Michigan Disc Golf Hall of Fame Inductees

 

2023

May 13, 2023 Induction Ceremony:


Ken Gill

PDGA #3549 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1986
  • Career Events: 336
  • Career Wins: 15
  • Career Earnings: $26,228.44

“Kenny” started playing disc golf in late 1970s as a teenager. His first golf disc like many others was a Frisbee. He was a master of the 50 mold 200gm glow disc. This Frisbee stayed in his bag well into the 80s for its versatility. Kenny took well to the release of the early golf discs and began to play at Earl Brewer Disc Golf course in Grand Rapids. He sought out the most talented players in the area to up his game and compete against. One of the best at the time was Javier Kowalski and this rivalry and friendship continues to this day. They were the guys to beat in Michigan for most of the 80s and 90s. Ken and his brother traveled to many out of state tournaments on a weekend basis for many years. Again, his mantra was to seek out the best players for practice rounds that would put him into the competition mode. He formed lasting friendships with the top players of the time.
Ken played his first World Championship in 1987 and continued that for many years to come. He cashed in his second worlds in 1988 and many of the following years. Kenny’s bag has changed over the years, but his putter remains the same. He uses the 86 Softie to a very high degree of efficiency. Many a top pro over the years have been taken down with the 86 Softie.
He is the poster child for the PDGA logo (1997-2022). How do we know that its him? Just ask him and he will tell you the story about the tournament at Channahon where the tee pads were so bad that he chose to wear his classic golf shoes which were saddle shoes with tassels covering the laces. These can be clearly seen in the logo on his feet. Rumor has it hit missed the putt and they had to photo shop the disc in the logo to make it look like it might go in.

Jim Schultz

PDGA #11741 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1996
  • Career Events: 74
  • Career Wins: 24
  • Career Earnings: $14,351.19
  • Tournaments Directed: 7
  • 1998 Masters Amatuer World Champion
  • 2008 US Masters Grandmaster Champion
  • 2016 Tim Selinske US Masters Sr. Grandmasters Champion
  • 2x (2006, 2018) Pro Grandmaster & Sr. Grandmaster Michigan State Champion

From running Leagues, endless work, teaching & motivation, Jim has built 30 disc golf courses in the USA in the states of Michigan (including Goliath and Leviathan), Ohio, Illinois, New York, & California which is a feat to be respected. However Jim has also built courses in Mexico, Zambia, Costa Rica, Belize, and Venezuela. Jim is also a Co-Founder of Eagle’s Wings Disc Golf which is an International disc golf program that has promoted disc golf to over 3,000 youth in the last 5 years. Eagle’s Wings Disc Golf is also responsible for the biggest Tournament in Michigan which averages 60 youth from 6 to 18 years of age. Jim has also worked with Larry LaBond (HOF 2018) to establish the 1st Interscholastic High School Disc Golf Conference. – Craig Keson
Jim has such a big heart to see the sport grow, yet he will drop everything to talk to one disc golfer that might need something in that moment. His only flaw is that he gets spread to thin sometimes with all the things he is doing to give back, yet he’d literally give you the shirt off his back. You won’t meet a kinder man that just loves people for the sake of loving them and expecting nothing in return. He has done more for the Disc Golf Community than most people I know. Not only is he building into the sport through running tournaments and building courses, but he’s building into the people of the sport through mentorship and friendship. – Leah Cole

Todd Branch

PDGA #11795 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1996
  • Career Events: 272
  • Career Wins: 18
  • Career Earnings: $56,405.24

Many remember waiting each week for Todd’s entry into his online journal logging not only good times by difficult times as well. Todd was able to provide an insight into the life on the road and share his appreciation for the many people he met along the way. – John Northam

Kirk “Luna” Haggadone

PDGA #12228 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1997
  • Career Events: 166
  • Career Wins: 21
  • Career Earnings: $19,341.58
  • Tournaments Directed: 2
  • 2007 Pro Masters Michigan State Champion

Hailing from Club Kensington and being involved in the sport for 25 years. Luna has built a brand out of himself. So much in fact that Discraft contacted him when they decided to make the Luna as a putter. He is a shining example of how an ambassador for the sport should act. He does children’s events on a regular basis and coaches people more than anyone I know. – Rich Williams
Kirk started playing when he was just 15 years old in 1996. He opened up Luna Discs. He known for his efforts to grow the sport, especially for women and children.

