As I was celebrating the continuation of my discing season last week, the one who controls the weather reconsidered. He said, "OMG! WIND! WIND! WIND! I WANT WIND!" And then I lamented. While it still remained a question in my mind, I heard that a state agency recommended that folks stay off the interstate unless necessary. The question was then settled. I figure if it is unsafe to be on the roads, we can delay play. I'm not ready to call the season over, but with temperatures approaching freezing at night, optimism is not the name of the game. Stay tuned, but it finally does feel like opportunity is waning.
Happens every year; never fun.
~Diggs
Tout passe
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Badgers? ...We Don't Need No Stinking Badgers!
As previously indicated, we are branching out from out usual focus to include other areas of sport. It just didn't seem fair to arbitrarily limit ourselves to just disc golf when we all have additional interests. We are all Vikings fans; we have at least one Hawkeye fan (me); and we are all now in the same fantasy football league, the Annexation of Puerto Rico. Today, we discuss my beloved Hawkeyes.
As I type this, we are less than half an hour from kickoff. This week, #15 Iowa will be facing #13 Wisconsin. For those in unawares, these two teams do not like each other. We even have the Heartland Trophy to provide legitimacy to our hatred. We have a common boarder. We recruit many of the same players. And we have been playing each other for many years, and fairly closely I might add. The record currently stands at 42-41-2 (advantage Iowa). This game is always a battle of wills, two teams that play the same brand of smash-mouth football.
This year brings added significance. Not only does there exist the typical enmity, but this is also a battle for a share of the top spot in the Big Ten. Wisconsin coming off a huge victory against Ohio State wants to continue its success, and Iowa is looking to make use of its home-field advantages this year. This will also be the last time these two teams play each other for awhile. The new Big Ten alignment somehow has Iowa and Wisconsin in different divisions. And without a protected crossover rivalry, the Heartland Trophy will remain with the victor for at least a couple years. A nominal loss, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love to see the Hawkeyes beat up on Wisconsin. But let's be honest, we don't need no stinking Badgers...
Diggs Out...
As I type this, we are less than half an hour from kickoff. This week, #15 Iowa will be facing #13 Wisconsin. For those in unawares, these two teams do not like each other. We even have the Heartland Trophy to provide legitimacy to our hatred. We have a common boarder. We recruit many of the same players. And we have been playing each other for many years, and fairly closely I might add. The record currently stands at 42-41-2 (advantage Iowa). This game is always a battle of wills, two teams that play the same brand of smash-mouth football.
This year brings added significance. Not only does there exist the typical enmity, but this is also a battle for a share of the top spot in the Big Ten. Wisconsin coming off a huge victory against Ohio State wants to continue its success, and Iowa is looking to make use of its home-field advantages this year. This will also be the last time these two teams play each other for awhile. The new Big Ten alignment somehow has Iowa and Wisconsin in different divisions. And without a protected crossover rivalry, the Heartland Trophy will remain with the victor for at least a couple years. A nominal loss, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love to see the Hawkeyes beat up on Wisconsin. But let's be honest, we don't need no stinking Badgers...
Diggs Out...
Behind the Times
Finally! I can add something to the "Good Reasons for Moving to Nebraska" list. The list now has two things on it, and the other one sure isn't the Cornhuskers. As you all are packing your discing season in, my season continues! I suppose this is an attempt to overcome quality with quantity, but I'll take anything I can get at this point.
The problem is that the rigors of a true full-time job and wedding prep have greatly limited my ability to make it out as frequently as I would expect, much less as much as I would like.
But thank you, MRK, for framing a good question for us all: what does our game look like now that the season is coming to a close. This is especially cogent considering this is the first season in which the entirety of the SCDGA have been in different locations. URBWes has his limited course options, but with the openness of the available courses, I'm sure he's been able to focus distance. MidRangeKing still has the plethora of options available to him in the Cities, allowing him to go after his all-around game. As for myself, the poor design of courses here has forced me to develop a richer array of shots and has forced me to be more careful about shot selection.
