First-year health science student Levi Stout is the highest-rated disc golfer in New Zealand after working hard to master the sport.
Take some cheap frisbees, add a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, place in an isolated location for several days and you’ve got the perfect recipe for launching a lasting love of disc golf.
At least that’s how it began for first-year health science student Levi Stout, who is now the highest-rated disc golfer in New Zealand.
“I first discovered disc golf in 2017 on holiday in Te Anau. Our family bought some cheap frisbees and we gave it a try,” Levi says.
“It was a bit of fun at the start, but my brother and I quickly realised that it was also a competition for us that we sucked equally at.”
Once home, the brothers decided to play whenever and wherever they could and, a year later, a course was put in down the road from their house in Invercargill.
It’s been game on ever since.
“Over the years, I’ve worked my way up to become the highest-rated disc golfer in New Zealand since making the jump to play in Open divisions at the age of 15. I’m a two-time South Island Champ (and the reigning champ), as well as a three-time NZDG (New Zealand Disc Golf) Tour winner.
“Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world, and my current goals are centred on how to take my sport to the international stage.”
Levi’s disc golf success also led to him being awarded one of Otago’s Performance Entrance Scholarships last year, which was a welcome financial boost and made him feel “seen” as an athlete of a lesser-known sport.
“Receiving the scholarship was a bit of a surprise for me, since disc golf isn't very mainstream and it can be hard to get recognition from some institutions,” Levi says.
“The scholarship allowed me to work a bit less leading up to the start of the year, which freed up time for me to train, so I was able to compete to the best of my abilities during the summer swing of the NZDG Tour.”
This resulted in better tournament performances, including his biggest win to date, which was the 2024 Bottle Lake Open in Christchurch, where Levi went head-to-head with two professional disc golfers from the United States.
“The scores were tight coming down the final stretch and I ended up winning the tournament by a single shot, which just goes to show that every shot counts.”
Levi is a resident at Carrington College, which has become a home away from home for him, he says.
“It's nice to have a small community of people around that I know, and the college always keeps us busy whether it's through events, games, or tutorials.”
He’s also keeping his hand in with disc golf on a local level.
“The club I’m a part of is the Dunedin Disc Golf Club, which is amazing. It's pretty casual, with club rounds on Sundays and a few smaller tournaments throughout the year, as well as taking players to other tournaments across the South Island.
“Anyone can join, but I'd recommend that if you're going to try disc golf, play casually with some mates for a while before joining a club.”
– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson
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