Aah…today was EXACTLY the day I’ve been needing! Eighty-four holes of disc golf on seven new courses in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area.
My day started at Heritage Park in Ankeny, Iowa. A 21-hole course that got my feet good and wet, crossing a flooded creek before Holes 6 and 12, along with calf-deep snow. Fun course! I just wish I could have played it in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of Summer. The highlight of my round was hitting an 80-foot deuce on Hole 17. A terrible tee shot, followed by a lucky second shot. I had to give the Mach 3 a little hug after bestowing good fortune upon me. 🙂
After Heritage Park, I headed to Big Creek State Park, my favorite course on the day. Lots of technical shots off the tee, a fun course! I then proceeded to play Kiwanis Park (2 holes), Waterford Park (13 holes), Southwoods Park (9 holes), Windflower Park (12 holes) and Peter Crivaro Park (9 holes).
My favorite memory from the day was at Southwoods Park. I threw my tee shot on Hole 1 down a big hill. Then a 7-8 year old boy promptly raced down on his sled to retrieve my disc. I was about halfway down the hill when he worked his way over to me, proudly holding my disc. I said: “Thanks!” Then quietly snuck down to where he picked it up and threw my approach while he fought his way up the rest of the hill…so it wouldn’t hurt his feelings.
9.41 miles of trudging through ankle to calf-deep snow on the day had me feeling exhausted. But it was a great feeling, as it had been too long since I’ve been able to do that. We’ll see how much gas I have left in the tank before I need to head for home tomorrow.
Magic Number = 471 (1,529 Courses Played)
About Tonn’s Travels
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 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.