At least this would be my impression based off initial thoughts. I will be sure to offer a fuller response of my own developments this season, as meager an offering as it may be.
I will also be looking to enrich the blog by expanding its boundaries to include (gasp!) non-disc related posts. I am far too much of a MN Vikings and Iowa Hawkeye fan not to cultivate such burning embers in the blogosphere.
Until then... stay thirsty, my friends.
~Diggs
"And the trees are looking like bones
The afternoon filled with rain and storm
And I'm tangled up in memory's thorns"
The problem is that the rigors of a true full-time job and wedding prep have greatly limited my ability to make it out as frequently as I would expect, much less as much as I would like.
But thank you, MRK, for framing a good question for us all: what does our game look like now that the season is coming to a close. This is especially cogent considering this is the first season in which the entirety of the SCDGA have been in different locations. URBWes has his limited course options, but with the openness of the available courses, I'm sure he's been able to focus distance. MidRangeKing still has the plethora of options available to him in the Cities, allowing him to go after his all-around game. As for myself, the poor design of courses here has forced me to develop a richer array of shots and has forced me to be more careful about shot selection.
At least this would be my impression based off initial thoughts. I will be sure to offer a fuller response of my own developments this season, as meager an offering as it may be.
I will also be looking to enrich the blog by expanding its boundaries to include (gasp!) non-disc related posts. I am far too much of a MN Vikings and Iowa Hawkeye fan not to cultivate such burning embers in the blogosphere.
Until then... stay thirsty, my friends.
~Diggs
"And the trees are looking like bones
The afternoon filled with rain and storm
And I'm tangled up in memory's thorns"
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Another Disc Season has come...and is almost gone
As I sit in my apartment at the moment and gaze off to the right out the window I am noticing a few things. One the temperature outside is getting significantly cooler out. The leaves on most trees have turned and it seems fallen in a considerably shorter amount of time than last fall. School and other life activities have kept me fairly busy these last few weeks. Finally it seems that another season of disc golf has ended and we have it the overtime period as far as weather is concerned.
For those of us in the Northern Climates (i.e. The Gopher State, Hawkeye Country, and last but certainly not least the CornHusker State) this is the time of the year when you are just thankful there is not snow on the ground. Cause their could be in the morning. I would encourage all of us to take a few moments to stop and reflect on the successes and failures we have had on the disc golf course this year. Have we accomplished any of goals we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the season? What lies ahead for next season? What disc's or accessories are on your Wish List for this coming Gift Giving season?
So take some time. Reflect on this season...enjoy the weather while we got it and we'll see you out on the course.
Mid Range King
For those of us in the Northern Climates (i.e. The Gopher State, Hawkeye Country, and last but certainly not least the CornHusker State) this is the time of the year when you are just thankful there is not snow on the ground. Cause their could be in the morning. I would encourage all of us to take a few moments to stop and reflect on the successes and failures we have had on the disc golf course this year. Have we accomplished any of goals we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the season? What lies ahead for next season? What disc's or accessories are on your Wish List for this coming Gift Giving season?
So take some time. Reflect on this season...enjoy the weather while we got it and we'll see you out on the course.
Mid Range King
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
PDGA Tour Event Information | Professional Disc Golf Association
Finished my day with a 65 for a total of 129 which put me around 22 place in the intermediate division. Overall, my first offical PDGA tournament experience was a 10 of 10 I'd say. Wish I had a few throws back to correct but such is this beautiful game.
Check out the Results of the Gotta Play Bassett Creek Tourney by following this link.
PDGA Tour Event Information Professional Disc Golf Association
Oh Yea!!!!Rep'n the SCDGA on PDGA....check me out.
Players Package included a Gotta Play Bassett Creek Mini and a Pro-Wood Roc. It's got flecks of wood in the plastic. Crazy Sick. Had the opportunity to choose a Wood Roc or Aviar so I went with the disc I didn't have.
Until next time.
Mid Range King
Check out the Results of the Gotta Play Bassett Creek Tourney by following this link.
PDGA Tour Event Information Professional Disc Golf Association
Oh Yea!!!!Rep'n the SCDGA on PDGA....check me out.
