ODNR and Paint Creek State Park dedicate disc golf course to Clinton Pelfrey
In a heartfelt ceremony Sept. 20, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Paint Creek State Park officially dedicated the park’s disc golf course to the late Clinton R. Pelfrey, a beloved local volunteer whose tireless efforts brought the course to life.
The dedication was held just before the first tournament on the course, a milestone that would not have been possible without Pelfrey’s passionate commitment to the project. Friends, family, fellow volunteers and park staff gathered at the courses trailhead, now marked with signage bearing Clinton's name, to honor his life and legacy.
Pelfrey, a long-time outdoor enthusiast and respected member of the local community, played a crucial role in preparing the disc golf course, devoting countless hours to clearing brush, shaping fairways and improving the terrain to ensure the course would be ready for competition.
Tragically, he died on July 16, 2025 after suffering a fatal allergic reaction to a bee sting while working on the course. He was 43. He is survived by his wife, Sara E. (Carlson) Pelfrey and three children. Also surviving are his parents, Marc A. (Theresa) Pelfrey of Mason and Robyn G. (Larry Henderson) Coomer of Hillsboro.
"When you see how this course looks, know that Clint is the reason it looks that way," said Cory Cover, park manager at Rocky Fork, Paint Creek, and Adams Lake state parks. "If it looks good, this was Clint. Clint poured his heart into this course."
Pelfrey’s dedication wasn’t about recognition; it was about building something that brought people together, something he loved. His course stands as a living tribute to his spirit.
The course, nestled within the rolling hills and wooded landscapes of Paint Creek State Park, has quickly become a popular destination for the disc golf enthusiasts across the region. Organizers of the Sept. 20 tournament – which was held in Pelfrey’s honor – reported a strong turnout and an outpouring of support from the community. Many players wore commemorative pins and shirts with Pelfrey’s name as well as memorial discs used for the tournament.
The family would like to thank ODNR, Paint Creek State Park, Gateway Disc Sports, Death Putt Disc Supply, Hazy Shade, Disc N Dat, The Nati, Tacky Saks, Birdie Bud Dyes, Disc Golf Van Life and Hocking Hills Disc Golf, for all their love and support.
For more about disc golf, visit the Professional Golf Disc Association https://www.pdga.com.
