Thursday, December 03, 2009

When It Is Just Too Cold To Disc...

Well, I feel the end of the season is officially upon me. As a resident of the state of Minnesota, the offseason should realistically be about eight months out of the year, but usually around November is when we begin to shut it down. As such, regular rounds have been gone for awhile now. There remains, however, the hope of a neverending season. From time to time, we come across the gift of a warm, beautiful day that corresponds to freedom of the schedule. As someone who has two jobs and is pursuing a masters degree full-time, this is not a common event.

The perfect storm that is "bonus discing" is a welcome and celebrated thing. I am giddy just thinking about them! But as the season drags on, the potential wains for such a day. This became evident this afternoon, when after getting the freedom of schedule, the King and I realized the climactic fatalism of our geographic reality. The only defiant gesture left to thumb in the face of our predicament is our annual winter round. I say annual not because we plan on the one outing, but because we forget the "joys" of a winter round. It takes only one round to remember, scraping off the memories from the frostbitten recesses of our cortexes (is that how you pluralize that word?).

This year, the end of the season carries extra significance. As a gent with a lady, certain life decisions are not quite as monochromatic as they once were. As such, new environs are in my future, and I will be relocated before the new season is birthed from the womb of spring (gotta love the imagery, right?). This, of course, carries with it the pleasure of experiencing new courses, new people I will drag into the sport, and new experiences. I will, however, be disappointed at the lose inherent in the move. I will no longer be able to frequent Bethel and Acorn, the courses I cut my teeth upon; I will have little opportunity to head to Blue Ribbon Pines, my new favorite place to play; nor will I have as great a chance to make the trek to Highbridge, a long-held goal.

I am now officially closing the book on being a Minnesota disc golfer. I am now a vagabond, a discer without a home. Pray for me.

Diggs

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Buzzing Through The Dayz----Part 1


Buzzing Through the Dayz

A.K.A - The year of the "buzz-ble bee"


The 2009 Disc Golf season has brought an abundent of changes to my game. As the weather begins to change to its natural Minnesota-esk temperature of: COLD to FREEZING. I thought it might be approporiate to reflect on the last seven to eight months as it relates to my DG game.


Da BuZZZ
It was by accident that I 'fell in love' with my new favorite disc. I was playing a lazy round at my Alma mater, Oh Hail the Great Bethel University. I found the disc lying snugly against a pine tree on hole 9 of all places. The Discraft: Buzz esp. She's yellow and flies true and holds her line better than any
small child who has to go to the bathroom. What I like about this disc it that it is completely consistent to how you release it. If you release it hyzer it holds that line all the way through flight. Same goes for flat and anhyzer shots. As a result of now having this disc in my bag it has allowed me to clean up my short game and putting. I am more confident in my approach and putting knowing that the disc will perform the way it is supposed to. I actually use it at my putter now.

Second, after much discussio
n and practice - - Diggs and I have determined and I'm proclaiming I guess that every hole at Acorn, in Roseville, MN should be considered a par 3, with the exception of Hole 18 in the back position is a par 4. We have played if for many years now as all par 3's except for 9 and 18. I think at one point for us when our skill set wasn't what it is today you could consider #9 at Acorn a par 4. However, now that we can consistently drive past the giant rock in the middle of the fairway. Which will leave you a decent mid-range to get to the hole. It's probably time to change how we have been scoring till....so -- Have I been successful since we decided this...no but I feel that it's a good thing coming.



More Review/Reflection to Come!!!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Pipestone Run

We just had a few days of straight rain and cold so yesterday disc golf was required. It was a cool day, sweater weather, but the sun was out. It was very windy, which is common in this part of the country, and it made me think of all the days this summer when I didn't disc just becuase it was too windy. How many rounds did I miss out on?

I went with my friend Kyle and his gf to Pipestone. The course is about 3o minutes away, but it's worth the drive. The course is nicely laid out with some hill shots and a couple chances to air it out. There's a creek that's in play in 3 holes, and one hole that is just a bear. Overall, I was stoked to play a round.

