We find ourselves at an interesting point in the history of disc golf – more specifically, professional disc golf. The sport’s roots are firmly entrenched in the “hippie hobby” scene. Nowadays, however, guys (and gals) at the highest level dedicate their entire lives to the game.
They live out of cars – small buses, if they’re lucky. They sell discs, put on clinics and market their sponsors’ gear on social media to make ends meet. And, of course, they go “balls to the wall” at local- and national-level tournaments to pocket enough cash to keep on touring …
Diet, exercise and training: It’s ALL part of the hustle.
Disc golf is serious business.
It’s taken years, but the shift from tie-dye to necktie has been hard on fans – this is especially true when it comes to the way disc golf media covers the professionals they adore. Mainstream sports do this all the time: If athletes struggle or underperform, they’re held accountable for it.
It’s nothing personal – this is what the media does. And remember: These are professional athletes. Nobody’s taking shots at Juniors-level golfers. Still, you have fans that aren’t yet ready for the “peace, love and save the whales” vibes disc golf’s been known for to go away entirely.
It’s been an adjustment for Pro Tour players, too …
Remember this tweet?
@sockibomb13 is in for a rude awakening! Now that the spotlights on him he will find out what a real TMZ reporter is like. Hope he can toughen up https://t.co/Uaqh6paGSt
— Devin (@BogeyDisc) January 23, 2022
If Ricky Wysocki thinks Foundation Disc Golf’s coverage of the pro scene is on-par with TMZ, he’s not ready for what’s coming his way in five years’ time. That goes for Austin Hannum, too. Or Catrina Allen. Or whomever: If you want to be taken seriously as a professional athlete, stop tossing around the “TMZ” label – the extra attention you’re receiving is just part of the gig …
If you want out, THOUSANDS will happily take your place.
There’s a new “gripe” that’s started to take shape, though …
One that comes at the (literal) intersection of fans and pros: TIME.
For decades, professional disc golf was approachable – painfully approachable. Heck, you had (and still have) guys sleeping on pull-out couches at the homes of tournament directors.
But it extended beyond that kind of thing: endless autographs, free clinics, showing up at league nights, attending a fan’s cousin’s niece’s birthday party – it was all part of the “touring pro” gig.
The fact you even have to say this is insane. I went to the masters and didn’t see one athlete sign. Spectators pay to watch the event not be guaranteed interaction.
— Drew Gibson (@DrewGibsonn) May 31, 2022
I’ve been to a million sporting events and never asked or expected an athletes time for my price of admission.
For as much as you want the “family feeling” to continue at our sport’s highest level, $4 million over four years puts some strain on the upkeep of that relationship – BTW, that’s the bones of Ricky’s contract with Dynamic Discs. Manufacturers require time. Sponsors require time. Personal branding requires time. Travel requires time. Practice requires time.
The list goes on and on (and on) …
So, what’s getting cut?
Easy: Interacting with fans on social media – and most other things having to do with ‘em.
Whether you like it or not, for professional disc golfers, time is money – as fans, we have to respect that. For them, disc golf is more than a way to unwind after work, drop a few unwanted holiday pounds or take the dog for a walk without dying of boredom – it’s their livelihood.
Let’s not forget it.
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