Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / leekrob
Modern disc golf started in the 1960s and today is the fastest-growing non-contact sport in America. The object for a player is to complete an entire course in the fewest number of throws of the disc. Over the past decade and a half, the sport has skyrocketed due to a combination of fun, challenge, and affordability. It’s a sport anyone can play, regardless of gender, age, or ability.
Although I had played disc golf a few times, little did I know that I would become involved with developing a disc-golf course for my community. Recently retired as Director of Parks & Recreation for the city of Moraine, Ohio, after 34 years of service, I didn’t know my life would change dramatically in the next four months as I was diagnosed with stage-four lymphoma cancer. Three months after beginning chemotherapy, my youngest son Shane, age 20, passed away. At the time, in lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Moraine Rotary Club of which I’ve been a member for 29 years.
During treatment, I brainstormed what project I could do in memory of my son. Then one day it dawned on me—a disc-golf course. Shane loved playing Frisbee every day, and I had once considered developing a course at one of the city parks. It became clear that would be our family’s goal.