What exactly defines a 'fringe sport'?

Skateboarding was at one time considered a fringe sport. Tony Hawk changed that. Shaun White does not have a career without him. Heck, soccer was not so popular back in the day. Pele changed that. David Beckham would be a nobody today if Pele wasn't an ambassador. So who will change disc golf? Dave Feldberg, thats who. The foundation has been laid, and he needs your help.

According to the man himself, his retirement is eminent. Not in twenty years, not even four or five. The six time major winner, including the 2005 United States Disc Golf Championship and 2008 PDGA World Championships, will be hanging up his bag in a year or two.

Why you ask? Simple - grow the game. According to Dave, every sport that has experienced tremendous growth after a promising infancy has done so with the help of a few of the top players in the game retiring at the to become the face of the sport. As mentioned, Pele and Tony Hawk come to mind...

Feldberg is not afraid of the camera, publicity, or speaking his mind, even if it is controvercial. The list of promotional appearances is long and may one day include Duck Dynasty. Disc golfers around the globe were glued to the television when 'the beard' (clean shaven at the time) appeared on the Conan O'Brien Show in May of 2007, season 14, episode 2407. Leaving a PDGA board position and moving to Latitude 64 are the latest in a succession of preparations for global ambassadorship.

With help from Discmania and Innova Discs, Jussi Meresmaa (pronounced you-see) has led the development of disc golf in Europe, another top figure in the game to step down from the ranks of competition for the good of the game. Both golfers have a fire, a passion for the sport that fuel their motivation. The only question is when golf will hit the main stream. With the help of Dave and Jussi, it won't take long.

All the pieces have fallen into place for Dave to take the reins. Starting the first collegiate disc golf program in the Northwest and creating and teaching 'for credit' disc golf courses at the University of Oregon top the list.

So how can you help?

A solid foundation of popularity and a growing fan base for Feldberg and disc golf add up to massive momentum and a potential explosion. The key to exponential growth is getting discs in the hands of as many children as possible, having them take it home to mom and dad, and create a 'grass roots' style waterfall of young disc golf enthusiasts.

Get involved. Give a kid a disc, just not a 175 Ape. Talk to a physical education teacher at your child's school and ask if they have a disc golf program. If not, ask if you or a friend can help start one. Become selfless and give a little time. Call your local club and ask what you can do. God knows they need the help.

Throw It Long!