“I just so happened to stumble across disc golf one day on an Uber ride from work. There were discs all over the floor in the front seat and my driver just said “Don’t mind the mess. I leave them there on purpose.” That’s how the conversation started about disc golf. He also introduced me to the current club I’m in. Growing up not being able to compete in sporting events because you’re losing your eyesight was really difficult to hear as an 11 year old kid. It destroyed me not being able to play sports in school with my peers. I picked up music, which is still a passion of mine, but it’s not a hobby I can compete in. Fast forward to 34 year old me. A random Uber driver gave me a new competitive drive again. That drive has since led me to the positions I’m in now in the sport; 4 year active PDGA member, my 3rd year as a Dawn to Dusk Disc Club board member, 2nd as President, and my 2nd year as the Disc Golf Commissioner for the Sunflower State Games in Topeka, Kansas. I’m truly blessed to be where I am today, all because of a stranger who played disc golf…”
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 Jordan Ashford (PDGA #132168)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
My name is Jordan Ashford. I’m in my late 30’s and work with special needs children and children with behavioral issues.
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
My family and friends are the most important people in my life, especially my wife and kids.
Do you have a nickname or just something else that you go by?
Blind Man
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
I’ve been playing disc golf for 4 years, almost to the day.
How did you get started with disc golf?
I just so happened to stumble across disc golf one day on an Uber ride from work. There were discs all over the floor in the front seat and my driver just said “Don’t mind the mess. I leave them there on purpose.” That’s how the conversation started about disc golf. He also introduced me to the current club I’m in. Growing up not being able to compete in sporting events because you’re losing your eyesight was really difficult to hear as an 11 year old kid. It destroyed me not being able to play sports in school with my peers. I picked up music, which is still a passion of mine, but it’s not a hobby I can compete in. Fast forward to 34 year old me. A random Uber driver gave me a new competitive drive again. That drive has since led me to the positions I’m in now in the sport; 4 year active PDGA member, my 3rd year as a Dawn to Dusk Disc Club board member, 2nd as President, and my 2nd year as the Disc Golf Commissioner for the Sunflower State Games in Topeka, Kansas. I’m truly blessed to be where I am today, all because of a stranger who played disc golf.
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
One of my coolest experiences happened just recently when I went to pick up a disc order from Dynamic Discs and got to take a tour of the warehouse. The only other experience that could top that was my first birdie.
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
When I’m not playing disc golf, I’m watching disc golf on Youtube and spending time with family.
What is your absolute favorite food (something you couldn’t live without)?
I’m a sucker for boudin and crawfish etouffee’.
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
Hog Wild Pit BBQ
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
All I watch these days are children’s movies. It comes with the territory, I guess.
What are some of your favorite TV shows/series?
Youtube is life right now.
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
I bleed Purple and Gold. GEAUX TIGERS!!!
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
Kastaplast, Clash, Thought Space Athletics, MVP
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
My Clash Soda has been my go-to driver for the majority of my throws off the tee lately. I’m still figuring out how to use all of the discs flight.
What else is always in your bag other than discs?
You have to have a retriever, and a clean pair of socks or two. Several towels, water bottle, trail mix, and a multi-tool.
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
Crestview DGC in Topeka, KS is my home course, which is also the oldest course in the state of Kansas.
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
Water Works, Crestview DGC, Big Shunga, Jones East/West, Peter Pan, Iron Bridges
What is a dream disc golf course for you that you hope to play someday?
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you have any pre-round or post-round rituals that you do when you play disc golf?
Stretching and putting practice mostly.
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
I try to stay hydrated on the course mostly. I occasionally have trail mix on me.
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
My club runs a 32 week league where I play mostly, but I do enjoy some out of town tournaments and an occasional local event.
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
Watch the content on Youtube, learn the game, then get out and go throw discs. Field work is important in learning the discs and how they fly, plus filming your field work will help you develop and improve your form. Don’t let people bring you down, stay focused on goals you want to fulfill. Then fight for them. You deserve to live out your dreams.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
Alden Harris has been one of my favorite golfers to follow currently. His Youtube channel is hilarious he’s a great influence on the younger generation (Gannon). Simon Lizotte is also another favorite.
Do you have any disc golf goals that you are trying to achieve?
I want to be the #1 visually impaired/blind disc golfer in the world.
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
Mostly with my friends.
What would a perfect disc golf round look like for you?
They’re all perfect rounds. Even a bad day of disc golf is better than a good day at work.
Let’s Get Social
N/A