 

2022

May 22, 2022 Induction Ceremony:


Bob & Sueanne Huston

PDGA #2354  & #2550 

  • Classifications: Professional & Professional
  • Members Since: 1983 & 1983
  • Current Ratings: 926 & TBD
  • Career Events: 58 & 24
  • Career Wins: 9 & 5
  • Career Earnings: $3,225.50 & $215.00
  • Tournaments Directed: 3
  • Bob

  • 3x (1978,1979,1980) Indiana State Men’s Overall Champion
  • 1980 Indiana State Disc Golf Champion
  • 1987 PDGA Master’s Pairs World Champion
  • 2x (1989,1990) Master’s Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion
  • Sueanna

  • 1980 Indiana State Women’s Overall Champion
  • 2x (1984,1985) Women’s Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion
  • 1982 Weenie Memorial Women’s Champion (non PDGA)
  • Top Ten finishes at Pro World Championships in 1988,1992

Bob and Sueanne met in 1979 while Bob was on tour as a professional frisbee player doing freestyle demos in schools in several states. Bob had already completed a Master’s thesis analyzing the biomechanics of a backhand frisbee throw and after several years serving as a disc sports organizer and enthusiast in Indiana Bob brought his love of all things flying disc to Michigan.
Bob and Sueanne became early advocates and promoters of disc sports in Michigan with Bob reaching out to parks departments, newspapers, and TV stations to draw attention to disc golf. In 1982, with the help of other local players, Bob and Sueanne ran the Weenie Memorial Disc Golf Tournament. It was named for their recently deceased pet hamster and was the precursor to the Great Lakes Open which was the first PDGA sanctioned tournament in Michigan. Together Bob and Sueanne ran the GLO from its inception in 1983 thru 1994. Bob and Sueanne also founded the Metro Detroit Disc Golf League which he ran from 1985 – 2001 with Sueanne’s help for the first eight years. Bob was given a Lifetime Achievement award from the league and several players went on to form the Motor City Chain Gang.
Bob was instrumental in getting several golf courses installed locally and was course pro for Starr, Wagner, Raintree and Firefighters in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s. Bob was TD for the 1991 World Amateur Tournament held in Michigan. The following year Bob was named Special Event TD for the 1992 World Disc Golf Championship and once again Bob and Sueanne worked together using Bob’s planning along with Sueanne’s behind the scenes organization to help the TD deliver a smoothly run event.
Bob and Sueanne’s commitment, energy, and enduring love for the game helped lay some of the earliest foundations for today’s thriving Michigan disc golf community.

 

Joe Gill

PDGA #3550 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1986
  • Current Rating: 922
  • Career Events: 162
  • Career Wins: 21
  • Career Earnings: $6,109.50
  • 3x (1998, 2017, 2022) Advanced Masters & Sr GrandMasters Michigan State Champion

 

Molly Morrow

PDGA #5970 

  • Classification: Amateur
  • Member Since: 1991
  • Career Events: 34
  • Career Wins: 12
  • 2x (1991, 1992) Amateur Women’s World Champion
  • 1993 Pro Women Great Lakes Open Champion
  • 1999 Pro Women Michigan State Champion

 

Michael G. Randolph

PDGA #6138 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1990
  • Current Rating: 967
  • Career Events: 183
  • Career Wins: 57
  • Career Earnings: $69,032.35

 

2021

May 22, 2021 Induction Ceremony:


Jav Kowalski

PDGA #3178 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1986
  • Current Rating: 952
  • Career Events: 233
  • Career Wins: 36
  • Career Earnings: $39,860.74
  • Tournaments Directed: 3
  • 2x (1993, 1999) Pro & Masters Michigan State Champion
  • 3x (1996, 1999, 2000) Pro Masters In Flight Open Champion
  • 2003 Pro Masters Bell South Open (NT) Champion
  • 2x (2016, 2020) Pro Masters 50+ Arizona State Champion

 

Gunars Nollendorfs

PDGA #3254 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1987
  • Current Rating: 896
  • Career Events: 82
  • Career Wins: 6
  • Career Earnings: $266,00

