We all filled out the 2000 Census form this year, and when we came to the Job Description box, there were a lot of fantasies about writing "Professional Touring Disc Golfer" in there. For many of us, it's the ultimate job title.
We daydream with our buddies on where we'd play, what we'd drive, who we'd meet and beat. Up North in summer, down South for winter. Course to course, town to town, just like the Winnicrew.
Todd Branch and Al Schack have become disc golf heros since their infamous Adventures began in 1999, inspiring legions of other golfers to ponder their own chances of successfully pulling up stakes and throwing frisbees for a living. As many as twenty golfers are now touring for at least part of the 2000 season. Women's World Champ Juliana Bower and her husband Randy sold their house and bought a motor home. California's Mike Belchik packed up his truck and said "see ya!" Michigan's Mike Randolf is once again striking fear in the hearts of his competitors. They're all after the same thing: a ton of fun and enough prize money to keep going.
Can you do it? Maybe.
The cold, steely-eyed glare of responsibility keeps most of us in the daydreamer category. Things like mortgage payments, career tracks, child rearing, and finishing up that doctoral thesis will generally serve to distract you from your touring goals. So, your first priority is a reality check. If you can get past this major obstacle, another one awaits.
Coin. Cash. Green. Whatever you call it, you're going to need plenty of it.
Touring fantasies usually include some form of lottery winnings or inheritance windfalls, since your day-to-day costs are going to total at least $15,000 for a six-month tour. Gas prices are currently sky-high, and tour vehicles are not known to be particularly fuel efficient. Eating out a lot? Plan for additional food costs. Most SuperTours charge close to $100 each for Pro entry fees. If you're a pack-a-day smoker, that's an additional $500 alone.
As you can see, the costs begin to quickly add up.
Cover Story continued here.
