I went to the 1978 Rose Bowl Frisbee Championships in Pasadena California thanks to a suggestion from a cool friend, Sigmon Whitener. I went into a “spin” that would change my life. I said I can do that. By fate I moved to Venice Beach, California and six blocks from my apartment was The Venice Green where most of the World Champion Freestyle players came to practice. The best were The Pacific Coast Floaters and The Washington Square Wizards. The Washington Square Wizards came all the way from New York City. I had an idea and took it to Jo Cahow. Jo was the second in command of the International Frisbee Association. Daniel Roddick, known as Stork was the President. Jo liked my ideas and pointed me toward Tom Monroe from Alabama and Florida. Only Tom was fast enough to be from two places at once! Tom turned me on to a tour as a replacement for three months. I got to tour the Northeastern United States with World Champion Harvey Brandt.
I stayed really busy until 1995 and eased up after a 300 city, nine month tour that criss crossed the United States.
Click on photos for single photos.
Thanks Tom!
Video by https://artmeripol.com/
Tom Monroe minis from Lavone Wolfe
This Mini Mold was purchased by Mike Hughes!
Admin
Albert Guerrero, Pretty cool, isn’t it? I purchased Tom Monroe’s entire collection, this was part of it. At the time, I did not know I had it or I would have asked him how he got it. My guess is he simply asked Ed and he gave it to him. HOWEVER, before he gave it to Tom, he had his engravers take a chisel to it and wiped out the Wham-O splash on the bottom and the TMB on the top. To my knowledge, he never ran any minis with this modified stamp.
“I dedicate this to Tom Monroe!! Tom Monroe ran a huge show in Charlotte NC that lasted a week in front of thousands of people with lawn chairs, coolers, tents and etc. This was back when an FM radio station could bring thousands to an event! Tom blasted off an MTA into outer space. He had to jump over audience members never losing focus on the disc. As the disc came to earth a guy just in the nick of time moved from his lawn chair. Tom crashed the lawn chair perfectly flat and made the catch while laying flat in the chair!!!!!!! “
Tell it, Lavonne Wolfe! “
Lavone WolfeNorth Alabama Disc Golf
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This is an invitation that is being extended to disc players and friends of Tom Monroe who is being inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. The ceremony is Monday, April 9th at 7:00pm in the North Hall of the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville. The social hour begins at 6:00.
Without Tom’s influence and life long dedication to teaching, promoting and competing in disc sports and disc golf we would not be where we are today in the south and even across the land. Before Paul McBeth, Ken Climo and David Greenwell the first superstar in disc golf was Tom Monroe. If my count is correct Tom still holds more world records than any other player. He was known as the “Johnny Appleseed of Disc Golf” and is arguably the most influential individual to the growth of disc golf other than Ed Headrick. For a full review of his accomplishments and historical record visit his wikipedia page.
For our sport this is a historical point in time. As far as we know this is the first time that a disc player is being recognized by the sports community at large outside of a disc related association.
The tickets must be purchased through me in advance since we have to reserve tables. They are $35 and include dinner. This is a coat and tie event and will have over 1000 in attendance. However, we are hoping the disc community will come out in force to honor Tom and show others that our sport is just as deserving.
I need confirmation of your attendance and your money for tickets by March 1st. There is also an opportunity for individuals, companies and clubs to purchase a congratulatory ad in the program. Please contact me for information if you are interested.
Thank You!
Lavone Wolfe with Tom Monroe.”
Get a Disc Grabber from Lavonne!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Monroe_(disc_golfer)
“Tom Monroe (born January 3, 1947) is a champion of virtually all flying disc sports, including ultimate, freestyle, field events and especially disc golf.
In 1973, Tom Monroe was in Atlanta for the summer working in order to earn money to re-enroll in college at the University of North Alabama in Florence. That year Wham-O held nationwide frisbee events called “The Great Frisbee Fly In” in conjunction with radio stations all across America. Tom had played frisbee with his roommate in college and could throw pretty well for playing catch and doing a few tricks, so the time had come to test his skills. Hundreds of people showed up for the competition at Grant Park, with events for distance and accuracy. Tom won both events.
After returning to the University of North Alabama in 1974, Tom wrote a letter to Wham-O. As a senior soon to graduate, he figured they should give him a job. Wham-O referred Tom to the International Frisbee Association. After a few letters back and forth, fate had Tom flying to California for his sister’s wedding. Tom’s father was in the aerospace industry and had lived in Birmingham then Huntsville before moving to California and lived within 10 minutes of Wham-O‘s California headquarters. Ed Headrick sent a car to pick him up. During their meeting, Ed told Tom about the World Frisbee Championship they had just run in August. Tom told Ed had he known about it he would have been there. Ed laughed out loud and told Tom “you have to be invited” to which Tom replied “I will be there next year”.
After touring the Wham-O plant, Ed took Tom to play disc golf at the new course in Oak Grove. Ed explained that he was working on a design to catch frisbees, since at that time all they had in the ground were metal poles. Tom met and played with Ed’s son Kenny and women’s World Champ Monika Lou. Ed told Tom of a couple 1974 frisbee world champs, John Kirkland and Victor Malafonte, on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. They performed a halftime show for the basketball icons and later Tom met them again in Memphis and Atlanta. They had shown Tom how to do the ‘nail delay’ in Memphis and were amazed that he had mastered the trick only one month later in Atlanta. Later in the Summer of 1975, Tom bested each to win an International Accuracy Title at the Canadian Open Frisbee Championships, in Toronto. Within months, Tom had established himself as a major player and now knew what he wanted to pursue as a profession.
