Flying Disc Magazine Introduction Letter

Dear PDGA Members and fellow disc golfers,

My company, 4141 Disc Golf, has been awarded the contract to provide the PDGA’s official magazine beginning in January 2008. We are mindful of the many years of service and dedication provided by former publisher, Rick Rothstein, and we are honored and proud for the opportunity to build upon his successes.

I realize many of you may be unfamiliar with me, so I’d like to take a moment to say “hello” and introduce myself.

My name is Rich Givens, and I first discovered disc golf in 1983. An article in my town paper mentioned a “folf” course at a local park. Intrigued, and with a lot of time to kill during my summer break, I biked to the site and found a couple of local disc golfers who politely introduced me to this wonderful sport.

I was an instant convert. I salivated over an early DTW catalog and spent the better part of that summer learning to throw discs at trees. The first basket course I saw was at my first event, the Florida Triple Crown in 1987. Needless to say, I couldn’t putt to save my life.

Fast forward 20 odd years and you’ll find that same kid, hopelessly addicted to this wonderful game. Priorities have a way of changing over time, but I still hit the links as often as possible. Between rounds I serve in my primary roles as husband, father, and owner of a publishing company. The business has grown over the last 11 years and we possess the experience, skills, knowledge, and staff required to run a professional magazine. .

Our mission is simple: produce the best possible magazine and make it appeal to as many disc golfers and disc sport lovers as possible! We intend to service not only hardcore players, but also the very large group of casual, recreational players who enjoy disc golf, but have yet to join our organization or participate in our events. Expect to see expanded instructional, equipment, health and fitness, and travel coverage amongst our many regular columns and features. And be ready to help out, because we’ll be soliciting input and content from you, our readers, too.

We have a great team in place. Bill Flynn (PDGA 12313) is the magazine’s General Manager. Bill brings over 10 years of disc golf experience, and has a unique perspective, having served for many years as a metro parks commissioner.

A few of our regular contributors and advisors will include Scott Papa, Mike Randolph, Mark Ellis, Dave Dunipace, Tom Monroe, Snapper Pierson, Mike Sullivan, Dan Roddick, John Houck, Jeff LaGrassa, Dr. John Duesler Jr., and Chuck Kennedy.

As an opt-in PDGA member you’ll receive 6 full-color issues per year. If you aren’t a member, we offer subscriptions and we’ll have the magazine on the shelves of select national newsstands. Your best strategy, though, is to support the PDGA, sign up for or renew your membership, and receive the magazine as a benefit.

Our website is in development, but you can get a feel for our flavor and find contact links at www.flyingdiscmagazine.com. And get used to a little punch along with your bread and butter.

Drive long,

Rich Givens #4141