Along with Steven Peck the two were a team from the start at Rolling Hills in Ypsilanti. Both remained active in the MDGO for quite a few years. The formula they established put Ann Arbor on the way to great things. They formed A3Disc, which hosted countless tour events including DGLO and Pro/Am Worlds in 2000

Steven Peck

PDGA #5817 

  • Classification: Amateur
  • Member Since: 1992
  • Current Rating: 887
  • Career Events: 46
  • Career Wins: 2
  • Tournaments Directed: 8

Along with Gunars Nollendorfs the two were a team from the start at Rolling Hlls in Ypsilanti. Both remained active in the MDGO for quite a few years, though Steve remained longer. The formula they established put Ann Arbor on the way to great things. They formed A3Disc, which hosted countless tour events including DGLO and Pro/Am Worlds in 2000

David Feldberg

PDGA #12626 

  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1997
  • Current Rating: 1027
  • Career Events: 580
  • Career Wins: 123
  • Career Earnings: $433,799.58
  • Tournaments Directed: 49
  • 10x Pro Open & Masters PDGA Major Champion
  • 18x Pro PDGA NT Champion
  • 2005 Pro USDGC Champion
  • 4x (2005-2007, 2009) Pro Brent Hambrick Memorial Open Champion
  • 2x (2006, 2011) Pro European Open Champion
  • 3x (2007, 2008, 2010) Pro Memorial Champion
  • 4x (2008, 2018, 2019, 2021) Pro Open Masters World Champion

David started playing late 1996-1997. While attending Davenport College in Kalamazoo David lived with friends who attended Western Michigan University. They used to all meet after class to do things like play basketball, soccer, etc. one day they were all looking through their closets and grabbing Frisbees and told Dave that they were going folfing. Dave had no idea what they were talking about and got in the car. They took him to Coldbrook Park in Climax, Michigan. They played skins and they took his money, but he loved it. By summer Dave was a member and played the 1997 PDGA Am World Championships. As a touring pro in 1999-2017 he played more events and won more cash than anyone else during that time.
In 2001 he started to TD events and since has done so in 15 states and 3 countries. He started the Next Generation Tour (later NADGT) which is the largest Amateur tour in the sports history and has paid out the largest amount of prizes of any tour in the sport. The tour now has over 100 events. Overall, it has ran 400 events and given out a million dollars in product and prizes. As an educator he has a Master’s certificate in physical education with a focus in disc golf. He has taught free clinics all over the world and at over 100 schools and to thousands of disc golfers for free event. While teaching and coaching at the University of Oregon (not Michigan, but still okay) he wrote a college disc golf curriculum now used in many other schools as well. Dave served on the PDGA Board of Directors for 3 years also serving as the Vice President.



2020

October 19th, 2020 Induction Ceremony:



Top: Damon Evans (2020), Al Haaksma (2017), Larry LaLond (2018), Ron Russell (2020), Jim Kenner (2015, & for Gail McColl (2020), Mark Ellis (2017)
Front: Terry Calhoun (2018), Pad Timmons (2020)

 

Gale McColl

PDGA #240 

  • 1954 – January 1, 2017
  • Classification: Professional
  • Member Since: 1986
  • Career Events: 51
  • Career Wins: 14
  • Career Earnings: $1,308.00
  • 2015 Inductee Disc Golf Hall of Fame
  • 6x Womens Canadian Disc Golf Champion
  • 1978 Womens World Disc Golf Champion
  • 1974 Womens World Frisbee Champion for Disc Golf
  • 1986 Pro Womens Great Lakes Open Champion
  • Gail, wife of Jim Kenner and co-founder and co-owner of Discraft passed away on 1/1/2017. She qualifies both as a player and a promoter. Gail was not a name-only Discraft founder but worked hand in hand with Jim and shared crazy long hours for decades to make the company the success it is today. For reference, it is possible that most of the current HOF members would not have ever found the sport except for the promotion of Disc Golf by Discraft. Discraft had a significant hand in designing and installing the first 100 courses in Michigan and promoting the game and tournaments and players since. Gail was one of the best overall frisbee players in the World during the development of the various sports ala frisbee, a true founder of the games.
    She was inducted into the Disc Golf HOF in 2015. She is also in the Freestyle HOF, the only woman in both Halls of Fame, having won the 1976 World Freestyle title. Gail won the Disc Golf title at the 1974 Rose Bowl World Frisbee Championships, the 1978 World Disc Golf Championships and was a 6-time Canadian Disc Golf champion. No other woman from Michigan has won a Womens Open World Title. Gail may pre-date most of our histories in the game but her immense contributions to the sport cannot be ignored.