It started well, the wind was down a bit, but it quikcly became overly windy and I pulled out the wraith and stopped worrying about long putts. When we got to the hill holes we noticed a guy playing by himself across the course. Later we ended up finishing the round with him (one of the best aspects of the game) and it was great. This guy, Dion, had a cannon for an arm. He was contsistently hitting 350 ft. with no walk up. He just stood at the end of the tee and threw with incredible force (of course he had some cannons and looked built). A little intimidated, it took a while for me to feel comfortable, but after a while his personality won me over. Dion had a great sense of humor and was always ready to keep the conversation going. Before I knew it the round was over and we were going our separate ways. What an incredible experience and it was made possible through the great game of disc golf. We ended the round and he commented on my walk up (which is slower and much more fluid btw). We both were thinking if he might add the x step he would have a monster throw.

Awesome day...

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Scores and Tools

9.22.09 Acorn Park
Diggs 2,3,6,3,3,3,4,2,4,3,5,3,3,2,4,3,3,4 = 60
King 3,3,4,3,3,3,4,3,7,3,4,5,3,3,3,4,2,4 = 64

9.15.09 Kaposis Park (Not a proud round)
Diggs 3,2,3,4,4,3,2,5,4,4,3,6,5,5,3,3,4,4,5,4,2,5,4 = 87
King 4,3,3,4,5,4,3,4,5,4,3,4,3,4,3,3,5,6,5,7,2,4,4 = 92

9.8.09 Bethel University Yellows, Blues
Diggs 2,2,4,4,4,2,5,3,3,3,3,4,3,4,3,7,3,2 = 61
King 2,3,3,4,3,3,5,2,3,4,3,3,4,4,3,5,5,4 = 63

Disc golf is considered a sport that all people can play. The young, old, thin, large, man and woman. Today, my partner Diggs and I were out playing Acorn and we ran into a couple (i.e. guy and his gf). He was the only one playing. She was just walking with him. Now to us this is kinda typical since we have all played a round with girls who feel intimidated to play a round of disc with guys because just the sheer fact that they can't (or feel they can't) throw it as "good" as their male counter parts.

So anyway this guy with his other are playing...acorn and we had a few different interactions with him over the course and we (diggs and I) kept getting the image of him fitting right in at the Tool Academy. If ya don't know it, it is a show that airs on VH1. From what I hear Diggs is a fan of the show. From now on the guy will be referred to as the Tool.

On the course he was constantly acting like she wasn't even out there with him. I'll admit I have done this a few times. It sucks afterwords because You never live it down. He was yelling at her to get out of the way. Not all the time to be fair to him but a few times. He repeatedly slapped that A** right after he sank a shot. Ok we only saw that once but it affected our shots I'll say.

A word from the wise. Don't be a Tool when you are out on the course with a girl. treat them with respect. Show them you are interested in them as much as the game. Unless it's not that type of relationship. You'll know.

Until next time

This is the Mid Range King
Holing Out

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Post Blue Ribbon Pines

I don't have any flashy pictures and I don't have any scores, but I can tell you what is going on after my round at Blue Ribbon Pines. I've been working on my drives. I'm trying to get fluidity like my friends MidRange and Diggs have suggested. I still position my back to the basket before a big drive, but I've taken some effort off to ensure a flat release (hopefully) and a fluid motion. The new Vengie still rainbows (needs breaking in), but I can turn the Wraith over with some annie and a solid grip and I can easily make the Roadrunner finish right without even putting effort behind the throw. The next step is to get out there more often. I''ve heard , from my friend (who will now be called MBFKYLE), that Sioux Falls has a nice course. Hopefully I can hit that venue and work the throw. BTW I talked MBFKyle into buying a Buzz D. We'll see where he ends with that one. +1 to the purchase!!!

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Ecstacy

We hit up Blue Ribbon Pines, a pay-to-play course in East Bethel this weekend. Located on a sod farm, it was out in the middle of nowhere, and very quiet. I must say, it was one of the best designed and well-maintained courses I've ever been to.

URBWes, the Kind and I played the 27-hole course through twice, and the jello-feeling in my arm is well worth it! I imagine the King will get some pics up soon. Buy my goodness, that was a great day of disc, boys!

Saturday, September 05, 2009

McCluskey: Flying saucers

So in an attempt to bring in some outside sources. ESPN just released an article on the sport of disc golf. Complete with quotes from the "Nature Boy" himself and also for some legitimacy "The Champ" as well. I read it and actually was proud that ESPN was giving it alot of good publicity. Makes me proud to be playing BRP today.

