Call it a game, hobby, or passion, but when top players in an outdoor “activity” start signing multi-million sponsored contracts, it’s time to take a closer look. Whatever you consider disc golf to be, the mainstream media are seeing it more and more as a professional level sport. Resulting in growth of the sport and opportunities to earn a living within the disc golf world.
In this article we look at a few top sport companies feeding the fanatics of disc golf with both merchandise and media. Will bring you up to speed on the basics of disc golf and provide you with opportunities that exist in the top companies looking to #GrowTheSport. Combined with these assets and your desire to get started in the sports industry, you’ll be ready to take action towards your dream career.
Why Disc Golf?
With national organizations (PDGA.com), regional tournaments, and local leagues, Disc Golf could be the next emerging sport. Perhaps even following rock climbing to the olympics.
“How much can athletes really make in niche sports? A whole lot more than you might think. Disc golfer Paul McBeth set a new standard by signing an eight-figure endorsement contract—and his deal might only be the beginning.” By David Gardner Jun 21, 2021
But what’s that all mean for you? If you’re looking for a way to break into the professional sports industry, perhaps looking for opportunities in an emerging sport is the ticket to a budding career.
Brief History of Disc Golf
Disc golf arguably started in the 1960’s, with the invention of the frisbee and several patents developed representing what we know today as a basket. It took hold in 1975 when the first disc golf tournament was held at the world frisbee games.
But don’t call it frisbee golf if you want a job at one of these companies. Read up a bit more on the history of disc golf at the official organization for the sport here: PDGA Disc Golf History.
What Is Disc Golf?
Now that you have some history on the sport it’s time to learn the basics. No one wants to hire a “greenhorn”. You’ll be expected to know a bit about the rules, disc types, and major players in the sport. So let’s get you a quick background and then jump over to DiscGolfDash.com for more beginner tips and tricks.
Disc golf is a game where players attempt to make the least amount of throws to get their disc into the basket. Similar to regular ball golf, the player will start at a tee box and drive the disc as far as possible down the course towards the green. The player with the fewest throws at the end of a 9 or 18 hole game, also known as a round, wins the game!
One of the things we love about disc golf is that it is so approachable by anyone. With very little equipment, and the basic ability to walk the course (great exercise), any age, athletic ability, and skill set can try their hand at a round of disc golf. It’s an awesome way to spend a beautiful day with family or friends…and perfect for a semi-active date with your significant other.
How To Get Started Disc Golfing
Disc golf requires very little to get started. However, discs specific for the sport should be purchased as a regular frisbee does not fly as far and will not fit in the basket (hole) as easily.
Most sporting goods stores offer a limited selection of discs but they can also be purchased online. Although not necessary, it’s an ideal sport to take food and beverage, sun screen, a towel, and possibly a few other items to make the experience more enjoyable.
For more background, basics, tips, and getting started with the sport, check out this beginners guide here: Disc Golf 101: Beginners Guide to Get You Started
How “Big” Is Disc Golf?
If you’ve never heard of Disc Golf you might not think there is much opportunity to break into the sport industry through this emerging sport. But that is exactly the angle we are taking here. With thousands of courses readily available and new one’s being built everyday this sport is taking the backyard enthusiast and making them into professional athletes with a flick of the wrist.
Sure you can focus your efforts on getting in the NBA, NFL, or MLB, and ultimately that may be your goal. But the mainstream sports are competitive and often require some type of experience. Disc golf offers an opportunity to those fresh out of college looking for that foot in the door.
Top Sports Companies in Disc Golf Who Are Hiring
Ok at this point you should have the basics of Disc Golf under your belt. It’s time to join the foray and get your resume up to spec. Below are the promised opportunities for you to be the next award winning announcer, promoter, or perhaps product development and marketing are more your speed.
Regardless, not only are these the top companies in the Disc Golf world, they all offer a wide variety of opportunities for you to break into the sport industry and get that much needed experience for wherever you decide to take this budding career. Obviously these opportunities will change over time, so be quick, but even so, keep an eye on their career sites to land a sweet job with an awesome disc golf company.
Innova Discs, Inc.