Tom returned to college very excited about frisbee sports and immediately laid out an 18-hole frisbee golf course around the campus at University of North Alabama. He recruited members and formed the Florence Frisbee Team, the first players from the South to venture to such established tournaments as the National Frisbee Tournament in Michigan and the Octad at Rutgers in New Jersey. That year Rutgers produced a grad student player named Dan “Stork” Roddick, his nickname coming from his amazing abilities during ultimate and freestyle play and Dan was also the editor of Flying Disc News magazine that circulated along the East Coast. Wham-O recruited Dan to become the new director of the International Frisbee Association. His first order of business was to establish a network of reliable frisbee players around the country who could organize and run events by driving across America for recruits. Upon his first venture to the South he met with Tom and the Florence Frisbee Team. Afterwards he asked Tom to become the Regional Director for the IFA, giving Tom a job as he started Graduate School. During these first few years of working with the IFA, Tom began performing Frisbee demonstrations, which was another source of income and led to a company car from Wham-O. Tom picked out a brand new, full size customized Dodge van and was then able to do shows all over the country. His new team, Frisbee South, traveled America spreading the joy of disc sports from public schools to college campuses and also did substantial promo work for Wham-O, performing at venues such as Major League Baseball, National Wham-O Promotions NASCAR Races and NBA basketball games.
As part of his position with the IFA, Tom was responsible for starting State Flying Disc Championships and started the first-ever such event in the South in Florence, AL during the fall of 1974 after his return from Wham-O. This was the first ever event including disc golf alongside distance and accuracy field events. Tom managed to help start state tourneys in Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky. These tournaments were the seeds for all of organized disc sport to follow in the South.
While living in Huntsville in 1982, Tom helped the nationwide movement to place PDGA control into the hands of players. Ed Headrick realized that this was a good idea and asked Tom to be on the newly formed board of directors. Tom stayed on the PDGA board for ten years and was influential in forming new policy and procedures. During college Tom met Lavone Wolfe and formed a lifelong friendship. Lavone is the founder of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and was the Co-Tournament Director (along with Bill Wagnon) for the 1993 World Championships. Tom has left his Frisbee Instructor position at UAB and Samford to return to Huntsville and take up the position of Course Pro at Brahan Spings , the course that he and Ed Headrick worked on in 1976.
Contents
Career highlights
- 1973 – Won the Great Frisbee Fly In: Atlanta, GA
- 1974 – Tournament Director, first overall state tourney: Florence, AL
- 1975 – International Accuracy Champion : Toronto | Second Place, Freestyle World Frisbee Championships held in the Rose Bowl : Pasadena, CA
- 1975-1983 – Overall winner State Championships in AL, TN, KY, GA, MS, FL | travels US performing Frisbee shows at special events, public schools, universities, major sporting events such as Atlanta Braves baseball, Atlanta Hawks basketball, World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN and for the New Orleans Jazz in the Louisiana Superdome
- 1975-1981 – Attends all World Championships, wins various national titles
- 1976 – Founded Frisbee South professional sports entertainment company
- 1976 – Designed second oldest permanent disc golf course in the world at Brahan Springs Park in Huntsville, AL.[1]
- 1977 – Co-designs KOA disc golf course near Mobile, AL with ‘Steady’ Ed Headrick | Tournament Director of first PDGA tourney, won 2nd place
- 1979 – Wins Self-Caught Flight World Championships, set 90 yard TRC (throw, run, catch) entered into Guinness World Records until beaten in 1983
- 1983 – Original PDGA board member, served 10 years | Tournament Director of PDGA Worlds : Huntsville, AL | Worlds ’83 score of -16 during the Redstone round held record for best major tourney score for 20+ years
- 1993 – Inaugural inductee Disc Golf Hall of Fame | President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Award
- 2000 – Guest television appearance on Young America Outdoors aired on FOX network
- 2003 – Ankle fracture from slip off tee box in Atlanta, resulted in 2-year competition hiatus
- 2004 – Founded Alabama Amateur Open
- 2005 – Recovered from ankle fracture
- 2006 – Hired as Flying Disc Sports instructor at Samford University: Birmingham, AL
- 2008 – Hired as Flying Disc Sports instructor at University of Alabama at Birmingham: Birmingham, AL
Tournament results
Tom Monroe’s 2002 PDGA Worlds winning putt
- 1982 – WFDF Masters : 1st overall
- 1983 – PDGA World Championships, Huntsville, AL : 2nd Open Masters, Redstone -16 round new world record
- 1984 – PDGA World Championships, Rochester, NY : 2nd Masters
- 1985 – World Championships, Sweden : Masters World Champion, disc golf
- 1986 – PDGA World Championships, Charlotte, NC : Open Doubles 1st, partner Gary Augustine
- 1987 – PDGA World Championships, Toronto, ON : 2nd Masters
- 1988 – PDGA World Championships, Cincinnati, OH : 2nd Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Steve Slasor
- 1989 – PDGA World Championships, Waterloo, IA : 2nd Masters, 1st Seniors Doubles, partner Lavone Wolfe
- 1990 – PDGA World Championships, Phoenix, AZ : 2nd Masters
- 1991 – PDGA World Championships, Dayton, OH : 2nd Masters
- 1991 – WFDF Masters, Rochester, NY : 1st overall
- 1992 – PDGA World Championships, Detroit, MI : 1st Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Steve Slasor
- 1993 – PDGA World Championships, Huntsville, AL : 1st Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Mike Conger
- 1994 – PDGA World Championships, Port Arthur, TX : 1st Grand Masters
- 1994 – WFDF Masters, Atlanta, GA : 1st overall Grand Masters
- 1995 – PDGA World Championships, Port Arthur, TX : 2nd Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Rick Voakes
- 1996 – PDGA World Championships, South Bend, IN : 1st Grand Masters
- 1997 – PDGA World Championships, Charlotte, NC : 2nd Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Snapper Pierson
- 1998 – PDGA World Championships, Cincinnati, OH : 1st Doubles, partner Snapper Pierson
- 1999 – PDGA World Championships, Rochester, NY : 1st Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Rick Voakes
- 2000 – PDGA World Championships, Ann Arbor, MI : 1st Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Royce Racinowski
- 2001 – PDGA World Championships, Saint Paul, MN : 2nd Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Snapper Pierson
- 2002 – PDGA World Championships, Houston, TX : 1st Grand Masters, 1st Doubles, partner Rick Voakes
April 9, 2018 Inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. First Frisbee player to “cross over”.
