Tips for Starting a Disc Golf Retail Business
With the rapid growth of disc golf over the last decade, new disc golf retail business opportunities have emerged across the country. Local disc golf retailers are popping up in nearly every state, creating exciting prospects for passionate entrepreneurs.
So you love disc golf and want to start your own disc golf retail business — where do you begin?
Learning from the Success Stories
This past week, the DGPT sponsored the first-ever Disc Golf Industry Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with an estimated 15% growth over the last two decades.
The conference focused on “growing together” and featured a variety of sessions for all types of disc golf businesses, including retail. Below are tips from successful retailers who shared their experiences.
Regional Retail Panel
The following companies presented at the panel:
Flight Factory (FF) – A regional retailer in Pensacola, Florida. Started their disc golf shop in late 2019.
Another Round (AR) – Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a franchise store in Colorado and plans for national expansion.
Gotta Go Gotta Throw (GGGT) – One of the original disc golf retailers, founded by Charlie Hutchinson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Charlie began by borrowing discs and then purchasing 50 discs wholesale from Discraft in 1993. His initial plan in 1996 was to mail 20,000 disc golf catalogs—but new disc designs made them obsolete. He pivoted to the web and launched his disc golf retail business online in 1996.
Image Suggestion: Panel photo
Alt Text: disc golf retail business industry panel DGPT Tucson
Creating a Brand for Your Disc Golf Retail Business
Launching a disc golf retail business requires a strong brand. Your brand is the foundation of your identity—it’s how people recognize, remember, and talk about your business.
In a growing and competitive market, a strong brand helps you stand out. It communicates who you are, what you value, and why your products or services are different. Even the best products can get lost without a clear brand.
Your brand goes beyond visuals. It creates an emotional connection. Disc golf is passion-driven, and customers support companies that reflect their values and community spirit. Thoughtful branding builds trust, loyalty, and belonging—turning casual buyers into lifelong fans.
How to Create Your Brand Identity
Here’s how the panel answered:
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FF – Always growing and evolving, creating products nobody else had.
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AR – Focused on trust, relationships, and being the “Soul of the Community.”
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GGGT – Held a contest with local players to name the brand; rebranded GT3. Their branding helped customers find the right disc for maximum fun.
Gaining National Exposure for Your Disc Golf Retail Business
To sell beyond your local area, your brand must reach a national audience. Build a consistent identity, sponsor well-known players, collaborate with influencers, and get featured on podcasts or YouTube channels with nationwide followers.
Social media content and targeted ads, combined with a professional e-commerce presence and excellent customer service, will help attract and retain customers nationally.
Lessons from Successful Retailers
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FF – Started online; leveraged professional players like Calvin Heimburg to gain credibility.
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AR – Focused on building a customer base aligned with their vibe.
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GGGT – Emphasized adding value over defeating competitors.
Advice for Starting a Disc Golf Retail Business Locally
Charlie from Gotta Go Gotta Throw stressed the importance of local community involvement. Building grassroots relationships establishes credibility, trust, and loyal supporters who amplify your brand organically. Local players, clubs, and events provide invaluable learning and networking opportunities.
Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Shop
Key tips for in-store success:
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Multi-channel sales: Blend online convenience with physical store experience; offer local pickup for online orders.
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Customer and employee respect: A welcoming culture boosts satisfaction and loyalty.
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Community-driven experience: Make your store a hub where players connect and engage.
Charlie emphasized that building a disc golf retail business is challenging and requires full commitment. Success comes from hard work, resilience, and being data-driven. Track performance, understand customers, and adapt quickly.
Starting as a Retailer
Forming a disc golf retail business can start small. E-commerce websites and tournament vending allow you to start with minimal capital. A physical location near a busy disc golf course is ideal for foot traffic and engagement.
A Few Other Tips
Best Business Credit Cards for Disc Golf Retailers
Major manufacturers allow purchases on credit cards. Benefits include short-term lines of credit and cashback rewards. Recommended cards:
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Capital One: 2% cashback, no annual fee.
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Chase Business: 2% cashback, 2.5% for $5,000+ purchases, $195 annual fee.
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American Express Business Gold: 4X points on shipping expenses, $295 annual fee.
Conclusion
Being part of the disc golf retail business can be rewarding, but success requires planning, effort, and dedication. Secure a strong location, engage in the community, sponsor players, and stay involved. These steps distinguish thriving retailers from those who simply survive.
Image Suggestion: Disc golf retail shop overview
Alt Text: successful disc golf retail business community engagement
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Check out our Disc Golf Retailer Resources for guides and tips.
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Learn more about Disc Golf Starter Kits to stock your store.
