How much do pro disc golfers make?
Can they earn a living at it?
I was browsing live sports and came across disc golf. I have some interest because I played a bunch this Summer while on Emerald Isle. It’s a fun way to get exercise while also challenging myself.
So can they make money?
The short answer is, only the top 1-5% of pros can actually make a self-sustaining living.
The top 1% can even make up to 7 figures when including sponsorships.
For the majority of touring pros it’s a grind that requires out of pocket expenses in order to chase the dream of getting into that top 1-5%.
The elite few can make a strong living, mainly through sponsorships, signature-disc royalties, and prize money.
Top tournament earners can clear roughly $100k+ in prize money in a strong year.
Most touring pros earn far less once travel, entry fees, lodging, and other expenses are deducted.
Fun facts about disc golf:
Disc golf is far more popular in Scandinavia than it is in the U.S. There is 8 times more participation per capita in Norway than in the States.
Sweden, Finland, and Iceland have roughly 3X the participation.
Based on this, you’d think that disc golf started in Scandinavia, but it didn’t. It was formalized as a sport in the US in the 1970s, including the rules and the basket design.
But Scandinavians have embraced it on a larger scale than Americans.
You may not make a million dollars, but it’s a great way to get exercise!
And it’s super cheap. Just the cost of a disc or two or three.
Most courses are free, and the United States has almost 12,000 courses.
It’s a sport you can play well into your senior years.
Get Out There, it’s Fun!
This directory will help you find a course near you!
https://www.pdga.com/course-directory