Just follow the link


McCluskey: Flying saucers

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

42 Holes, Two Amazing Courses, Two Guys, One Amazing Afternoon of Sunshine, Priceless

Today was a preparation day for our Pilgrimage to BRP. Doug and I decided to play a few courses and more importantly...42 Holes of DG. BRP as you may remember has 27 holes and we were thinking of playing maybe 2 rounds totalling well 54 holes. Arm Strength/Leg strength is key. So we practice.

First course: North Valley Park in Inver Grove Heights, MN just down good old Hwy 52.
Lets say...it was just a course to get the rust out. We skipped a hole somewhere so the score is ruled an incomplete. It wasn't good anyway. We figured it had been about two years since we last played it. Lost my DX Beast to the giant pond on 15. I knew I would...so I am not sad. I had found that disc anyway. {I found that disc about 4 years ago on hole 3 at Seratoma though. Sitting right next to the pin. Someone forgot it.}

Intermission: Subway Restaurant (Thanks Jarrod for putting them everywhere now)

Second Course: Kaposia (New Format too. We played the whole course...they have 24 holes now.) Let me just say that for playing 42 holes Doug and I had great rounds all around. the last 4 holes were crap because we ran out of gas. But overall Great rounds filled with amazing shots, some "World Champ Love" as they say. I believe in the near future there should be a course review for Kaposia composing of the new holes. Wish I would have had my camera.

Anyway here are the scores:
Diggs: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 3, 6, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5 = 86 (so that's only 23 if you count them, gosh I need to take better score)
King: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 6, 5, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 6, 6, 3, 5, 5 = 93

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Kaposia Pictures


Doug and I decided to make the trip south...about 15 minutes to Kaposia Park. We battled through wind, Torrential rain and Thunderstorms to play what we will call and incomplete round because we missed a few holes due to lack of signage.

Overall, it was good to get back to Kaposia...scores alone weren't the best but playing here again for me it was at least inspiring and refreshing. (humbling could also be inserted).
















A Finish....leading toward that uphill putt.

















A rather peculiar shot uphill.
















Doug on 18 after an OB. He would end up making this putt.

Geek Squad





Disc Golf Pictures for you to Enjoy


Hole 5
Acorn Park



Hole 5
Acorn Park


Hole 5 Black & White

Last Sunday, after work (6am) I decided that I wanted to play a round of disc golf before I went to bed for the "night." So I decided to go and I have to say it was absolutely beautiful. There was a beauty about playing at 630 am by yourself. You could hear every animal move it was simply great. I played really well as too. That was a bonus.

Here's the Score
3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 3, 2, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 5 = 65




On a Final Note
It was on this day that my beloved Pro Starfire went to be
with the god's of Disc Golf. It was on hole 7.
A Huge Anhyzer to the gods.
Never to be Found
Again


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Some Scores

Lake Wood Hills (White Bear, MN) 6.12.09

Digs 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 5, 4, 4, 4, 3 = 50

King 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 3 = 49

Plymouth Creek Park (Plymouth, MN) on 6.14.09

Digs 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 6, 3, 3, 2, 4 = 35
2, 2, 3, 3, 2 = 47

Urb 2, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4 we stopped...he played better the day before...no worries.

King 2, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 2, 3, 3 = 37
3, 3, 3, 2, 2 = 50

Acorn Park (Roseville, MN) 6. 24.09

Digs 3, 4, 3, 2, 3, 3, 5, 3, 3, 5, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 4 = 60

King 3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 6, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 4 = 59

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Three Amigos (Insert Hip Thrust)

This Sunday, URB, the King and I got together to huck a little disc. It was nothing less than magical. Just want ya'll to know how much I've missed playing together, and I'm excited to do so again!

Quick post, but it'll play!

Next time, let's light the lamp!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Course Spotlight: Blue Ribbon Pines Disc Golf Club

The time has come for a course review, "up in this place." I recently had the opportunity to play a course that we in this blog world have talked about playing for a long time. No it's not a Hybridge course seeing that's in Wisconsin. It happens to be a course that is located about thirty minutes north of the cities off of Hwy 65 in East Bethel, MN. Believe it or not it is located on a sod farm. So the grass is greener than a golf course in Nevada. Let me just say it's nice. Ladies and Gentleman I give you:
Yes, beautiful BLUE RIBBON PINES DISC GOLF CLUB. Here is a few lovely facts provided by ( http://blueribbonpines.net/ )Check it out for yourself

Facts:
Course was established in 2006.
This course has 27 holes for a par of 88
Pay to Play $5 to play all day long. IT'S WORTH IT!

