Work was a little busier today than it has been, but I needed to make sure I got out to play at least one new course in an effort to stay on track for playing all of the public/available unplayed courses before we leave the Raleigh-Durham metro. So after about an hour more work this morning than I had originally expected to spend on email and tee sign design work, I headed North to try and sneak in a quick eighteen holes.
After reviewing my options for unplayed courses in UDisc, I decided that I would head up to Chapel Hill, to check out the eighteen-hole course at the University of North Carolina. I wasn’t sure what to really expect before arriving at the course! But after playing a few holes, I realized that it was going to be a much more enjoyable round than I had anticipated. Lots of wooded holes that rewarded accuracy over distance, before opening up on the back nine to give players an ability to air things out. It was a nice mix of holes to enjoy. I managed to shoot a -2 (56) on the 6,052-foot course, for an estimated round rating of 958.
Two things about the round will leave an impression on me:
- I caught up to a group of four in the middle of the round, on a hole with an elevated tee (BIG drop down to the basket). I told them I would hurry after they asked if I wanted to play through. So after taking my tee shot, I jogged down the hill. All of the sudden, I hear all four of them yelling: “No, no…come back!” One of them had a large dog, who was barreling down the hill, right at me. I saw it at the last minute and got my backpack between me and it. But if I hadn’t? I think that dog might have taken a hunk out of me. ????
- The practice basket location was one of the least safe positions I have ever seen! People using that practice basket are DIRECTLY in the line of fire of people shooting at the Hole 18 basket. And worse? People using the practice basket don’t seem to care that they are in harm’s way when there are people on the Hole 18 tee.
That safety issue on Hole 18 was pretty bad, and I am sure that it is only a matter of when, not if, someone is seriously hurt while practicing their putting before their round (if it has not happened already). But other than that? UNC was a pleasant surprise. And I would happily play more rounds on that course if I am ever back in Chapel Hill.
Magic Number = 154 (1,846 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.