References
- Discgolfer Magazine Spring 2013
External links
Tom Monroe
- Disc Golf Warehouse (Tom’s website)
- discgolfbirmingham.com (Tom’s home disc golf club website)
- Professional Disc Golf Association
- World Flying Disc Federation“
“
With nothing more than a soldering iron, matte knife, plastic, a trowel, and sandpaper, Dave Dunipace created prototypes of discs that would turn the fringe game of Frisbee golf into the rapid-growing sport of disc golf. Dave cut up existing discs and welded bits and pieces back together to create faster, farther-flying molds. In this video, Dave talks about some of his earliest models, how they were created, how they were received when first released, and how they paved the way for the development of the modern sport of disc golf.
When he talks about 83 Worlds in Huntsville, Lavone Wolfe and I had told Ed that we would allow other discs in play. He finally said OK.”
Tom Needs our Help! 20230502
When Tom Monroe set his Self Caught Flight World Record around 1979 I was standing at the end zone. He literally was so fast that he left the umpire 15 yards behind. The ump marked the spot at least ten yards short. Tom was fast enough to be in two places at once and he most definitely was way ahead of his time!
North Alabama Disc Golf
We are honored to be having a fundraising event for our friend, Tom Monroe. This will be an XC-Tier Flex Start at Brahan Spring DGC. Saturday, July 8th. Tee off anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. All of the proceeds will be given to Tom to assist him during this time of need. Thank you for your support. Use the link below to sign up.
https://www.discgolfscene.com/…/Tournament_For_A_Legend…
“Lavone Wolfe Top contributor Tom shot a -16 at Redstone in the 1983 worlds. I came in with a -12 and thought it was hot but someone burst my bubble and said that’s nothing! Harold Duvall is -14 and Tom is at -14 with one more hole to go… I was standing there watching when he aced his last hole!After all the hype in recent years over crazy high round ratings and McBeth shooting -18, well we did the same things in our day. Remember our pars were all in “iron man” par 3. I had two rounds of 39 in tournament play. One of which was in the Mid America Open. A major in that day. I only wish we knew the ratings we shot at times. On another note. Tom has a total of 20 world championships when including all disc sports other than golf.”
I woke up around 4:30am 202308030 and saw this on my computer.
Tom Monroe
As time draws nigh, I am reminded of many close calls with death over my life. Twice on motorcycles and about 6 times in cars. Lavone Wolfe told me how Angels saved a friend of his from an ATV rollover. Says he saw them keep the 4 wheeler from smashing down on him. Made me think the same thing may have happened to me, especially on the bikes. I was literarily inches away from a semi in my lane once and about 2 feet away from the other. In cars I was driving a couple of times and got hit. One time the car burned up. The other time I spun out in traffic and all the cars near me just got out of the way. At least 2 other times I was riding. Got hit once and slid off the interstate at at high speed in the rain. The door popped open and I grabbed the seat belt to hold on and stay inside. The last time we almost got tee boned at a red light that someone ran and just missed my front end by inches. Now that I look back I’m thinking I might have had some Devine Intervention. I remember when I came to a fork in the road and took it towards my life of Frisbee. I’m pretty sure GOD put me on that path. and I have been on it since the 70’s. I hope I made him proud.
Comments
Tom you have carried the Frisbeetarian torch with honor and guided countless others on the path. I’m sure God is proud of your work, as are all your family and friends. We love and pray for you brother.
You have made and continue to make everyone proud. Keep on fighting Tom!
Nothing but love to you Tom.
Absolutely 
You ARE LOVED Tom Monroe! Thank you for everything, guidance in the sport, and never ending inspiration in this sport we play!
It will be your turn to keep your eye on us soon. Stir up a good whirlwind or two for us when you can. I’ll be certain to keep your memory alive as long as I can. Happy Trails Tom! Shane K Smith
From Karl Cook above three.
sfds Tom Monroe, Hospice 20230913
pdsSeroont1a3100ag1gfi30c8f6c92mahh92i30699u6m1500827gci7977 ·
Cancer update. I have about 8 cousins. Two of us left home after HS. Fred worked on the pipe line in Alaska, then in South America. He rode his motorcycle down from P>, to say goodbye the other day. Awesome. Stayed for about an hour then rode home. Hosppice is putting more pain,anxiety, etc pills on me. Not sure how long we have left.
77 comments
Can not thank you enough for what you’ve done for disc golf and frisbee Tom Monroe. May you find comfort that #33 will continue to inspire.
I love you!
Love you!!!
Tom, one thing is for sure, your spirit will soar like your discs forever. It’s hard to think of a life without you will be like. The way you are facing this is as inspirational as the way you have lived your entire life. We love you, my friend. Adam Cochrane
Love you man ! I feel as if your faith is strong and you know all will be well for you my friend !
Ok, smooth flight to you, Tom. We shall gather at the river.
GOD WILL ALWAYS REIGN AND HIS SON WILL ALWAYS SHINE ON YOU TOM. It ain’t even about disc golf no more I love you my man Heaven’s bigger than any Hall of Fame and I think you made the list my dad used to tell me God doesn’t judge you by how many people …
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Love you Tom…Be the disc, man!
Continuing to pray for you Tom! We love you
Love you, Tom.