Opinion: at a glance:
*I only played one round.
*Next time it's gonna be a day trip.
*Bring a Snack lunch and some liquids be it dew or an ale of some sort. (my suggestion is gatorade) cause your gonna need it.
*Don't let the idea that the Minnesota Majestic is played here to be the deciding factor that you aren't good enough to play it. Big missconception. The course is very playable to the average player.

I've seen some people break down the course by holes and give you their opinion on it. I could do that but I'm not for a couple of reasons which you can already guess. Yep 27 holes. That should say it. So I will give you some of my highlights.

Highlights/Review:

Saturday May 9th was the day, and about 9AM in the morning. I got word of some friends from Bethel were embarking to play at Blue Ribbon Pines or BRP from here on out. I was pumped to hear that some of my friends were going to play this that I had to invite myself along. So I did. I brought along my roommate Danny D for the occasion too. As we were driving there my stomach began to get very tense and nervous.

After stepping inside the clubhouse and seeing that it's setup just like a regular ball golf course with a small pro shop, cash register, food and beverages. I began to settle down a bit. My group consisted of eight players split up into two groups for speeds sake. Which allowed us to move at a steady "non-rushed" pace. (Oh and nobody ever begins to play a hole when you are playing...the respect you there)

Here's My Score for the Round I played:
Par 88
King 100


It's was a great course to experience. Lots of technical holes that are very parable if you play controlled and think one shot ahead. I believe it's called course management.

Well if you want more info call me and let's go play it. I heard they re-worked a few holes and they are amazing.

Until then....

the King is out on the course

Thursday, May 21, 2009

An attempt to keep my integrity while Disc Golfing


This year, like any other year I always say I am not keeping score till May. I do that for a few different reasons. First is because I haven't probably played the game since the preceding October or November (if we were lucky). Second, because I just don't want to know my scores because they are so bad. I use March and April as a sort of "Spring Training" for lack of a disc golf term. To get my arm and mind back in the disc golfing mentality. I work on making consistent throws. Good or bad. Hopefully for the good. I work on mentally thinking about my next shot before I step up to throw. And ultimately not losing a disc is on my mind. Just lay it up close for a Par...the birdies will come soon enough. When ever the putting arrives. (usually about October or November). So In doing so..it has been May now for about 21 days. I have played a total of three official scoring rounds on three different courses and have done fairly well. The scores don't reflect it but I feel I have. Here are my scores (Don't laugh)

Bethel University
(Arden Hills, MN)
Date Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total
Par Yellow 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 27
5.9.09
3 3 2 4 5 3 6 3 2 31




























Blue Ribbon Pines, (East Bethel, MN)


















Date Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Total
Par 2009 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 88
5.9.09
3 3 5 7 3 3 5 3 2 3 5 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 5 4 2 3 4 3 4 5 3 100

Hopefully, this will keep me honest this summer. Not that I have or will be a lier but I think this will help me become a better Disc Golfer.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Missionary work for Disc Golf

I have felt that it is a calling for the disc golf community to create new disciples. We must introduce them to the game, help to lead them past the early issues of the developing disc golfer, and eventually create a new convert who can, in turn, create other new disc golfers.
It may be lame to create such a comparison to organuzed religion, but it draws from the truth.

One of my new friends in Marshall, Kyle, has recently been introduced to the game by my suggestion. We played on the course at SMSU and shared my discs. I tried to keep him to the midrange discs but also let him have a go with the drivers to see how they work (even when they aren't thrown properly). Well... he has become a full blown addict! Kyle played the last 4 days in a row, bought 5 discs the day after we played, and has been loving it. Activites have included playing rounds of disc golf, driving range in an open field, and perusing the wonders of http://www.innovadiscs.com/.

His conversion reminds me of another friend from the cities to whom I shared the good news of disc golf. His name is Danny and he is easily a better disc golfer than me and was so after a few months. Not to be selfish, but I hope in that regard we don't have a repeat conversion experience.

URBWes