     

    Damon Evans

    PDGA #5192 

    • Classification: Amateur
    • Member Since: 1988
    • Current Rating: 864
    • Career Events: 196
    • Career Wins: 4
    • Tournaments Directed: 1
    • 1996 Amateur Masters Midwest Champion

    I first picked up a disc in June of 1987. I Co-Founded the Motor City Chain Gang in December of 1989. I played in the first four World Ams. I played in 2 of the first Am Nats. I’m Co-Founder of the MDGO. I played my first Pro tourney in the Mid 90’s. My first disc golf venture was in ’96 Nomad Disc Golf. I Opened ‘The Disc Golf Store’ in ’98 w/Gale Vaughn in Clawson MI. The MCCG is in its 31st year and going strong.

     

    Pad Timmons

    PDGA #7979 

    • Classification: Amateur
    • Member Since: 1994
    • Current Rating: 953
    • Career Events: 41
    • Career Wins: 1
    • Tournaments Directed: 5

    Currently employed with Discraft (2020). He was a former owner of In Flight Sports which at one point had stores in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and Kalamazoo. Was a member of the National Guts Team. Pad is a long time promoter of disc golf and other disc sports.

     

    Ron Russell

    PDGA #9999 

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1995
    • Current Rating: 976
    • Career Events: 278
    • Career Wins: 69
    • Career Earnings: $142,539.12
    • Tournaments Directed: 2
    • 1999 Pro Worlds Champion
    • 4x (1995, 1996, 1998, 2000) Pro Michigan State Champion

    Michigan born and bred Ron is one the finest golfers in history and 1999 PDGA World Champion. As one of the two Michigan players to win the Open Division of Worlds (David Feldberg 2008), Ron was the first, sponsored by Discraft and has retained closer ties to Michigan since. Ron was the 2nd or 3rd best disc golfer in the World for over a decade, as he and Scott Stokely jockeyed back and forth for the 2nd spot behind Ken Climo. Scott did his damage with power while Ron did his with precision and fabulous putting.

     

    2019

    Dr. Leonard Johnson

    PDGA #15489 

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1999
    • Current Rating: 859
    • Career Events: 84
    • Career Wins: 9
    • Career Earnings: $1,923.00
    • 2000 Pro Masters Michigan State Champion

    Dr. Johnson first played disc golf while student at Kalamazoo College in 1974. Even though Ultimate Frisbee was his first love, disc golf soon became his passion. While on an internship in Altadena, California in 1977, he played his first round on a disc golf course with baskets at the famed Oak Grove course using a 119g Frisbee Brand Flying Disc to drive, approach and putt. In 2006, Johnson was instrumental in the design, funding and installation of the first 18-hole disc golf course at Northend Riverside Park in Big Rapids, home of Ferris State University, paving the way for the Michigan Intercollegiate Disc Golf Challenge Series, which he hosted around the state for several years. He has since designed and facilitated the installation of a second 18-hole course at Northend in addition to courses at Newaygo State Park, Big Bend State Park, Roger’s Heights, Eagle Village and Peshawbestown. His latest project is a championship course on the Ferris State University campus targeted to be open for play as early as September 2020. Dr. Johnson has coached the Ferris State University Disc Golf team for the last 15 years. Since first competing in the National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships in 2013, his Bulldogs have been a dominant force in College Disc Golf, winning the National Collegiate Disc Golf Championship three of the last five years with championships in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

     

    Erin Oakley

    PDGA #17643 

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 2001
    • Current Rating: 880
    • Career Events: 253
    • Career Wins: 82
    • Career Earnings: $11,466.50
    • Tournaments Directed: 4
    • 4x (2000, 2002, 2004, 2021) Pro & Masters & Amateur & Intermediate Women Michigan State Champion
    • 2002 Amateur Women Michigan State Champion
    • 2000 Amateur Women Intermediate Michigan State Champion

