Western Illinois Teen Making Jump to Pro Disc Golf Tour

17 year old Gracen Lomelino of Manchester, Illinois has taken the step from junior disc golf to pro disc golf, all in a couple weeks and not far from home.

Manchester, Illinois (between Jacksonville and Roodhouse)

Lomelino finished fifth at the Junior Disco Golf World Championships in Emporia, Kansas a few weeks ago. Then at the Ledgestone Open near Peoria, Illinois, Lomelino was tied for first after the final regulation hole, but succumbed on a playoff hole to take second, and decided he was ready to graduate to the pro circuit. Last week at his first event as a pro Lomelino finished tied for second at the Pekin City Championship. Game on.

The top level of Pro Disc Golf is headed by 20 year old Gannon Buhr, who won his first major championship at the age of 17 and has been a perennial event champ for several years. Many current top rated disc golfers turned professional as teenagers. As the sport has grown and more young players are introduced to the game at younger ages, it makes sense that the pro debut scale would be sliding younger too.

Get our free mobile app

Opportunities to make money on tour grow as you level up. Not just picking up event checks, but sponsorships from disc manufacturers and other producers of other related disc golf accessories. You can cash in again if you are consistently competitive as the manufacturers will stamp your name and brand on their products. In a connected world of social media young players also are prime for introducing the game further to potential fans and future players.