Not every disc golfer on earth is Paul McBeth, Ricky Wysocki or Eagle McMahon. We’ve heard these guys’ stories. They’re everywhere. We know what they’re about. We know what they do.
Sometimes, though, it’s refreshing to hear about somebody (relatively) new to the sport who’s making serious moves in disc golf. Somebody who’s taken a hobby and isn’t only making some impressive cash on the weekend, but is attracting the attention of big-name sponsors …
Somebody like Kesler Martin.
No, he might not be the “sexiest” name in the game, but the dude could whoop your butt up and down just about any course on the planet. Incredibly, he’s only been competing for a few years.
I recently sat down with Martin to ask him a few questions ahead of the 2022 season …
Here’s how it went down:
For our readers who don’t know you, who are you, exactly? How were you introduced to the game of disc golf? Also, how did you make it to where you are today as a member of Team Innova and Team Infinite?
“Hello, Green Splatter readers! My name is Kesler Martin. I work for Infinite Discs as a creative director and am sponsored by Innova Discs. My PDGA number is 88497, and I’m currently the highest-rated player in Utah.
“My disc golf journey (or passion) started when I was around the age of 10. My father took me out to Riverpark Disc Golf Course in Riverdale, Utah. I didn’t take the plunge into disc golf, however, until I returned home from a two-year religious mission for my church in 2016.
“I moved up to Logan, Utah that Fall for school and immediately applied for a job at Infinite.
“Once I had worked there for a bit, the owner approached me saying I should play in a tournament. I played in two or three amateur events before realizing I wanted to play for cash instead of merchandise. I placed at a tournament soon after and never looked back.
“I then got involved with Innova Discs after working at Infinite for a couple years. We had (and still have) a good relationship with them, so a coworker asked them about me. They picked me up to be a member of their Ambassador Team.”
You were recently promoted from Innova’s ‘Ambassadors’ team to their ‘Sponsored’ team, correct? What brought that about?
“Indeed! During my end-of-year ambassador report in July of 2021, I asked for the promotion, because I felt I was qualified for that sponsorship level. At that time, I was injured and had been going through a rough patch competitively, so Innova said it wasn’t in the cards …
“However, they noticed how I performed at the end of the 2021 season. I won two B-tiers and took second at an A-tier. These finishes led Innova to make that original request a reality.”
Speaking of Innova, there’s been a great deal of movement this off-season from Team Innova to other manufacturers. Any idea as to why? Furthermore, in your opinion, what still makes Team Innova the best team to throw for?
“Honestly, I don’t know. If I had to speculate, I would say they don’t need (or want) to be paying for high-profile players when their brand is already selling massive quantities of discs. I feel they will need these kinds of players eventually, but just not at this time. I’ve never been on another team before, but I know that I’m treated well and their discs are still the best in the game.”
As far as the 2022 season is concerned, what will your tournament schedule look like? Any plans to go full-time in the near future? What are your specific goals for the season?
“Schedule-wise, in 2022, I plan to take part in at least 15 events. A few of the more notable ones include the Masters Cup, Beaver State Fling and Idaho State Disc Golf Championship.
“I’ll probably start competing later in the year than I ever have before. I am done with playing in colder, more inconsistent weather. I’ve signed up for the Las Vegas Challenge later this month, but I’m most likely going to drop.
“And if I could live comfortably both physically and financially while touring, I would 100% go on tour for at least a year to try it out. Unfortunately, that’s just not in the cards right now. For this season, my goals are to stay the highest-rated player in Utah, get my forehand shot more dialed-in and perhaps make it to USDGC this year.”
This’ll be an easy one: What are your top three go-to molds in your bag? Either Innova or Infinite Discs is fine …
“The Thunderbird, Coyote and Aviar or Nova.
“The Star Thunderbird is the epitome of control and distance. The Star Coyote is my go-to and best, straight-flying mid. I’ve used the Aviar since day one, and I haven’t found anything better.
“The Nova is nearly the same mold, and I use them for throwing.”
What advice would you give to somebody hoping to one day become a professional disc golfer like yourself?
“It takes time. I didn’t get to this point – and neither will you – without making lots of time for practice on the course and in the field. This also translates to competing. You will need to play in tons of tournaments to get used to tournament play and its pressures.”
Last one, man: How can our readers support you and your touring efforts?
“You can send me a friend request on Facebook and follow me at @km4rt_special on Twitter and Instagram. Also, check out my Star Wraith from last year – they’re all listed at 173 grams.
“Finally, be on the lookout for my Infinite Discs 2022 Tour Series disc to drop soon.”
If you follow disc golf seriously, keep an eye out for Kesler …
In his short career, he’s made noise. In 2022, he’ll make plenty more of it out on the course.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