Players Package included a Gotta Play Bassett Creek Mini and a Pro-Wood Roc. It's got flecks of wood in the plastic. Crazy Sick. Had the opportunity to choose a Wood Roc or Aviar so I went with the disc I didn't have.
Until next time.
Mid Range King
Friday, August 06, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A New Reason to head to LeMars and it's not just for ice cream or hot dogs.
New, bigger disc golf course planned for Le Mars
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1650734.html
I'll post my thoughts at a later date. It's just sweet that there will be an 18 hole course close by now.
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1650734.html
I'll post my thoughts at a later date. It's just sweet that there will be an 18 hole course close by now.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pay-to-play
So this came accross my facebook homepage from Fairway Flyerz. Congrats to Kaposia.
Fairway Flyerz just cut a check to SSP for our first month's admissions collections at Kaposia of ... well, lets just say it was over $14000. We start construction on the new and improved goat path this week!!!
Fairway Flyerz just cut a check to SSP for our first month's admissions collections at Kaposia of ... well, lets just say it was over $14000. We start construction on the new and improved goat path this week!!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
In Response to Pay-to-Play Courses...
First, I want to thank MRK for the great post that broached this subject. Great stuff, my friend.
For my part, I have played three courses that are pay-to-play and another couple that had a suggested donation. The first one was a course in Orlando, Florida (forget the name) in January of 2006. The reason it was pay-to-play was that it was a part of a state park that required an entrance fee. They did not charge directly for the course, only for entrance to the park. I feel this is what pay-to-play has been in the past for the most part. Beautiful course, by the way. The one I played in New York was similar to the park in Orlando. I payed to get into the park; playing the course was merely a part of the park.
The third pay-to-play was Blue Ribbon Pines, an amazing course located on a sod farm in East Bethel, MN. The fee was (if I remember correctly) $5 for the whole day on a 27 hole course. URBWes, MRK and myself played through it twice, giving us a fair assessment of what the course had to offer. Verdict: Sweet!
As far as the free-to-play courses, I've played a couple dozen or so. The game grew up around free courses. It owes its success to it being primarily free-to-play. Living in Omaha, I've come across an interesting fact about our local course. It is the most used park in the area by far, owing a great deal of interest to the disc course. The pay-to-play model will drastically change the economy of the sport, both financial and functional aspects.
In attempting to approach this question, we must first look at the demographic of the affected group. Most discers land in the 15-25 age range, a group that tends to have less funds, though tends to have a much larger percentage of disposable income. Needless to say, an increase in cost of the sport will hinder its growth.
But we also seem to have hit a critical mass here. We have 151 registered courses in Iowa right now, 148 in Minnesota. We have a great number of courses, but I question the quality. Most of these courses are of simple design and offer little more than a family-style putt putt course. Other courses (such as Seymour Smith here in Omaha) represent the sole accessible source of disc golf in an area. With a burgeoning community, it is replete with golfers constantly. This creates a great deal of course degradation and litter. And I believe we are all familiar with the more disrespectful of our ilk who show poor etiquette. All these are exacerbated by the immense population these courses see.
The reason I bring up these two points in relation to critical mass is this: How is the sport to progress? We have courses; we don't have many good ones. Good courses are becoming deteriorated and are dependant upon infrequent upkeep by parks and rec staff. As fortunate as we are to have them for upkeep, the amount of maintenance these courses require is beyond their capacity. A critical mass has been reached. We have maxed out our capacity with the state of the sport. We must move on. We must become more sophisticated. In order to get beyond beginner level courses and explore the possibilities of what our sport could be, we must invest the time and money towards that end, an endeavor that exceeds public possiblities.
This lends credence towards the pay-to-play option. These courses will benefit from proper upkeep and development (ala BRP or even the course development of a Renny in Charlotte). A nice side effect is the muting of those who are disrespectful towards the game.