    Erin started a Womens league in 2005, the Capital City Crushers, where I met her for the first time in 2015. Since then I’ve seen her accomplish small and large victories, and she has become a huge idol of mine, as well as others I’m sure. Even before I met her, she was making strides, starting Disc Girls Gone Wild in 2007, an all-women’s tournament where players like Paige Pierce, Sarah Hokom, Valerie Jenkins and Elaine King competed. In 2012 she was presented with the PDGA Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship award which is an award for someone who exemplifies sportsmanship both on and off the disc golf course, observes the rules of play, and wins or loses with grace. When anybody mentions Womens disc golf Erin Oakley is the first person to come to mind, and I love having the proud moment of saying “I know her!!” In 2015 she started the Michigan Womens Series. A series of women only disc golf tournaments dedicated to the growth of the sport. for women. Playing at courses like Flip City, Sleepy Hollow, Addison Oaks and many other beautiful well-known courses in Michigan, and it has grown substantially. The Michigan Series took off so well she couldn’t stop there, so in 2017 she founded the Midwest Womens Tour. A point series for women to go beyond Michigan, to travel to and include women from Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. It was amazing to personally watch and see that Womens leagues, and TD’s can come together to make it happen. 2x I know 90% of the women who competed this weekend, also took part in the United States Womens Disc Golf Championship at Burchfield. Low and behold, Erin was the brains behind that too. Watching her announce it was tied the largest turnout for USWDGC since it started was heartwarming. She worked hard and vigorously to put on an amazing Major for women, in Michigan. She worked with the Lansing Sports Authority to put on USWDGC and grew the sport within the state even more. Disc golf was now being announced on the radio and is now getting more publicity for the sport. For 2018 Erin got awarded the Sport Partner of the Year in recognition of how her club (Capital City Crushers) hosted the Womens event. A first for the Lansing region, and now Greater Lansing is on the map for future disc golf championships. In closing, I couldn’t be prouder of Erin as a competitor (because she kicked my ass this weekend), being a huge idol to a lot of women out there, and again an amazing friend. I know without her I wouldn’t be where I’m at, and I couldn’t be more honored to speak for her or be happier for her that she is receiving this recognition. 

     

    Liz Carr-Sypien

    PDGA  #31068

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 2006
    • Current Rating: 901
    • Career Events:215
    • Career Wins: 78
    • Career Earnings: $33,834.50
    • 9x (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019) Pro & Amateur Women Michigan State Champion

    She started playing Disc Golf in 2004. Has played in over 200 tournaments. She has won over 76 of those tournaments. She has won the Michigan state championships nine times. She has won over $32,000. She was the captain of her High School softball team.

     

    2018

    Terry Calhoun

    PDGA #15117 

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1999
    • Current Rating: 818
    • Career Events: 102
    • Career Wins: 11
    • Career Earnings: $602.00
    • Tournaments Directed: 1
    • 2017 Pro Legends World Champion
    • 2x (2000, 2008) Amateur Grandmaster & Sr. Grandmasters World Champion

    Competition Highlights 2017 – First Place, Legends Division, Professional Disc Golf Association, Professional Masters World Championships 2008 – First Place, Advanced Senior Grandmasters Division, Professional Disc Golf Association Amateur World Championships 2000 – First Place, Advanced Grandmasters Division, Professional Disc Golf Association Amateur World Championships Course Planning & Design I have been part of planning, designing, and building thirteen disc golf courses, eleven in Michigan. I was a major decision maker for ten, although I prefer to work in a team, if I can. I’ve worked for private owners, municipalities, and the state parks. I am a member of the Disc Golf Course Designers Club. I approved college campus course designs for the Disc Golf Foundation Matching Baskets Program for six years. Current projects include Lake Shore (Ypsilanti, redesign due to construction), Sandra Richardson Park (York Township), and completion of the Red Course at the BRATS Red White and Blue courses (Ann Arbor), plus three near possibilities. Volunteer Leadership Locally, I have been active in various roles with the Ann Arbor disc golf club and with the Michigan Disc Golf Organization. Nationally, I have served terms on the boards of directors of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and the Disc Golf Foundation. Currently I serve on the PDGA’s Committee on the Environment. Internationally, I am currently serving a term on the founding board of directors of the PDGA-Europe. Awards, Innovation & Entrepreneurship From 1999-2001 I created and ran one of the four most heavily trafficked disc golf websites at the time, discgolfing.com. From 2008-2012 I created and ran the largest social media network of disc golfers, 13,000+ at the time, discgolfersR.us. In 2009 I was named the Professional Disc Golf Association’s Senior Player of the Year for 2008. Also, in 2009 my wife, my son Ben, and I invested in a disc golf pro shop in Ypsilanti, on a course my son and I had just redesigned from ball to disc golf. Managed by Ben and his wife Felicia, the Throw Shop is now the largest disc golf pro shop in the Great Lakes area. Inventor of the Pirate Plank, an inexpensive, cement-surfaced disc golf tee pad that is also portable; the Gilbert Basket, the use of which brings DROT into play; and the Terry Tree, portable PVC “trees” for design use and tree protection.