You’ve left an indelible mark on countless people and your legacy will never be forgotten! I thank you for our friendship on and off the course.
No one has inspired me in the disc golf world like you, our Sunday morning talks always meant so much to me. You have touched so many lives and when your gone you will be remembered as the champ not only on the course but also in life brother. Until we meet again sir.
Love you brother Tom Monroe….Moi
Love and comfort to you and Denise. Drew Gaines
Love you, Tom. Wish we could sit and chat by the van again. See you again, brother.
First time I met you you came to Memphis to put in a playground and Danny ( Budhill ) called me and Todd and ask if we would help you !!
It was so hot we were taking salt tablets to keep from cramping !!!
God bless you and thanks for all you did for th…
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Legends never die.
Tom time is precious as you know. You have given us all great memories and helpful tips to take forth and grow the sport as you have. Thank you and as you know you are well loved.
You can be super proud to have been one of the very first people to get disc golf off the ground. A sport and game played by millions of people around the world.
I was so grateful for your kindness is giving me rides at Worlds in Houston, and showing …
We love you Tom Monroe! You helped me get through the hardest time in my life and I will always cherish it.
I cannot begin to express the joy I’ve had with you being a part of our lives and disc golf community! We greatly appreciate you for all of your hard work and dedication to the sport, the lifestyle, and to us and our families! We love and support you T…
We love you Tom! Thank you for everything and I’m so lucky to have got to be around you over the years. We are praying for you.
We love you Tom Monroe . You reach reaches further than you will ever know. You are continually in all our prayers. Mark McKinney
Our prayers of peace and love for you Tom.
Your indelible mark on our game inspired a generation of disc golfers, especially here in the south. Thanks for everything sir.
You are an amazing individual! We are all thinking of you as friend, mentor and legend
Love you dearly tom Rick LeBeau
One of my earliest role models in SCF. Love ya, man.
Hugs Love and Prayers Thank U for all that U have done for our Beloved sport
I’d say a prayer but that might not be a positive thing for you. From my start to my finish in disc golf, you were and are still the class of our generation. Best player, best ambassador, best all around.
Love you Tom Monroe! Thanks for all the joy you have shared through disc golf! I treasure the autographed copy of Disc Golfer Magazine you signed for me!
Sending prayers n positive vibes to you sir and your family !! You Tom Monroe to me will always be considered one of the main cornerstones of this game we all love to play. Your passion has brought people from all walks of life and places together to …
Love ya Tom Monroe
I’m so sorry, Tom. I love you, man. You’ve been a role model to me basically from the first time I met you. I’m sending all the love and positive energy I’ve got your way
You are My Hero. May God hold you in the palm of HIS hand.
Thanks for everything
Your impact on the world will never be fully known because you have brought so many people from different walks of life together through our beautiful sport. Rest easy knowing your work was completely very well. Thanks Tom.
Lots of memories Tom Monroe.. you’ve impacted so many pioneers of the game— You were a TRUE FRONTIERSMAN of FRISBEE SPORTS!!! Thank YOU!
Thank you Tom for all your hard work and encouragement over the years. You helped many times on the course along the way and I will always think of you when I’m slinging a disc.
Maggie and I love you dearly brother. We have some of the best memories ever just sitting and talking with you. That energy and those conversations had a huge influence on the both of us. It especially did for me. That vibration alone is infinite. …
Thank you sir for everything you done. Your amazing person with a beautiful soul.
God bless you Tom…You are loved by so many
Tom Monroe, you are one of my Heroes! Your impact on me drives me daily! I wish you a very easy transition!
Sending our love to you and your family! Tyler Ledbetter
We Love you Tom! Tyler
Tom, I just heard a couple of days ago that you had gone in to hospice. Sorry to hear that treatment did not go better for you. It is also a damn shame that the last several years have left you unable to play multiple rounds per day. You were a legend …
Love you, Tom
Love you Tom!
we love you Tom Samuel Rhodes
Thank you Tom Monroe! I hope your time with loved ones is enjoyed. We will all miss you and the conversations at the course. Prayers for you and your family.
Tom, my heart breaks when I think about what you must be going through. So many love you as I do and know what you have done with your life will be cherished by all who have been lucky enough to have been inspired by your visionary accomplishments.
You’ve always had wings! They were on your feet for most of your life! You took a Flying Disc Threw it over ONE HUNDRED yards, ran ( I mean flew) after it and caught it yourself before it hit the ground! Once again the crowd went WILD! Wings won’t be new to you, you just might get a different set!
Lavone Wolfe
Many disc golfers know PDGA 033, Tom Monroe and have had the honor and pleasure to meet and talk to him. Many that meet him don’t fully understand his legacy, accomplishments and contributions to disc golf and the art of Frisbee. He will tell stories but seldom mentions what he won. These photos are some of his choice awards and trophies. The first photo is an award I was able to present to him today on behalf of the PDGA. I proudly placed it next to his Hall of Fame plaque.
Below is another awesome historic session by Karl Cook!
Tom Monroe, r.i.p. 20240210
Lavone Wolfe·
With tears of sadness and smiles of memories, I have to let our disc golf family know that this afternoon, Tom Monroe, PDGA 033 passed from this life. Without a doubt he is now home in Heaven. After being welcomed by the Lord, I can imagine he had a smile on his face as he greeted past loved ones and friends with a loud “FORE” as he did with all that saw him or called him on the phone. It was 50 years ago that I met Tom and he introduced me to disc golf. Like countless others I am blessed to be a thread in the fabric of disc golf. For me and thousands of others that thread goes directly back to Tom. Tom was one of the greatest of competitors but he taught us that it isn’t just about throwing a disc, watching it fly and beating par. It is about spreading love, growing relationships, teaching and inspiring others. That was Tom’s life mission. He was a champion on and off the course in everything he did. We all loved him and he loved us. Remembering Tom will always make me smile.
