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Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf
Before he was a national disc golf champion, Scott Stokely was a latch-key kid, a troubled teen, an arrogant punk. Before his entry in the Guinness Book of World Records, he was a black-market dealer, an addict, a fugitive from justice. Scott would become a devoted teacher, a dedicated advocate, a team leader, and one of the toughest competitors in the history of disc golf. But first, he would have to grow up.
The story begins in 1976, when a 7-year-old Scott discovers the world’s only disc golf course, Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, California. There he quickly falls in love with the sport and becomes a junior member of the world’s first disc golf club, the Oak Grove Gophers. Soon he begins to compete. Over the next 25 turbulent years, the one constant in Scott’s life will be disc golf, as his career develops from child prodigy into a decade-long successful professional disc golf tour.
During those years the sport of disc golf will itself come of age, growing from obscure infancy through adolescent growth pains to respectable adulthood. See this history through the eyes of a man who lived it, beginning with the early “Wild West” highlights all the way through its establishment as a professional sport. Scott’s story covers decades of stars, legends, and misfits of the Frisbee family, hundreds of tournaments, and tens of thousands of miles as he tells about his highs and lows, successes and failures, and every aspect of life on the disc golf tour.
The story begins in 1976, when a 7-year-old Scott discovers the world’s only disc golf course, Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, California. There he quickly falls in love with the sport and becomes a junior member of the world’s first disc golf club, the Oak Grove Gophers. Soon he begins to compete. Over the next 25 turbulent years, the one constant in Scott’s life will be disc golf, as his career develops from child prodigy into a decade-long successful professional disc golf tour.
During those years the sport of disc golf will itself come of age, growing from obscure infancy through adolescent growth pains to respectable adulthood. See this history through the eyes of a man who lived it, beginning with the early “Wild West” highlights all the way through its establishment as a professional sport. Scott’s story covers decades of stars, legends, and misfits of the Frisbee family, hundreds of tournaments, and tens of thousands of miles as he tells about his highs and lows, successes and failures, and every aspect of life on the disc golf tour.
- GenresSportsBiography Memoir
207 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2020
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2020
I should begin this review with the disclaimer that I am Scott's ex-wife and the mother of his daughter Gabi. I was apprehensive to read his memoir, knowing that parts of my life would be on display, written only from his perspective. I was skeptical and was prepared to be horrified and angry. However, that was not the case, and I was pleasantly surprised. So, here is my review.
Pros:
1. Reading the book feels like having a conversation with Scott. Through his stories and anecdotes, his funny and often over-the-top personality is apparent. If you know Scott, you've sometimes thought to yourself "I can't believe he said that." Well, in reading this book, you'll sometimes think "I can't believe he wrote that." This book is true to who Scott is as a person.
2. I am not a disc golfer. I spent several years immersed in that world as Scott's girlfriend, wife, cheerleader, and sometimes caddy. However, I've been out of that world for 20 years. Still, I was able to enjoy the book. Scott's stories, and the history of the sport, was interesting even to me, so I think it's safe to say that this book can appeal to a wide audience.
3. It's honest, sometimes painfully so. Scott doesn't hold anything back. He shares a lot about himself, which sometimes comes across as egotistical and, at other times, is self-deprecating.
4. Scott truly had an inside look at the early years of the sport. For those interested in the history of disc golf, the book shares many great stories you likely won't find anywhere else.
Cons:
1. The book could have used a bit more editing. Many times I had to re-read a sentence to figure out what Scott was trying to say. Some different phrasing and better use of punctuation would improve the reader's experience.
2. I wish Scott had done more fact checking prior to the book's release. Much of my family's information was incorrect. It's not a big deal, and is not pertinent to anyone but me, but I still think it matters. However, when I told Scott, he mentioned that the book is print-on-demand and he can correct inaccuracies. (Because of this willingness, I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 stars.)
That just about sums it up. As he says at the end of the book, Scott was a great dad for about 12 years. I think that means there's a sequel in the works. If that's the case, I do have this to say to Scott: your daughter and I would both like some input. In fact, maybe you should just let Gabi write a whole chapter herself.
