Tom Monroe Memorial at McFadden

Tom Monroe (PDGA# 033) is widely regarded as one of the most important pioneers in all flying disc sports and was famously dubbed the "Johnny Appleseed of Disc Golf." His influence extended far beyond competition; he dedicated 50 years to growing the sport, teaching and giving away discs out of the back of his van. Larry "Pat" McFadden was the founder and initial steward of the 1,260-acre property now known as the McFadden Nature Center. Pat was a man defined by a "ferocious curiosity" and a deep passion for nature and conservation. The Tom Monroe Memorial Disc Golf Course came to be located on the McFadden Nature Center property as one of the very last courses designed by Tom Monroe. The course represents a convergence of these two legacies: a championship-level design from a disc golf pioneer set within a protected natural sanctuary dedicated to conservation and environmental education by a devoted land steward. It stands as a fitting tribute to Monroe's enduring commitment to spreading the joy of disc golf and McFadden's dedication to preserving the beauty of Southwest Georgia. Special thanks to James Ebersole - he was the contractor who installed the tee pads for the original course. When the principles of the property moved forward with plans to build a nature center it became necessary to redesign part of the course. James, a disc golf enthusiast himself, stepped in to take up the task. It was also at this point McFadden Nature Center saw fit to honor the legacy of the original designer and name it after Tom.