At this time please keep his wife, Denise, in your thoughts and prayers along with their family and friends. There will be an announcement soon about an opportunity to come together, here in Huntsville, to celebrate his life and honor him.
Daniel Roddick
Wonderful photo that captures the man he was. Forever in our memories.
Chris Morrison
Tom was a great man in and outside the sport. My youngest looked up to him and enjoyed just sitting at Brahan with him.
Tim Keith
RIP #33 this man is the reason I’m playing today, he inspired me to be the best I can, definitely one of my main mentors in disc golf as well as Ultimate
Steve Simpson
Tom was always a welcome figure around Louisville in the late ’70s and early ’80s especially after we installed IQ. I always admired his passion for the sport, and he will be greatly missed. Till we meet again my friend.
Chris Oorlog
Condolences to all family, friends and sport acquaintances.
Keith B Clark
Keep on flying Tom Monroe
Pete Collins
Such a sad day…
Mark McKinney
Passing of a legend in our sport. Brought Disc golf to so many.
Our prayers are with Denise and family
James Ray Swinehart
Oh man I was just holding one of his Whamo minis. Rest in peace . thank you for all you have done for the sport.
Russ Corey
I first met him in 1984. Still have the white 1983 shuttle Putter I bought from him.
Scott Ray
So sorry to hear. Tom was a wonderful person. Prayers for his family.
Dean Tannock
Condolences to his family and friends. I will always cherish the memories, frisbee teachings, laughter and camaraderie of this wonderful human being.
Much love
James Ray Swinehart
Royce Racinowski
The best friend you could ever have. The best doubles partner in the world .
Tom would want us to go out and throw some plastic and teach some one else how it’s done. Spread the love.
Tony Tomasino
RIP Mr. Frisbee South
Seth Wiley
RIP #33!
Tom Wehrli
Condolences to his family and frisbee family.
William Mark Shackleford
Phillip Hall
Condolences from the Southside fellas and prayers to the family RIP #33
Mike Brown
The first disc golf superstar I ever met. He will be missed by all of us in the Frisbee family. Throw one for Tom.
Shawn Groton
Such a Pioneer for our sport. He will be missed.
Bamba Rico
I am sorry to hear this, my family met Tom 35 years ago at the JRs worlds in Florida. He inspired us from the beginning. He loved the disc golf family and it showed. He will me missed. I will keep his family and friends in our prayers. God Bless!
Des Reading
Tom Monroe’s vibrant spin touched my lifethank you #33
Keith Lyle
Met Tom when I was 15, and the first “Frisbee” golf tournament was being held at Brahan Springs. A true legend and a class act. RIP Tom.
Morgan Tyler Allen
Much much love to his family
Debbie Ursini Macpherson
Rest easy Tom. Your legend and courses will live on.
Prayers for the family as they navigate his celebration of life. And to his friends for their loss.
Keith Lyle
Lavone Wolfe can you make this shareable please
Randy Fortenberry
Rip#33 you will be missed my old friend
Matt LaCourte Jr.
33 will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Marc LaFleur
May God bless his soul. What a great man he was and he will be remembered for many many many years to come
Sandy Nelson Fields
Rex Hay
I first met Tom at a 1977 Distance competition at North Carolina State Tournament. He had his Frisbee South van and of course out threw everyone to take 1st place. I was throwing a Whamo 141 gram disc and took 3rd place. When I made my throw – I walked up to me and said “Nice throw, Hobie”. I was so thrilled he noticed my throw. I bumped into him years later at Rutgers NJ World Championships.
Rex Hay
He was standing next to me and we recognized each other at to same moment and had a good laugh. He was such a positive and warm human being. Smooth sailing old friend – my sincerest condolences to his family. “Hobie” PDGA #1946
Michael Macon
It saddens me that more people won’t get the chance to meet Tom. I used to hand these flyers out before tournaments and leagues to help spread the roots of disc golf.
Jacob Leigeber
He was an inspiration to all and always helped me when I needed it. RIP to the
John Linton
I will miss you my Friend. Heaven gained a true legend rest in peace #033!
Steve Brinster
Well said Lavone Wolfe. RIP Tom
Terrance Skip Hummel
33 was so kind and welcoming when I met him. You’ll truly be missed by so many you have touched.
Christopher Lowcock
Sorry to hear love to all
Kimberly Currie Patterson
Sorry to hear. Prayers for all
Rodrigo Cruz
RIP to a great praying for him and his family
Mikie Burkett
RIP #33
Joe Fontenot
I give my thoughts and prayers and condolences to his family and the disc golf family.
Peyton Flournoy
RIP to one of the nicest most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and talking with. Such a role model to the sport and very thankful for his impact on this great sport.
Ziggy King
I still remember him with his long hair
and that 2 finger side arm throw
he was the Best.
Bill McCarty
I hate to hear this news, Tom was a great guy. Prayers for his family and his many Disc Golf friends. He will be truly missed!
Brian Cummings
What a loss.great guy!
Rob Toltzman
RIP Tom, I’ll always appreciate you making us all be apart of the world family of disc sports. With great respect.
Rhonda Hines
Prayers for the family and friends.
Randy Alexander
RIP Mr. Tom
Matthew G Petre
What a sad day. Tom brought so many people to our sport, but was much more than that. He will be forever missed.
Brian Moon
I spent a round helping a friend with throwing form and probably said “what I learned from Tom Monroe is …” 40 times during that round. I am grateful for the rounds we played together. And all of the advice and things he taught me about this sport I love.
Art Meripol
A hole forever in my heart. He made me feel special just like he did for everyone. It was an honor to call him friend. He will live forever in our hearts. I look forward to coming up to his Huntsville to honor him.
