Ricky Wysocki: The Ascent of a Disc Golf Titan

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

Author

Sean Malone
October 19, 2023

Ricky “Socki-Bomb“ Wysocki

Player Info:

  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ

  • Current Rating: 1047

  • Career Events: 401

  • Career Wins: 128

  • Career Earnings: $736,884.76

  • US Tour Rank: #4

Ricky’s Favorite Disc:

Dynamic Discs
SockiBomb Slammer
Get Yours - Click Here.

One of the Titans: Ricky Wysocki

Born in Brunswick, Ohio, in 1993, Richard "Ricky" Wysocki has evolved into an iconic figure in the disc golf world.

Currently residing in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Ricky's journey started in Medina, Ohio, adjacent to the legendary Roscoe Ewing Disc Golf Course.

The proximity to this course and his family's support played pivotal roles in molding his career.

Turning Pro and Early Achievements

2010 marked a defining chapter in Ricky's life as he turned professional.

And in just a decade, he's amassed a staggering 128 professional wins, making him one of the sport's most prolific players.

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) recognized his meteoric rise by awarding him the Rookie of the Year in 2011.

Demonstrating consistent excellence, Ricky bagged the Male Player of the Year Award the very next year in 2012.

Notably, he remains the sole male player to clinch both awards consecutively.

Clashes with Paul McBeth: A Rivalry for the Ages

The 2016 and 2017 PDGA-World Championships are etched in the memories of disc golf aficionados.

Here, Ricky faced off against the six-time World Champion, Paul McBeth, defeating him on both occasions.

This two-year span fortified Ricky's status as the world's top disc golfer.

Their iconic showdown at the 2014 Worlds in Portland is often considered disc golf's most epic duel.

A nail-biting match, it extended into five dramatic sudden-death playoff holes, with McBeth narrowly prevailing.

These clashes underscored the fierce rivalry and mutual respect between the two champions.

The Dynamic Discs Deal: A Game-Changer

In a sport where sponsorships dictate a player's commercial value, Ricky struck gold in early 2022.

Dynamic Discs extended a four-year contract worth $4 million, an unprecedented deal in disc golf's landscape.

Apart from the base salary, Ricky's agreement carries the potential to double his yearly earnings based on Dynamic Discs' sales bearing his name.

And, in a move reflecting the times, Ricky secured a $250,000 signing bonus in Bitcoin.

Early Life and Disc Golf Discoveries

Ricky Wysocki grew up as one among eight siblings.

This large family, consisting of six sisters and a brother, provided a nurturing environment for Ricky's athletic pursuits.

While his siblings went on to choose their paths, Ricky's destiny intertwined with the disc golf course near his home.

Roscoe Ewing Park, Ohio's oldest disc golf course, played muse to a young Ricky.

Being homeschooled, he utilized the flexibility it offered, often concluding his studies early to immerse himself in disc golf.

This self-initiated training regimen, juxtaposed with his baseball skills, laid the foundation for his disc golf techniques.

Defying Expectations: From Rookie to Player of the Year

Ricky's professional journey began in earnest post-high school.

During his debut season in 2011, he participated in 47 events, emerging victorious in 15.

This impressive run culminated in his first major win at the 2011 PDGA Championship, solidifying his Rookie of the Year status.

His sophomore year witnessed another surge.

Out of 42 events, Ricky clinched 15 titles. The highlight of his 2012 season was his second-place finishes at the World Championships and the United States Disc Golf Championships, which, combined with his overall performance, led to his Player of the Year Award.

Eclipsing McBeth: Establishing Dominance

Paul McBeth, another stalwart of disc golf, has been Ricky's constant adversary.

Their matches are the stuff of legend, with Ricky often finishing a close second to McBeth in the early 2010s.

But 2016 marked a paradigm shift. Responding to McBeth's subtle provocations, Ricky exhibited a masterclass throughout the year.

A pivotal moment that year was the European Masters in Stockholm.

Tied on the last hole, McBeth narrowly missed a birdie, while Ricky confidently sealed his victory.

This win was more than just a title; it was Ricky's declaration that he could overcome his toughest competitor.

Watch this compilation of the “Socki-bomb’s” putting mastery:

Consistent Excellence Amid Challenges

Ricky's consistency in performance is even more commendable considering the challenges he's faced.

Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2019, he battled severe symptoms, sidelining him for most of the season.

But showing characteristic resilience, he managed to bounce back, albeit following an unconventional treatment route.

The Art of the 'Scramble' and Signature 'Raptor Legs'

Ricky's aggressive playing style often results in off-fairway situations.

However, he's carved a niche for himself with his unparalleled scrambling skills.

His ability to extricate himself from tricky spots, combined with an impeccable short-range game, provides a tactical edge.

Additionally, his 'Raptor Legs' have become a visual treat for fans.

Whenever he nails a long-distance putt, Ricky sprints towards the basket with an animated stride resembling a raptor's, delighting the crowds.

Ricky "Sockibomb" Wysocki's career exemplifies passion, resilience, and talent.

As the sport evolves, his legacy as a two-time World Champion remains intact, cemented by his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

And while his journey is still unfolding, his impact on disc golf is undeniable.

With exciting matches, endorsements, and a growing fan base, Ricky's story is a testament to disc golf's meteoric rise in the sports world.

Here’s some of his stats from his Wikipedia page:

And now, he’s a back to back Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship winner who just took home the $40K prize and the trophy as the DGPT Champion.

This boosts his earnings from his play to 2nd place all time, only $50K behind Paul McBeth.

The next time you watch Ricky on the field, take a moment to appreciate the dedication, hard work, and talent that goes into each throw, each decision, and each victory.

-sean 🔥🕺

P.S. Both Ricky and Paul McBeth are two of the best ambassador’s of our beloved sport and I’d like to personally thank them for being INCREDIBLE role models for anyone.

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

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

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