Innova extends our sincerest appreciation as we announce the departure of long-standing Star Team member and disc golf legend, Ken Climo. Together, we have shared an incredible 26+ year journey filled with unforgettable moments that have greatly influenced our company and the sport as a whole. With the support of Innova, Ken has dominated the game at a level that is unlikely to be matched. However, an opportunity has presented itself to Ken that he simply cannot pass up, and while we are saddened by his departure, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Ken Climo’s legacy at Innova will always hold a significant place in our story.
Ken Climo and Innova
When Ken Climo first discovered disc golf in the late 80s, his first disc was an Innova Coupe. Already skilled with a Frisbee, Ken quickly excelled in the sport. In 1989, just two years after picking up the game, he entered his first World Championship and surprised the disc golf community by placing 5th. From then on, Ken became the most well-known player in the sport for decades to come. He continuously worked to turn his weaknesses into strengths and had an unmatched level of self-confidence. – Dave Dunipace
From 1990-1998, Ken won nine consecutive World Championship titles and was named the PDGA Player of the Year seven times. Although Team Innova had not yet been established, Ken was already throwing Innova discs. In 1999, Jonathan Poole had the idea to create a disc golf team with sponsored athletes, and Ken became the first disc golfer to have a paid sponsorship agreement and the first athlete on Team Innova. This paved the way for future players to make a living from professional disc golf. After joining Team Innova, Ken went on to win five United States Disc Golf Championships, including the inaugural event by a margin of 15 strokes. He also won an additional three World titles, four PDGA Player of the Year awards, and the 2007 European Open. Ken’s dominance in the sport made him the face of both disc golf and Innova.
Ken’s Legacy
Ken Climo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of disc golf and belongs on the sport’s “Mount Rushmore.” He is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of the professional side of the game. Without his groundbreaking achievements and pushing the limits of what is possible with a disc, the sport would not be where it is today. In total, Ken has won 18 Majors in the Open division, including 12 World titles. He has also won 14 Elite Series events, all since 2003. With 240 career wins in 479 PDGA starts, Ken has an impressive win rate of over 50%. The relationship between Innova and Ken Climo has been long, fruitful, and overwhelmingly positive. We are incredibly grateful and proud of everything Ken has done for Innova and the sport of disc golf. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Thank you and farewell, Champ!
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