How to Follow Professional Disc Golf
As any new year dawns, disc golfers begin to savor the thought of tournament season. When winter winds down, tournaments ramp up. Even the disc golfers among us who play casually and don’t compete still have professional disc golfers to follow and watch compete. Many of us have our favorite players and many others that we like to cheer. We are fortunate to have a sport that has top professionals that we can watch compete on videos or live, and still be approachable for autographs or to chat. That may change in the future. But, for now, it is common to run into pros as they warm up for a tournament. The more we see pros in person or on video, the more we find favorites and want to follow their career. The Internet provides several ways to do that.
In addition to the thrill of watching tournaments, there’s an exhilarating sense of community among disc golfers. Whether at a local event or a major championship, the shared enthusiasm for the sport binds players and fans together. It’s not uncommon to see groups of spectators exchanging tips, discussing strategies, or even trying out different discs during breaks in the action. This camaraderie enriches the overall experience, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of skill level. As more people discover disc golf, the community continues to grow, making each tournament not just a competition but a celebration of the sport.
Furthermore, technology has revolutionized how we engage with disc golf. Live streaming of tournaments has made it easier for fans to tune in from anywhere in the world, enjoying high-quality broadcasts that capture the excitement of each hole. Social media platforms allow fans to connect with their favorite players, receive updates in real time, and even participate in discussions about players’ performances and strategies. This digital interaction enhances fandom, making it not just about watching a game but being part of an ongoing conversation. With every tweet, post, or video, the accessibility of disc golf content helps to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the players’ skills and the nuances of the game.
Looking ahead, the future of disc golf appears promising as interest continues to surge. The possibility of more lucrative sponsorship deals and improved media coverage could elevate the sport to unprecedented heights. As professional players gain recognition akin to athletes in mainstream sports, it may become increasingly important for fan engagement to foster this growth. Innovations in tournament formats and fan interactions could reshape how we experience disc golf events, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts remain engaged. Embracing these changes while holding onto the core values of accessibility and community will be essential as we move into this exciting new era of disc golf. The upcoming tournament season holds endless potential for both players and fans alike, promising thrilling competitions and moments to remember.
Tournament Videos
There are a handful of popular YouTube channels that feature edited videos of tournaments around the world. The video quality and commentary are excellent. This is a great way to watch the top pros in disc golf. More recently, live video coverage is becoming an option for many of the biggest tournaments.
In addition to the larger production companies, there are smaller video companies that produce videos about local or regional tournaments. Those videos frequently feature players who are local pros.
Clinic Videos
As touring pros attend tournaments it is common for local clubs to pay them to run a clinic for the local club members. These clinics are then recorded and uploaded to YouTube for the greater disc golf community to enjoy. That allows us to seek out clinics with the pros that we want to follow and learn from.
Social Media
Many professional disc golfers have social media accounts that they post to for their fans, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Some even have their own website and YouTube channel. Search for your favorite players an see what options are available.
Live Scoring
If you don’t have time to watch a live event, but want to see the results in real time, there is the option of following your favorite pros by watching their live scores during an event on PDGA.com.
The scores update live. This is the perfect option if you want to follow the pros live, but are at work or busy and can’t watch live video.
Attend/volunteer at a Tournament
I’ve attended and volunteered at many upper-tier tournaments in the area, including Worlds in 2021. What a great opportunity to see the pros up close and watch them perform live. Keeping score for the pros lets you inside the rope and walk the entire course with that group. You will be helping the tournament run better while following the top players in the sport.
Plus, you’re in a good position after the round is finished to get an autograph or two.
While volunteering may take a bit more effort than watching a video, the payoff can be amazing!
Check Out The Pros!
It definitely makes our sport more interesting when we have people that we like to watch and cheer along. This article listed a few options you have to follow the pros that are the elite in our sport. Pick your favorites and see what they are up to!
