The rain in Northern California held off most of the day today, which allowed me to visit and play one of the oldest of Steady Ed’s course designs that is still in the ground: Highland Springs Reservoir in Lakeport, California. The course isn’t long, but technical challenges abound. A lot of fun, and I will be forever proud of shooting an estimated rating of 979 on that course.
After playing the Reservoir, I checked out a recreational course at Clearlake High School in Lakeport. Super easy course. To not shoot an 18 (-9) would have been a huge disappointment. But my favorite memory from the course was talking to a man walking his dog who was excited to hear that I was from Minnesota (he lived there for many years). He suggested that I play a “real course” at the Reservoir, and was pleased to hear that I already had.
After getting back on the road, I played another 18 holes at Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, CA. A fun course, and a beautiful area to have a drink, buy some discs (albeit only Innova plastic for now…we’ll work on them, ha!), and enjoy an afternoon with friends. I saw more players on that course than I have seen on any other course on my trip, and I can see why. It would be a lot of fun as a home course if one lived out that way.
After sneaking in a quick nine at Manchester Beach KOA, another essentially par 2 course, I finished my day with thirteen holes at RCRC in Guadalajara, CA. And on a tough hole over a pond and through some branches, my disc found the basket for my 18th ace in my life. My first-ever ace in California. All in all, a very fun day.
Magic Number = 718 (1,282 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.