Maui native Parker Welck rises in professional disc golf

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui native is making a name for himself in the growing world of professional disc golf.

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Parker Welck, 28, was raised in Lahaina, said the sport has been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

“I’m pretty sure I was born with a mini frisbee in my hand,” Welck said.

After moving to the mainland, Welck went from playing casually to competing in tournaments against professional players.

He eventually turned pro after finding success on the circuit.

“It just takes a ton of practice to get somewhat okay at it,” he said.

Welck has won several events and captured one of the sport’s biggest tournaments.

He has also climbed into the top 30 disc golfers in the world.

“This year it’s taken off for me. It’s definitely the best year consistency wise I’ve had,” Welck said.

Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, with the lowest score winning. Instead of hitting a ball with clubs, players throw discs into metal baskets.

Players often carry different types of discs for different shots, including drivers, mid-ranges and putters.

Welck’s connection to Hawaiʻi remains an important part of his career.

His family survived the Lahaina wildfires, but his brother was among the residents who lost everything.

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Welck organized a disc golf fundraiser after the disaster, selling specially made discs and directing the proceeds to people impacted by the fires.

“We made a special run of frisbees for the people that they could purchase,” he said. “Basically, all of it went to the people that were affected by the fires and we raised a really good amount of money for that.”

Welck currently represents Dynamic Discs, which is producing a new signature disc in his name.

He said the design will include Hawaiian-inspired imagery, including a tiki, island and surfer.

“I went that route this year just to get back to the Hawaiian roots,” Welck said.

Welck and his wife live in Arizona, and during the season he travels from tournament to tournament competing professionally.

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