For my own part, a reasonable (and I stress reasonable) cost is worthwhile and could only serve to deepen my appreciation of the sport. Yet, this is personal in scope. For those of us greatly invested in disc golf, this makes a great deal of sense. A problem arises when we compare these with the rest of the disc golf population, a large percentage of whom would be dissuaded by a rise in cost. Furthermore, our sport, while growing, is not self-sustaining. We would reduce our attraction for newcomers if pay-to-plays ruled the roost.
A nice compromise has recently been struck in the Twin Cities. I number of the nicer, more technical courses have gone to a pay-to-play format, increasing their value. Yet, most area courses remain open to the public.
Three areas of concern remain.
First, the governing bodies better put a great deal of thought into which courses they turn to pay-to-play and how they do it. While turning a course to pay-to-play will increase that course's value, this also means an increase in traffic at neighboring courses, lessening the experiences they can offer. We must be comfortable with such transitive possibilities.
Prices cannot be unfeasible for a typical patron. If a college kid can't afford it, it is too expensive! And we can't ignore this rule of thumb as the pay-to-play model evolves.
Finally, this model is context related. Not all markets are appropriate for the pay-to-play model. For instance, any area that has just one or only a couple courses, should ignore this as an option. To turn all possibilities for an entire area to pay-to-play would be digressive for the proliferation of the sport. Only those areas with a vibrant community, having several course options, should look towards this option. Perhaps a suggested donation could be appropriate in these instances to increase the quality of these courses.
This is enough for now. It's 2:30 a.m. I'm tired. I'm going to bed.
~Diggs out!
Song of the Week: "Crane Wife 1 & 2" and "Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists. Appropriate for the conversation me thinks.
For my part, I have played three courses that are pay-to-play and another couple that had a suggested donation. The first one was a course in Orlando, Florida (forget the name) in January of 2006. The reason it was pay-to-play was that it was a part of a state park that required an entrance fee. They did not charge directly for the course, only for entrance to the park. I feel this is what pay-to-play has been in the past for the most part. Beautiful course, by the way. The one I played in New York was similar to the park in Orlando. I payed to get into the park; playing the course was merely a part of the park.
The third pay-to-play was Blue Ribbon Pines, an amazing course located on a sod farm in East Bethel, MN. The fee was (if I remember correctly) $5 for the whole day on a 27 hole course. URBWes, MRK and myself played through it twice, giving us a fair assessment of what the course had to offer. Verdict: Sweet!
As far as the free-to-play courses, I've played a couple dozen or so. The game grew up around free courses. It owes its success to it being primarily free-to-play. Living in Omaha, I've come across an interesting fact about our local course. It is the most used park in the area by far, owing a great deal of interest to the disc course. The pay-to-play model will drastically change the economy of the sport, both financial and functional aspects.
In attempting to approach this question, we must first look at the demographic of the affected group. Most discers land in the 15-25 age range, a group that tends to have less funds, though tends to have a much larger percentage of disposable income. Needless to say, an increase in cost of the sport will hinder its growth.
But we also seem to have hit a critical mass here. We have 151 registered courses in Iowa right now, 148 in Minnesota. We have a great number of courses, but I question the quality. Most of these courses are of simple design and offer little more than a family-style putt putt course. Other courses (such as Seymour Smith here in Omaha) represent the sole accessible source of disc golf in an area. With a burgeoning community, it is replete with golfers constantly. This creates a great deal of course degradation and litter. And I believe we are all familiar with the more disrespectful of our ilk who show poor etiquette. All these are exacerbated by the immense population these courses see.
The reason I bring up these two points in relation to critical mass is this: How is the sport to progress? We have courses; we don't have many good ones. Good courses are becoming deteriorated and are dependant upon infrequent upkeep by parks and rec staff. As fortunate as we are to have them for upkeep, the amount of maintenance these courses require is beyond their capacity. A critical mass has been reached. We have maxed out our capacity with the state of the sport. We must move on. We must become more sophisticated. In order to get beyond beginner level courses and explore the possibilities of what our sport could be, we must invest the time and money towards that end, an endeavor that exceeds public possiblities.
This lends credence towards the pay-to-play option. These courses will benefit from proper upkeep and development (ala BRP or even the course development of a Renny in Charlotte). A nice side effect is the muting of those who are disrespectful towards the game.
