If Luke Humphries hadn’t taken fourth at the Las Vegas Challenge and second at WACO, would Ultiworld and Charlie Eisenhood have had him on “The Upshot” podcast? Heck, would we have peppered his inbox with emails for a week to get him onboard for this feature article?
It’s hard to say, really …
On the one hand, you have a guy who’s well-known within the greater disc golf community. Luke’s not only the host of “OTB Tour Series Skins,” but of GK Pro’s “Go Throw Show,” too.
And on the other, you’ve got a dude who’s a legitimate disc golf talent. By and large, though, he’s not been known for it until now. Remember: Amongst a host of other golf-centric accolades, Humphries is the 2018 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Champion …
That’s a big deal.
However you perceived Luke in the past or will perceive him in the future, one thing’s certain:
The dude leads a maximized life – disc golf stands at the center of it.
See for yourself:
Is your real name ‘Lucas,’ by chance? That’s mine, so I have to ask – I’ve shunned ‘Luke’ my whole life …
“It is not, no. I’m a straight-up ‘Luke.’
“We would’ve been twinsies …”
We’ll start with the obvious one: When compared with last season, the quality of your play has skyrocketed – and fast. What changed?
“Less distraction, more focus and more belief.
“I know that’s three things, but all of them are key to that answer …
“I had roles at GK Pro that were distracting me. I had a relationship that I was trying to figure out on the road. It’s been figured out now a little more. My girlfriend Angie’s with me, and we were just trying to understand how the stresses of van life worked — how she could do stuff and feel useful. So yeah, less distractions with commentary and in life.
“And because of that, more focus.
“My belief in myself was based on experiences I’d had on the Pro Tour already. More personal experiences with the players I was trying to compete with, as well. A lot of people don’t get that.
“It was a huge part of my learning curve — being able to play practice rounds with Kevin Jones and Calvin Heimburg. I was able to beat them, occasionally. That helped me believe that I had what it takes to compete out here.”
With respect to your individual disc golf skills, what’s lacking the most?
“I don’t think I lack anything to win.
“I could use more power, though. I think that’s one thing everybody tries to get more of. But people don’t realize that when you strive for more power, you give up other things. Really, I don’t think it’s that important to get more distance than I already have.
“I’d have to go with more experience on the top stage — basically, what I was getting at WACO. If I could get more of that, I think that would improve my confidence in the situations that I’m planning on putting myself in.”
Hands down, out on the course, what do you do better than Kevin Jones?
“That’s not an easy question …
“Kevin Jones does a lot of things really well — most of them, in fact.
“Obviously, there’s nothing that I do better than Kevin Jones. Our forehands are both as good as our backhands. We throw both when a hole calls for them — not when we feel like it. It’s a 50-50 game with us both, I think.
“I don’t know, man …
“I think a spin putt, maybe? But he’s developed a spin putt in the past. I’ve probably been able to play in windy conditions more than him, though. So maybe a little more experience there with crazy headwind putts or whatever it might be — sidewind putts, too.
“My putting style lends itself to being a little more versatile, I’d say.”
Putting, approaching, forehand and backhand: I need four different names – which MPO pro are you taking for each?
“I’m going to go with Matt Bell for putting. I’ve seen it firsthand so many times. He’s disgusting, man. Baskets need to be put on watch anytime he’s within a hundred. So yeah, I’m going with him for putting.
“For forehand, I’m taking Albert Tamm. I witnessed it today, and it just reminded me of how phenomenal his forehand is — it’s elite, for sure.
“Backhand …
“Man, there are so many good backhand players out there. I think I’m going with Bradley Williams, because it looks like he’s doing it effortlessly. He’s got the cleanest angles in the game.
“Okay, so that’s Matty Bell, Albert Tamm and Bradley Williams — who’s also got sneaky distance, by the way. And then you said ‘approaching,’ right? I’ve got to go with Ricky Wysocki.
“He’s the best scrambler in the game. You put him in a hundred of the craziest situations, and he’s getting up and down more than anybody else. You’re not going to find many people who disagree with that one.”