Innova Discs is the largest and most popular manufacturer of sporting equipment for the sport of Disc Golf. Founded in 1983 they revolutionized the disc golf industry and continue to innovate year after year. Known for their quality service and performance customers rely on. They are definitely one of the top 3 respected companies in the industry.
Based out of Ontario, Ca. Innova is always looking for individuals that have a positive attitude, excellent work ethics, and are interested in joining a team of dedicated professionals.
Services Provided:
Innova is a leader in Disc Golf Disc design, manufacturing, and marketing. Along with this staple product they offer course design and development. Included in these two main services are a plethora of merchandising opportunities and event sponsorship. Innova has professional disc golfers on their roster including US and international stars of the sport.
Current Opportunities:
- Creative Copywriter – Remote
- Machine Operators – Various Shifts
- Marketing Coordinator – Remote
- Warehouse Associate – Ontario, Ca.
Benefits Offered:
- Health Insurance: Medical, and Dental Plan
- Paid Holiday, Paid Sick Days, and Paid Time Off
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Retirement Saving Plan (401K)
Career Site: https://www.innovadiscs.com/career-opportunities/
Disc Golf Pro Tour, (DGPT.com)
The Pro Tour was founded with one primary goal: create a stage on which Disc Golf’s best athletes can showcase their skills, where fans can be social and enjoy watching together, and to bring kids into the sport at an increasing rate because they have heroes to look up to that play a game they love. In order to do this, the premier events in disc golf needed to be organized into a geographically sensible tour, needed to focus on our best athletes, and needed to put forward a product worthy of watching.
Based out of Jeffersonville, VT and Florida. DGPT has an open application along with specific roles currently available.
Services Provided:
DGPT partners with several industry leaders in the Disc Golf world…including the one above, Innova. Dedicated to the promotion and growth of professional disc golf through the administration of the Pro Tour, a series of elite disc golf tournaments across North America. They own and operate the Disc Golf Network, which manages and produces media associated with DGPT events and PDGA Majors. With a focus on teamwork, innovation, and collaboration to achieve our goals this would be a great opportunity to network and get your resume some of that much needed experience.
Current Opportunities:
- DGPT Human Resources Administrator – Remote
- Social Media and Digital Marketing Coordinator – Remote
- Media Coordinator – Remote & Travel
Benefits Offered:
- Health Insurance: Medical, and Dental Plan
- Paid Holiday, Paid Sick Days, and Paid Time Off
- Retirement Saving Plan (401K)
Career Site: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/dgpt
Udisc.com
UDisc, LLC, was co-founded by Matt Krueger and Josh Lichti, two computer engineers who bonded over coursework and disc golf at Iowa State University. After humble beginnings as a hobby project built to map disc golf courses in Minnesota, Matt and Josh left their corporate day jobs to pursue UDisc as a full-time endeavor.
It has since grown to be loved by disc golfers worldwide as a resource for keeping score, improving their game, and, still, finding courses – just a bit farther beyond the confines of the Twin Cities area
Services Provided:
UDisc is an all-in-one disc golf app that provides a variety of services to disc golf enthusiasts around the world. With its easy-to-use interface, users can quickly find and review courses, track scores, and connect with other players.
The app also offers in-depth statistics and analysis, allowing players to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. UDisc also provides a unique feature for tournament directors, allowing them to run events smoothly and efficiently with automated scoring and live leaderboards. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, UDisc has something to offer for everyone in the disc golf community..
Current Opportunities:
- Freelance Blog Contributor – Remote
- Engineer Intern – Remote
- Full Stack Web Engineer – Remote
- Customer Success Specialist – Remote
- Market & Growth Intern – Remote
Benefits Offered:
- Unclear, but all work seems to be remote
Career Site: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/udisc?utm_source=pevvdzPM1W
Go Get You Some…
So there you have it, a few top companies in the Disc Golf World that are currently hiring. As your journey proceeds be sure to keep an eye out on other industry leaders such as: Discmania, Discraft, and even the PDGA.
Though these jobs might not be that exclusive ESPN reporter position you’ve had your eye on, they are certainly ways to break into the sports industry and get some experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll become as addicted as I am to flying saucers off the back 9 and spend the next 30 years #GrowingTheSport.