For my own part, a reasonable (and I stress reasonable) cost is worthwhile and could only serve to deepen my appreciation of the sport. Yet, this is personal in scope. For those of us greatly invested in disc golf, this makes a great deal of sense. A problem arises when we compare these with the rest of the disc golf population, a large percentage of whom would be dissuaded by a rise in cost. Furthermore, our sport, while growing, is not self-sustaining. We would reduce our attraction for newcomers if pay-to-plays ruled the roost.
A nice compromise has recently been struck in the Twin Cities. I number of the nicer, more technical courses have gone to a pay-to-play format, increasing their value. Yet, most area courses remain open to the public.
Three areas of concern remain.
First, the governing bodies better put a great deal of thought into which courses they turn to pay-to-play and how they do it. While turning a course to pay-to-play will increase that course's value, this also means an increase in traffic at neighboring courses, lessening the experiences they can offer. We must be comfortable with such transitive possibilities.
Prices cannot be unfeasible for a typical patron. If a college kid can't afford it, it is too expensive! And we can't ignore this rule of thumb as the pay-to-play model evolves.
Finally, this model is context related. Not all markets are appropriate for the pay-to-play model. For instance, any area that has just one or only a couple courses, should ignore this as an option. To turn all possibilities for an entire area to pay-to-play would be digressive for the proliferation of the sport. Only those areas with a vibrant community, having several course options, should look towards this option. Perhaps a suggested donation could be appropriate in these instances to increase the quality of these courses.
This is enough for now. It's 2:30 a.m. I'm tired. I'm going to bed.
~Diggs out!
Song of the Week: "Crane Wife 1 & 2" and "Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists. Appropriate for the conversation me thinks.
Friday, July 02, 2010
You Smooth Operator!
Yo check this!
Last week, I led the youth group mission trip to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. A meaningful experience to be sure. We helped the local community, the residents of the area, and we disced(?). That's right, folks. Yours truly somehow found a way to work in a round of DG in a mission trip!
We went through the YouthWorks organization who does all the programming (taking TONS of stress off of me!). But they also schedule nightly group activities. One such activity was going to Natural Stone Bridge Park, which just so happened to have a family-friendly 9-holer. The place isn't listed on PDGA.com and amounts to little more than mini-golf, but it was nice to get out any which way I could.
Bonus: My youth now seemed very interested in setting up a DG youth event
So I can now add another course and another state to locations played. Booya! And moving on...
~Diggs
Kyrie Eleison
Last week, I led the youth group mission trip to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. A meaningful experience to be sure. We helped the local community, the residents of the area, and we disced(?). That's right, folks. Yours truly somehow found a way to work in a round of DG in a mission trip!
We went through the YouthWorks organization who does all the programming (taking TONS of stress off of me!). But they also schedule nightly group activities. One such activity was going to Natural Stone Bridge Park, which just so happened to have a family-friendly 9-holer. The place isn't listed on PDGA.com and amounts to little more than mini-golf, but it was nice to get out any which way I could.
Bonus: My youth now seemed very interested in setting up a DG youth event
So I can now add another course and another state to locations played. Booya! And moving on...
~Diggs
Kyrie Eleison
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My new throw: the thumber
Well, as the summer has progressed I haven't seen improvement in the area of distance; off of my drives seem to be turning over or headed for the ground. However, I have improved my putt and gained a new throw: the thumber. I've always thrown the tomahawk to get over a tree, but the throw was uncomfortable; I didn't get far and the motion hurt my shoulder. After watching a quick video on thumbers, I've started trying the throw and I really like it. It doesn't cause any pain and the throw is gaining distance every time I use it.
So grab your overstable, quality plastic and throw a thumber.
Link to follow...
So grab your overstable, quality plastic and throw a thumber.
Link to follow...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Charlotte Am Preview | Professional Disc Golf Association-Contest Following the Video--MUST SEE
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I'm Back, Baby!
