Our Story

Our story starts with our founders Kathy and senior course designer Larry Leonardi was injured in an accident in 2002 which left him with two herniated discs in his back.  Between 2002 and 2006 he was in and out of pain management clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and seeing neuro specialists. With all of the medical help and rehab, nothing helped and Larry was unable to walk for more than a few minutes at a time without the need for a wheelchair.

After completing a degree in geological science in 2006, from Western Michigan University, some friends dragged him to Oshtemo Park to play disc golf along with his wheelchair.  When the round was over, he was sore and in pain, but had beaten his friends.

Over the next three months, Larry and his friends went disc golfing every other day.  During that time the pain in his back continued to get better.  By the end, he no longer needed painkillers to manage his pain.

After disc golf gave him his life and freedom back, Larry decided to dedicate himself to learning more about the sport and teaching others every chance he could.   So in 2010, after a discussion with his wife Kathy who had been through everything with him and watched his miraculous recovery through disc golf, they ventured into the world of running events together.  

Our History

Started

2010

Started our business in North Carolina, and began running clinics and doing coaching.

Moved to Michigan

2011

When we moved to Michigan we became an LLC. and began running events in three states.

Essential Sponsored Players Win

2012

Essential Discs Sponsored players take 1st and 3rd at Bowling Green Am Championships.

Designed the Honey

2014

Designed an overstable approach disc which is low profile and can be used to putt with. The honey is predictable in any wind condition

Hosted an A-Tier Event

2016

Partnered with SouthSide Disc Golf Club to host the Mishawaka Meltdown as an A-Tier bringing credibility back to Michiana disc golf.

Redirected focus from events to Course Design

2017

After consulting on a number of singular hole redesigns and some full course redesigns, we have shifted the focus of our business to course design so that the community can have safer more sustainable disc golf courses..

Published our first book

2019

Published our first book on course design to help new designers and parks managers understand the importance of safety and intricacies which go into the design process.  

7 Disc Molds Approved

2023

The PDGA has approved multiple new discs as of the end of January 2023.

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