight gain. What began as a casual pastime quickly became a powerful tool for reclaiming his health—both physically and mentally. “Breathing the fresh air, getting away from the noise—it’s good for your head,” he said.
Now, disc golf is a multi-generational tradition. His children play. Their children play. It’s become the glue that bonds their family together. One of his most treasured memories? “The first time I saw my kids playing the game I love. That was an ‘aha’ moment.”
What keeps him competing in tournaments year after year is the camaraderie. “The people here are incredible,” he said. And to those who think they’re too old to pick up something new, Paul has simple advice: “You’re never too old.” To the next generation? “Just have fun.”
By: Gabi Mercurio
