PDGA Announces Annual Award Recipients | Professional Disc Golf Association

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has announced its annual award winners for the 2023 season, celebrating individuals who have excelled on and off the course. These prestigious awards recognize volunteers, players, and tournament directors who have made significant contributions to the sport of disc golf.

At the forefront of this year's honorees is Maria Luisa Bartolome, the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. As an active PDGA member, Bartolome has been instrumental in promoting disc golf in the Philippines since 2022. Her tireless efforts have led to the growth of courses from one to seven, and she has introduced the game to thousands of youth and adults across the country.

Bartolome's dedication and passion for disc golf earned her four PDGA grants, including a Marco Polo grand and Diversity/Outreach grant. According to one nomination, "Luisa is an inspiration, an absolute pleasure to work with and support, and an ideal candidate for recognition as PDGA Volunteer of the Year."

The Senior Player of the Year award goes to Brian Schweberger, who has made waves in the disc golf community with his impressive performance on the course. In his first year as a 50-year-old, Schweberger played in over 50 events, winning four times in the Open division and consistently finishing in the top 4. He was also runner-up at Masters Worlds.

Schweberger's nomination highlighted his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, stating, "Brian is always a pleasure to play with and loves the game more than just anyone I know." In his own words, Schweberger reflected on an incredible year, noting that he played 53 sanctioned events, won 41 of them, traveled over 27,000 miles, and earned over $20K for the first time in his career.

The Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award is presented to Ohn Scoggins, who embodies the values of fair play, generosity, and kindness. As a PDGA member, Scoggins has consistently demonstrated sportsmanship on the course, observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. Her nomination praised her ability to positively influence her fellow players, stating, "You can tell she truly loves herself, and therefore loves and cares for others so effortlessly."

Lastly, Krissie Fountain and Renae Farr have been recognized as the Brent Hambrick Tournament Director of the Year award winners. Their dedication to hosting successful events has earned them a special place in the disc golf community. The pair launched a women's only tour in Texas called the Wildflower Disc Golf Tour, spreading awareness and enthusiasm for disc golf among women and girls throughout the state.

Fountain directed 23 sanctioned events, including two B-tiers, while Farr directed 10 sanctioned events, including one A-tier and five B-tiers. Together, their impact continues to resonate in the women's disc golf community in Texas, which boasts some of the highest numbers of PDGA active members in the country.

These individuals embody the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines the world of professional disc golf. Their contributions have not gone unnoticed, and they are deserving of recognition for their hard work and commitment to the sport.

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