While the U.S. economy has yet to officially enter a recession, the disc golf industry is undeniably feeling the effects of one. The growth seen during the pandemic has slowed considerably, creating an environment where companies are liquidating inventory and professional sponsorships are shrinking. At Discount Disc Golf, we’ve been able to offer discs at prices lower than anything seen in the past decade, which is a clear sign of this recession within the sport.
Declining Demand and Surplus Inventory
The demand for disc golf equipment is far from what it was just a few years ago during the pandemic boom. Companies across the industry are now sitting on surplus stock, which they are eager to offload. This inventory glut, combined with dwindling interest in purchasing new equipment, is why so many retailers are turning to us to help liquidate their excess.
The impact is visible in many aspects of the sport. Local tournaments, once quickly filled to capacity, are now seeing fewer sign-ups, and even the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) has had to lay off staff due to financial constraints.These are telltale signs that the disc golf industry is in a correction phase, one that may leave only the most adaptable businesses and players standing.
Shifts in Sponsorships and Professional Cuts
The tightening of the disc golf market is especially noticeable at the professional level. Major companies like Prodigy and Lone Star have cut ties with several players who did not deliver the expected return on investment. Many pros are bracing for smaller contracts, and a significant number of mid-tier players are likely to be without a major sponsor in the upcoming season. The offseason is expected to bring substantial changes, with fewer sponsorships and reduced financial support for touring players.
Disc Golf Popularity: Google Trends Insights
A quick glance at Google Trends reveals a stark decline in disc golf-related searches. The term “disc golf” peaked in popularity in June 2021, during the height of the pandemic boom. Since then, there has been a 36% decline in search interest as of 2024.
Searches for specific brands tell a similar story:
- Innova Disc Golf peaked in July 2020, with 2024 search volumes down by more than 60%.
- Discraft Disc Golf searches have halved since their 2020 high.
- Dynamic Discs inquiries are down almost 70% from their pandemic-era peak.
The one major recessionary outlier is MVP Disc Sports, which saw its search queries peak in January 2023, coinciding with Simon Lizotte’s high-profile signing. MVP remains a bright spot in the industry, with current search volumes even higher than during the pandemic.
Why This Is the Best Time to Buy Disc Golf Gear
While this downturn has caused challenges across the industry, it also means unparalleled savings for disc golf enthusiasts. At Discount Disc Golf, we’ve partnered with companies looking to reduce their inventories, enabling us to offer unbeatable prices on discs, bags, and accessories. From Deals of the Day to Bulk Bundle Packs and Mystery Boxes, there’s never been a better time to stock up on gear.
The disc golf recession will eventually pass, and when it does, prices are likely to rise again. This is your chance to buy discs at historically low prices. Don’t miss out—once these deals are gone, they may not come back!
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By stocking up now, you’ll not only enjoy significant savings but also be ready for when the sport experiences its inevitable rebound. Disc golf may be contracting today, but its long-term future remains bright, with more courses and tournaments than ever before.