Disc Golfers can never have too many Discs

MORE DISCS!!

Disc Golfers can never have too many discs, so it would seem. I had returned from Florida with only 5 Discs, as mentioned previously, and during lockdown I had been looking on line at a variety that you could buy in the UK. My bag of discs in Florida (see Blog instalment - "This is turning into an addiction!!") had comprised of all Innova Discs, influenced by the starter pack I had bought. However, in reading more about discs I decided I would venture into other brands as well. Latitude 64 offered some discs aimed at players with slower arm speeds and beginners, in lighter weights, so I thought these might help me with my throwing. I was either getting stronger or something, as I was now starting to see the length of throw I'd seen in Florida. May be it was throwing 5 out of 7 days that was helping. So over several weeks and to cut this short, I accumulated the following additions;

Innova Rhyno - Gstar plastic

Innova Rat - Star plastic

Innova Roc X3 - Champion plastic

Latitude 64 River - Opto plastic

Innova Teebird - Metalflake

Latitude 64 Diamond - Goldline plastic

Latitude 64 Jade - Goldline plastic

Innova Sidewinder - Gstar plastic

Innova Starfire - Pro plastic

Innova Destroyer - Blizzard Champion plastic

Oh and I nearly forgot the mini marker that I bought (mini - used to mark the front of your disc on the ground so that you can pick up your thrown disc and then take your next shot from behind the mini);

ANOTHER BAG

My partner Catriona, also had a buying session and we both then had to get another bag each, courtesy of DiscGolfUK.

UDISC APP

I have mentioned UDisc in a number of my Blog instalments, and at this point opted to take out the Pro subscription as it offered more than just navigating around a course.

For those who haven't discovered the UDisc App yet, try it out. You can find courses to play and get directions to them. See course reviews, view course/hole maps and uploaded photos, track your scores (even via your smart watch), chart your improvement by measuring throws and much much more. It's a great App and the developers are constantly improving its use. You can even log which discs you have, especially "In Your Bag".

Now it's time to venture out with our bag of discs and try our first UK course, as lockdown has eased to allow you to travel as far as you like to get your exercise for the day. So Longford Park, Manchester Disc Golf Course, here we come......

Lakeview Park Disc Golf Course, Sarasota, Florida, USA

March 14 2020 and just 30mins South of home, we discovered Lakeview Park on UDisc. It certainly looked interesting, with more water than we had come across so far. We decided to go and check it out and play what we could, without losing discs hopefully.

Lakeview Park is a community park with free to play Disc Golf, which is the main feature here. There are other amenities at the park. Some people do walk their dogs through the course, so be mindful when throwing. There is ample parking, toilets (restrooms) but I'm not sure on this occasion if there was a water fountain, as we always take our own water. There is a pavilion with tables and benches. We didn't see a course map so just used our trusted UDisc App.

The course has 2 concrete block Tee boxes per hole, Par 54, 4294ft - 5007ft. Lakeview Park is a moderately wooded course with many holes having a low ceiling (tree branches hanging down, reducing the space for discs to fly). Lots of water, lots. There are small ponds, and a canal type water course which clearly likes to gobble discs up. We saw a guy there, nearly all the time we were playing, going from one water area to another with a specially made pole fishing for discs. He said he finds lots every time he comes to the course. 

There was also a guy in the car park with boxes of used discs in the back of his car that we got chatting to. He had them categorised by condition and priced accordingly. Naturally you have to have a look, don't you. Then you have to pick them up and have a bit of a feel of one or two. Then a test flight and then Oops, just bought in very good condition for $10, an Innova Champion metal flake Thunderbird!!

I must admit I found some of the holes a little daunting because of the low ceilings, but mainly the throws over water that required you to get your disc in a small landing zone, to avoid the next piece of water, due to the shape of the fairway! To be honest we ended up skipping parts of some holes because of this. It's not that the throws were that big, it was more in my head that if I did a duff shot and lose the disc we'd have to go fishing (Oh lets not forget those alligators!).

When we went round the second time we tried to be a bit braver and take on some of the water parts we'd skipped on the previous round. I like to think because I knew what was coming, that I tackled the second time round better. It can be a fear of the unknown, especially when learning, that holds you back a little. However what happens, my partners disc goes in the water followed by mine which lay on top of a water lily pad. Fortunately I was carrying a telescopic golf ball retriever, which we had started to take with us when playing, in case we needed to poke any discs out of vegetation. Not the most ideal implement for retrieving from water, but with a little perseverance we got both discs back. It must have looked quite funny us fishing around for discs with a ball golf retriever. 

