One of the things that can occasionally be hard for me on the course collecting trail is playing courses that aren’t generally available to the public, that their owners do not want others to be aware of. Because if those courses don’t make it into course directories such as UDisc and DGCourseReview.com (in particular)? I don’t count it as a part of my official courses played collection.
If and when I do make it to 2,000+ courses played? I don’t want people to quick head to one of those directories and see that I’ve played “1,936” courses in UDisc…or “1,964” courses in DGCR. If I say I’ve gotten to 2,000 courses played? I want the numbers folks see in those directories (DGCR, in particular) to walk my talk. So folks can look at every single course I say I’ve played…as well as find the round(s) I’ve played, what my score(s) were, the date(s) I played it, etc. #NoAsterisks
Today was one of those lucky AND unlucky days, getting to play at Jeff Baldwin‘s great, fun, private 16+ acre course that he calls Silverback DGC, a few miles from Pittsboro, North Carolina. Jeff, Mark Barber, Eric Vandenberg and I enjoying eighteen holes together…but me not getting to officially add the course to my courses played collection.
I teased Jeff that I needed to make my best case to him for adding the course to DGCR, so I can add a +1 to my courses played collection. But for now? I get to stick to having a lot of fun memories enjoying a few hours of disc golf with three great guys. And even though I have nowhere to record my score (since the course doesn’t appear in any directory)? I will record it here:
4 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 5 3 4 3 3 4 5 4 = 62
I didn’t play the best over the last nine holes. But the course had some teeth! And the deuce I got on Hole 8 was pretty memorable, with a fussy tee shot that “needed eyes” to see through the trees to leave me with a steep (understatement of the day) uphill putt that found nothing but chains. I wish I could turn a couple of those 4s into 3s, and those two 5s into 4s. But again, it’s not about score or ratings. And I had a LOT of fun playing with Jeff, Mark and Eric…so “the player that has the most fun wins.” 🙂
Magic Number = 147 (1,853 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.