Pros:
1. Reading the book feels like having a conversation with Scott. Through his stories and anecdotes, his funny and often over-the-top personality is apparent. If you know Scott, you've sometimes thought to yourself "I can't believe he said that." Well, in reading this book, you'll sometimes think "I can't believe he wrote that." This book is true to who Scott is as a person.
2. I am not a disc golfer. I spent several years immersed in that world as Scott's girlfriend, wife, cheerleader, and sometimes caddy. However, I've been out of that world for 20 years. Still, I was able to enjoy the book. Scott's stories, and the history of the sport, was interesting even to me, so I think it's safe to say that this book can appeal to a wide audience.
3. It's honest, sometimes painfully so. Scott doesn't hold anything back. He shares a lot about himself, which sometimes comes across as egotistical and, at other times, is self-deprecating.
4. Scott truly had an inside look at the early years of the sport. For those interested in the history of disc golf, the book shares many great stories you likely won't find anywhere else.
Cons:
1. The book could have used a bit more editing. Many times I had to re-read a sentence to figure out what Scott was trying to say. Some different phrasing and better use of punctuation would improve the reader's experience.
2. I wish Scott had done more fact checking prior to the book's release. Much of my family's information was incorrect. It's not a big deal, and is not pertinent to anyone but me, but I still think it matters. However, when I told Scott, he mentioned that the book is print-on-demand and he can correct inaccuracies. (Because of this willingness, I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 stars.)
That just about sums it up. As he says at the end of the book, Scott was a great dad for about 12 years. I think that means there's a sequel in the works. If that's the case, I do have this to say to Scott: your daughter and I would both like some input. In fact, maybe you should just let Gabi write a whole chapter herself.
February 3, 2024
Overall, I really enjoyed this. Scott offered a lot of insight into the history and evolution of disc golf. The book follows his life before and during his time as a professional disc golfer, but it would’ve been nice to read about his life after his professional career. Still, this was a great read and I’d recommend it.
June 11, 2021
Before Scott Stokely became a national disc golf champion, he was many things. As a teenager, he bordered on being out of control. He dabbled in drugs. He was arrogant and dangerous and a fugitive from the law. Yet, somewhere in that madness, Stokely turned it around. “Growing Up Disc Golf” is a revealing story that reads as a memoir but seems to be so much more. It is part biography, part memoir, part confessional, part sports story and consistently a fun read.
The biography part of “Growing Up Disc Golf” happens at the outset. There are many dark moments as Stokely struggles to find his footing as a young man. He experiments with drugs and becomes a low-level drug addict eventually as a result of his friendships. That part of the story is well done.
Those same friends who lead Stokely astray, are also the friends that introduce him to disc golf. It is disc golf that saves Stokely. Despite all the negatives, disc golf is where Stokely shines.
He is drawn to a newly created sport and as readers we watch as the boy grows into a man while the unofficial sport begins to catch on and gains acceptance, with nearly two thousand recognized courses across the nation.
I particularly liked all the war stories Stokely survived for the nearly twenty years he participated at the highest level of the sport. Stokely, who eventually becomes a national champion, explains all the intricacies of disc golf in his book. I thought disc golf was just tossing a Frisbee. Stokely points out the differences.
And while the story is about disc golf disc, it is not just a sports book. If this was just a book about disc golf, I might say that it was an okay book. I’ve read several books about sports and sports activities. In this book Stokely grows up. He struggles. He struggles a lot. Yet, in the struggles he seems to grow and get better.
All the while as readers we travel this road with the distinctive voice of Scott Stokely. It is truly distinct and one that is friendly, funny, open, and honest. Stokely is insightful. He teaches as he relates all the disc stories, tours, and tournaments he participated in as disc golf grew in popularity.
What is refreshing about “Growing Up Disc Golf” is the humor. There is a feeling of sitting across the table from Scott just listening to him tell these stories while drinking a beer or having lunch. The writing is so seamless that the conversational storytelling just works. Doing that is hard. There is a subtlety to the writing. At times, the story does go a little off track, as any storyteller who is worth his beans will tell you. And though the story meanders just a little, it does not take too much away in doing so.
