What is this?
This is a unique resource for disc golfers (and their loved ones) who struggle to find content and products that meet their needs and suit their lifestyle.
The solution offered is a whimsical “spin” on the sport of disc golf, one which plays with the history of the sport.
Why ‘disc sport’? Isn’t this disc golf?
The modern game of targeted disc throwing originated in the 1970s and it became common to explain it to others as a sport that is ‘like golf’. And while it certainly does has similarities, it is also very different. But it is our belief that this practice contributes to the notion that the sport is a lesser version of golf and should not be taken seriously. You may recall the Seinfeld joke (and now the memes) about ‘Frolf’, short for ‘Frisbee Golf’. We are not against a little self deprecation. But at the same time we want the sport to be recognized as worthy of one’s time.
Disc golf’s association with golf exists in reality (and is, ultimately helpful to some degree). But in this imaginative history, the turn of the century disc enthusiasts do not use the turn of the century game of golf to explain the object of their passion. In fact, they actively work to avoid associating the the sport of disc with golf; they do not use the terms “teepad”, “hole”, “driver”, “putter” or even “birdie”, as these do not “make sense” inherently to disc sport. Turn of the century disc enthusiasts are, in fact, religiously blind to the similarities! And when pressed, would respond that the game of disc “has nothing in common with golf!” Of course that is somewhat silly, and therefore humorous.
Who is/was ‘McChainz’?
Short answer: A Person and a Character.
Long Answer: Kevin McClain started playing disc golf seriously in 2020 and because he is left-handed took the username ‘Southpaw’. One of the things that separates Kevin from others is that he is somewhat ‘old fashioned’, meaning that typically his mannerisms and even his dress somehow are reminiscent to an earlier era; that is just his way.
Sometime in 2022, after a round in which he made a fabulous C2 putt, one of his cardmates called him ‘McChainz’. Soon after, he took on the additional name. However, he only occasionally employed it, as it seemed to him that he was not really ‘McChainz’, but rather that ‘McChainz’ was another person who may or may not appear for the round. This is why Kevin typically refers to himself as ‘Southpaw \ McChainz’ (Note the slash). Some rounds he is ‘Southpaw’, other rounds he is ‘McChainz’. Read more About Kevin’s disc golf journey.
This idea, that there was a ‘spirit of McChainz’ that Kevin only occasionally embodied was what then led Kevin to develop a fictional story about the original ‘McChainz’, a man named Harper McClaine, born in 1876. It was this man who was a great disc sports enthusiast, and who worked so hard to develop the sport in a bygone era, and whose enduring spirit is evoked.
Do you only offer ‘vintage-styled’ products?
No. Our goal is to offer unique products that bring the disc enthusiast joy. We imagine some, like our founder, will enjoy the whimsy of vintage-styled products. But others will have more modern tastes. We hope we can also serve their needs.
Have additional questions?
We’d welcome an opportunity to answer them. Let’s talk.