Rookies Shine in 2018: Meet Mason Ford and Lauren Butler

The world of professional disc golf has a new crop of talented players, and two of them have made a name for themselves in the industry. Mason Ford from Harlingen, Texas, and Lauren Butler from Elk River, Minnesota, took home the 2018 PDGA Rookie of the Year awards in their respective divisions.

Ford's journey to becoming the ROY was not an easy one. With only four years of disc golf experience under his belt, he had to put in extra effort to improve his game quickly and participate in as many PDGA events as possible. Despite facing long drives from Texas to compete in tournaments, Ford remained motivated and determined to succeed.

"I've always been passionate about competing at the highest level," said Ford. "To have this recognition is an incredible honor, and I'm grateful for all the support I received throughout my journey."

Ford's break came when he tied with Anthony Perkins, another Texas rookie, in July. This realization sparked a new sense of urgency in Ford, who knew he had to make up ground quickly. He worked tirelessly, competing in multiple events, including B-Tiers and National Tour events.

In December, Ford's hard work paid off as he won the final event of the year by 12 strokes, securing his spot as ROY. With a new goal set for 2019, Ford aims to improve his rating and compete in more events than ever before.

Butler's path to becoming the women's ROY was equally impressive. As an avid disc golfer, she had been competing at the amateur level for several years with her partner. When she turned pro in 2018, Butler was well-prepared to take on the challenges of the sport.

Lauren Butler competed in 26 events throughout the year, including two stops on the PDGA National Tour and the Professional Disc Golf World Championships. Her dedication paid off as she earned a spot in the national spotlight after her opening round at the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open.

Butler's grind continued throughout the season, with her earning points towards the ROY crown at every turn. After securing a five-point lead over New York's Missy Gannon in November, Butler sealed her title by winning several A-Tier events.

The 2018 PDGA Rookie of the Year awards are not just a testament to Ford and Butler's individual achievements but also a reflection of their passion for the sport. As they continue to grow as professional disc golfers, they remain committed to spreading the love of the game and promoting women's participation in the industry.

"I want to keep having fun and growing the sport," said Butler. "It's been amazing to watch tournaments go from six girls one year to 20 girls the next. I want to see more women playing and getting paid to play."

Ford and Butler's success story is a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game, anything is possible in professional disc golf.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

2018 PDGA Rookies of the Year: Mason Ford (left) and Lauren Butler (right). Photos: Joni Floyd Smith, Alyssa Van Lanen

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/ford-butler-awarded-2018-pdga-rookie-year-titles