The Humboldt Classic Disc Golf Scramble

The Ohio Classic, held on July 11, brought together golfing and cannabis enthusiasts alike to raise money for traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The upcoming second installment of the Classic event series, The Humboldt Disc Golf Classic Scramble, will take place in McKinleyville, California, on Sept 6. 

The Classic Events are the brainchild of James Bo Keyes, a hemangioblastoma (brain tumor) survivor and father of five. Once fully recovered, Keyes launched his Classic Event series to unite the local community and businesses and foster lasting, meaningful connections. The Classic Events series helps promote awareness of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and support those affected by them. 

Keyes’s business-to-business (B2B)-focused expo and golf open is designed to connect cannabis industry professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators in a unique, engaging environment in the nascent but burgeoning Ohio cannabis market. 

Nestled in the lush, old forest of Southwest Ohio’s Greene County, at the Sugar Valley Golf Club in Bellbrook, this elite setting and private golf course was the perfect backdrop for networking, learning from expert panelists, and experiencing the latest trends in the cannabis industry.

“I honestly never thought I’d see the day when my home state embraced cannabis.” said cannabis consumption lounge, hospitality expert, and Ohio native Sara Stewart. “It was emotional and so exciting for me.” 

Stewart shared her insights on an insightful panel with esteemed contemporaries Sarah Tupper and Andrea Doyle, discussing the topic of on-premise consumption.

Ohio Classic attendee and hobby cannabis cultivator Ben Owens said his favorite quote from the panels came from Sara Brittany Somerset, Ph.D., during the panel on Public Relations (PR) & Brand Return on Investment (ROI), with co-panelists publicists Alice Moon and Lisa Weser from Trailblaze. Kimberly Ring, Director of Communications at ASI Food Safety, introduced all three experts. 

“If you do not have a budget for PR & Marketing, then you are not ready to launch [your brand],” Somerset said. 

Owens believes Dr. Somerset’s opinion was “dead on” because “Promoting your brand doesn’t just happen. You need PR to share your mission.” 

The Ohio Classic’s mission is placing importance on industry growth. 

“Our event is more than just an expo; it’s a platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses to come together, share ideas, and shape the future of the Ohio cannabis market,” said Keyes. 

The Humboldt Classic

After a recent action-packed Golf Classic and cannabis expo in Ohio, Keyes took his show on the road to the Redwood Forrest. Keyes is hosting the second installment of the Classic Series, The Humboldt Classic Disc Golf Scramble on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Beau Pre Golf Club in McKinleyville, CA.

“The Humboldt Classic is a disc golf event held in one of the most beautiful locations worldwide. Humboldt is renowned for having the world’s tallest trees and is the mecca of cannabis cultivation. It is a magical place where great things originate,” said Keyes.

The Humboldt Classic is set against the backdrop of massive, stately Redwood trees and coastal air. Held just after the Paris Olympics, when enthusiasm for sports is at an all-time high, the Humboldt Classic combines positive atmospheres of nature and sport, creating a fun-filled day to support a great cause.

The Humboldt Classic will establish roots in the region for its inaugural year and raise awareness for Humboldt and brain injury survivors. Royal Gold Soil, the original coco soil company, is a local premier event sponsor.

What is Disc Golf?

Disc Golf is played much like golf, except players use a flying disc instead of a ball and clubs. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, the fewest throws).

According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, the sport is a healthy, inexpensive recreational activity that provides upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise, and mental stimulation. Mastering shots and negotiating obstacles expands concentration skills. Players of limited fitness levels can start slowly and gradually increase their level of play.

The Classic will play in a four-person team format, with a tee prize for all participants. Lunch will be included for all ticket holders, and a local artist’s trophy will be presented to the winning team!

The Humboldt Classic Disc Golf Scramble will begin at noon on September 6th, 2024, and will kick off Cannafest Weekend, celebrating all things “NorCal.”

Tickets are $42 and can be purchased here.

Keyes hinted that other Classic events, perhaps even international ones, are in the works.