Disc golf was already a sport that was growing in popularity before last year’s COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.
But because people are looking for outdoor activities that allow physical distancing, the pandemic has brought a spike in patronage at disc golf courses and to businesses that cater to disc golfers like Plastic Addicts Disc Golf Supplies in North Pekin.
“It was kind of like the perfect storm,” Plastic Addicts owner Johnnie Harrison said. “Disc golf was already at that edge where it had made it to coverage on ESPN2, and with all this other stuff happening and all these new players (taking up the sport), it has definitely impacted my business in a great way.”
Last year, Plastic Addicts was forced to briefly close its doors due to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order. The Central Illinois Disc Golf Championship, which Plastic Addicts sponsors each August, was canceled last year, which cost the store an estimated $30,000 that month in sales.
Despite these setbacks, Harrison said that 2020 was his store’s biggest revenue year, and he expects 2021 to be even better.
“Typically at this time of the year, we might do approximately $2,500 to $3,000 worth of sales in a week,” he added. “Last week alone, we probably took in $7,000 to $8,000.”
Aside from being a relatively safe activity during the pandemic, Harrison that part of disc golf’s appeal is anyone of any age or skill level can play. In particular, he has noticed that it seems to have created a bond for some area families.
“I see a lot of families coming into my shop now that will all go out as a group,” he said.
Plastic Addicts customer Jake Allen of Pekin has been playing disc golf for four years but took a break from the game last March when the stay-at-home order was in place. By the end of last summer, he was playing three times a week and plans to up his disc golf dosage this year.
“I played high school sports, and I’m very competitive,” said Allen. “This is something I can do with my friends now that we’re vaccinated. And the (disc golf) community’s great.”
In addition to being a locally-owned business, Plastic Addicts is the only store in Tazewell County that sells disc golf supplies exclusively, according to Harrison. This gives the store the advantage of having a staff that can readily answer specific questions about the right equipment to buy.
“We’re able to help evaluate where you are in your game,” Harrison explained. “Are you a beginner, intermediate or an advanced player? Ask us what you want the discs to do, and we can make great recommendations.”
Plastic Addicts Disc Golf Supplies is located at 405 Radio City Drive, North Pekin. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.