Who is Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf?
Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf (BNDG) is a dynamic community of passionate disc golfers, local shop owners, and community leaders united by a shared vision: to usher in a new era of disc golf in the Buffalo Niagara region of New York.
In November 2024, BNDG proudly became the region’s first 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of disc golf. Our mission is clear: to promote the accessibility, education, and growth of disc golf in Western New York.
We are committed to transparency, ensuring that our members and supporters are always in the loop about our initiatives and progress. Read our most recent report here.
Join us in shaping the future of disc golf in Western New York!
Board of Directors
Kevin
Keil
President
&
Director of Community Outreach
Kevin Keil is the current president of the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf and has been passionate about disc golf for over 15 years. As the co-owner of Spartan Discs, a disc golf pro shop and indoor practice facility in Western New York, he has firsthand insight into the local growth of the sport. With over a decade of experience in small business ownership, Kevin brings a proven track record in management, expansion, and leadership to the board. He is committed to giving back to the sport and community that has given him so much. Kevin is excited to contribute to the foundation’s mission and help drive further growth in the region.
Santos Torres
Vice President
&
Director of Tournament Operations
Santos Torres is the current vice president of the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf . He began playing disc golf in 2019 and quickly connected with one of the sport's greatest ambassadors, “Bobcat” Buckley, whose passion for the game inspired him to dive deeper into the sport. In 2020, Santos founded Dyeing 2 Disc Golf, an online retailer that gave him the opportunity to travel, sponsor touring pros, and gain valuable experience in the disc golf community. His desire to give back to the sport led him to start running tournaments in 2021, focusing on creating enjoyable, challenging experiences for all participants. In 2024, he joined efforts with other local disc golf leaders to establish a non-profit disc golf club in Western New York, with a focus on community involvement, local parks, and hosting events for players ranging from beginners to professionals.
Eric
Shaver
Director of
Public Relations
Eric Shaver is the current Secretary and Director of Public Relations for the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf . With over 15 years of experience in disc golf, he founded Treedirection Disc Golf in 2020 with the goal of expanding the sport while highlighting its environmental impact. Eric is dedicated to growing the sport in the Buffalo Niagara region, directing multiple PDGA-sanctioned tournaments each year and supporting several local leagues. He is also passionate about the mental health benefits of outdoor activities and aims to promote disc golf as a positive tool for stress relief and well-being. Eric holds a master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Philosophy from SUNY Buffalo and has been working in the non-profit sector since 2022, focusing on building stronger and more resilient communities.
Nichole
Tomasello - Keil
Director of
Women's & Youth Outreach
Nichole Tomasello-Keil is the co-owner of Spartan Discs, a disc golf pro shop and indoor practice facility in Western New York. Introduced to disc golf ten years ago by Kevin Keil, she quickly became passionate about the sport, which aligned with her lifelong love for outdoor activities. Nichole brings valuable experience from her career in teaching, hospitality, and small business ownership, with a focus on promoting women’s participation and youth engagement in disc golf. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for females and making disc golf more accessible to urban youth.
Gilly
Tytka
Director of
Social Media
Gilly Tytka is the Director of Social Media for the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf . She began playing disc golf in 2015 and became deeply involved in the local community through organizations like Team Spartan, Team DiscGolf716, 716chix, and the WNY Women’s Virtual Putting League. Gilly co-founded the Disc Swap to encourage players to explore new discs, meet others, and share techniques. Her dedication to connecting and growing the disc golf community drives her work on the board.
Charles
Quinn
Director of
Purchasing
Charles Quinn is the Director of Purchasing for the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf . He has been playing disc golf since 2015 and began competing in 2021. Actively involved in the local disc golf scene, Charles has helped run tournaments and leagues in partnership with Spartan Discs. As a founding member of the foundation, he is committed to revitalizing and growing the sport for future generations to enjoy.
Scott
Sherwood
Director of
Parks & Courses
Scott Sherwood is the current Director of Parks & Courses for the Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf . He discovered disc golf during the Covid-19 pandemic and quickly became committed to growing the sport and building community. Scott joined Team Spartan and later founded DiscGolf716, expanding the game’s reach and impact. With years of experience in community service, including as a Boy Scout and youth leader, he remains dedicated to fostering supportive communities. Scott continues to inspire and connect individuals through disc golf, creating opportunities for fun and growth.
Officers
Matthew Girdlestone
Club Treasurer
Matthew Girdlestone, a proud Buffalonian now residing in North Tonawanda, graduated from Houghton College in 2010 with a degree in Mathematics, focusing on Accounting and Computer Science. He has over a decade of experience working in accounting at M&T Bank, where he has also been an active member of the employee wellness group, encouraging colleagues to stay active and connect with others. Matthew was introduced to disc golf during college by a friend and quickly embraced the sport. Growing up playing both traditional sports and board games, he found disc golf to be the perfect blend of physical activity, mental challenge, and outdoor exploration, especially with many courses nestled in the woods. As Treasurer, Matthew brings his professional expertise, passion for Buffalo (Go Bills!), and enthusiasm for disc golf to the board. He is dedicated to increasing opportunities for people to discover and play disc golf throughout Western New York.
Jessica Burst
Director of
Membership
Jessica Burst, originally from California, began playing disc golf in 2013 and rediscovered her
love for the sport in 2019. Since then, she has become a dedicated member of the Buffalo
Niagara Disc Golf community, bringing her skills in client relations and event management to the
course.
Jessica is committed to fostering inclusivity and growing the sport, with a particular focus on
women’s outreach and junior memberships. As a leisure sports enthusiast, she has been
actively involved in running tournaments and has a history of organizing golf events.