USDGC Blog

Shot 59, I threw better and made more short putts. He’s had trouble putting inside the circle the first two days. Took some extra time when putting. Shot of the day was hole 12 he had a headwind, threw a Champ Teerex and it flipped up, sliding down the sidewalk, finishing just barely in bounds, he went for the green in two and hit a 30 footer for a birdie.

On 888, his long roller stayed left curled in way down by the cedar but OB. Went for the green and got his circle 4. Wind’s been consistent so it’s helping the rollers stay in bounds on 13. Barsby had a great roller there and stayed in bounds. He felt he played good golf, shot 29, 30 on back! Hole 17, his strategy is to just layed up, dumped it to the lay up and then pitch across the bails of hay. Made the putt for 3. He appreciates that Harold made that lay up area, it’s good to have the option. Not going for the green is more comfortable. If you had to go birdie, birdie on 17 and 18 for the win of course he would go for it.

Go to discs, lot of par 4s he goes with rancho and 8x rocs. In the wind he’s throwing, Champ TeeRex, also Spike hyzer Max, low skip angles and can trust it in the wind. Enjoying the weather, little bit of rain but other wise staying dry, this tournament is just a great atmosphere. Every pro should strive to get to this tournament.

Shot a 65 today, was really happy with his round but 17 got him (like many others) He was doing good he Eagled 12 (3 times in a row now) this tournament and was 6 under going into 17. He had a double circle 7, didn’t make it over on his 1st drive the second, both shots with wizards. He put his Element x in on his third try nice and easy right in the middle. He said he was playing good otherwise.

Asked about hole 12 he said he throws overstable spirit to land it on the hill. Then an overstable spirit, on his second shot he figures even if it goes OB he’s still putting for birdie no matter what. He had no 2s on back nine. Hole 10 was a 3 Hole 11 went OB, on second shot, and still got a 4.

Asked about the distance competition. Double G said he got a couple good ones off. He was throwing E Plastic – Illusions 175g. He was really relaxed, where some other players seemed tense. He just went out and ripped ‘em.

Going into the our chat I thought Jonathan was the tournament director. Because it could create a conflict of interest since he works for a manufacturer, he’s ‘just’ the Event Director. The actual Tournament Director is PDGA offical Dave Gentry. That way should a call ever need to be made it would be made by a neutral party and there could be no claim of bias. Dave’s in charge of scoring and rulings. Jonathan’s role is to bring every other aspect of the event together, from media to the porta-johns, organizing the many volunteers, making sure the course is prepared. Jonathan deflects credit for this wonderful event saying that everyone else is making the magic happening.

Second only to playing this course is watching this event as a spectator. Everyone that can come should make it here to this event. It’s a great atmosphere and a one of disc golf’s premier events. The players are extremely good yet still very approachable.

One great aspect of the event is that not only can you see a great event on a great course you can also measure yourself against these players. Saturday you can watch and Sunday you can play. You cannot play Amen corner like Tiger woods at the Masters. You cannot take batting practice at Yankee Stadium. Get a tee time on Saturday for Sunday and play just like the pros. Ken Climo shot a 58, can you? If you think it’s easy come and try it. These guys are very good at what they do.

This is a beautiful property to watch a sporting event. It’s a stadium feel you can sit in one location and watch a number of holes. There is food, a Pro Shop, beautiful green space, gorgeous lake. It’s just a great place to get out and recharge your batteries.

Admission is just $5 and you can take that to the pro shop and get a $8 disc with a unique stamp. Fans of the game, this should appreciate that this is a piece of the history of the game. This event defines disc golf, and the bar has been upped again. Promoters from all over the world are taking ideas back to their events. If you’re a fan of the game this is where it is at. Thanks Jonathan!

Marty says he’ll finish last in an event for the first time since 1987. He came here with other expectations and knew what was involved to play this course. He felt he made some poor choices. Speaking with me before the tournament Marty said this would be the last time he played in the USDGC but he expected to volunteer as he loves this event. He is honored to be invited with the tournament director exemption. He added it’s very classy of the USDGC to reward the volunteers for their service. Marty will be back as a volunteer so it’s not the last we’ll see him around the USDGC.

Marty is a Disc Golf Hall of Famer, But had a rough time here at the USDGC. Hole 17 messed up his tourney. On day one he was 6 over before he threw hole 17, 13 OBs later he had a 26. The hay bails gave him the most grief as they stopped a lot of his throws. Marty mentioned the hole just gets harder and harder as you have to start throwing your drivers on what should be a midrange or putter upshot. He kind got into panic mode and disconnected the mind and body. Finally he got in with a 1st run CE Valkyrie and canned a 30 ft. putt for a 26. He felt he should have layed up earlier but he also had confidence in each shot that it was going to be in bounds.

After that he started playing aggressive and picked up some more OBs. Marty figures the guys in California who now call him ‘Good Run’ will be calling him ‘Tin Cup’. Thanks for being classy when we asked about hole 17 and thank you for your service to disc golf.

Spoke with Steve this morning before his tee time. A visit to the chiropractor has fixed up his injured neck and he was able to practice on Tuesday. Steve reports he’s 100% for the championship. Good luck Steve!