Between work and weather, it had been almost a week since I last got out on a disc golf course! So with a bit of a break on both fronts this morning, I decided that I would head out and play a few courses Southeast of Hillsboro. And of course, heading to that side of town? I had to see if Chris Graham, and Jordan Lewis would be able to join me. 🙂
Chris and Jordan are so much fun to play with! It’s like we’ve been buddies for years, shooting the bull and teasing each other sarcastically as we make our way around the course! It’s fun playing with people like that. Keeping things loose/light and not feeling this intense pressure to compete. I’ve told folks in the past that I compete 50+ hours per week for sales in my job. The LAST thing I want to do when I get a break from work and am able to enjoy the Great Outdoors is compete some more!
My morning started at The Hoot in Yoder, Oregon, and a couple holes into our round, another friend of Chris’ and Jordan’s, Gawain Stern, joined us. Another GREAT guy who made playing a lot of fun. The Hoot was fun! Another private course where the owner has spent probably thousands of hours over the years making it an enjoyable place to throw a little plastic. One of my favorite features of the property was “Fernando.” A large sculpture that was actually shown in the TV series Grimm! I had to apologize to Fernando, as I clanged one of my shots off his right ankle. Sorry big man! 🙂
After playing my way to a fun but less-than-stellar +4 (62) for an estimated round rating in the ~920s, it was time to say goodbye to Chris, Jordan and Gawain and head North to knock out two quick nines on the way back to Hillsboro. My first stop was at Aurora DGC in Aurora. A quick nine that had more than a couple potential safety hazards designed into it. I know what I am doing with a disc in my hands, and there were STILL two shots that made me very uncomfortable…not wanting to accidentally hit any people or private property. I played it well despite the concerns (-6, 21), for an estimated round rating of 984! But I wish a few things could be done on that course to prevent future potential safety hazards.
My last stop on the afternoon was at Memorial Park in Wilsonville, Oregon. I didn’t take any pictures from any of the tees on that course, as it was JAM-PACKED with people! It’s good to see a ton of people out playing! But play was S-L-O-W. And I didn’t want to take a bunch of pictures with a bunch of people in them without getting everyone’s permission. So a photo of the course map and welcome sign had to suffice. 🙂
The slow play meant that the quality of my game took a nose-dive. Ever since I’ve gotten into course collecting, I’ve noticed that the faster I play, the better I play. I tease that it is the equivalent to “stop and pop” in basketball. Know the disc I want to throw before I ever reach a tee or my previous throw, quickly put down my backpack, grab the disc, exhale and throw. Versus standing around on every tee box for 4-5 minutes waiting for the previous group to clear the hole. I shot a pretty terrible -4 (23) on the course, for an estimated round rating of 916. It doesn’t sound as bad as it was! But on that course? Anything worse than a 20-21 is a round where I didn’t play to my ability..
Hooray! Another +3 to my “course collector rating!” 🙂 Hopefully it’ isn’t almost a week until my next rounds…
Magic Number = 66 (1,934 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.