Unveiling the Oconee National Disc Golf Complex: A New Challenge for Players
As the Huk Central benefitting Mary Sunshine House tournament drew to a close, three standout players from Elite Team Tacky Saks commanded attention with their remarkable talents and unwavering commitment to the sport. Evan Smith, Mark Chapalonis, and Tony Mo Reiss shone brightly on the verdant disc golf battlegrounds of South Carolina.
The PDGA-sanctioned A-tier singles tournament took place from May 5-7, 2023, in Central, South Carolina. This combined pro/am event featured rounds at both Grand Central Station and Oconee National Disc Golf Complex, providing participants with a diverse and challenging experience.
Elite Team Tacky Saks’ members delivered strong performances, with Evan Smith (#101574) claiming 4th place and a prize of $1,255 with a final score of -22. Mark Chapalonis (#70741) finished 13th with a prize of $625, scoring -15, while Tony Mo Reiss (#47136) tied for 14th place with a prize of $563 and a score of -14. These results further cemented the team’s reputation as a disc golf powerhouse.
Evan Smith, a rising star in the competitive circuit, boasts a consistent performance record and a relentless drive for improvement. With numerous accolades and a loyal fan base, Smith continues to push the boundaries of disc golf, inspiring countless others to follow his lead.
Mark Chapalonis, another prominent member of Elite Team Tacky Saks, is renowned for his versatility on the course. His diverse range of throws and strategies has established him as a formidable opponent in the disc golf world. Chapalonis’s dedication to the sport and his team is evident in his relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the course.
Reflecting on his experience at the Huk Central Tourney, Chapalonis described his play as “solid” despite admitting to “a few throwing errors and bad shot selections.” He persevered and achieved a 13th place finish, expressing satisfaction with his performance and anticipation for the next event: “Very happy with this finish, and I look forward to the next one! We are onto Virginia for a few weeks for a couple of events!” Chapalonis also congratulated tournament winner Michael Johansen: “Shoutout to @michael.johansen.50 for taking the win!”
Tony Mo Reiss, a well-known figure in the disc golf community, is celebrated for his exceptional sportsmanship and skillset. Reiss’s ability to analyze and adapt to different courses has contributed to his success on the professional circuit. As a member of Elite Team Tacky Saks, Reiss inspires and motivates his teammates and fans with his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Reiss, who finished 14th in the tournament, offered mixed reflections on his experience, particularly at Oconee National Park: “The property of this course is amazing, but the actual course itself was not what I was expecting for a pay-to-play A-tier event.” Despite encountering challenges such as rollaways and an unexpected out-of-bounds penalty, Reiss managed to rally, birdying four of the last six holes in the second round and ultimately moving up from 27th place.
Reiss praised his putter’s performance and eagerly anticipated the Lexington Open, expressing gratitude to his supporters: “The play wasn’t great, but we managed it, averaging over 1000 for the weekend. As always, thanks to my sponsors.”
Organized by Tournament Director Bryan Schaupp and Assistant Tournament Directors Ryan Ulmer, Andrew Shealy, Greg Monn, and Adam Monn, the event raised funds for Mary Sunshine House, a support system for families in need.
The success of these three disc golfers not only highlights the prowess of Elite Team Tacky Saks but also contributes to the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship serve as a testament to the potential of disc golf and the bright future that lies ahead for this exciting sport.
