I had another very successful day today on the course collecting trail, knocking out one more K-12 course (on a Sunday), as well as playing at a university while things were a lot quieter (with no classes in session). I am running out of K-12s to play in the Asheville area, which is PERFECT! As K-12 courses, along with private camps and other private property, tend to be the most difficult to play as I am passing through areas around the country.
My first course played today was the nine-hole short course at North Buncombe High School NT DGC in Weaverville. Only 1,310 feet in length, it is the type of course where you expect to shoot under twenty. Ideally shooting an eighteen, assuming you cannot ace one of those (very) short holes. I took care of business, getting my -9 (18) for an estimated round rating of 1010. Though I think eighteen is almost “par” for a good/experienced player…so I would estimate that round to be more in the 940s-950s.
After the ego boost in Weaverville, I continued North, to check out an eighteen-hole course at Mars Hill University. And WOW! That was not the experience I was expecting. The course had SO much elevation change from hole to hole! My knees hurt halfway through the round, and I had three shots where I landed my tee shot or approach within 15-20 feet of the basket. Only to watch helplessly as my disc would catch an edge and roll 40-50+ feet down a hill. Like in the photo of Hole 7 (above). I landed my tee shot about 15 feet short of the basket, then watched as the disc rolled all the way down the hill. Coming to rest on the grassy median next to the parked black car. I still managed a solid score on my round, a -4 (55) for an estimated round rating of 963! But I felt as though that course left me with a few scars. If not physically, then emotionally. 🙂 The feeling of helplessness, watching good shots turn into scrambles to save par/bogey.
After I got back to the house we were watching as a part of Housesit #4, I found my buddy, Griffy the Dog, sad. Pouting. Because he and I would walk together 3+ miles every day. But this afternoon? The skies opened up and it was much too wet for us to try and attempt another walk around Enka Lake. So he pouted and sulked on one of the places where he sleeps. I tucked him in for a nap, placing his favorite hedgehog toy next to him. But his eyes say: “Thanks…but I really, REALLY want to go outside!”
Magic Number = 140 (1,860 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.