Somewhere in my early years, probably around 5-6, I picked up and threw my first frisbee, not knowing that this action would jumpstart a semiprofessional career. Yes, I know you might be thinking, Disc Golf… professionally? But yes, it really does exist.

Back home in Kennesaw, GA, we had a massive 18 hole course within 5 minutes of my house. So, as a kid I would occasionally see my dad go out with a couple buddies and talk about the game. However, at this point I had only thrown normal frisbees in my free time. I would glimpse his disc golf bag and wonder why they looked so different or picked them up and wondered how a disc so heavy could be thrown far at all.

Then I started tagging along, awkwardly hurling my disc 30 feet at a time as I watched the adults traverse fields and forests with a single toss. Eventually I learned, quietly studying their throwing techniques and practicing in the backyard. Then, the day came, out on the course with my dad and older brother, and I went on a tear. I was 9 under par through the first 10 holes. On pace for the course record and my dad and brother were shocked. The bumbling rookie was gone, replaced by good form and coordination that I did not know I possessed.

After that round I went home and looked up local tournaments and over the next several months I learned the rules and regulations to professional play. I accrued several podium finishes but since disc golf is still a smaller sport only first and second place earn any cash money. After about half a year into my journey of league play, I was invited to the White Oak Park Classic. A difficult course that is mostly over the water, punishing every mistake with a lost disc. However, the second day I was in second place by two strokes, and the guy in front of me had just thrown his drive into the water. I stepped up, ripped a low shot that glided just a couple feet above the surface and skipped up and landed only just a couple yards from the basket. After an easy tap in put I took the lead and held on the rest of the match. First ever cash in and it was for 500$. Since then I have cashed in 8 other tournaments and have qualified for the pro tour but that will most likely never happen. The requirements are too time consuming and the pay is just not good enough.