After thoroughly enjoying myself in Winston-Salem, it was with mixed feelings that I bid a few friends adieu and started the 1,300 mile trek for home. I had a few course collecting To Dos waiting for me today:
1. Knock-out a few more courses Northwest of Winston-Salem in both North Carolina and West Virginia.
2. Play at least two more courses in West Virginia, so I can say that West Virginia is the 32nd US State where I have played at least ten courses.
My day began at Armfield Civic Center in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. After having only played a total of 68 holes of disc golf in the past 48 hours, I was feeling rested. So I decided I would tackle the blue tees on the course (5,555 feet). I played really well too…to the tune of a -5 (53) and an estimated round rating of 965. After leaving Pilot Mountain with a bit of a spring in my step, I headed to Mount Airy, North Carolina to play two new nine-holers.
My first stop was at Mount Airy High School. A short course, I played it well, shooting a -7 (20), with an estimated round rating of 929 (I think my round was better than that, but whatever). After playing at the high school, I then headed to Westwood Park. A super short nine, with some of the strangest (largest), most confusing tee signs I have yet to encounter. I didn’t play that course as well as I should have, to the tune of a 21 (920 estimated round rating). But my course collector rating still increased by one. 🙂
After leaving Mount Airy and enjoying some delicious sandwiches that my host in Winston-Salem had packed for me (making me feel loved/appreciated), it was on to Princeton, West Virginia to check out the course at their City Park. I decided to play the long tees again…playing the toughest the course had to offer. Though I didn’t play nearly as well as I had earlier in the morning. I ended up shooting an even par 55, for an estimated round rating of 894. There were several chances to have an easy three turn into a scramble for four. I only posted one bogey, on Hole 16. But I played the course VERY conservatively. Had I been more aggressive, I might have carded a 51-52! But I could have just as easily put a 58-59 on the card too.
After leaving Princeton, I pushed for Huntington, West Virginia, my destination for the evening. And with enough daylight left, I decided to play one more round at Rotary Park. With that course becoming the tenth course I have played in West Virginia! Of all the “quants” associated with my course collecting, I think the number that impresses me the most is having at least ten courses played in 32 of the 50 United States. I know that sounds hard, but I think it is even harder to accomplish than it sounds! And I think it would be all but impossible to achieve for people who fly (and don’t drive) to various destinations to course collect. There are lots of states with cities one can fly into where you could easily get ten courses played in one metro area! But what about places that are hours from the nearest major airport?
I’m calling it a night in Huntington after 73 holes played. I’m tired, but I was able to accomplish both To Dos on my list for the day.
Magic Number = 273 (1,727 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 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.