Today was a good, albeit long day behind the wheel. Four and a half hours of driving, from Hillsboro to Coos Bay, Oregon. Then after calling it an evening in North Bend, getting soaked when the skies opened up. A heavy rain, mixed with bits of ice. Though the weather didn’t spoil my mood, as I had improved my “Course Collector Player Rating” by a +4. 🙂
My first stop on the day was at Woodmansee Park in Salem, Oregon. Locals call it an eighteen-hole course, as does UDisc! But it had two sets of tees for nine baskets, with DGCourseReview.com calling it a nine-hole course. I didn’t really know whether to call it a “9” or an “18,” but the number of holes didn’t really matter. I shot a -3 (24) on the “front nine,” for an estimated round rating of 984, then shot a -4 (23) on the “back nine,” for an estimated round rating of 1017. I’ll take it! 🙂
Next on my list was a nine-hole course in Albany, Oregon known as Timber Linn. Between the elements (rain, muddy/swampy ground) and the fact that the course was a little hard to navigate? I didn’t have a lot of fun on this one. By the time I made it back to our van, I was just happy to be dry and on my way. I’m sure the fact that I shot an even par (27) and an estimated round rating of 901 didn’t help matters.
By the time I got close to Eugene, Oregon, the rain had let up and things got SO much more beautiful! Oregon is beautiful as it is. But the further South you go? And ESPECIALLY the closer you get to the Pacific Ocean? Things just start to look like “paradise” to me. After reaching Eugene and heading West toward the coast, I eventually reached Bicentennial Park in Reedsport. The course had a bit of damage from some recent storms (as you can see in the above photo of the Hole 4 tee), but playing in all those giant trees? A little slice of heaven. And feeling at home in those trees? My performance didn’t disappoint, to the tune of a -7 (21) and an estimated round rating of 1007.
After Reedsport, I got to lay my eyes upon Oregon’s coastal dunes for the first time. SO huge! SO beautiful! I only wish I had more time to play around on this trip…try things such as sandboarding! But this is a “business trip,” so maybe another time. The course in North Bend (Ferry Road Park) actually has signs posted saying that the course is a trial/test. If things go well, it will ideally be a permanent installation! But the jury is apparently still out as to whether this course will exist in a year or two. I managed to shoot a -4 (23) for an estimated round rating of 964. But most importantly, I got to chat up one of the locals after I found his disc, caught up to him a hole or two ahead of me, and returned it (to his delight). A chance to be a good guy, with DGA discs, a DGA backpack, and a DisClaimer to show him. 🙂
After adding a +4 to my Courses Played Collection, it was off to my hotel for the next two nights at the Itty Bitty Inn. I don’t know why, but when I reviewed all of my lodging options for this trip, I felt compelled to stay at this property! And I am SO glad I listened to my instincts, as it was such a fun experience. Rik Villarreal, the Innkeeper, took such good care of me while I was there! Making sure I had freshly ground coffee to enjoy, not to mention a selection of vinyl to match the Tiki Lounge theme of my room (I enjoyed a little Perry Como while drying off and eating dinner). Rik also had a DVD of Dr. No all ready to go in my room…though I actually fell asleep before I could watch it after a long, exhausting day. I am looking forward to another night here though, as the property, my room, just OOZES with fun character.
If you’re ever in the area and need a room? You can make a reservation online, or just give Rik and call at 541.756.6398 and see his excellent customer service in action. And Rik loves to disc golf too, so you know he is “good people.” 🙂
Magic Number = 79 (1,921 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.