Farewell to the Champ
Innova expresses our heartfelt gratitude as we announce that long-time Star Team member and legend of the game, Ken Climo, will be parting ways with our team. Together, we’ve had an incredible 26+ year journey of unforgettable moments that influenced our company and sport. With the support of Innova, the Champ dominated the game at a level we will likely never see again. Ken received an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, and although we are sad to see him go, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Ken Climo’s legacy at Innova will never be diminished – he will always remain a vital part of our story.
Ken Climo and Innova
When Ken Climo started playing disc golf in the late 80s, his first disc was an Innova Coupe. Already skilled with a Frisbee, Ken picked up the game quickly. In 1989, just a couple years after finding the sport, he entered his first World Championship. Ken took 5th place, surprising the disc golf community who had never before heard his name. From the next year on, Ken would become the best-known player in the sport, for decades to come.
Ken would practice to make his weaknesses his strengths. There wasn’t anyone with more self-confidence than Ken.
– Dave Dunipace
From 1990-1998, Ken won nine consecutive World Championship titles and was named the PDGA Player of the Year seven times. Though Team Innova hadn’t been formed yet, Ken was already throwing Innova discs. In 1999, Jonathan Poole had the idea to start a disc golf team with sponsored athletes. Ken became the first disc golfer in the sport with a paid sponsorship agreement and Team Innova’s first athlete. This paved the way for future players to make a living from professional disc golf.
After joining Team Innova, Ken won five United States Disc Golf Championships, including winning the inaugural event by 15 strokes. He won an additional three World titles, four PDGA Player of the Year awards, and the 2007 European Open. Ken was dominant. In his time, he was the face of the sport and the face of Innova.
Ken’s Legacy
Ken Climo belongs on the disc golf Mount Rushmore. He is the GOAT of the professional side of the game. Without him pushing the limits of what is possible with the disc, the sport would not be where it is today.
In total, Ken won 18 Majors in the Open division, including 12 World titles. He won 14 Elite Series events, all from 2003 on. He has 240 career wins in 479 PDGA starts, making for above a 50% win rate.
Innova and Ken Climo have had a long, fruitful, overwhelmingly positive relationship over the decades. We couldn’t be more grateful or proud for everything that Ken has done for Innova and for disc golf. We wish him all the best going forward. Thank you and farewell, Champ!
