Disc golfers swarmed Washington Park for the first annual Evan Knoblauch Memorial Frisbee Golf Tournament Sunday.

The event was the brain child of Herb and Susie Knoblauch whose 18-year-old son, Evan, died in a car accident in rural Woodford County in January.

Susie said they came up with the idea for a disc golf tournament because Knoblauch was an avid player of the sport.

“He started in sixth grade,” she said. “We c figured it was a good way to get people out (to the course).”

Susie said she liked that it is an inexpensive sport and she always knew where Knoblauch and his friends were when they were playing.

Money from the tournament, which will be an annual event, will be put into the Evan Knoblauch Memorial Fund.

The Washington Park District will act as steward’s of the account, Kristy Howell said.

Instead of using the fund for scholarships, the Knoblauch’s decided the money should be used to benefit the whole community.

Howell said money from Sunday will be put toward replacing the metal baskets used as the holes. Howell added the estimated cost to replace the baskets is $400 each for 18 holes.

The tournament attracted more than just Washington residents and Knoblauch’s friends.

Zachary Kirkpatrick of Peoria, a friend of the family, said he loves playing disc golf and is happy the money is being used to improve the park.

Lee Maule of East Peoria said he did not know Evan, but played volleyball with Herb and Susie.

A member of the Peoria Frisbee Club, Maule said he was at the tournament to support the family.