Stokely’s exploits are numerous. He wants to be a champion. He wants to go to the World Championship and compete. He also wants to fall in love. (Sorry no spoilers.) The book is a great big bunch of stories told by Stokely. Well done. If there is one element of “Growing Up Disc Golf” I did not enjoy it was the ending. As a story being written, the conclusion comes out of nowhere and seems to end abruptly, like Stokely had to run to the bathroom and just never came back. The story seems to just end. Be prepared.
All in all, “Growing Up Disc Golf” by Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath was a fun and interesting book to read that will be enjoyed by sports fans and memoir fans alike. Highly recommend. Well done.
The biography part of “Growing Up Disc Golf” happens at the outset. There are many dark moments as Stokely struggles to find his footing as a young man. He experiments with drugs and becomes a low-level drug addict eventually as a result of his friendships. That part of the story is well done.
Those same friends who lead Stokely astray, are also the friends that introduce him to disc golf. It is disc golf that saves Stokely. Despite all the negatives, disc golf is where Stokely shines.
He is drawn to a newly created sport and as readers we watch as the boy grows into a man while the unofficial sport begins to catch on and gains acceptance, with nearly two thousand recognized courses across the nation.
I particularly liked all the war stories Stokely survived for the nearly twenty years he participated at the highest level of the sport. Stokely, who eventually becomes a national champion, explains all the intricacies of disc golf in his book. I thought disc golf was just tossing a Frisbee. Stokely points out the differences.
And while the story is about disc golf disc, it is not just a sports book. If this was just a book about disc golf, I might say that it was an okay book. I’ve read several books about sports and sports activities. In this book Stokely grows up. He struggles. He struggles a lot. Yet, in the struggles he seems to grow and get better.
All the while as readers we travel this road with the distinctive voice of Scott Stokely. It is truly distinct and one that is friendly, funny, open, and honest. Stokely is insightful. He teaches as he relates all the disc stories, tours, and tournaments he participated in as disc golf grew in popularity.
What is refreshing about “Growing Up Disc Golf” is the humor. There is a feeling of sitting across the table from Scott just listening to him tell these stories while drinking a beer or having lunch. The writing is so seamless that the conversational storytelling just works. Doing that is hard. There is a subtlety to the writing. At times, the story does go a little off track, as any storyteller who is worth his beans will tell you. And though the story meanders just a little, it does not take too much away in doing so.
Stokely’s exploits are numerous. He wants to be a champion. He wants to go to the World Championship and compete. He also wants to fall in love. (Sorry no spoilers.) The book is a great big bunch of stories told by Stokely. Well done. If there is one element of “Growing Up Disc Golf” I did not enjoy it was the ending. As a story being written, the conclusion comes out of nowhere and seems to end abruptly, like Stokely had to run to the bathroom and just never came back. The story seems to just end. Be prepared.
All in all, “Growing Up Disc Golf” by Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath was a fun and interesting book to read that will be enjoyed by sports fans and memoir fans alike. Highly recommend. Well done.
April 19, 2024
3.5. Lots of interesting info about the sport and its history, but poorly written / edited, though that might be the intention.
February 5, 2022
3.5
A fun disc memoir detailing the rocky history of disc golf from one of the sport's pioneers.
I picked up disc golf during the pandemic. No one shepherded me into the sport, so the internet was a most helpful resource in my first few months. Of the thousands of instructional videos available on Youtube I found Scott Stokely to be the most grounded, useful, and thorough teacher. The winter is out in full force right now, so in lieu of throwing plastic I picked up this book.
Stokely is eccentric. His difficult upbringing, early career arrogance, and general shenanigans made so many of the chapters page-turners. On the plus side, the book tracks a mostly positive story of a troubled young person who turned his life around and does give many warnings about his past mistakes. The book presents Scott as an arrogant jerk who found humility through struggle and experience. On the other hand he does sometimes still glorify some pretty crude behavior.