Hello ya'll,
The laziness surrounding the loss of my password and the subsequent recovery of it has abated, allowing me to join you fine fellows once more! I am excited and encouraged by the newfound participation in the blog and will seek to become a regular contributor once again. While I will be gone all of next week, I hope to be back in full force afterwards.
I have many issues I wish to address and proffer to you. Among them are a more formalized response to the MRK's post on pay-to-plays; impressions on my new local courses; bachelor party excitement; and items surrounding our group's identity. Stay tuned, dear friends.
Until then, may the weather be calm and your putts steady.
~Diggs
The laziness surrounding the loss of my password and the subsequent recovery of it has abated, allowing me to join you fine fellows once more! I am excited and encouraged by the newfound participation in the blog and will seek to become a regular contributor once again. While I will be gone all of next week, I hope to be back in full force afterwards.
I have many issues I wish to address and proffer to you. Among them are a more formalized response to the MRK's post on pay-to-plays; impressions on my new local courses; bachelor party excitement; and items surrounding our group's identity. Stay tuned, dear friends.
Until then, may the weather be calm and your putts steady.
~Diggs
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Why NOT Post This-2010 Japan Open Intro
If I ever get to Japan...probably should stop by here. Maybe Crazy John will be around.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
"Pay to Play" it's just another way to say Green Fees
I can speak for myself and most likely many others on here with this next sentence. We play disc golf for the fun, recreation, oneness with nature, the chicks (lol), and most of all the thrill of hucking a round PDGA approved disc as far and as accurate as we can. But really we play it cause it's a relatively cheap sport to get into. Unless you are Diggs and ask Mr. Mike Snelson to look up how many points you have earned at Fairway Flyerz over the last 5 years. I really can't say anything...I'm just as guilty. But who cares...some people choose archery or fishing. We chose DISC GOLF!
Pay to Play courses have been growing in popularity and have seemed to emerge in the Twin Cities within the last few years. Here is a list I have compiled and most likely missed a few.
1. Blue Ribbon Pines (East Bethel) $5 a round or $10 all day
2. Elm Creek DGC (Maple Grove) $3 for the each of the following courses or $35 for a season pass
3. Hyland DGC (Bloomington)
4. Bryant Lake DGC (Eden Prairie)
You can now add North Valley Park DGC (soon to be renamed Valley Park DGC cause some of the holes will be located in South Valley Park incorporating both parks) & Kaposia DGC to these lists.
According to the "local legends" at FF and the Inver Grove Heights Parks and Rec website. It will be $30 for a season pass that includes both parks. The fee right now will cover improvements to have four of the holes re-aligned to South Valley Park as mentioned above, new T-Pads, SIGNAGE and a few new baskets.
I can speak from experience and complete frustration. Both of these courses desperately need signage and a few cosmetic improvements. So this is a positive for the park. Sadly I don't think I'll play these courses because I just don't think I would get my $30 worth...now if there was a way to classify this as a charitable donation...possible tax write offs could change my mind.
We all know the debate very well concerning the Pay v. Free argument. If it's free it allows for more people to access the course. There is minimal upkeep. I played Acorn yesterday and the course was littered with beer bottles/cans. Every trash was overflowing and needed pickup. If you pay....it limits the number of people...which is a good thing in my opinion. The course management is much better. fairways are manicured and pristine. (see BRP) Includes a more enjoyable experience for those who are serious disc golfers. The debate goes on. My opinion rides the fence on this issue. I love playing BRP because the course is just that great....the atmosphere is amazing and DG is just in the air almost. But I'm also a big fan of FREE. I look forward to playing both types in the near future.
**Speaking of Pay to Play courses....check this website out regularly. http://www.castlerockdiscgolf.com/
It's the Twin Cities newest and still under construction. The place is going to be Highbridge esk. ***
Also if you are looking for some DG blog reading this article is nice to read for the mental aspect of the game.
http://mnfrisbee.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2718592%3ABlogPost%3A3656
Until next post.
Mid Range King
Pay to Play courses have been growing in popularity and have seemed to emerge in the Twin Cities within the last few years. Here is a list I have compiled and most likely missed a few.
