The 2025 Rob Hancock Memorial, Celebrating Legacy and Community

Tournament Directors Joey and Knher with Rob Hancock's Nephew David.

The Rob Hancock Memorial returned for another year, and from what everyone was saying, it was a tournament that perfectly captured what makes Perth disc golf special. This event has always been more than just competition, it's about honouring Rob's memory while celebrating the tight-knit community he helped build.

This year's tournament carried on Rob's spirit with the thoughtful involvement of the Hancock family, continuing the tradition that's remained unbroken since the event's inception. Kim Holmes delivered a moving speech about the trees in the park that were barely saplings when Rob played there, reminding everyone of the lasting seeds we plant in our communities. Rob's nephew Dave then read a piece called "Life After Hancock" that Rob had written years ago, prophetic words that carried deeper meaning than anyone could have imagined at the time.

David delivers the opening speech.

The tournament organisation this year was absolutely fantastic, thanks to our very own DGW team members Joey Darbyshire and Knher Santos stepping up as Tournament Directors. The boys tackled the challenge of the event's growth head on by expanding the course to a 20-hole layout incorporating nearby Pennistone Park alongside the traditional venue. They left no stone unturned in their preparation, ensuring every detail was sorted, and their dedication showed in how smoothly everything ran on the day.

David Taylor's presence added another layer of meaning to the weekend. Dave has been continuing the connection with the Hancock family and the Rob Hancock Memorial that has remained unbroken since the tournament's inception, and this year he took that connection further by actually playing alongside his neighbour Ben Edmonds.

His efforts didn't go unnoticed. Dave took home the Spirit Award, recognition that couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.

TD Joey presenting Patrick Willson with the Rob Hancock Perpetual Trophy.

DGW's own Patrick Willson claimed his first Rob Hancock Memorial victory with a 1006 rated second round after moving to MP40 for the first time this year. He not only won his division but also took the overall title following the Super 4 playoff featuring the best four 40+ competitors from each division. After some early pressure from Chris Finn during the final four holes, Patrick built enough of a lead that he could lay up on the final hole for a comfortable tap-in victory, etching his name into WA disc golf history on the Rob Hancock Memorial perpetual trophy.

MPO Champion Jacob Davies.

The DGW team had plenty to celebrate across the divisions, with Jacob Davies taking the MPO win, Connor Donnelly securing second place, and Mark Sheppard claiming the MA1 title. Throughout the afternoon rounds, players were treated to those classic Perth winter conditions that make for such photogenic disc golf, with low sun filtering through the trees creating that cinematic quality unique to our courses. Anyone who's been to this event knows how special that afternoon light can be.

Perhaps the most touching moment came during the awards ceremony, where photos of Sam and Margaret Hancock, Rob's parents, overlooked the proceedings. Whether by design or happy accident, their kind faces watching over the celebration felt like the perfect reminder of the deep heritage this tournament represents and the family foundation it's built upon.

Joey with his TD point in full effect.

Events like the Rob Hancock Memorial showcase everything we love about disc golf in Perth. It's the combination of serious competition, genuine community spirit, and respect for those who paved the way that makes tournaments like this so special. Rob's legacy lives on not just in the trophy that bears his name, but in the way this community continues to welcome new players, celebrate achievements, and look after each other both on and off the course.

Whether you're inspired to enter your first tournament or looking to upgrade your bag for serious competition, there's never been a better time to be part of Perth's disc golf community.

Assistant TD Knher Santos laying one down the fairway.

Congratulations to all the winners and every player who made this tournament special. Events like this remind us why we love being part of Perth's disc golf scene. Here's to many more years of keeping Rob's memory alive on the course!

Photos thanks to Kingsley Flett.