The unique gift Scott Stokely’s given disc golf

With a seemingly endless supply of quality plastic, high-end courses and simple, easy-to-follow instructional content, there’s never been a better time to pick up a disc for the first time. Only 10 or 15 years back, it would’ve been hard to foresee the explosion disc golf’s currently enjoying.

However …

Amidst exceptional growth, regardless of skill level, it’s easy to lose sight of the simplicity of the game – it’s a beautiful thing. In the era of televised tournaments and corporate sponsorships, it’s nice to be reminded that a TRUE disc golf champion is one who wins each and every week …

Regardless of the final score. #ParticipationTrophies

I’m talking about Scott Stokely.

With a 52-year-old frame and smile the size of a St. Bernard, here’s a dude who’s voluntarily stepping back into an elite field of young guns. His game’s a refreshing reminder to not take the sport too seriously. That’s not to say he’s not competing, by any means – he’s playing to win.

In fact, he told Green Splatter as much before the start of the season:

“If I ever don’t believe I have a chance to win, I won’t play … I’m definitely out here to compete, but I’m also going to soak in every bit of it.”

To date, fans have watched Stokely nab five top-50 finishes on the Pro Tour. They went bonkers when he took down the OTB Big Money Skins Match at Eagles Crossing, too. And, just as Scott prophesied, watching him “soak in every bit of it” along the way has been awesome …

His play reminds us why we ALL took to the sport way back when …

Therein lies the gift: Golf frisbees are fun to throw.

Stokely’s hinted that this could be his first and final season on “The Comeback Tour.” If it isn’t, great – Scotty can stay. And if it is, the good news is that golfers like Adam Hammes, Gannon Buhr and Cole Redalen promise to usher in the NEXT generation of freak disc golf phenoms.

It’s weird to think about, but there’s a shelf life on the era of Nate Sexton, Paul Ulibarri, Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki – it’s not warp speed, but the date of expiration is fast approaching:

• Stokely’s a reminder of where we’ve been.
• McBeth & Co. remind us of where we’re at now.
• Buhr’s the future – it’s really as simple as that, folks.

Back to Scott, though …

In and of itself, the fact that he’s resurrected a once-forgotten disc golf career after crossing the half-century mark is nothing short of incredible. This season, when you need it most, pull a page from Mr. Stokely’s playbook and “soak in every bit” of the sport he’s dedicated his life to …

There’s plenty of time for winning – you’ll be better for it in the here and now.

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