Money talks
Disc Golf is considered a professional sport - at least in PDGA where tournaments have money prizes. What this means?
This means pro division players are playing for money. They pay entry fee to get into tournament and they try to qualify to top 1/3 to cash. Most of the purse is from players pockets. Most of the players are good friends. There are few touring players who competes 30 events in the 10-month long season. Few make living - most not.
I have faced following question many times in the last 2 years: Can you make living with playing Disc Golf?
Answer is: No I can´t, but I play for money. I can win money if I play well.
Money has always been there, from day one. Discussion how the money should divide or use has always been there, from day one.
We are playing for extremely small money for a professional sport. It´s a matter of tens and hundreds of dollars. In 2007 PDGA money list was won with $37,851. I know one guy who won more than $50,000 in ball golf this year. No, he is not a pro, actually he plays with 5,2 HC but he likes to bet casual rounds with his friends. He likes when there is some pressure for each round. He likes to PLAY.
Tiger woods does not play because of money. No, he has it too much already. He plays for titles, as all top200 golfers. They love to PLAY.
I love to PLAY disc golf. but not just for money.
What are you playing for?
January 11th, 2007 at 0:45
I play to compete, I love competition. When I went out on tour I wanted to travel the country and meet new people, Disc Golf was the vehicle for my dream. The fact that I could make money while doing this was a bonus.
Anybody who has ever played with me knows that I have fun first, and whatever happens, happens.
That is why my motto is, Live life to the fullest and have fun.
January 16th, 2007 at 6:27
I think this entry relates to a previous one about lack of TV coverage, which would bring in enough money to make it worth while for an athlete to try to make a living playing. To tour the country in HOPES of making $15,000 or $20,000 is an impossibility for most considering the costs of food, hotels, ect that are associated. Until there is more money and coverage, most players and the general public will view disc golf as what it is: a small niche sport not to be taken too seriously. Which is a shame because it is such a great sport to play and potentially watch.
March 6th, 2007 at 15:59
I’m new to disc golf but i think that it would be possible to play for a living. I play paintball pretty seriously and no one takes it as a sport. People are astounded when I tell them that there are 2 professional leagues and that a single player can make over $100,000 thru winngings and sponsorships. Im sure given enough time Disc Golf will become a big enough sport to have full time paid pro’s….
I play because It’s something my dad, little brother, Gf, her brother, and a couple of our friends enjoy doing together. For me its family/friend time.