What It’s Like Being a Rogue Ninja

It’s no surprise that disc golf is gaining popularity at an increasingly rapid rate, and is even making major headlines, such as James Conrad’s incredible 247-foot birdie that was featured on ESPN and received over 7 million views. With disc golf becoming more mainstream and receiving more media attention, sponsors are fighting to sign top athletes so they can capitalize on marketing opportunities with popular players. Even non-disc golf manufacturers like Infinite Discs, a disc golf retail shop, are signing top players like Drew Gibson for a lifetime deal worth millions. However, some disc golf sponsors are choosing to endorse smaller players in hopes to create a strong community of dedicated players early in their careers in order to benefit both the company and the player. Rogue Discs launched their Rogue Ninjas Sponsorship Program in 2021 to build a team of dedicated disc golfers that will help support the growth of the disc golf retailer and disc golf as a whole.

Becoming a Rogue Discs Ninja

Becoming a Rogue Discs Ninja is more than just receiving a personalized branded jersey, patches, and a hat. Since becoming a Ninja myself, I’ve met so many great people within the disc golf community and within the Rogue Ninja program that I may not have otherwise been in contact with if it wasn’t for being a part of this program. Whether it’s through Instagram, Facebook, or the Rogue Discs Ninja Discord group, Ninjas like Josh Von Gersdorff have been amazing contacts within the disc golf community on a national level. Despite being from different parts of the country, Josh and I have had great conversations about discs (like the new Prodigy PX-3), tournaments and courses in our areas, and of course disc golf memes.

Being a Rogue Ninja also comes with the opportunity of getting to write blog posts for the Rogue Discs Blog. By no means am I an expert writer of any kind, however, I really enjoy being able to expand my knowledge of the sport by researching and writing on a host of different topics like playing in cold winter conditions, how disc golf changed since the 1980s, and tips and tricks for preventing and retrieving lost discs.

Unintentional Benefits

Not only does becoming a Rogue Ninja come with the previously mentioned benefits of being a part of a community of like-minded disc golfers, being able to make disc golf-related videos and write articles, and receiving some Rogue Discs Ninja gear, but it also has its unintentional benefits as well. For example, one of the unintentional benefits of becoming a Rogue Ninja is the conversation starter at the course or at events when people ask “What is Rogue Discs?” or “Why do you have a jersey with your last name on it?” I’ve had quite a few people come up to me since becoming a Ninja and ask these questions, which then sparks a conversation that leads to a new connection with someone.

Another benefit of being a Rogue Discs Ninja is having the responsibility to post a certain number of social media posts about Rogue Discs which in turn, gives the unintentional benefit of having to push and promote your social media presence. I found myself creating a new Instagram account just for my disc golf-related content after becoming a Rogue Ninja which allowed me to push my disc golf photography and videography.

Take It From a Rogue Ninja

When it comes to being a Rogue Ninja, don’t only take it from me, take it from some of the other Ninjas. I asked them simply what they thought about being a Ninja and this is what some of them had to say:

“I love being a part of a team, I love being able to talk about Rogue Discs with people who haven’t heard about it, and I love feeling like I’m a part of something new that will become something much bigger and better.”

Jared Blanchard

“I really enjoy being a Ninja. I enjoy showing people that even lower rated individuals can be sponsored. So I talk up my sponsor with everything I do at tournaments and in my community.  I wear my jersey as much as I can. I have even wore it to work. I enjoy this game so much and am so glad I can promote it and Rogue to other players.”

Jason Noble

“I feel that since we are the first group, this is now my store. I want to do everything I can to make it successful. I want to grow the store and feel I can do that as I grow my personal game. Having the group of ninjas to bounce ideas off and learn from is huge! So as the support I get from the store/team increases my abilities, I can reach new people to grow the sport and it comes full circle.”

Tyler Rohlinger

“What I like about being a Rogue Ninja is kinda simple. I like the team and friendships I have made. I think having each other’s back is great, especially in a bad round. Coming from the military, I relied heavily on my team to make sure I didn’t get killed. They had been there with me when I felt down and needed help. Same in my opinion goes to our team. There is constant discussion to make everyone think, sometimes some one may stir the pot but it’s cool because it gets everyone involved in conversation. Us posting videos for YouTube got me out of my comfort zone but I wanna help the team. And when I score horrible in tournament and feeling bad, it’s nice to have the pick up from the team. Also, let’s not forget about Mike. He has to be my favorite thing about Rogue Discs. He is just an awesome guy. I’m usually have a couple chats about different things with him through the week and just a top tier guy.”

Josh Von Gersdorff

What’s Next for the Ninjas?

Since the Rogue Discs Ninja Program is still in its first year and continuously growing, there is room for improvement and refinement for the next year of the program. However, all signs point to a successful future for the Ninja Program as factors such as the introduction of blog and social media posts written by Ninjas are steps in the right direction for the program. Also, Rogue Discs have worked with fellow Ninjas in supporting local leagues and events which is another step in the right direction for the program. Who knows, potentially one day Rogue and the Ninjas may choose to sponsor a whole course or a large-scale event or tournament.

While other disc golf sponsors are focused on supporting top-tier players, Rogue Discs is focused on giving everyone, regardless of player rating and status, a chance at supporting the growth of not only their brand but disc golf as a whole. Rogue Discs is a disc golf company that really cares about the individual player through their unique sponsorship program and through their passion and love for disc golf.

If you’re interested in becoming a Rogue Ninja, follow them on social media for an announcement about sponsorship applications for the 2022 season.