mixed martial arts

Chapter 1: Disc Golf, Like Paul McBeth, Is an Underdog in the World of Sports

June 21, 2021July 12, 2021 by Parked, posted in Rise of An Unknown Sport

By Josh Woods ~

Watch the essay here:

Chapter 1 Video Version

Back in 2017, Paul McBeth dropped a sympathy bomb on social media. He was like, check me out. I’m only five and a half feet tall and I weigh less than a panda. I’ll never be the favorite in sports. I’m the OG underdog. Send me some love.

Of course, he didn’t say it quite like that, and he had just dropped out of the Green Mountain Championship due to an injury that was only going sideways. And so, his fans did send love.

Continue reading →

The Disc Golf Revolution Will Not Be Televised (But It Will Be Fun)

September 27, 2019June 2, 2021 by Parked, posted in Grow the Sport, Social Movement

New Study Examines the Moneyless Rise of Disc Golf

By Josh Woods ~

Three years ago, I quietly jettisoned my sociological research agenda on terrorism and immigration and began thinking about the growth of disc golf and other emerging sports. The two-part question that has held my curiosity longest is this one:

Is the popularity of disc golf growing, and if so, why? Continue reading “The Disc Golf Revolution Will Not Be Televised (But It Will Be Fun)” →

Disc Golf’s Two Paths Forward

August 5, 2019August 12, 2019 by Parked, posted in Grow the Sport, Social Movement

Is Disc Golf a Business or a Social Movement?

Josh Woods ~

How do small sports become big ones?

When answering this question, most commentators point to the economics of sports and media. Sports grow when major media outlets pay attention to them. Increased media coverage attracts more participants and consumers, which entice even bigger media companies and corporate sponsors, which then foster stronger sport institutions. Continue reading “Disc Golf’s Two Paths Forward” →