“I am 43 years old, currently living Seneca, SC. I am employed at a software publishing company where we make software used by the D.O.D for supportability analysis. Our software is primarily used to support Boeing aircraft…I got started in disc golf in November of 2020 when a coworker of mine asked me to go play ball golf nearby, only to find out that the course was reserved for a tournament. He had a starter pack in his trunk by Innova, so we stopped at a nearby 9 hole course and threw our first round together…”
Welcome to another edition of our Disc Golf Player Profile publication – where we feature disc golfers that you may or may not have heard of before. Everybody has their own disc golf story to tell. This is the place where those stories are being told and shared with the world!
Meet Billy Traynham (PDGA #182118)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
I am 43 years old, currently living Seneca, SC. I am employed at a software publishing company where we make software used by the D.O.D for supportability analysis. Our software is primarily used to support Boeing aircraft.
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
The most important people in my life are my wife and kids, immediate family, and my friends whom I play disc golf with. I live with my wife and children.
Do you have a nickname or just something else that you go by?
My real name is actually William, so Billy is my nickname. I also have been called Billy The Kid and Bogey The King, or BTK (I know, I know) for short.
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
I have been playing disc golf regularly for 2.5 years.
How did you get started with disc golf?
I got started in disc golf in November of 2020 when a coworker of mine asked me to go play ball golf nearby, only to find out that the course was reserved for a tournament. He had a starter pack in his trunk by Innova, so we stopped at a nearby 9 hole course and threw our first round together.
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
My most memorable disc golf moment was getting my first and only ace on hole 17 at Sertoma in Walhalla SC. It is regarded as one of the tougher holes to ace on that course, and it was awesome to hear it hit chains. Aside from that was getting a message during my first ever tournament congratulating me on my first birdie, and it was a difficult hole to birdie at the time.
I’m most proud to have been elected as Treasurer of my local Disc Golf Club, just 2 years into my career.
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
Aside from playing disc golf, I enjoy playing video games, going to concerts with my kids and my friends, and playing Magic The Gathering at my brothers house. I also enjoy bowling on occasion, and definitely enjoy spending time with my wife and kids watching movies and binge watching Netflix.
What is your absolute favorite food (something you couldn’t live without)?
Historically this has always been Cheeseburgers, but honestly now I have to have chicken on a regular basis.
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
My favorite fast-food joint has to be Wendy’s.
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
Star Wars is my all time favorite series of movies, yes even the sequels. Otherwise, I love the Halloween movies, Lord of the Rings, and all of the MCU up to End Game.
What are some of your favorite TV shows/series?
My favorite TV shows/series are Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, The Last of US, Stranger Things, and The Last Kingdom.
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
I’m an avid Clemson Tiger Football fan and a Kansas City Chiefs fan. I also like the Atlanta Braves a lot.
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
The first disc I ever owned was a flattop Firebird given to me by a friend.
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
Currently I bag mostly Lonestar Discs, but my favorite among those are the BB6, Guadalupe, and the Texas Ranger. I also love the Get Freaky Zone by discraft.
What else is always in your bag other than discs?
My mini marker, towels, KT tape, detachable arm sleeves, a bottle of Ibuprofen, and a bluetooth speaker.
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
My home course right now would be Sertoma Field in Walhalla SC.
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
My favorite disc golf courses to play in addition to Sertoma is Grand Central Station in Central SC, IDGC courses in Appling GA, and the courses at North Cove in Marion, NC.
What is a dream disc golf course for you that you hope to play someday?
I hope to play Eagles Crossing one day.
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you have any pre-round or post-round rituals that you do when you play disc golf?
For casual rounds I don’t really have a set routine (I totally need to), but for tournaments or competitive play I like to arrive early and get some warm-up tosses in both backhand and forehand, and spend some time putting and loosening up in general.
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
I have to have some water in the bag, and I do have the occasional alcoholic beverage. When I do, my go to is New Belgium Voodoo Ranger. Otherwise I tend to lead off with an energy drink of some kind.
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
All of the above, but this year the tournaments have been dramatically lower due to my commitment to serving on my disc golf club board.
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
Listen to your advisors! Dont buy a bunch of drivers. Stick to learning to throw putters and midranges and PRACTICE with them.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
I follow Brodie Smith and Ezra Aderhold mostly.
Do you have any disc golf goals that you are trying to achieve?
I am an amateur, and not a great one at that, but I have a goal of reaching 900 rated by the time I turn 45. I also want to eclipse 400’ of distance on command.
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
I most often play disc golf with my good friend and fellow board member Heath Rankin. We can be seen playing with many club members, coworkers, and friends though.
What would a perfect disc golf round look like for you?
A perfect round of disc golf for me would be to make every putt inside the circle and not get any bogeys at all.
Let’s Get Social
Instagram – @traynhamdg
Facebook – billy.traynham