     

    Gale Vaughn

    PDGA   #5515 

    • July 5, 1965 – November 16, 2002
    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1989
    • Current Rating: 954
    • Career Events: 87
    • Career Wins: 1
    • Career Earnings: $918.00
    • 1996 Amateur Midwest Champion

    When “an ambassador” of the sport comes to mind, Gale Lee Vaughn’s name is right near the top. Gale was at the beginning of the Metro-Detroit disc golf scene. After playing for a few years with some High School friends like Damon Evans #5192 and now deceased Mike “BOBIS” Paonessa #5750, a meeting was held in the fall of 1989 in Gale’s mom’s basement on Midland Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. This is where the Motor City Chain Gang (MCCG) disc golf club was founded. Gale was the first Vice President of the club and later served as the President.
    Through his years of disc golf, Gale was that guy who would give a newbie a disc right out of his bag and encourage them to join. He was very good about keeping the course clean and making sure others were respecting the course. Gale never littered and always kept his cigarette butts in his pocket or in his bag. He also helped interpret the rules for the casuals so they did not have to remain on the outside, always inviting them to play.
    Gale introduced many people to the sport he loved including his long-time girlfriend Molly Morrow #5970. Molly went on to win 11 PDGA events including back-to-back Amateur Worlds Champion titles in 1991 and 1992. Molly said, “Gale showed me different things about how to throw and encouraged me to play with other great players that were on our league and learn from them.” While all of this was happening, Gale was known to host pros from out of town that came to play. Scott Stokely, Mike Randolph, Barry Schultz, to name a few. He always had parties after a long day at the tournament letting everyone come to his home for as long as they wanted. Gale was very generous and very gracious.
    Gale also taught Ron Russell #9999 how to play after meeting him at River Bends and gave him the confidence to succeed. They were great friends and went touring together in 1995, the Pro/Am tour. They even had Discraft discs made to help fund the trip.
    Gale was helpful when it came time to organize, advertise, promote, and plan events. He liked to work the merchandise table and was comfortable sitting back allowing others to be the voice of the event.
    Eventually, the MCCG became one of the first four clubs that founded the Michigan Disc Golf Organization (MDGO). Between Gale and Damon, they founded the first Metro-Detroit disc golf storefront, The Disc Golf Store was in Clawson, Michigan founded in 1999. This store helped the MCCG run tournaments and make alterations to many of the courses in their surrounding communities.
    Sadly, as the store was beginning to blossom and more courses were being installed, Gale developed cancer and passed away at the young age of 37.
    Today, we hear how we all want to grow the sport. In high school during the late 1970s, Gale always ripped the collars and sleeves off his shirts and often wore tie-dyes. As he began to tour he relinquished that trait in lieu of collared shirts and preferred to be clean shaven. This was difficult to do because he could grow a beard in a day but when touring, shaving was not always a luxury. This was Gale’s early vision of growing the sport and getting outsiders to take our sport seriously.
    Because of everything he was and everything he contributed to the sport and its popularity and growth in SE Michigan during his relatively short time playing disc golf, Gale was a great example of good sportsmanship, camaraderie, inclusiveness, and respect for nature and all the people he connected with.

