If you spend any time in the wooded parks of Warren County or the rolling hills of North Jersey, you've probably heard the name. It’s not a corporate CEO or a local politician making headlines. Honestly, in the niche but rapidly growing world of professional and amateur disc golf, Richard Mango has become a household name across the Garden State.
He isn't just some guy throwing frisbees in a park. He's a certified PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) veteran who has been grinding on the East Coast circuit for over a decade. While most people are obsessing over the Giants or the Jets, a dedicated community in New Jersey is watching Mango’s rating climb.
Who is Richard Mango?
Based out of Hackettstown, New Jersey, Richard Mango (PDGA #43558) has been a fixture in the local sports scene since 2010. You don't stay in a sport for fifteen years by accident. It takes a certain level of obsession. New Jersey disc golf isn't like playing in California or Emporia, Kansas. It's tough. You're dealing with thick humidity in July, biting winds in January, and some of the most punishing "wooded" courses on the planet.
Mango has built a reputation as a consistent, high-performing amateur who has successfully bridged the gap between a casual hobbyist and a serious competitive athlete. As of early 2026, he maintains an impressive rating of 876. For those who don't speak disc golf: that means he’s better than about 90% of the people you'll see at your local park.
He’s a winner. Period. With 16 career wins and over 100 sanctioned events under his belt, he’s one of the most active players in the Northeast.
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Why the Garden State Matters for Disc Golf
New Jersey is often mocked for its turnpikes and malls, but for disc golfers, it's a hidden paradise. Richard Mango’s home turf includes legendary spots like Greystone Woods and Field of Dreams. These aren't manicured golf courses. They are obstacle courses made of oak and maple trees where a single bad kick can ruin your entire round.
Mango’s success in these environments says a lot about his style. You don't win 16 times in Jersey by having a massive arm and no control. You win by being a "scrambler"—someone who can find a line through a gap the size of a pizza box.
The 2025-2026 Season: A Career Peak?
What’s wild is that Mango seems to be getting better with age. In the 2025 Global Masters Series, he climbed the ranks to hit #177 globally. That is no small feat when you consider there are tens of thousands of registered players worldwide.
He kicked off January 2026 with a packed schedule, including the Kisco Klassic and the Buzzy’s Ice Bowl. These "Ice Bowls" are a staple of the New Jersey winter. Players show up in thermal gear, throw discs that get brittle in the cold, and raise money for local food banks. It’s gritty. It’s cold. It’s exactly where Mango thrives.
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Breaking Down the Stats
Let’s look at the numbers, because they don't lie.
- Member Since: 2010
- Career Events: 112
- Current Status: Certified Official (through late 2026)
- Primary Location: Hackettstown, NJ
Having someone like Mango in the community is basically like having a local encyclopedia of the sport. Because he is a Certified Official, he isn't just playing; he's often the guy ensuring the rules are followed and the integrity of the local game is upheld.
The "Other" Richard Mangos
You’ve gotta be careful when Googling this name, though. If you search for "Richard Mango" and start seeing stories about 18-year prison sentences or massive Ponzi schemes, you've found Richard Mangone (note the 'e'), a former Massachusetts banker. Different guy. Totally different vibe.
Our Richard Mango is the one in the woods of Hackettstown, probably lining up a 30-foot putt while dodging a squirrel. It’s a good reminder that in the age of SEO, a single letter makes a massive difference.
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Why You Should Care
You might be wondering why a disc golfer in Hackettstown matters to you. Basically, it’s about the growth of local sports. Disc golf exploded during the pandemic because it was outdoors and socially distanced. Since then, it hasn't slowed down.
People like Richard Mango are the backbone of this growth. They volunteer at course workdays, they mentor new players, and they show that you can be a high-level athlete without a multi-million dollar Nike contract. If you’ve ever thought about picking up a disc, looking at the career of someone like Mango is the best way to see how the "path to pro" actually looks in New Jersey.
Get Involved in the NJ Scene
If you're in North Jersey and want to see what the hype is about, you don't have to look far.
- Visit Hackettstown: Check out the local parks where Mango and other high-rated players practice.
- Join the PDGA: If you want to track your stats like Richard, getting a PDGA number is the first step.
- Check the Schedule: Look for events like the Throw Down the Mountain or local B-Tier tournaments. Even if you aren't playing, watching the "Lead Card" (the top players) is a masterclass in physics and focus.
New Jersey disc golf is only getting bigger. With veterans like Richard Mango leading the charge, the state is moving from a "pass-through" area for pro tours to a legitimate destination for competitive play.
Actionable Next Steps:
Head over to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) official website and search for player #43558 to see Richard’s most recent tournament finishes. If you're local to New Jersey, download the UDisc app to find the nearest course in Hackettstown or Great Meadows. Start with a "putter" and a "midrange" disc—don't buy the high-speed drivers yet, or you'll just end up hitting a tree. Follow the local club, New Jersey Disc Golf, on social media to find out when the next "Ice Bowl" or charity event is happening in your backyard.