Groundbreaking Achievement Unlocks Secret History of Disc Golf's Early Years

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has reached a major milestone in its efforts to preserve the history of disc golf. After years of dedicated work by two key individuals, Amber Schoch and Lorrie Gibson, the PDGA has successfully digitized and made available online over 4,000 tournament records from 1979 to 2001. This monumental achievement not only provides a treasure trove of information for fans but also serves as a testament to the perseverance and commitment of those who have contributed to the sport's development.

The archive includes an impressive array of events, with 884 taking place in the 1980s, 2,289 in the 1990s, and 795 from 2000 to 2001. Geographically, the records cover a vast territory, with 94% originating from the United States, followed by Canada (130 tournaments), Europe (100 events), Japan (8 editions of the Japan Open), and Australia (1 event). This comprehensive collection is likely to become an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of this project lies the tireless efforts of two individuals who worked together despite being separated by distance. Amber Schoch, currently a Tour Assistant at the PDGA, began working on the project in May 2012, painstakingly transforming handwritten reports from the '90s into electronic records using Microsoft's Excel. Lorrie Gibson, former Memberships Manager, joined forces with Schoch and spent several years meticulously sorting through cartons of reports, newsletters, and magazines to build an accurate archive.

Gibson was particularly diligent in resolving missing member numbers and correcting misspelled player names, while Schoch continued to enter current events data. Together, they made millions of keystrokes, ultimately importing the last tournament report in Fall 2016.

The compiled records reveal a wealth of information about disc golf's early days, including legendary players such as Ken Climo, who has competed in an astonishing 455 PDGA events and holds the top spot for all-time earnings. Valarie Jenkins leads the list of women's career earners, while international money earners Elaine King (Canada) and Simon Lizotte (Germany) are also highlighted.

The project's success is not only a testament to Schoch and Gibson's dedication but also a tribute to the pioneers who helped shape disc golf at its grassroots level. The PDGA encourages fans to explore this treasure trove of information, which is likely to become an invaluable resource for years to come.

As the archive continues to grow, the PDGA invites those with access to original or copied records from pre-1995 events to contribute their findings. This collective effort will ensure that the history of disc golf remains a vibrant and dynamic field, worthy of its rich legacy.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/historical-events-project-finally-complete