     

    Larry LaBond

    PDGA   #6903

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1993
    • Current Rating: 998
    • Career Events: 179
    • Career Wins: 14
    • Career Earnings: $15,776.24
    • Tournaments Directed: 193
    • 3x (2002, 2008, 2009) Pro Kalamazoo Champion
    • 4x (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005) K-Zoo Shoot-Out Champion

    Larry started in 1991 he was on Team J Bird, Team Inflight, Team Luna and Team Discraft. He has helped on 20 different courses. Started the Coldbrook league in 1995. Larry puts more time into our sport than anyone I know. Thank you, Larry.
    Hosted the PDGA World Championships 2008 and 2015.

     

    2017 

    Mark Ellis 

    PDGA  #7423

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1993
    • Current Rating: 925
    • Career Events: 395
    • Career Wins: 122
    • Career Earnings: $31,034.83
    • Tournaments Directed: 1
    • 8x (2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021) Pro Masters & GrandMasters & Sr. GrandMasters Michigan State Champion
    • 2012 Pro Masters Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion
    • 2007 Pro Grandmasters Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion

    A friend, a mentor, and legal counsel if ever needed.
    This man truly embodies the disc golf spirit from where the game’s roots began. He has been playing for almost 30 years, played +500 events, and has +100 victories in tournament competitions. Mark was a skilled racquetball player which easily helped him transition into the amazing forehand dominant player we all know and love. There is video evidence of him throwing backhands on actual drives, but it happens as often as a lunar eclipse. But his true strength lies in his 100ft and in style. If you have ever been lucky enough to warm up with Mark, you will immediately be introduced to the amazing utility disc, the Discraft Rattler. How or why he does not have a signature series of this disc is confounding? I and those who play with him regularly had no other choice but to bag this beautiful disc simply to the fact Mark makes us throw and learn it. Some of my fondest memories of playing with Mark are the wild and crazy style warm up games. And there is a method to his madness, they usually involve a style or shot you’re uncomfortable with and forces you to try something you normally wouldn’t. He secretly teaches you a shot, disguised as a goofy way of warming up for a round.
    Many people were introduced to Mark on the internet, through countless instructional videos. I’d say at one point, he was the most famous disc golfer in the world, maybe just behind Climo. I still to this day, use the putting method taught in one of these videos. (http://discgolf.discraft.com/team_ellis.html) His willingness and drive to help people get better at the game isn’t something you find every day.
    Many people were also introduced to him as the starter at the United States Amateur National Disc Golf Championship. The brilliance in his tone and the unmistakable voice that called out your name, made it different, made it feel special, made it a major! But after the round, you were introduced to what we miss, Lizard Games. Every year Mark would raid the Discraft factory for all kinds of disc golf goodies and would have side games that are often copied but never duplicated. Even if the Toboggan course ate you up, it was forgotten for even a brief moment, when you were asked to throw a mini and attempt to land it on a port-a-john.
    Mark is a kind and giving person. Nothing could exemplify this more than the shelter that was built at the Black Locust Course at Kensington Metro Park. Mark hit a +$2000 ace pool during Sunday league. Most of us would have wild aspirations on how to spend it or hide it from our significant others. Mark instead went to the park and had them match his winnings and build a much-needed pavilion for the course. I’m positive in stating, no other disc golfer I know would have done that. And the countless discs/beverages he’s handed out for free over the years, I’d guess would be in the tens of thousands.
    Mark is a highly skilled disc golfer there is no doubt. But I think what kind of person he is truly magnetic and makes him the most likeable person in Michigan Disc Golf history. He’s friendly, hilarious, has a great story relatable to any disc golf situation, or maybe it’s just that beautiful head of hair.
    I am honored and lucky to call Mark Ellis a good friend and have been honored to have written his MDGO Hall of Fame caption. No one in my opinion is more deserving of this honor. Cheers Mr. Ellis! – Kevin Tomasaitis #24218 

     

    Al Haaksma

    PDGA  #5870 

    • Classification: Amateur
    • Member Since: 1988
    • Current Rating: 853
    • Career Events: 36
    • Career Wins: 1
    • Tournaments Directed: 42

    Started disc golfing in the early 80s, before Brewer had baskets, and he had golf discs. Soon, he joined the league that Joe Gill and Chuck DeVries had going. A few years later, with the help of Karl Hellwig, Amy Vreiland, Tom Strickland, Joe Kowalski, and a few more, they formed the Grand Rapids Disc Golf Club.  A few years passed, then the MDGO was formed. A state series and championship was created. The year 2000 brought the first ever combined world championship, PAW 2000. That event was the most groundbreaking event he ever had the pleasure to work. Looking back, they thought were crazy to do it, but pulled it off. Al says, “it’s been awesome to see disc golf explode in Michigan, and the growth is still happening.” Continuing to say, “I feel so blessed to be part of this, and twice as honored to be inducted to the Michigan Disc Golf Hall of Fame.”

