Celebrating Disc Golf's Finest: The Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award

The Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award is more than just a recognition of excellence in disc golf - it's a celebration of the values that make the sport truly special. For Garrett Gurthie, receiving this award in 2018 was the proudest moment of his career. But what exactly does sportsmanship mean in the context of disc golf?

While it's challenging to put into words, sportsmanship is often described as that intangible quality that you know when you see it. It's a trait that can be observed in players from all walks of life, from well-known professionals like Barry Schultz and Nate Sexton to passionate amateurs who have turned their love for the game into successful business ventures.

In fact, some recipients of the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award seem to have a natural inclination towards sportsmanship. Take, for example, the mother-daughter duo of Sharon Jenkins and Valarie Jenkins-Doss, or the married team of Jay "Yeti" Reading and Des Reading - all of whom have been recognized for their exceptional character on the course.

But where did this idea of sportsmanship originate? The answer lies in the legacy of Bob West, a beloved figure in the early days of disc golf. As one of the charter members of the Huntington Beach Higher Flyers, a Southern California club from the 1970s and 80s, Bob was known for his kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit. He never won a sanctioned PDGA event, but his impact on the lives of other disc golfers was immeasurable.

When Bob passed away in 1988, the PDGA created the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award as a tribute to his memory. The award is given annually to a PDGA member who exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the course, observing the rules of play with integrity and winning or losing with dignity.

So, how does one become eligible for this prestigious award? Each spring, the PDGA issues a call-for-nominations, inviting players to recognize their peers who embody the spirit of sportsmanship. The nominees are then voted on by the PDGA Board of Directors, with the winner announced at a later date.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award serves as a reminder that disc golf is about more than just competing - it's about treating others with respect and kindness. As we celebrate this award, let us strive to embody the values of sportsmanship that make our game so special.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/spotlight-bob-west-memorial-sportsmanship-award