Very interesting read...

[depster]

I just found this article and was curious what your take on it is...
http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/grow-the-sport.html

 

[dashiellx]

Vibram's take on what should be done for the Pro tour. What is your opinion on this?

 

[solomon.trenton]

its definitely an interesting read. when it came out it had some backlash but it makes sense. plus the payout for the usdgc compared its expenses is nuts

 

[JAKE master]

you know, that read makes me want to throw some vibram, or at least buy a few.

 

[dgar]

Interesting article, Written by someone who obviously has a passion for our sport, as well as a vested interest.

I'm no an expert in marketing or sports mgt.. but I'm not sure I agree that putting a lions share of the money into the PRO's pockets is best in regards to growing our sport, sure I hope the Touring PRO's can make a living. But how many that play disc golf actually attend a National event to watch the PROs, very small percentage would be my guess. I still think focusing on improving the local scene is where the growth will come from.. just my unsolicited , and uneducated opinion..

either way I enjoy the sport and look forward to sharing it with anyone that's interested in giving it a try.

 

[Jukeshoe]

I think Steve Dodge is onto something here. If not necessarily the "ideal" fix, it's still leaps and bounds better than what currently exists (from my personal, non-tournament playing perspective).

At the very least it will (hopefully) spur further conversation on DG's pro tour problems.

Edit: FWIW, I hate Vibram's products, but big props to them for wanting to invest back into the sport in this manner and challenging others to take some steps in that direction. I realize it's ultimately so they can sell more product, and I'm okay with that. :thmbup:

 

[tbird888]

you know, that read makes me want to throw some vibram, or at least buy a few.

I would suggest the Ibex. Great neutral mid. I am not sold on the feel of their rubber, but their grip is outstanding in all conditions. I just wish they'd make some solid color discs. They blend into shule way too easily, even light blues and pinks.

 

[BogeyNoMore]

I would suggest the Ibex. Great neutral mid.

Love mine :thmbup:

 

[bnbanbury]

I was blown away by the difference between the budget and payout at usdgc. I always thought that the payout was way too top heavy at the usdgc. Also the Ibex is the only vibram to make my bag, because it is amazing.

 

[coupe]

I agree with Sadjo in this thread.

The Vibram Open can offer a $50k purse because $50k for a company like Vibram is pocket change. I highly doubt that most other disc golf related companies have that kind of money to throw into a single NT without seriously curtailing their ability to support for lower tier tournaments.

I commend Steve for the work that goes into making the VO a premier tournament, but I wonder whether the VO would be the event that it is, and how long it would survive as an NT, without Vibram's financial and logistical support?

 

[BogeyNoMore]

Good article. To the point above, about getting companies with deeper pockets and larger budgets to sponsor events, why not beer companies? They have lotsamoney, sponsor all sorts of stuff, and lord knows they'd be reaching a consumer base at a grass roots level.

I'm just sayin'...

 

[coupe]

I was blown away by the difference between the budget and payout at usdgc. I always thought that the payout was way too top heavy at the usdgc.

For purposes of comparison, I'd be interested in seeing the budget figures for the Vibram Open. I suspect that when everything is factored in, including the costs for course prep, food and beverage, side events, advertising, promotion, and company donated logistical support, supplies, and employee hours, the budget isn't that different from the USDGC's.

 

[bnbanbury]

For purposes of comparison, I'd be interested in seeing the budget figures for the Vibram Open. I suspect that when everything is factored in, including the costs for course prep, food and beverage, side events, advertising, promotion, and company donated logistical support, supplies, and employee hours, the budget isn't that different from the USDGC's.

... The VO budget was posted in the article. Its 190,000 less than the usdgc

 

[scarpfish]

... The VO budget was posted in the article. Its 190,000 less than the usdgc

I think he means a more itemized document showing the source of where every dollar comes from, and showing what it goes to. Such documents might show that Mr. Dodge's vision is either feasible, or more likely is "pie in the sky" because he has access to the resources of a major corporation that the disc manufacturers do not. It might also show he does not have to incur many of the expenses that the USDGC does. Hence, it might show that he is comparing apples to oranges.

 

[landon77]

Good read. Thanks for posting

 

[MurderMike41370]

It received backlash cause the truth hurts

 

[All Day]

I would suggest the Ibex. Great neutral mid. I am not sold on the feel of their rubber, but their grip is outstanding in all conditions. I just wish they'd make some solid color discs. They blend into shule way too easily, even light blues and pinks.

You mean like these?

 

[luckless_pedestrian]

As a fairly new player I would love it if DG were on TV regularly. I certainly watch a ton of youtube videos of it -- and there's never enough.

It's also one of the few areas where I actually make an effort to sponsor businesses that support the sport. I think that kind of loyalty could attract non-DG companies to advertise or sponsor tournaments.

But there needs to be growth at the top end and the grass-roots level. They should feed each other.

 

[Grinder12000]

The real question is do you WANT the sport to go this much? Look at how many courses are now charging. I suspect if what we all WANT happens ALL courses will start charging and we will start needing to create tee times.

Be careful what you wish for!

Is more DG (or any?) really wanted? Yes - if nothing changes and we can all go to the course at anytime and play a quick free round. What happens if pros get big names and all of a sudden there are millions more Dg'rs.

 

[mashnut]

I wouldn't have an issue with the sport "making it big", I just think it's a little silly to say that the first step is paying the best players a bunch of money. The reason the top players in other sports make a ton of money is because spectators come out to watch them and sponsors see a huge number of eyeballs by sponsoring those players. The major sports aren't major because the players got paid a bunch and that convinced people to start watching, they figured out how to be spectator friendly and exciting and then the money was there to pay the players more.