By MIKE BEACOM
of The Gazette
One of Stevens Point's newest residents is a bit of a celebrity. Even though few from the community may recognize him, there are parts of the country where hoards of folks follow him around on certain days to observe his every move.
Sheboygan native Barry Schultz makes his living on the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) tour. And, in his sport's circle of an estimated 100,000 participants in the states alone, his name hangs among the elite.
For those unfamiliar to the sport, it's a form of golf where discs replace balls and chain-link targets with baskets replace pinholes.
According to Schultz, who moved to the community's north side with his girlfriend Amy, disc golf is not as difficult to perfect as mainstream golf, but that does not mean it offers little challenge.
"It's easier to make a 20-foot putt in disc golf than in regular golf. But it's more difficult than people might think," said Schultz.
The 30-year-old was recently honored when he was selected to showcase his skills in August's World Games in Japan. It's the first time disc golfers will participate in the games.
"We're very proud to have Barry representing the U.S.," said Brian Sullivan, publicity director for the PDGA. "We think he'll do a fabulous job there."
The week overseas this summer will be the pinnacle in a nearly 20-year career for Schultz. His love for disc golf began when he tagged along with his older brother one afternoon.
"I've been hooked ever since," Schultz said.
Eventually, his game elevated to a competitive level and when in 1992 he began traveling to more and more events, he turned professional to qualify for prize money. At a point in his career, that money supported his travel expenses from one tour spot to another.
"I've been putting my money away for the last couple of years to make sure I didn't have to win every time to make it to the next stop," said Schultz.
Now that golf has become a full-time occupation, Barry has more time to hone his skills on a daily basis.
That means giving current disc golf king Ken Climo a run for his money. Many associated with the sport compare PGA golfer Tiger Woods' to Climo's instead of vice versa. That's because Climo has maintained a stronghold on disc golf's major events for a decade. But Barry has been nipping at Climo's heels the last two seasons.
"The last two years, Barry's game has ascended incredibly," said Rick Rothstein, editor of Disc Golf World News. "Now that Barry's given up his day job, look out!"
Schultz, who finished six strokes behind Climo in last year's PDGA World Championships, will practice his game on the courses of central Wisconsin now, instead of Sheboygan.
The move to Stevens Point was an easy decision for Schultz. Amy started up school again at UW-Stevens Point after taking some time off and the community has several disc golf courses for Barry to play regularly: Mead Park, Patch Adams, Standing Rocks Park and Yulga, a brand new course by the airport.
"There are four courses here which is very good for a community this size," said Schultz. "I also really like how close Stevens Point is to some of the other areas like Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield. They both have courses that are very nice."
Schultz admits that traveling as much as 30 weekends out of the year can be difficult for he and Amy sometimes.
"It strains the relationship once in a while but at the same time she understands the bulk of me is all about disc golf," said Schultz. "She knows that right now I have a chance of making a mark for myself in the history of the game."
One time the couple will not have to be separated is this summer in Japan. Amy will travel with Barry to the World Games to enjoy the experience with him.
For Schultz, the Games (which immediately follow the 2001 PDGA World Championships) will be an amazing chapter of a story that began in the fields of Sheboygan a mile away from his house. And the success story is the journey.
"Whether I play well or not, it really doesn't matter," said Schultz. "Just to be able to go over there and be a part of the whole thing is going to be an amazing experience."