What’s the single-most impressive thing you’ve ever seen on a disc golf course?
“Man, honestly, I count myself honored to have witnessed some of the best frisbee shots in the world, but still — Kevin Jones’ slip-ace has to be it. It was the purest shot I’ve ever seen, dude.
“It really was. Mid-flight, I called it three different times before it hit chains. I could instantly tell it was going in — anybody could tell, and he was 500-something feet from the pin …
“That was amazing; that one was insane. And miraculously, he didn’t get hurt — it looked nasty, though. Maybe he got a scratch or something I don’t know about, but we played another round right after that. He was completely fine.”
Fill in the blank: ‘If I weren’t a professional disc golfer, I’d be a __________.’
“Shipping and packaging supply salesman.
“That’s what I went to school for in Dallas, while kind of turning into a professional disc golfer. I still have that job, actually. I currently work for Sigma Supply, and I have clients in the Dallas, Kansas and Arkansas areas.
“I suppose if I wasn’t doing this, I’d be putting a little more effort in over there.”
How much do you hate being known as the ‘host guy’ in disc golf circles? Or, do you not hate it at all?
“Nah, I really don’t care much …
“It’s a bit ego-driven, but as long as people understand that I’ve still got some game, it’s not a problem. Besides, the skins stuff isn’t about me — not at all. That’s what I’m trying to make known — that’s also why I don’t play.
Luke Humphries is better at disc golf than you think he is.
— Green Splatter (@GreenSplatter) January 5, 2022
“It’s about the players who are on highlighting their unique personalities and characteristics. Viewers get to watch how they go about disc golf — that’s cool. I’m fine being known as a host, but I’m also going to show people my game this year and plan to continue to do that.”
You interview people all the time: As you see it, who is the most interesting person in disc golf?
“Boy, that’s another good question …
“We’ve got so many good personalities in disc golf.
“There are some young guns who are disc golfers — that’s what they’ve been their entire lives. I think some of the more interesting guys are the ones who came into it later on in life, though …
“Matt Bell, for example, was a surfer before disc golf. He’s also a super interesting cat. He is deep like a well; he’s got layers like an onion. He’s a good buddy of mine, too. So I’ll go with him, but real quick, I want to throw another name out there …
“James Conrad is also really interesting.
“He’s a ‘more-than-meets-the-eye’ kind of guy, you know? He’s pretty unassuming out on the course, but he’s mega-competitive — you find that out when you play board games with him or watch him juggle. I don’t think you can become as good at juggling as he is without being wildly competitive and driven.
“He has the best hand-eye coordination of anybody out here on tour, too. And you catch him reading a new book basically every day. I mean, he wakes up and reads. He’s constantly pounding literature. He’s very knowledgeable, but he’d never rub your face in it, either …
“That’s not James.”
How are disc golfers chosen for the ‘OTB Tour Skins’ series? Also, are they paid for just showing up? If so, how much?
“That’s a group effort from GK Pro …
“I have some say in it, but it’s nothing that one of us decides — we all think about it. We make sure players mesh on camera. We want to show people new faces and new personalities. But the show has to be entertaining for viewers — that’s the biggest thing.
“At the end of the day, it’s a for-profit business. We want to make sure our content gets views, so we put some big names on there, as well as some new names, and try to make sure everybody gels — that leads to good material.
“And no, nobody gets paid for just showing up …
“I think some guys have media bonuses — that’s something they’ve negotiated with their manufacturer, distributor or whomever that might be. So for some, because it’s disc golf and because it’ll get around 100,000 views, just being there gets them paid.
“Without naming names, Discraft does that with some of their players, I believe.
“But no, we don’t do any of that. If you want to become a ‘professional disc golfer’ on Tour Series Skins, you’ve got to show up and actually win some skins.”
Prediction time: Who is going to hit the massive ‘OTB Tour Skins’ ace? What course will they do it on? Which hole? And lastly, what year?
