Cole Redalen: The Rise of The Smooth Crusader

PLUS: An inside look at his fav disc and a look "in-the-bag"

Author

Sean Malone
October 26, 2023

Cole “The Smooth Crusader“ Redalen

Player Info:

  • Location: Hillsboro, Oregon

  • Current Rating: 1039 (as of 10-Oct-2023)

  • Career Events: 148

  • Career Wins: 28

  • Career Earnings: $76,402.00

  • US Tour Rank: #15

Cole’s Favorite Disc:

DGA
Tour Series
Swirl Pipeline
Get Yours - Click Here.

The Odyssey of “The Smooth Crusader”

As fans and players of professional disc golf, we've always had the pleasure of witnessing young talents rising in the ranks.

It's exhilarating to see fresh faces, some even in their teens, starting to make waves in the DGPT points.

Among these prodigious players, we're delighted to spotlight the journey of Cole Redalen, The Smooth Crusader, proudly sponsored by DGA.

Cole’s Journey into Disc Golf

Cole's disc golf journey began during a pivotal move from South Carolina to Oregon.

At a disc golf clinic hosted by Zoe Andyke and Dustin Keagan for Intel (where his father worked), Cole found his new passion.

Although he had previously been deeply engaged in multiple sports, including basketball, one throw changed everything.

"Once I threw that disc, there was no going back," he recalls.

Advantage of Homeschooling

Being homeschooled provided Cole with an advantageous flexible schedule, allowing for ample practice time.

He recalls, "I was out there every day putting and throwing in a field to get better."

Cole’s dedication bore fruit as he started making his mark in tournaments, first in amateur divisions and then in the pros.

His defining moment came at the 2020 Kitsap Classic, where he took third place behind renowned players, sealing his decision to pursue disc golf as a career.

Shining in the World Championships

Cole Redalen teeing off as the leader of the 2023 PDGA World Championships

Two of Cole's most significant achievements when it comes to the PDGA World Championships…

  1. In last year’s World Championship's long-drive competition, he managed to clinch fourth place, overtaking giants like Gannon Buhr, Anthony Barella, and Thomas Gilbert.

  2. This year Cole’s Smooth Crusader abilities got him to the top of the leaderboard moving into Round 4 of the World Championships.

Spotlight Moments

Cole Redalen: Winner of the 2023 Ledgestone Open

Cole’s biggest highlight this year was most definitely his performance at the 2023 Ledgestone Insurance Open, where he secured the title and won $12,500.

This win wasn't just financially rewarding; it was a statement to the world of disc golf that Cole was ready for intense global competition.

That final afternoon at Lake Eureka, Redalen put on a show with a blistering, 1093-rated, 14-under round to capture his first Elite Series win and the first victory above a B-Tier in his young career.

Edging out some heavy hitters - Calvin Heimburg posted a 13-under and Ricky Wysocki on the lead card landed a 10-under on the final day - seems to have been the validation he needed to put himself to the spotlight for the future.

I don’t know about you, but I find it totally exciting to watch a young gun like Cole straight wiping out the giants with his smooth shots and streamlined putts.

The Continuous Grind

Cole believes in the art of refining one's form. He emphasizes its importance, stating,

"Form is a HUGE part of a player’s success."

His athletic background, combined with the influence of disc golf legends like Paul Mcbeth, Drew Gibson, and Scott Withers, fuels his drive to excel.

Beyond professional guidance, Cole cherishes the unwavering support of his family.

Navigating the challenges of playing alongside top pros wasn't always easy.

Yet, as he evolved, he became comfortable and focused solely on his game.

To budding players, Cole's advice is clear:

"Respect the game."

Mastery of the Mind and Body

For Cole, the mental game is as crucial as physical prowess.

He underscores the importance of moving on after errors and playing one hole at a time.

Physical fitness is a significant pillar for Cole.

Beyond maintaining a balanced diet, he benefits from his partnership with Oregon Sports and Family Chiropractic, aiding his workout regimen and ensuring peak performance throughout the season.

Vision for the Future

Cole's outlook is as clear as his passion:

"I want to be the best disc golfer I can be."

With his unwavering determination, the future indeed looks bright.

Pick up one of Cole’s discs for yourself by clicking below and getting it delivered STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR! 😉👍

Cole’s 2023 In-The-Bag:
(Click any link below - Get yourself some new equipment… You DESERVE It!)

PUTTERS:

Putting Putter:
DGA Stone Steady BL
Throwing Putter:
DGA I-Steady BL

MID-RANGES:

Want to throw like Cole does?

Grab a couple of the discs he uses and get to throwing!

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