Sondra Suns Craze
So sorry for your loss
Stuart Arnold
So much learned from Tom…a huge high point when he gave my W’Class Mstr test in a big, empty gym there at UNA Florence (‘79?). As nervous as I’ve EVER been, but Tom-T was always the most supportive mentor, coach, friend…and was that to hundreds of us. We salute you, Tom. Thank you for everything.
Taylor Hulsey
Tom’s impact on disc golf will forever be remembered. His impact on our community will be very personal to each of us. The first disc I ever got from Tom was a CTP disc from 2002 stays on my wall the 2nd disc I ever got from Tom in 2020 when I picked up disc golf again stays in my bag. Rest well 33. You will be missed.
Stuart Arnold
David Terhune
Bryan Whitworth
R.I.P TO THE LEGEND Tom Monroe
Paul Sieja
Rest easy my friend! You will be missed!Ronda Key
Condolences from Team KeyChains.. prayers for his family and friends. R.I.P. #33
Linda Patterson
RIP Prayers!Joe Ursino
Much love for Tom. May his spirit fly on forever. #033 R.I.P
Austin Mayfield
Tom was such an inspiring man to all that came around him, praying for his family, friends, and the disc golf community!
Doug Crenshaw
Dave Brown
God bless you, sirCraig Getty
We are grateful for all he did and showed us the way forward. My condolences to Denise.
Jennifer Mobley Allen
Taking the truest greatest flight yet Sending my condolences to his family and friends!
Sara Sinclair
I first met Tom the summer of 2010 at George Ward when I lived in B’Ham for a couple months. At that point, I had no idea I’d eventually move to TN and our DG lives would cross paths a few more times when I traveled there for tourneys. He was always so warm and welcoming, even back when I was a novice. He left a positive mark on many lives. Fly high, Tom.
Michael Downes
Grateful for all he did for the sport, but also for the person he was. Prayers of peace and strength to the family.
Dennis Janney
One of the first legends that I had the pleasure of meeting. What a super nice guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
Travis Hammond
He has touched so many. He will be missed
Jeff Rowe
Thanks Lavone. I was lucky to have talked to him 14 months ago at Brahan Springs. He was super nice and we discussed the 80s and 90s. I met him in 1983 during the Bama State Championships… and he had a nice gathering at his house ! Farewell to a great champion.
Tim Geib
I can’t believe he’s gone. He always had such an energy about him.
From Art Meripol.
Art Meripol
How to measure a life? One way is how big their heart is. Another is how much positive impact they have on others.
One of the best friends of my adult life died yesterday. By any measure he was a great man. You may or may not know of Disc Golf. My friend Tom Monroe WAS disc golf in the South. He installed courses, taught disc sports at several major colleges and taught anyone who was interested any time. He was in the inaugural class of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame. But more than anything he was a friend to everyone and incredibly generous with his time and knowledge.
When I moved to Birmingham there was no disc course in the area. I had been playing in Little Rock with some of the other originators of the game. I found George Ward park and started throwing my discs on weekends there just for fun. Over time a small group of others started a course and I contributed what I could. Finally by the early 1990’s we had a wonderful course.
Originally from Huntsville Alabama, several years ago Tom moved from Florida back to Birmingham. He became the ‘course pro’ at George Ward. It wasn’t long before we started playing a Sunday morning round every week. Sometimes it was just us and other times it was a group. Tom and I being part of the same generation became friends, laughing over jokes and culture and history and our own foibles. That he was willing to play with me meant so much. Though I’ve been playing over 40 years I haven’t ever excelled. Tom was an 8 time world champion and known as the Johnny Appleseed of Disc sports. He was a magician with a disc in his hands. But the skill difference meant little to Tom. He played for the joy of the game and the pleasure of being with fellow players. Tom gave his professional life to developing the game and the players.
Hundreds and hundreds of people crossed paths with Tom over the years and every one would walk away with a positive glow from the time spent with him.
Because I’m a photographer and enjoyed his company I ended up photographing him for various needs he had and also scanning many of his historic photos from the past. I ended up with a lot of great images of Tom and even better stories.
Tom had been in hospice care in Huntsville for some time and cancer took him yesterday. The outpouring of stories, memories and grief from across the country would have made him humbled and proud.
I’m so grateful our lives intersected and I’m a better player and person for it.
Keep Tom’s wife Denise and all his family and vast circle of friends in your thoughts.
PDGA article by Lavonne 20240215
I asked tom to send me a few signs when he passed on!
Significant of Channel 33. Tom was known as #033 or FrisB33 as was his Disc Golf membership #.
North Alabama Disc Golf
Eric Konecny · ·
I would like to thank everyone that sent emails, shared posts and raised awareness for the name change of Brahan Springs DGC to the now officially renamed “Tom Monroe Disc Golf Course at Brahan Springs Park”
Tom made a massive impact on may people’s lives, including my own.
His contribution to disc golf will have an everlasting impact on the sport and the entire disc golf community.
If there was a Mount Rushmore for disc golf, Tom Monroe would most definitely be one of the four faces on it, period!
I ask that you all please continue to share the posts regarding this Sundays Celebration of life at Tom’s Park (formerly known as Brahan Springs DGC) and Straight to Ale.
There some that have gone above and beyond that deserve some recognition, so I ask that you show them some love when you come across the posts.
Cancer update. I have about 8 cousins. Two of us left home after HS. Fred worked on the pipe line in Alaska, then in South America. He rode his motorcycle down from P>, to say goodbye the other day. Awesome. Stayed for about an hour then rode home. Hosppice is putting more pain,anxiety, etc pills on me. Not sure how long we have left.
You’ve always been an inspiration Tom.
We all love and support you, Tom!
