Disc golf: Why I’m fine with Brodie Smith’s takes

Many disc golfers hate Brodie Smith.

“Many” might not be the right word, but those who do tend to be vocal about it, at least. I’m not a die-hard fanboy of the guy, but I do enjoy his game and work – the content he puts out.

From where I’m sitting, it appears much of the widespread disdain for Brodie is fueled by the incessant stream of takes coming out of his Twitter account. And on all kinds of topics related to the game of disc golf: discs, rules, culture, trophies, self-governance, the role of the PDGA, etc.

I agree with some of them; I disagree with some of them.

Let it be known, though …

I’m fine with ALL of them.

Frustration over pace of play at the 2023 Worlds was the latest target of Smiths’ Twitter ire. If you were following along, admittedly, the tweets felt more fiery than normal. Some rushed to Brodie’s defense. Others pointed out he’d just missed the cut at Worlds, making the timing of Smith’s saltiness suspicious. There might be something to that – it could be a coincidence.

But you know what?

I couldn’t care less.

Here’s why …

For starters, Brodie’s a professional disc golfer – a feat that took him a whopping 15 minutes to achieve. At the same time, however, like every Pro Tour peep on the planet, he’s also a content creator. The only difference is that, unlike his peers, he actually knows what he’s doing.

Spoiler Alert: In the content game, if everything you say is aimed at mass appeal, you’ve totally missed the mark. That’s not to say he’s intentionally attempting to stir the pot, but admirably, if he thinks something, he says it. As a Tour Card-carrying disc golfer, his insights are valuable.

Which leads me to my second point …

Whether you agree with him or not, it’s refreshing to hear disc golfers speak their minds. More guys (and gals) should do this – even the crazies. On a macro-level, professional disc golf is in a unique place. The sport’s small, but it’s growing. Things are changing – and rapidly, at that.

With that in mind, there’s both room for and a need for comments like Brodie’s. Embrace the good. Kick the bad to the curb. To act like you have to wholeheartedly opine one way or the other on all the guy’s stuff is to paint yourself into the corner of some sick false dichotomy.

Resist the urge.

But let’s operate from a worst-case scenario …

Let’s say his takes, opinions or complaints somehow cause you great mental, physical or emotional harm. You don’t live with the guy, Janice or his devout legion of corgis – just mute, block and move along with your life. Furthermore, I hate to break it to you, but the ruckus your impassioned, Brodie-bashing social media posts ignite isn’t furthering your cause …

On the contrary, in fact.

Green Splatter trades in takes.

I get the hustle.

If you follow Brodie with the intent to agree with everything he says, you’re in for a massive letdown. Conversely, if you’re okay with loving some ideas, completely rejecting others and largely remaining indifferent (meh) with most of ‘em, get ready for a can of cool beans.

You’ll do just fine.

This shouldn’t be your first digital rodeo, but if it is …

Welcome to the internet: Differing brains abound.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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