Today was a LONG day of meetings, along with tackling one “Honey-Do” for my extended family: picking up my niece at the MSP International Airport. Things I am happy to do! Just things that add to my stress, as I am still playing catch-up after being on the road to/from North Carolina recently.
That said, I thought I might also make the trip up to Minneapolis an opportunity to test out a couple new products on the course collecting front:
1.The Towch. One of the items I received in my player’s pack, as a part of playing in the C-Tier that was put on by Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina, was called “The Towch.” I had never heard of it before, but it is basically a combination of a small bag and a washable towel, that can hold up to ~5-6 discs. It was pretty handy for playing a small, short course today, and I could definitely see it being something I would use when I fly to various destinations and only want/need to bring a few discs with me in my carry-on!
2. Merrell shoes. I’ve been wearing Salomons on the disc golf course almost exclusively for the past two years. A nice shoe, and their customer support and warranty policies are fantastic! That said, the heels on the three pairs of Salomons I have owned wear out (inside) too quickly, and I end up having bloody heels within 4-6 months of wearing them. So after returning home from North Carolina, I thought I would give Merrell a try. One course down (in Merrells), we’ll see how many more to go (before the heels potentially give me problems).
And even though I have been wearing them on the past several dozen courses I have played? I cannot fail to mention how I’ve been loving disc golf in my Point6 socks! Those socks are the best…as they fit tight (and comfortably) to my feet, help my feet stay warm/cool and dry. And for the benefit of everyone sharing a hotel room or laundry room with me? They will smell FAR less than your typical pair of tube socks. 🙂 Anytime I am playing with other people? I wear my Point6 socks, as they look and feel great!
Touting a few products aside (sorry…although if Jimmy John’s wants someone to tout how freaky-fast they play their rounds while grabbing some quick sandwiches for lunch/dinner, or if Wyndham Rewards wanted a course collector with wanderlust touting how many properties they have, and how affordable most of them are, I wouldn’t complain…hehe)? I did also get a bit of disc golf played today too!
I noticed a new course pop up on my map of unplayed courses in UDisc in Minneapolis-St. Paul recently: Mills Church. Listed as a very short nine-hole seasonal recreational course, I thought I would put the Towch, Merrells, and Point6 socks to the test.
Mills Church is one of those courses I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, it is a course! It also is likely designed for younger kids…something fun to do as a part of their church’s youth group. But I think either five or six of those nine holes can have windows on buildings or vehicles come directly into play. And even as a player who knows what they are doing? I was reluctant to throw 2-3 of those tee shots in today’s 25 MPH wind.
I think Hole 8 was the only hole on the course that didn’t feel at least potentially dangerous (property damage). So I hope that course is played sparingly, at times when there won’t be many people parked in parking areas on the property. I took a -6 (21) on the VERY short, 1,199 foot course! An estimated round rating of 845. Though between not wanting to break windows, and a truck (with its driver in the vehicle) parked right in the middle of the Hole 4 fairway? I wasn’t going to risk any damage to property (or my wallet).
It counts as one more course in my collection, I suppose! For anyone other than die-hard course collectors, however, I would recommend staying away from this one.
Magic Number = 348 (1,652 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.