The Pennsylvania Disc Golf Hall of Fame

2001 Pro Mens Master World Champion - St. Paul, MN

 

Joe “The Technician” Mela

 

Joe played street Frisbee from age 13 to 22.  He went to his first disc golf tournament in1983 (Philadelphia OCTAD)…ran by tournament director Jim Powers.  It was an overall event and he placed first in accuracy; second in distance and first place in the overall in the amateur division.  Joe didn’t find disc golf until January 1984… and he fell in love with it right away.  He designed his first course in 1984 in his hometown (Levittown…an obstacle disc golf course).  Joe moved up to pro division in 1985.  From 1985 to 1992 traveled to various disc golf courses around the country (Canada, RI,TX, VA, FL and all around the Mid-Atlantic region).

 

Joe designed his second DGC in Erwinna, PA (Tinicum County Park - 1992) and his third course in Newtown, PA (Tyler State Park - 1993-94).  Tyler is currently ranked 8th in the World by Disc Golf Course Review (it has been in the top 10 for several years now).

 

Joe played his first World Championships in 1986 (Charlotte), finishing 76th.  In his second World Championship - 1987, Joe finished 16th (Toronto).  Joe “Three peated” at a tournament in Virginia: Duck Golf.  In 1992 (Michigan), Joe placed  8th in the Open Worlds.  In 1994, Joe placed 2nd in the Open Worlds.  In 1995, Joe placed 4th in the Open Worlds.  (Three Top 10 finishes in the Open Division).

 

in 1997 Joe received the Bob West Memorial Sportsmanship Award.

 

Joe has won the Seneca Soiree 4 times in its 20 year history.  He won the Eric C. Yetter Champions Cup 2 times in its 20 year history.  Joe has double digit wins in Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania. 

 

Joe has been President if the Bucks County Whitetails (Now the BCDGA) and has worked tirelessly on the Tyler State Disc Golf Course…making it better each year.  He established the Tyler Junior Jam, which is a “stepping stone” clinic tournament to teach the fundamentals of Disc Golf to boys and girls (ages 7-16).  Joe has developed “Chain Link” events to teach the rules and encourage casual players to get over the fear of playing in formal events.   

 

Joe is known as “The Technician” for analysis and breaking down each throw into the smallest detail….practicing each part of the throw over and over, then putting everything together into near perfect execution.  

Joe loves Disc Golf.  His enthusiasm and open personality draw others to the sport he loves and reflect great credit on himself, the Bucks County Disc Golf Alliance, and the Professional Disc Golf Association.