Interview with JohnE McCray | 02.08.15
- afiglow
- Feb 13, 2015
- 3 min read
Can you explain a little bit about the sport of disc golf for those who do not know much about it?
"Disc golf is played much like Ball/Stick golf except we use discs instead of a golf club and a ball. Us disc golfers start on a tee pad and throw our discs in as little throws as possible. The hole is completed once your discs has come to rest inside a metal basket with chains. The object is to score low (as little throws as possible)."
How long have you been playing disc golf and what got you into the sport?
"I have been playing disc golf since 1996. I played soccer from age 5 through college and into semi pro indoor soccer. After I suffered a brutal jaw break playing soccer that ended my career, I wondered what sport I was going to play next. My brother introduced me to disc golf and I have been hooked ever since."
Tell us your favorite part of being a disc golfer?
"My favorite part of being a disc golfer is competition time. I have always played sports and enjoyed that part of any game. I love meeting new people all over the country and I love that I am still able to compete with the younger guys at my age. I love teaching about disc golf and I love that this sport is how I met my wife."
What are your career highlights?
"I have been the Florida Tour Points leader 13 times, tied for 1st place at the 2014 USDGC, I have over 150 PDGA 1st place finishes."
What are your travel plans for next year’s tour, and what is this tour all about?
"I will be following the National Tour, Major Tour and a lot of other events along the way. I really don’t think much will change on the “It’s About Time Tour Part II” except I want to do a little more site seeing. The “It’s About Time Tour “ is all about being able to tour on a fulltime basis and traveling the country playing on the PDGA circuit. I did not travel the tour in the past because I wanted to be there for both my daughters as they were growing up. I have been to their soccer coach, ROTC and Theatre Dad. Now my girls are all grown up and my wife and I decided it was our turn to go out there and be big kids."
Tell us about your near death experience and how it has changed you as a man and a disc golfer?
"Oh wow, that certainly was a life changer. In 2007 when I was hospitalized for two weeks with cellulitis and a surgery to help save my life, my entire world changed. Two weeks out of the hospital, I received a call from the CDC and they told me I was also suffering with Lyme Disease. Every bone and joint hurt and it was hard to even stand up. After about 30 days of IV medications three times a day, I looked like I had gone through hell and I had. After all the medication, I started eating a better diet, cleansed my system and started on a fulltime disc golf career. Being that sick, my wife saw how quickly life can be over. She decided she would go back to work and I would play disc golf fulltime. Life is too short to not enjoy it."
Who are your biggest supporters outside of your professional sponsorships?
"Of course my family would come first. They have always been behind me and supported me 100% no matter what. My friends have always been there for me as well, through thick and thin."
If you could say one thing about disc golf to tell the entire world, what would that be?
"I would tell the world that disc golf is a sport that anyone can play. It doesn’t matter your size, weight or handicap. You can play disc golf just for leisure or join the PDGA circuit in your state or country. There are tournaments all over the world and are designed for all skill levels."
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