One of the people I have gotten to know on Facebook over the past few months has been telling me that Buckhorn DGC, in New Hill, North Carolina, is his favorite course in the state. Absolutely RAVING about the course, saying it is better than even the MUCH-hyped Diavolo, which I am hoping to play in a few days. So to say that I was excited about sneaking down to play Buckhorn today was a bit of an understatement. 🙂
Even a few holes into the course, I could see what he was talking about! More of what I absolutely love about disc golf: lots of trees and very technical shots off the tee, rewarding accuracy much more than distance. The course also had very little undergrowth in the trees thanks to the acidity in the soil and all of the pine straw on the ground, creating a very pleasant experience. With 1-2 tee shots around water that would also put the “Fear of God” into you, if you happened to make a mistake in your release (ha).
I played the nineteen-hole course rock-solid, carding a -3 (58) off the Blue/Long tees, for an estimated round rating of 995. Another estimated rating that is likely much higher than it should be in real life! But it was a very strong round, which was aided by me throwing in a 75-80 foot approach shot on Hole 4 (above) with my trusty ProLine Squall. If I had any complaints about the course? I suppose it might be the maintenance around the water by Hole 10. The tee shot is hard enough as it is (mentally), without all of the overgrown plant life directly in front of you on the tee! But overall? An excellent, EXCELLENT course! Though I’m not sure I would say it is my #1 course I’ve played in North Carolina. I can certainly understand why others might feel that way, and it would certainly be in the top 5-6 courses I have played so far in the state. But #1? I’m just not convinced.
After basking in the glow of another successful 19-hole round and then getting caught up on work, my wife and daughter mentioned wanting to head up to Chapel Hill to check out a vintage clothing store. I asked if I could be their chauffeur, then sneak off to play one more eighteen-hole course on the day, Anderson Park DGC in Carrboro. They said that would be fine, so I snuck out to play the black tees at Anderson.
I didn’t play as good as I did at Buckhorn, shooting a -5 (50) on the 4,478-foot course, for an estimated round rating of 982. But I would guess that round was closer to being in the high 940s. That, and I left at LEAST two shots on the course that I should have made. Though I was thankful for the +1 in my Courses Played Collection before some rain arrived in the area.
Magic Number = 158 (1,842 Courses Played)
How it All Got Started: Tonn’s Travels >>
A main purpose of this blog will be to share information, helpful tips and tricks (everything from health and fitness to methods for saving money while you’re out “bagging courses” of your own), and ideas for better, safer course design. But I am also hoping to inspire others with my passion for the sport, via the stories I can share about all of the interesting experiences I have. All of the interesting people I meet. All of the amazing courses I am blessed to have the opportunity to play. If I can inspire even a handful of individuals to get off the couch, get “out of their bubble” or “security blanket” and explore more of this big, beautiful planet we all call home? Then I will consider this effort a success.
About Derek
Derek Tonn is a member of the DGA’s Ambassador Team. His company, Mapformation, LLC, has been DGA’s partner in the development of disc golf tee signage since 2012. The longer our two companies have worked together, and the more Derek has gotten to know all the great folks at DGA, the more he has wanted to formally sing the company’s praises. The more he has realized that “Steady” Ed’s (the father of disc golf and the modern-day Frisbee) vision for the sport and his company perfectly describes his own interests and priorities related to disc golf, and the more Derek has recently been encouraged to share his story.