     

    Mike Raley

    PDGA  #7846 

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1993
    • Current Rating: 947
    • Career Events: 446
    • Career Wins: 82
    • Career Earnings: $89,875.06
    • 2013 Pro Masters World Champion
    • 2002 Pro Michigan State Champion
    • 2x (2009, 2010) Pro Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion

     

    2016 

    2016 Michigan Disc Golf Hall of Fame Trophies:


    Al “Sugar” Schack

    PDGA #3407

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1986
    • Current Rating: 975
    • Career Events: 407
    • Career Wins: 108
    • Career Earnings: $124,120.82
    • 2008 Pro Masters World Champion

     

    Keith Aten

    PDGA #6147

    • Classification: Amateur
    • Member Since: 1991
    • Current Rating: 896
    • Career Events: 206
    • Career Wins: 22
    • Tournaments Directed: 78
    • 3x (2007, 2008, 2019) Pro Amateur Masters Midland Open Champion
    • 2005 Amateur Masters Michigan State Champion

    Founding member CCR Club (Lansing), Mt Pleasant Disc Golf, & Gratiot Co Disc Clan. Founding member of the Michigan Disc Golf Org.  Creator and promoter of the JBird Players Series (2007-2018). MDGO Officer (1993-2018). Tournament Director for USWDGC (2018). He has directed every type of PDGA Tier M, NT, A, B, C. 

     

    Jeff Schwass

    PDGA #6148

    • Classification: Amateur
    • Member Since: 1993
    • Current Rating: 883
    • Career Events: 63
    • Career Wins: 6
    • Tournaments Directed: 97
    • 3x (1997, 2004, 2006) Pro Masters Michigan State Champion

    Founder of the Mason Co Disc Golf Org. TD for the World’s largest B tier The Discraft Michigan State Championships. Designer and installer of Ludington areas 6 courses. MDGO officer.

     

    2015

    Jim Kenner

    PDGA #292

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1986
    • Current Rating: 915
    • Career Events: 104
    • Career Wins: 13
    • Career Earnings: $5,572.00
    • 3x (1997, 2001, 2002) Pro Grandmasters Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion

    A modest pioneer in a sometimes flamboyant industry, Jim Kenner has proven himself to be a brilliant innovator in the pursuit of flying disc excellence. Experimenting with both new shapes and materials, Kenner’s development of a unique line of flying discs has been punctuated with the introduction of disc designs so radical and inventive that they mark a turning point in the nature of the game. Though he could easily rest on his laurels as a pivotal developer of disc technology, Jim Kenner continues to contribute to the growth of disc golf as a consistent supporter and sponsor of events and players.

    Jay Matthes

    PDGA #6431

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1990
    • Current Rating: 921
    • Career Events: 139
    • Career Wins: 8
    • Career Earnings: $2,013.00
    • Tournaments Directed: 6
    • 2x (1998, 2000) Pro Masters Michigan State Champion

    Owner of J Bird discs and supporter/sponsor of Disc Golf in Michigan for over 20 years.

     

    Sue Stephens

    PDGA #10977

    • Classification: Professional
    • Member Since: 1996
    • Current Rating: 873
    • Career Events: 278
    • Career Wins: 117
    • Career Earnings: $33,287.50
    • 4x (2012, 2016, 2017) Pro Masters & Grandmasters & Amateur Women World Champion
    • 2006 Pro Masters Women US Champion
    • 5x (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2019) Pro & Amateur Women Michigan State Champion
    • 2x (1996, 1997) Amateur Women Discraft Great Lakes Open Champion

     

    *Note All Career stats are as of 2/27/2023. Some players do not have current PDGA membership and thus notable wins could not be listed