Billy Mac Invitational
Disc Golf Tournament
August 13, 2017
On August 13th, Crystal Pond Park hosted the “Billy Mac Invitational Disc Golf Tournament” in recognition of Bill MacWilliams, a.k.a. "Billy Mac" (East Brookfield, MA). Bill is an avid disc golf player, a pioneering member of NEFA, the New England Flying Disk Association, and a leading force behind the 35-year growth of disc golf in Connecticut and Massachusetts. "There are now well over 200 courses in New England. I have played over 50, and had a hand in designing at least eight" said MacWilliams.
Billy Mac, together with longtime friend and co-player Steve Dakai (Putnam) guided the Crystal Pond Park Commission in the design and construction of the new Crystal Pond Disc Golf Course.
The event drew 43 players and numerous observers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. First place honors were awarded to:
Deshaun Chapman (Willimantic)
Jr. Boys’ Division
Jeni Lee (Charlton, MA)
Women’s Division
Kale Kamuda (Woodstock)
Men’s Division
Jay Barross (Danielson)
Master’s Division
Jay Nourse (Oxford, MA)
Pro Division
Chris Mayhew, Chairman of the Park Commission welcomed the players to the tournament.
Steve Dakai (Putnam) organized the tournament in honor of Billy Mac.
The players gather to listen to the tournament rules.
Two tournament players, seeing the course for the first time, examine the layout of the new Crystal Pond Disc Golf Course.
Honoree Billy Mac backed by daughter Emily, wife Susan, and son Ben.
Billy Mac and brother David MacWilliams (Southwick, MA) examine the player pairings.
Shane Davis (on left, from Putnam) launches his disc in the Ace Pot Challenge while others players look on.
Players had to throw their disc across the lagoon into the basket on the far side for the Ace Pot Challenge.
Aidan Atrrick (age 8, Putnam) retrieves an errant disc from the water.
Ace Pot Winner - Dave Redlund (Agawam).
Billy Mac (center) with 1st place winners: (L to R) Women's Division - Jeni Lee (Charlton, MA). Jr. Boys' Division - Deshaun Chapman (Willimantic). Masters' Division - Jay Barross (Danielson). Pro Division - Jay Nourse (Oxford, MA). Men's Division - Kale Kamuda (not pictured, from Woodstock).
Billy Mac surrounded by 43 tournament players, and approximately two dozen observers, friends and supporters.