Ben Askren’s Hidden Disc Golf Legacy: A Fighter’s Passion for the Chains

Ben Askren playing disc golf

Ben Askren’s Hidden Disc Golf Legacy: A Fighter’s Passion for the Chains

Ben Askren might be best known for his wrestling accolades and MMA career, but there’s an interesting side to this fighter that many people don’t know about—his passion for disc golf. As a former UFC welterweight champion, Askren’s name is synonymous with combat sports, but it turns out that the world of flying discs also has a special place in his heart. Let’s take a look at how Askren has simultaneously loved the world of cage fighting and the lush, green fairways of disc golf.

The Beginning of Askren’s Disc Golf Journey

Askren's relationship with disc golf started in 2004. What began as a casual hobby turned into a full-blown passion. After transitioning from wrestling to MMA, Askren was already accustomed to pushing his body and mind to their limits. When he picked up a disc for the first time, he found that same level of intensity and focus he loved in fighting, but in a much more laid-back, outdoorsy environment.

By 2005, Askren entered his first professional disc golf event—the Fox Valley Open—and from there, his participation in tournaments became more frequent. Although not a top-tier professional, he found enjoyment in competing in events such as the Montrose Open and Copper Mountain Open, where he earned top-10 finishes.

His achievements weren’t just limited to the competitive side. Askren’s casual approach to the game made him a recognizable figure within the disc golf community, and he was able to connect with other passionate players who shared his love for the sport. His career as a professional disc golfer peaked during his amateur years, most notably when he secured second place at the United States Amateur Disc Golf Championship in 2011.

Funky Farms: A Disc Golf Paradise

Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Askren's post-MMA life is his creation of Funky Farms, an 18-hole disc golf course located on his personal property in Hartland, Wisconsin. The course features a mix of open fields and wooded areas, making it both recreational and challenging for players of all levels. Designed with careful attention to layout and design, Funky Farms quickly became a destination for disc golf enthusiasts looking for a unique playing experience.

Askren has hosted charity events at Funky Farms, bringing together pros and amateurs alike to raise money for various causes. He's even had the opportunity to play alongside top-tier professionals like Paul McBeth, adding to his reputation as a well-loved figure within the sport.

A Player’s Gear: What’s in Ben Askren’s Disc Golf Bag?

For any disc golf player, the tools of the trade are just as important as their skill set. Askren is a proud member of Team Discraft and uses some of the brand’s most trusted discs in his game. His bag includes:

• Drivers: Z Force, ESP Nuke, Z Predator, Z Avenger SS, Z Avenger

• Midrange: X Buzzz

• Putter: D Focus

These discs, especially the Z Force, reflect Askren’s desire for overstable discs that provide both control and distance on the course, much like the strategy he employed inside the cage.

Advocacy and Growth: Askren’s Impact on Disc Golf

As a prominent figure in sports, Askren’s involvement in disc golf has had a notable impact on raising the sport’s visibility. His advocacy for disc golf through his platform has helped introduce the sport to a broader audience, especially those who may not have traditionally followed it. Askren believes in the importance of cultivating strong personalities within the sport, similar to how MMA grew with figures like himself. His desire to grow the sport and promote its athletes remains a cornerstone of his legacy in the world of disc golf.

Sending Our Best to Ben Askren: A Time to Recover

Recently, Ben Askren has been dealing with health issues, and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate not only his contributions to the world of combat sports but also his passion for disc golf. Askren’s efforts to create Funky Farms, his advocacy for the sport, and his willingness to compete at the highest level are just a few of the reasons why his story is so special.

As he recovers, we want to send him all the positive energy we can muster. Ben, we hope you’re back out there on the course soon, throwing those perfect drives and putting out like a champ. Whether it’s on the mat or on the disc golf course, we know you’ve got what it takes to overcome this challenge and return to the things you love.

Ben Askren – A Fighter on and off the Field

Ben Askren’s career in disc golf may not be as well-known as his time in the UFC, but it’s a testament to his versatility and passion for new challenges. From his early days as a competitor to building Funky Farms into a hub for disc golf enthusiasts, Askren has proven that he’s just as dedicated to the chains as he was to the cage.

So let’s celebrate this side of Askren’s journey—one filled with determination, growth, and a love for the game. And as he continues to recover, we’re all hoping to see him back out there playing, sharing his story, and continuing to inspire both athletes and fans alike.

Stay strong, Ben! Keep throwing those discs, and we can’t wait to see you back at it!

Ben Askren