1. Blue Ribbon Pines (East Bethel) $5 a round or $10 all day
2. Elm Creek DGC (Maple Grove) $3 for the each of the following courses or $35 for a season pass
3. Hyland DGC (Bloomington)
4. Bryant Lake DGC (Eden Prairie)
You can now add North Valley Park DGC (soon to be renamed Valley Park DGC cause some of the holes will be located in South Valley Park incorporating both parks) & Kaposia DGC to these lists.
According to the "local legends" at FF and the Inver Grove Heights Parks and Rec website. It will be $30 for a season pass that includes both parks. The fee right now will cover improvements to have four of the holes re-aligned to South Valley Park as mentioned above, new T-Pads, SIGNAGE and a few new baskets.
I can speak from experience and complete frustration. Both of these courses desperately need signage and a few cosmetic improvements. So this is a positive for the park. Sadly I don't think I'll play these courses because I just don't think I would get my $30 worth...now if there was a way to classify this as a charitable donation...possible tax write offs could change my mind.
We all know the debate very well concerning the Pay v. Free argument. If it's free it allows for more people to access the course. There is minimal upkeep. I played Acorn yesterday and the course was littered with beer bottles/cans. Every trash was overflowing and needed pickup. If you pay....it limits the number of people...which is a good thing in my opinion. The course management is much better. fairways are manicured and pristine. (see BRP) Includes a more enjoyable experience for those who are serious disc golfers. The debate goes on. My opinion rides the fence on this issue. I love playing BRP because the course is just that great....the atmosphere is amazing and DG is just in the air almost. But I'm also a big fan of FREE. I look forward to playing both types in the near future.
**Speaking of Pay to Play courses....check this website out regularly. http://www.castlerockdiscgolf.com/
It's the Twin Cities newest and still under construction. The place is going to be Highbridge esk. ***
Also if you are looking for some DG blog reading this article is nice to read for the mental aspect of the game.
http://mnfrisbee.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2718592%3ABlogPost%3A3656
Until next post.
Mid Range King
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Discraft Disc Golf Clinic: Getting Out Of Trouble
I came across this excellent learning tool today. I figured we could use this to help us get out of some sticky situations. I learned some new techniques on rollers. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Disc Golf writing
I'v been killing a ton of time reading about disc golf, watching disc golf, and generally obsessing over disc golf. here's a site I stumbled over today.
www.discgolftraveler.com
It a level of blogging to aspire towards.
www.discgolftraveler.com
It a level of blogging to aspire towards.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Finding discs
You know that feeling when you find a disc out on the course?
It doesn't have a name or number on it and no one else is even playing that day. It's yours now and you are so excited to add seomthing to your bag (even if it is a domed, dx spider that you never throw).
Well, earlier I was rummaging through my closet and I found a DX Beast. It was a present for christmas that I had forgotten about. Not exactly and "found" disc but it elicited the same types of feelings. I was excited!
May this coming disc season bring you straight shots, 400ft drives, and at least one found disc.
best wishes,
urbwes
It doesn't have a name or number on it and no one else is even playing that day. It's yours now and you are so excited to add seomthing to your bag (even if it is a domed, dx spider that you never throw).
Well, earlier I was rummaging through my closet and I found a DX Beast. It was a present for christmas that I had forgotten about. Not exactly and "found" disc but it elicited the same types of feelings. I was excited!
May this coming disc season bring you straight shots, 400ft drives, and at least one found disc.
best wishes,
urbwes
The power of disc golf in SW Minnesota
Here in SW MN things are changing for the better. New courses (Redwood Falls) and revamped and revitalized courses (SMSU) are changing the area from disc golf wasteland to livable area. This is thanks, in part to one of my converts and friends. This guy, let's call him "the nuke" caught on to disc golf last summer. He's been hooked and had turned some other guys to disc golf on the SMSU campus as well.
Their enthusiasm has led to the change for the school course. Before, the course used long wooden logs to symbolize tee pads and the layout of holes was confusing. To add to that, all of the shots were straight and on flat ground (easy enough to do out here on the plains). The course shure made a guy feel good about his game, but it also led to complacency.