Thank you for coming into my life. You are a kind soul with many gifts
You’ve touched so many lives. GOAT on and off the course.
Prayers for you Mr Tom.
Sending good vibes to you and your family, 1 of the kindest and hardworking people i’ve ever met on and off the disc golf course. Much
Keeping you in our thoughts, still praying for a miracle. Know you are so very very loved.
Tom Monroe if the time has come for goodbyes then so be it. You have been a good friend and sounding board for so many not just in Disc Golf but in general for life. May the good Lord keep you and bless you in the time you have left and in the life to come. You are greatly loved.
Continue to pray for you, Tom.
Love you sir and everything you have done for everyone….
God is patient, compassionate, kind, gentle, and most of all forgiving. Call out to him Tom, He answers all those who knock. I love you neighbor. You’re a good man Tom.
You will always live within us all. Love to you.
The flesh may age and the vision dim, but the spirit of 33 lives on wherever plastic meets the wind. I love you, my friend. You will not be forgotten.
I cannot find the words to express how much you’ve meant to my life. I’ve always been proud and honored to be among your many, many friends.
Tom, I am grateful for meeting you. We have been friends since meeting you 46 years ago. Fly free my friend.
Thank you for all you did for me Tom. You see a prince amongst men. You are the GOAT for sure. I love you
You’ve been good to us all, you have touched so many people and influenced so many people. We miss you now Tom and we’ll miss you once you are gone.
God speed my friend, we will meet again! We will continue prayers for you.
I can’t thank you enough, Tom, for the patient, steady guidance you showed me even when I was at my worst. Disc golf was only a small part of that and my game was never very good. LOL. But keeping up the course, moving baskets, and running tournaments was a productive part of my life during an otherwise turbulent time. I respect you and I thank you! Sending you all of my love!
I Love You Tom Monroe
Praying for you Tom Monroe. Every day is a gift and we are all reminded of that life is precious. Thank you for your kindness, and encouragement, and for sharing your gifts with the world.
Isiah 40:31 – “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Prayers for you old friend!!
You have been a hero and role model for me going back to the 70’s even though we never met in person. When we both became one of the groups who Whamo thought highly enough of to give us a van for doing shows, you became one of my most highly respected heroes. I love you sir!!
You have inspired and blessed so many. Thanks for always setting the example for others to follow after and emulate. It’s an honor to have met you and we pray for your comfort during this time.
Thanks for all the inspiration to the sport! You my friend are a legend!
Can not thank you enough for what you’ve done for disc golf and frisbee Tom Monroe. May you find comfort that #33 will continue to inspire.
I love you!
Love you!!!
Tom, one thing is for sure, your spirit will soar like your discs forever. It’s hard to think of a life without you will be like. The way you are facing this is as inspirational as the way you have lived your entire life. We love you, my friend.
Love you man ! I feel as if your faith is strong and you know all will be well for you my friend !
Ok, smooth flight to you, Tom. We shall gather at the river.
GOD WILL ALWAYS REIGN AND HIS SON WILL ALWAYS SHINE ON YOU TOM. It ain’t even about disc golf no more I love you my man Heaven’s bigger than any Hall of Fame and I think you made the list my dad used to tell me God doesn’t judge you by how many people you love but by how many people love you and if that’s true you’re the luckiest man in the world.Take care my friend!
Love you Tom…Be the disc, man!
Continuing to pray for you Tom! We love you
Love you, Tom.
You’ve left an indelible mark on countless people and your legacy will never be forgotten! I thank you for our friendship on and off the course.
No one has inspired me in the disc golf world like you, our Sunday morning talks always meant so much to me. You have touched so many lives and when your gone you will be remembered as the champ not only on the course but also in life brother. Until we meet again sir.
Love you brother Tom Monroe….Moi
Love and comfort to you and Denise.
Love you, Tom. Wish we could sit and chat by the van again. See you again, brother.
First time I met you you came to Memphis to put in a playground and Danny ( Budhill ) called me and Todd and ask if we would help you !!
It was so hot we were taking salt tablets to keep from cramping !!!
God bless you and thanks for all you did for the sport we love!
Ace a golden basket
Legends never die.
Tom time is precious as you know. You have given us all great memories and helpful tips to take forth and grow the sport as you have. Thank you and as you know you are well loved.
You can be super proud to have been one of the very first people to get disc golf off the ground. A sport and game played by millions of people around the world.
I was so grateful for your kindness is giving me rides at Worlds in Houston, and showing me the “Twister” putt.
You have had a life well lived and helped to bring the joy of Frisbee to so many people. Thank you Tom
We love you Tom Monroe! You helped me get through the hardest time in my life and I will always cherish it.
I cannot begin to express the joy I’ve had with you being a part of our lives and disc golf community! We greatly appreciate you for all of your hard work and dedication to the sport, the lifestyle, and to us and our families! We love and support you Tom and wish many smiles and ease of pain for you! Much love brother!
We love you Tom! Thank you for everything and I’m so lucky to have got to be around you over the years. We are praying for you.
We love you Tom Monroe . You reach reaches further than you will ever know. You are continually in all our prayers.
Our prayers of peace and love for you Tom.
Your indelible mark on our game inspired a generation of disc golfers, especially here in the south. Thanks for everything sir.
You are an amazing individual! We are all thinking of you as friend, mentor and legend
Love you dearly tom
One of my earliest role models in SCF. Love ya, man.
Hugs Love and Prayers Thank U for all that U have done for our Beloved sport
I’d say a prayer but that might not be a positive thing for you. From my start to my finish in disc golf, you were and are still the class of our generation. Best player, best ambassador, best all around.
Love you Tom Monroe! Thanks for all the joy you have shared through disc golf! I treasure the autographed copy of Disc Golfer Magazine you signed for me!
