Disc Golf: A Hobby, Career, or Both?

Undoubtedly, disc golf has become much more popular during the pandemic. With a sudden increase in players, there has been a rise in competitiveness and a demand for more tournaments. This is because many of the pandemic-born players probably started playing recreationally, and like me, found an interest and passion in playing competitively. Players can play competitively for several reasons, but the end goal for many is becoming a sponsored, professional disc golf player.

Is it a Lucrative Occupation?

It is hard to narrow down the average salary of a professional disc golfer. Because it is much different from other sports leagues (like the NFL) where athletes are paid to play for a franchise. These athletes must still perform and promote for their team, but they make a steady salary based on their contracts. Unfortunately, this is not the case for disc golf, because the range of salaries significantly varies. Disc golfers that want to make a living solely off the sport must market themselves like a business. To explore if disc golf is a lucrative market, we will look at the different ways that current professional disc golfers make their money.

Tournament Winnings

One of the biggest incomes for professional disc golfers is tournament winning. According to PDGA, the top earning male professional Paul McBeth has earned a whopping $90,403; and the top earning female professional, Missy Gannon, earned $67,529 in the 2021 season. Considering that these are the best of the best professionals, they are playing in tournaments with the largest cash pools. Although these are livable salaries for the top players, the earnings drop drastically for players who place lower. The fifteenth highest male earner, Nikko Locastro, earned $30,607 and the fifteenth highest female earner, Ellen Widboom, earned only $12,070. This shows that only the top ten to twenty best elite series professionals earn a decent living off of their tournament winnings alone.

Ricky Wysocki at the 2020 Ledgestone Insurance Open

Sponsorships

Disc golfers often dream of becoming sponsored by disc companies like Discraft and Innova. Top pros like Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki have recently acquired million-dollar contracts by Discraft and Dynamic Discs, compared to lower-tier players that make approximately $1,000 - $5,000 per month. Although some companies will pay their players simply to be on their team, it is not guaranteed. Lots of sponsored pros will have their tournaments and travel fees paid for by their companies, which is extremely helpful as well. Nonprofessionals may also be sponsored, and will often receive free apparel, store vouchers, and sometimes cash, which is based on the amount of sales they bring in.

How to Become Sponsored

Getting sponsored by one of the top brands is a difficult feat. Discraft is very selective in their sponsorships and seek out players that can consistently perform. They currently sponsor ten elite-series professionals and forty-four professionals on their tour team. They have a team called Discraft Underground, which is filled with players who are rising players and prospective professionals. Disc companies are not the only ones that sponsor players; retail companies, accessory companies, and many other businesses are starting to sponsor players to promote their brand. Even low-level recreational players are beginning to get sponsored with the potential that they will bring in sales or recognition. To get sponsored, many players simply have to apply for these positions in the offseason. Other times, disc golfers have to be recognized by a company in hopes that they will be offered a spot on the team.

Other Income Avenues

Along with sponsorship salaries, professionals can also earn commission on their disc sales. For those who have a signature disc line, every disc sale will earn them a portion of the sale. This exact amount is unknown as it varies for each sponsored professional, but it has been rumored that previously mentioned Paul McBeth makes around four dollars for every signature disc sold; lower tier professionals will likely make less.

Lots of professionals are taking matters into their own hands and trying to make a living off social media, while they also play in tournaments. Top professions like Eagle create YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, and other media platforms to build their own brand. When these professionals start to gain a following, they are able to make money through advertisements, donations, and sales. Many will sell their own custom products through their channels. One example of this is Garret Gurthie who has his own company, DoubleG Craft Jerky. Others try to gain enough popularity to make money on sponsorship posts.

One of Pennsylvania’s local professionals, Daniel Brooks-Wells looks at different avenues to make income. He is notable for providing personal coaching session with clients who are willing to pay for his service. Along with these, he also does bigger paid coaching clinics, sometimes in collaboration with other professionals. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he is able to bring in some additional income.

Is it Possible to Make a Living Off the Sport?

After discussing all the possible avenues to make money in the disc golf industry, the short answer is yes. With the rising popularity and the growing market for disc golf, there will be many more professionals making disc golf their fulltime occupation. However, it takes years of experience, competitive finishes, hard work, and full dedication to make this happen. This is not an easy way to make a living, but it is well worth it for lots of players.