Rising up the ranks

Published 5:47 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026

Bolivar High School Junior Calvin Hensley has blossomed into an up and coming amateur disc golfer. Performing in over 50 events over the past three years, Hensley is steadily improving his game. With a current rating of 985, he is rising to the upper echelon of disc golf.

Calvin Hensley has continuously proven himself against tough competition. At the Mid America Open in Columbia, Missouri, Hensley competed against 25 opponents. Here, he came out on top, beating the second place opponent by 10 strokes with a score of -17. Hensley’s success continued to the national stage, where he competed at the 2026 PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) Junior Disc Golf World Championships, earning a sixth place finish out of 144 participants. But Hensley’s day did not stop there, he also netted a first place finish in the Junior Worlds Putting Competition, featuring 91 participants. In mostly under 18 events and some mixed age events, Hensley is often one of the younger participants. “Playing with the older seasoned veterans, I use it as a learning experience to better myself,” Said Hensley.

Hensley got his start in an unconventional way, playing with his friends at a baseball tournament. “The first time I ever threw a disc was a one dollar frisbee during a baseball tournament to kill time,” said Hensley. However, this humble start jumpstarted a passion for the game. Hensley practices as much as he can, putting in the work necessary to succeed. “I try to putt everyday, I actually have a putter in my hallway. During the summer I put in two or three rounds a day,” Hensley explained. Constant practice has helped Hensley, but he believes his parents have been a huge part of his success. “Absoutely could not be here without them, their support is unmatched and I’m very thankful for them,” said Hensley.

Hensley is currently competing at the Ledgestone open in Peoria, Illinois that started on July 30. According to Hensley, this will be his last amateur tournament before he starts competing in professional events.