Today was a day when I got to play another course in the area that was designed by a world-renowned course designer. This time it was Rock Ridge Park, which was designed by John Houck of Houck Design. They don’t come much better than John when it comes to the design of quality disc golf courses to play around North America! So to be staying less than fifteen minutes from one of his gems during our third housesit of this trip had me feeling pretty lucky.
The course was in MUCH better shape than the photos on DGCourseReview.com made it appear! Better tee signage, better tee surfaces, etc. I imagine that playing the course in the early Fall is one of the best times to play it, so I was very, VERY excited to be there! I started out shaky, with a bogey-5 on Hole 1. But I felt like I shredded that course after that, playing the entire round with only my ProLine Squall. To the tune of a -3 (62) and an estimated rating of 991.
The course was excellent, as anyone who plays disc golf might expect a course designed by John Houck to be! However, I just couldn’t see myself giving the course a rating of 4.5-5.0…as for an average disc golfer like myself, posting an estimated pro-rated round using nothing other than a mid-range/approach disc (literally)? I would have liked to see more variety in the need for distance and shot-shaping off the tee.
I get it. On several of the holes, John was baiting/daring you to pull out a driver and swing for the fences. Trying to make the highlight reel deuce/3/4! But just playing the course smart? There wasn’t one hole where I felt even tempted to pull a driver out of my backpack.
Still, one of the better courses I have played in North Carolina! Now we’ll see how it compares to Diavolo tomorrow.
Magic Number = 153 (1,847 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.