So enter "the nuke"
His advocacy, along with a few other diehard DISCers brings:
a new layout to the holes adding difficulty and skill shots (a 500ft bomb hole is a must!)
a soon to come map
permanent, yellow, tee box markers with numbers.
metal number signs on top of the baskets
more trash cans to keep our fair course clean
signs at every hole showing hole number, direction, and approx. distance
a future possibility for cement tees!
These guys are going to have an article in the local paper to boost visibility and we hope to plan a grand opening and possibly a tournament!
Going out on the course I've already seen more disc golfers than ever and I hope to see popularity grow in this area.
"The Nuke" and I plan on playing the Redwood Falls tourney this summer and we're looking to play three courses tomorrow.
keep on discing
and spread the news. You never know when you might infect someone like "the nuke" with a passion for disc golf!
Their enthusiasm has led to the change for the school course. Before, the course used long wooden logs to symbolize tee pads and the layout of holes was confusing. To add to that, all of the shots were straight and on flat ground (easy enough to do out here on the plains). The course shure made a guy feel good about his game, but it also led to complacency.
So enter "the nuke"
His advocacy, along with a few other diehard DISCers brings:
a new layout to the holes adding difficulty and skill shots (a 500ft bomb hole is a must!)
a soon to come map
permanent, yellow, tee box markers with numbers.
metal number signs on top of the baskets
more trash cans to keep our fair course clean
signs at every hole showing hole number, direction, and approx. distance
a future possibility for cement tees!
These guys are going to have an article in the local paper to boost visibility and we hope to plan a grand opening and possibly a tournament!
Going out on the course I've already seen more disc golfers than ever and I hope to see popularity grow in this area.
"The Nuke" and I plan on playing the Redwood Falls tourney this summer and we're looking to play three courses tomorrow.
keep on discing
and spread the news. You never know when you might infect someone like "the nuke" with a passion for disc golf!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Discers Without Boarders
Cold Lampin' is in the middle of a format adjustment. It is necessary for our survival to reach beyond our discing center into a broader approach to all things athletic. This is really just a recognition of who we really are. Each blogger has passions beyond disc golf, reaching nearly every facet of life: professional football, college football, and even college basketball provided its March. Hence, we will be expanding our focus to include all things sports.
To kick off this new venture (boy, this is exciting!), I thought I'd give my thoughts on the Orange Bowl, or more specifically, the lead in to the Orange Bowl. For those who are unaware, the Orange Bowl is a college football bowl, and an important one at that. Only those teams who are among the best in the nation will be invited to play there. This year, Georgia Tech and my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes are facing off (tonight, actually!).
But unless you were a fan, I doubt you would have known that. Unfortunately, the marketing folks seem to undervalue this matchup. Between the controversies around the Cincy-Florida game, the meeting of the undefeateds Boise State and TCU, or the upcoming "Title" game, the Orange Bowl is horribly under-discussed. I have yet to see much memorable coverage on the game and the marching bands are on the field as we speak! Well, if they don't want to promote a great game, there's not much I can do about it. I hope those of you who care get to see the exciting game. Enjoy the Iowa victory!
Go Hawks!
To kick off this new venture (boy, this is exciting!), I thought I'd give my thoughts on the Orange Bowl, or more specifically, the lead in to the Orange Bowl. For those who are unaware, the Orange Bowl is a college football bowl, and an important one at that. Only those teams who are among the best in the nation will be invited to play there. This year, Georgia Tech and my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes are facing off (tonight, actually!).
But unless you were a fan, I doubt you would have known that. Unfortunately, the marketing folks seem to undervalue this matchup. Between the controversies around the Cincy-Florida game, the meeting of the undefeateds Boise State and TCU, or the upcoming "Title" game, the Orange Bowl is horribly under-discussed. I have yet to see much memorable coverage on the game and the marching bands are on the field as we speak! Well, if they don't want to promote a great game, there's not much I can do about it. I hope those of you who care get to see the exciting game. Enjoy the Iowa victory!
Go Hawks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)