Sending prayers n positive vibes to you sir and your family !! You Tom Monroe to me will always be considered one of the main cornerstones of this game we all love to play. Your passion has brought people from all walks of life and places together to be one big “family” so to speak. And I sir will forever be thankful and grateful for EVERYTHING you have sacrificed to make happen. LOVE YOU SIR!!!
Love ya Tom Monroe
I’m so sorry, Tom. I love you, man. You’ve been a role model to me basically from the first time I met you. I’m sending all the love and positive energy I’ve got your way
You are My Hero. May God hold you in the palm of HIS hand.
Thanks for everything
Your impact on the world will never be fully known because you have brought so many people from different walks of life together through our beautiful sport. Rest easy knowing your work was completely very well. Thanks Tom.
Lots of memories Tom Monroe.. you’ve impacted so many pioneers of the game— You were a TRUE FRONTIERSMAN of FRISBEE SPORTS!!! Thank YOU!
Thank you Tom for all your hard work and encouragement over the years. You helped many times on the course along the way and I will always think of you when I’m slinging a disc.
Maggie and I love you dearly brother. We have some of the best memories ever just sitting and talking with you. That energy and those conversations had a huge influence on the both of us. It especially did for me. That vibration alone is infinite. It will pass from me to my son and generations on. If and when you meet God, you better tell that wanker that the Frisbee King is in the house. All of your friends and family will be right behind you to play some of your newly designed heavenly courses.
Thank you sir for everything you done. Your amazing person with a beautiful soul.
God bless you Tom…You are loved by so many
Tom Monroe, you are one of my Heroes! Your impact on me drives me daily! I wish you a very easy transition!
Sending our love to you and your family!
We Love you Tom! Tyler
Tom, I just heard a couple of days ago that you had gone in to hospice. Sorry to hear that treatment did not go better for you. It is also a damn shame that the last several years have left you unable to play multiple rounds per day. You were a legend when I met you 38 years ago, and you will continue to be so for decades. I hope you are finding peace now.
Love you, Tom
Love you Tom!
we love you Tom
Thank you Tom Monroe! I hope your time with loved ones is enjoyed. We will all miss you and the conversations at the course. Prayers for you and your family.
Tom, my heart breaks when I think about what you must be going through. So many love you as I do and know what you have done with your life will be cherished by all who have been lucky enough to have been inspired by your visionary accomplishments.
You’ve always had wings! They were on your feet for most of your life! You took a Flying Disc Threw it over ONE HUNDRED yards, ran ( I mean flew) after it and caught it yourself before it hit the ground! Once again the crowd went WILD! Wings won’t be new to you, you just might get a different set!
Sending you love and compassion.
Tom: Peace and love to you. I would never have found disc sports without your direct influence in our area. You are the reason I have a 4 digit PDGA number. May God’s grace be with you.
100 years from now they will be reading about you, how you were one of the select few pioneers who really made a difference. You will never be forgotten, Tom. Peace & Love
You are in my heart and in my head Tom. Peace.
I love you duder, more than words can tell. Tom thank you for every laugh and every Fore!
Love you Tom. Lincoln is sending all of his puppy love too!
Bless you Tom! Thank you for Disc Golf, a sport that’s given to so many. Blessed to have time spent listening to you speak. Thank you
Much love and respect Tom…
Love you Tom Monroe you have been such an incredible role model and awesome father figure to so many. You will leave such a major legacy on the sport as well as an impact on many lives. Thank you for being you!!!
Thanks for all you’ve done for disc golf and kudos for all your great achievements. You are a legend. Praying for your peace through this time.
You have created a legacy to be proud of for sure. Generations to come will know your name Tom. You made a good life for yourself and made an impact on so damn many people. I would venture to say not even you could guess the amount of people you have reached over the years. You made a huge impact on my life and I’m proud to have known you and call you my friend. Love you Tom. Im hoping your remaining time is peaceful and painless. Thank you for everything.
Thank you for being the great ambassador to our sport. We love you and appreciate everything you do. Always loved the Tom Monroe smiles and the hugs. We’re all better people just by knowing you!
love you homie!!!
Love you Tom Monroe. You inspired me among many to do good things with our lives. Never will you be forgotten; that smile of yours resting in so many hearts and souls. Bless you. Peace and Love always.
Met you 45 years ago and I was inspired immediately. I have so many memories through the years of your dedication. My favorite times were at Alabama state tournaments. You definitely left your mark here in Florence and it continues today. So proud to h…
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Stephen Kyle Boatwright I will never forget that terraced MTA event. A great memory from AL states.
Paul Galloway I remember it well. Lol
Bottom of Form
Love ya Tom Monroe
Rewards are in your future, Tom. May God Bless you and your family.
Tom Monroe Thanks for being an inspiration to so many like your fellow Alabaman David Bethke who is now a very active disc golf promoter here in Austin. He often mentions you. You’re legacy lives on. Vaya con dios mi amigo.
Thank you for paving the way, Tom
You’re a true legend in our discing world.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for our sport! Anyone who’s ever met you knows what an amazing and inspiring person you are!
Ramping up my prayers 4 you
·
I will keep with my efforts to make sure the first generation of disc athletes are part of our sports history and never forgotten. You will have affected millions by the time its all done in a positive way. You matter so much. Love being sent from across the pond friend!
Thank you for everything you have done Tom Monroe LEGEND
I’d like to say thanks to the videographers that held this together. I know Art Meripol is second to none and shoots with the best of The Light Writers in the country. Tom was always blown away with Art’s Rock n Roll collection.
But come back ya’ll ya here!
Tom gives a special thanks to Frank Hamby, David McMATH and Lavone Wolfe@Footcareplus
Reserved Parking
Thanks to Terry Hamlin for the photo!
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