This book will never be accused of being a masterfully written, classic memoir, but if you really like Disc Golf or Scott Stokley this is a must-read for understanding the history of the sport.
A fun disc memoir detailing the rocky history of disc golf from one of the sport's pioneers.
I picked up disc golf during the pandemic. No one shepherded me into the sport, so the internet was a most helpful resource in my first few months. Of the thousands of instructional videos available on Youtube I found Scott Stokely to be the most grounded, useful, and thorough teacher. The winter is out in full force right now, so in lieu of throwing plastic I picked up this book.
Stokely is eccentric. His difficult upbringing, early career arrogance, and general shenanigans made so many of the chapters page-turners. On the plus side, the book tracks a mostly positive story of a troubled young person who turned his life around and does give many warnings about his past mistakes. The book presents Scott as an arrogant jerk who found humility through struggle and experience. On the other hand he does sometimes still glorify some pretty crude behavior.
This book will never be accused of being a masterfully written, classic memoir, but if you really like Disc Golf or Scott Stokley this is a must-read for understanding the history of the sport.
July 3, 2021
An interesting look into the history of disc golf, by someone who was around relatively early and lived thru (and aided in) the development of the sport. A lot of time is spent going into Scott's mindset, his past, his mistakes and his triumphs. Scott's an extremely confident, boisterous guy, who has no problem bragging about his accomplishments and skillset. He covers quite a bit of his mistakes and poor behaviors, but they come across as a bit more of a "yeah that's a thing oh well" in seriousness-level than his triumphs do, if that makes sense. Either way, he's a guy I've been following online for a few years and have learned quite a bit from him, and I certainly appreciate all he's done for the game, and all he does for teaching and spreading of the sport. I especially appreciate the work he does with the special needs community, and his charity work as a whole. Good read with some great insight on the olden times of disc golf and how they actually were, for sure, and I look forward to the book he promised with a lot more tidbits about old golf and discs.
February 8, 2021
My brother gave me an autographed copy of this book for Christmas. I really enjoyed. This guy made a big difference in disc golf. He had addictions and problems but overcame them to be one of the best disc golfers ever. Inspiring. Instructional on history of disc golf. I definitely enjoyed the book
March 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Quick entertaining read about how this sport came about. Cool to here the people who help pave the way. Disc golf is a crazy sport with great people who volunteer their time doing weeklies, course maintenance, tournaments and keeping most courses free to play around the country.
Thanks Scott everything you do.
#devilmountaindiscgolf Concord Ca.
#BrownsandBows
Thanks Scott everything you do.
#devilmountaindiscgolf Concord Ca.
#BrownsandBows
November 20, 2023
I’m fairly new to the game of disc golf and picked this up to learn more about the early days of the sport. I learned a lot about how the sport started and how much the game has progressed. Scott Stokely tells a good story even if he repeats himself a little bit. It was definitely worth the time to read.
June 22, 2025
Come for the disc golf, stay for the stories. Scott provides a lot of interesting insight into the early days of Frisbee games and disc golf, alongside often hilarious stories and anecdotes from the early days of the sport and his own touring career. Not particularly well written but that's not why you're here. The book could use a much more careful edit which would take it to the next level.
November 19, 2023
Good book about Scotts life and how disc golf grew and changed since he was in the game. He gives a few tips on how to practice for competition and get more distance.
My favorite part was about how discs grew from pretty much a ultimate disc to the variety we have now.
My favorite part was about how discs grew from pretty much a ultimate disc to the variety we have now.
January 31, 2024
A very honest glimpse into a sport that I’ve grown to love and enjoy myself. Scott opened many things from the history of DiscGolf that I as a new player didn’t know anything about. It was like an entertaining history lesson that each and every somewhat serious player should read or listen to.
March 3, 2022
This was a great story and history of disc golf from one of the best players of the game. So interesting learning about the history, how it started, disc evolution, and lots more
November 25, 2022
If you enjoy disc golf you will love this story. This is a raw (some language and a few graphic stories) recall of the life of a founding innovator of the sport.
July 12, 2023
This book is a must read for any fan of disc golf.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews