Throwing away tradition

Madison resident, Lavone Wolfe, brought disc golf to Madison County.

It’s all in the wrist for Lavone Wolfe.

With 62 total Professional Disc Golf Association professional division wins, nine overall state titles, and the 2009 World Championship, Wolfe has a made a name for himself in the professional world of disc golf.

In disc golf, discs replace the clubs used in the more traditional golf, but the rules are largely the same.

“It’s golf, except with a disc,” Wolfe said. “It’s way more physical than ball or stick golf.”

The Huntsville native began playing the game in 1974, while attending the University of North Alabama.

When he returned to Huntsville, he brought his love of the game and established a course at Brahan Spring Park, which is now tied to be the 7th oldest course in the nation.

“We’re really grown the sport here in town,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe said the sport’s growth is an asset to the community because tournaments create revenue.

He is currently attempting to secure the 2013 World Championship for Huntsville, and estimates that will be the year’s largest convention in Huntsville.

The Huntsville/Madison area has seven courses, all of which Wolfe played a part in.

“If I didn’t design it, I played a large part,” Wolfe said. “Huntsville has really become a destination for disc golf in the Southeast.”

Wolfe is design certified and has designed courses across Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

However, his involvement with University of Alabama at Huntsville did not end with design.

Wolfe currently coaches the UAH disc golf team and teaches disc golf at the university.

He also works as a pedorthist and is the owner of Foot Care Plus SAS Shoes.

“That’s what I do to make money,” Wolfe said. “This is what I do as a passion.”

The back of the shoe store is Wolfe Disc Golf, a store he opened as a result of the need for disc golf equipment.

Wolfe now resides in Madison and continues to play professionally. He encourages anyone interested to get involved with the sport.

He said there is generally no cost to play on a course and a three disc basic starter kit costs around $25.

The friends he’s made all the over the world are the reason he has played for the last 37 years.

“It’s the people,” Wolfe said. “It’s like a big family.”