“Crap, let me think about what we’ve got …
“Okay, I think I’m actually going to be able to do this:
“I’m going with the 15th hole at Jonesboro. It’s the hole Simon Lizotte and Garrett Gurthie both aced a few years back — it’s a short one. It’s also one of the only ace runs on that course — it’s in three or four weeks. And I’ll go with 2022, as well.
“So my answer is 2022, Jonesboro, hole No. 15 — and who’s going to ace it? Man, I don’t even know who’s going to be in on that skins match. By doing this, I’m going to have to try and make sure my answer is on the show …
“Okay, here we go, here we go — Kevin Jones.
“He’s going to play a bunch of skins matches this year. And while I don’t 100% know if he’s going to play Jonesboro, I think it’s a safe enough assumption that he is …
“Man, if he hits it, that’d be epic.”
Where did your fedora come from?
“It’s from a store called Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, Kan.
“It’s a Stetson — a Stetson Open Road, to be more specific.
“I think the guy who owns the shop is a hat maker — or his dad’s a hat maker. I can’t quite remember. Whatever the case, this dude’s got so many sick hats in that place. I visit the shop every time I’m around.
“I think I got the little beaded band that I put on there in Arizona, maybe? And then the feather came from somewhere else. The whole hat’s kind of been a collaboration. But the hat itself came from Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, Kan.”
Also, speaking of looks, what happened to your mustache and long hair?
“I’ve never been one to continue having the same look …
“The mustache was not something I wanted to be known for — like, at all. It was a COVID joke that went a little too far — way too far. I know people liked it, and it became endearing, but it’s just not for me …
“I don’t want to have ice cream in my mustache for the rest of my life.”
How did you and Hogan form such a lasting friendship?
“I got him when he was three months old …
“Immediately, he never left my side.
“Taking him out on the disc golf course without a leash was something we did at an early age. Everybody asks if he’s always been so chill — the answer is ‘yes.’ He’s been laid back since we first got together — he literally just follows me around wherever I go …
“And now he loves my friends, as well.
“I think his top-four favorites have to be Kevin Jones, James Brad, Paige Pierce and Nate Perkins. He goes crazy when he sees them. To be honest, he’s more of a person than he is a dog. He’s got facial expressions, attitude and personality …
“He’s one of us — that’s my dude.”
Last one: What’s the one thing you hope to accomplish most during the 2022 season? Be specific, if you could …
“The top eight seeds get a bye to the semifinals of the Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship. To be a part of that is something I’d have to work hard to accomplish. And the match play format is something I really want to be involved with in a meaningful way …
“If I’m able to have a couple more good finishes, it looks like I can get to that point — top eight or 16 or whatever is needed. So yeah, to get into the Pro Tour finale would be awesome. I’ve never been there. I’ve been a ‘bubble boy’ twice, and that doesn’t feel good at all …
“I can do it.”
After speaking with Luke, color me a believer …
He really can do it – and if the start of this season is any indication, he will do it, too.
Disc golf’s a better place with Luke Humphries a major part of it.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Hogan once came to my dads house about 7 years ago and refused to leave….Luke had 2 pick him up and carry him out. True story 😉
That’s freaking awesome …
Just a people’s dog, right?
Myself, I’m not a huge pet person …
But I do love what animals do for people, and it does seem like there aren’t many better than Hogan 🙂
Good stuff, we love Luke!
You and me both, Donny!
Excited to see him doing BIG things out on tour right now 🙂
Luke is a direct reflection of his family and the way he was raised, kudos to his parents for the foundation which has produced such a kind ,driven intellectual, and all around awesome dude 😎
Thanks for reading, Jonathan!
Don’t know much about his family or upbringing, but man …
You’re probably spot-on with that one – just a great guy who’s doing SO MUCH for disc golf!
Great interview! Luke is an exceptional human, and an exceptional disc golfer. I always look forward to what’s next for him.
Miss ya man! Hope to see you sooner then later buddy! ✌️😊 … (Backflip and I’ze out!)
Sounds like you know him, personally …
Very cool, Nick – thanks for reading!
We’ll all be pulling for Luke out on the Pro Tour this year 🙂