From Frisbee Golf to Disc Golf Mastermind

As I stand proudly beside the Milan Disc Golf Course sign, I'm reminded of my own humble beginnings in this fantastic sport. My rating may be 865, but that doesn't define me – I'm not a professional disc golfer by any stretch. However, my love for disc golf has led me to become a passionate advocate and community builder.

My journey started way back in 1978 when I was a student at Middle Tennessee State University. My friends and I stumbled upon Cedars of Lebanon State Park, where we discovered a sign that read "Frisbee Golf Course." We were intrigued by the weird chain and basket contraptions mounted on poles and decided to investigate further. That's when our love affair with disc golf began.

We spent hours playing, using Frisbees to throw at the targets. When we couldn't get to the course, we'd play in our neighborhood, using light poles as makeshift targets. It was an inexpensive alternative to traditional golf, and we were hooked! However, life took over, and I put disc golf on the backburner for several decades.

In 2004, my water treatment plant crewmates and I decided to create some physical activity during lunch breaks. That's when I remembered playing Frisbee golf as a young man. We started using light poles at the plant, but soon discovered there was more to disc golf than we imagined. There were specialized discs, organizations promoting the sport, and tournaments – even professionals getting paid to play!

I began attending local tournaments, starting with the Ice Bowl (No Wimps, No Whiners) in Memphis. I didn't exactly conquer the course, but it sparked my competitive spirit. Next, I signed up for the Amateur Championships at Bowling Green in Kentucky, where I placed 117th – a respectable finish considering the high competition.

As I delved deeper into the world of disc golf, I realized that promoting the sport and sharing my passion with others was just as important as competing. In 2013, I proposed installing a disc golf course at our local park to the city council. While they didn't have any lemons to squeeze, they agreed to approve the project if I could raise the necessary funds.

I organized a pancake breakfast fundraiser, which not only raised $2,500 but also brought in over 150 donors from as far away as 150 miles. With the matching program and local support, I was able to cover the remaining costs and finalize the design of our nine-hole course. After months of hard work, Milan Disc Golf Course (MDGC) finally opened its gates.

The course was a huge success, with locals discovering the game, families playing together, and even casual rounds being played by beginners and experienced players alike. I held tournaments like the Discraft Ace Race, Vibram Birdie Bash, and Trilogy Challenge, which drew in more players and increased park usage.

However, the community soon asked for an 18-hole course to take Milan Disc Golf Course to the next level. In 2016, after reading about Morris Chandler's plans to raise funds for a back nine, I knew it was time to act again. With the help of my friend's matching program, a second pancake breakfast fundraiser, and hole sponsorships, we successfully raised the remaining funds.

Today, Milan Disc Golf Course is one of West Tennessee's premier courses, boasting over 270 Facebook members and an active disc golf community made up of great people. While I may not be a tournament winner, I'm proud to promote this fantastic sport through my passion, advice, and dedication to improving our course. Who knows? Maybe in 2020, I'll even card my age – which just happens to be par for the course!

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/disc-golf-journey