Never in the history of professional disc golf has there been a more hated player than Brodie Smith. Making things even crazier, the guy’s literally been playing the sport since December of 2019. For a game that prides itself on growth, there sure are some conflicting messages here …
To a certain degree, the widespread dislike can be understood.
While guys like Ezra Aderhold lived out of a Toyota Prius en route to becoming the golfer he is today, Brodie Smith threw no-look frisbee shots into trash cans, married an ex-Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and seemingly screamed his way into a contract with Discraft and disc golf career.
And yes, there’s a hint of hypocrisy from a guy who bashes on the importance of player ratings, only to have a high-priced disc release built entirely around becoming a 1,000-rated professional.
There. I said it.
Feel better now?
The reality is that Brodie’s a gifted athlete who’s done more in two years of disc golf than I have in over a decade of dedicated play. Yes, his starting point was higher than mine, but if he really sucked at our sport, breathe easy, friends …
He would’ve been exposed as an imposter long ago.
Instead, to date, he’s accomplished plenty both on and off the course:
- He’s a 1,000-rated player – no small feat for anybody who’s tried.
- He finished top-25 in four National Tour events during the 2021 season.
- He’s introduced disc golf to a younger, more Ultimate-interested fanbase.
- He’s ushered in a player-first, manufacturer-second way of approaching the pro game.
This is all fine and dandy, but what I actually admire about the guy is that he’s himself.
I’m Back pic.twitter.com/JZs4UQQNx1
— Brodie Smith (@Brodiesmith21) January 6, 2022
In a small, dialed-back sort of way, disc golf is entering an age of “player empowerment.”
Contracts are bigger. Dollar amounts are public. There are many touring players, but few high-ticket sponsorship gigs. This is new for disc golf. And because of it, some of your favorite pros will bypass their actual identities to build one they think will earn ‘em Ricky-level money.
In the age of likes, shares and retweets, they might be onto something.
Brodie’s loud. The first time I watched him in this JomezPro clip, I had to turn on closed captioning. It was just too much. Brodie’s also happy to share his opinions. And with passion.
And maybe when people don’t want to hear them. Or disagree with them. But who said you needed years of disc golf experience to have (and share) an opinion on a sport you love?
Nah, I’m not about that …
Say what you like about Mr. Smith, but as for me and my house, there will be no Brodie-bashing.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
