In this post we ask the readers whether they think they could have gone pro in disc golf if only things had been different. There is a case to be made for both sides of the argument. In the end, you have to decide what you think and pick a side. Then, look how others voted as well. Let’s get started!
“How much you wanna make a bet I could throw a football over them mountains?”
Uncle Rico (Napoleon Dynamite)
It’s hard to admit, but there’s a little Uncle Rico in all of us isn’t there? If we had done this or that differently… Or, better yet, if someone else had recognized our true genius in that pivotal moment, it would have triggered a chain reaction ultimately culminating in the world being able to recognize our true gifts. And a butterfly flaps its wings in Africa…
Watch Uncle Rico wax about how things would’ve been different… Then do the same for yourself!
But instead, here I am… you know what? Let’s skip the “instead” part of this story and just move on…
Still, unlike Uncle Rico and football, there’s a better case to be made for why some of us could have gone pro in disc golf. I’m going to make that case and then follow it up with a survey to see where you stand on the matter.
Together, we’ll figure out whether we are closer to the delusional Uncle Rico or if we might have had an argument for a chance to go pro if only things had been different…
The Case for Going Pro in Disc Golf
Until recently, I used to think that my best chance of going pro in a sport of consequence was a punter in football. I wasn’t particularly good at the sport of soccer but I took all the free kicks. That means I took the long goal kicks and the touch kicks to loft it over a defender’s shoulder onto my teammate’s foot…
I figured that if instead, I had dedicated my life to the art of punting, I might have had a shot of going pro…
Now, I wonder that same thing for disc golf. My logic is not bulletproof, however. I’ll lay out the case and let you poke holes in it at the end.
Go Pro in Disc Golf Point Number 1 – The Numbers Game
This is far and away the best case I have for any of us, myself included. The fact of the matter is that there were/are far fewer humans pursuing disc golf than a sport like basketball for example. With fewer participants, you would have far less talent/competition to go against. This increases your chances of being an impactful player exponentially. In fact, all other points I make relate to this one directly.
Go Pro in Disc Golf Point Number 2 – Athletes Went to Other Sports
Growing up playing soccer we had an absolute lock-down defender on our team at right fullback. He was faster, stronger, and tougher than all of us. He was also a year younger. So what did he do when he got to high school? He became the star running back for the football team. And you can’t really blame him. Football had a much higher draw.
And while disc golf does have an incredible pull for all of us, it’s no secret that until very recently, it was barely even on anyone else’s radar. As in, most people did not even know the sport even existed… And even if it was on their radar, it’s doubtful that many people would have chosen it as their top sport to pursue.
Simon Lizotte always says something to the effect of “The best ones always start young.” Well, realistically, at a young age the best athletes are going to be persuaded pursue other sports due to peer pressure, what they see on t.v., etc.
That leaves room for mediocre athletes (like me!) to slide in and make a run at it.
Go Pro in Disc Golf Point # 3 – There was Limited Money in Disc Golf
We live in a capitalistic society. Almost everything points directly to money. If there is a lot of money/fame to be had, it’s going to draw more people. It’s why Hollywood is full of actors waiting tables and basketball courts are full of kids jacking up 3-pointers.
Until recently, there really hasn’t been a lot of money to be made in disc golf. Consequently, very few people have been putting in the time/effort it might take to be a player of consequence.
As a result, the field is thinned and it would allow someone who is willing to put in the time to reap the rewards and increase their chances of making an impact in the sport.
Bottom Line: It all goes back to point number 1. There were far less players to compete against and that gives you a better chance.
The case Against Me (Us) Going Pro in Disc Golf
Where do I begin? There’s almost too many to list, but I’ll give a few…
- Athleticism – A lot of the players on the pro circuit were quite adept at other sports that they played growing up. There is a level of athleticism that one needs to be a professional in any sport. I’ll speak for myself but it’s doubtful that I would have anything approaching that level.
- Mentality – In addition to athleticism, one needs a strong mental game to endure the ebbs and flows of being a professional athlete. Personally, I don’t seem to possess that fortitude. Could it be different if I was brimming with confidence? Sure. But that’s a big if. It also ties into point number 3.
- Dedication – The amount of hours it takes day in and day out to attain a level even approaching that of the professionals (in any sport) is mind-numbing. Would I really be willing to put in that time, at such a young age, with the hope that I could some day be a pro? I don’t know, but it’s a tough sell…
That’s a little taster for you. I’ve tried to lay out both sides but I’m sure I missed many points as well. If there is something pressing that you want to add, put it in the comments below…
Survey: Could you have Gone Pro in Disc Golf?
It’s survey time folks! And as far as I know it’s anonymous.
You’ve seen some of the reasoning for both sides. You’ve had time to contemplate. Now it’s time to answer for yourself. Do you think you could have gone pro in disc golf? Within reason, try and factor in as many variables as you can. How mature were you as a kid? How dedicated would you have been? How athletic were you? How was your mental game? etc. Then, when you’re ready, cast your vote!
[ays_poll id=9]
My Answer to the Question
So, if you’ve read this far, I’m sure you want to know my answer as well. What did I vote? And while I don’t want to sway anyone else’s vote, I’m more inclined to give the people what they want!
In short, yes, I do think I could have gone pro IF I had started at a very young age and IF I had put in the time. And really, it all comes back to the fact that there were far fewer people in the sport. Also though, I think I would have had the raw tools to make some noise. Maybe I’m delusional. I probably am. And I’m sure you’ll set me straight.
Now do I think I would be a top-tier Wysocky/Pierce/Climo/McBeth type? Hell no. I just think I could have been in those top tournaments and cashed a fair amount.
Furthermore, if I had to guess, I bet a lot of you will also say the same thing! If I’m wrong, you’ll already know about it from the survey results. There were 3 answer options and that makes 33% the average. I take the over on the poll results. I bet over 40% of you will say they would have gone pro as well.
Will I be right? No idea. But I’m sure as hell curious…
Going Pro in Disc Golf – In Summary
Unless Kip and Uncle Rico upgrade their time machine, many of us will never know the answer to one of life’s great mysteries: Could we have gone pro in disc golf?
We do know, however, that the field was considerably more limited than that of most other sports.
But, would that, combined with starting disc golf at a young age and pursuing it, have been enough to push us over the edge?
I don’t know. I have my answer and you have yours but we’ll never know for sure. All we can do is speculate. And if you’ve taken that poll that’s exactly what you’ve done.
If you feel so inclined, let us know how you answered in the comments. Give your reasoning as well. Then let’s see where the disc golf community stands on whether or not they could have gone pro.
If things had only been different…
Thanks for reading everyone. I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say and seeing the results as well. While you’re here, please consider subscribing to the site. As of April, 2022, Disc Golf Around is a new site dedicated to all things disc golf. I’ve got big things planned and I welcome you along for the ride. In addition, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, comments or ideas on what you’d like to see written. In the meantime, be well, and we’ll see you out on the course.