To add to the drama, whilst trying to flip one of the discs to dry land, I managed to whack my partner in the mouth with the retriever and we had blood to deal with as well! The retriever came in handy on another hole as my partner managed to throw her Innova Dart, on a "death putt", past the basket and into another piece of water. Think we need to get off this course before something else happens or at least consider a floating disc. Where's that guy in the car park with the boxes of discs 😁.

Picnic Island Disc Golf Course, Tampa, Florida, USA

The name Picnic Island conjures up an interesting picture when it comes to a Disc Golf Course, something easy, laid back and friendly, maybe. We played here the day after Cliff Stephens Park and started our morning with a sit down on a bench, overlooking the sea with a coffee and a Dunkin Donut!

Picnic Island Park is a community park with a free to play Disc Golf Course, as well other outdoor activities. It has ample parking, a pavilion with benches and tables, toilets (restrooms) and drinking fountain. There was a course map before you get to Hole 1, towards the beach left side of the car park, however we used UDisc.

The Disc Golf Course has 2 concrete tee boxes per hole, both Par 60, 5154ft - 6660ft. Mainly an open woodsy course, which is beach side and exposed to the gulf winds. Slightly undulating in parts with some tunnel shots. You need a spotter on Hole 1 in particular, as the basket is unseen from both tee boxes and is on the beach (pictures below). There is plenty of vegetation to lose your disc in on your first throw, as you have to go over it to get to the basket. So watch out for beach users and of course when the tide water is in.

Despite Hole 1's introduction to the course, the rest of the play there was pretty easy going, not too scary. This is a wind exposed course but we were lucky arriving early, with no wind and flat calm sea. The beach side holes were gorgeous and as we worked our way around we didn't feel too intimidated by what faced us on the others. Some technical tunnel shots forced some thinking on what to throw, so I just went for my Innova Rat, forehand. I was able to practice both my forehand and backhand shots here, without getting into too much trouble. I dare say on a windy day it would be different, as there are scrub areas which would eat your discs.

We had a most enjoyable play here and again went around twice. The course gave us the chance to play different shots, was challenging yet didn't make us feel it was beyond us, on that particular day. We virtually had the course to ourselves, only seeing a couple of senior gentlemen, who stopped to have a quick chat with us.

During our drive home we both agreed we would play both Cliff Stephens Park and Picnic Island again. They were different from each other, easily accessible just an hour up the highway. So that was 5 courses, all free to play, all within an hours drive of our home and all offering something different. Being retired and time rich, with all these courses to practice on, we felt lucky.

My mind started thinking more and more towards returning to the UK and what was on offer there. Before I get into that, I'd found another course on UDisc just 30mins south of our home so I'll share our visit to that one first.

Cliff Stephens Park Disc Golf Course, Clearwater, Florida, USA

My Sister and Brother in Law left us in Florida the last week of February 2020. We were due to return to the UK at the beginning of April, so we had some time to try other courses within easy driving. Two of those courses had been suggested to us by the guys we had met a few weeks back. The first we tried was a 50mins drive at Cliff Stephens Park, Clearwater. 

Cliff Stephens Park is a community park but the majority of the space is taken up with the Disc Golf Course. There are paths/trails that are used by non-disc golfers. The park also has picnic areas and allows fishing, so be mindful when throwing as people do wander around. There is a small car park. We didn't see any toilets (restrooms), water fountain or course map so we used UDisc. It's a free to play course.

There are 18 holes with 2 concrete tee boxes per hole, both Par 55; 4926ft - 6392ft. This is a moderately wooded course with some open holes, a creek and small lakes that come into play for the longer tees. However, depending on wind direction the water can come into play for the shorter tees as you play along side the creek and lakes. There are warning signs regarding alligators. Take note, there have been some attacks here during alligator nesting season, as alligators defend their nest and young ferociously. Despite the signs, we did see a guy in one of the lakes up to his waste, feeling around with his bare feet for lost discs!!

We naturally played the shorter tees. There were some interesting technical holes in the wooded areas with low canopy and shaped fairways. Worried about losing discs in water, the open holes with a crosswind were a test of nerve, so I elected to throw shorter with mid range discs than risk an alligator encounter. We met some other casual players on the course and saw the first women we'd seen playing. One was older than me and playing with her husband, the other a young female with her husband, but she wasn't throwing every hole. The other couple of women we saw were on the course with their male partners as a non players.

We played round the course twice and enjoyed the challenge. I must admit I feel more at home in the wooded area at this point as I know I don't need to hit long shots. Using my forehand I feel more confident in accuracy at throwing and placing shots through the trees. My attempt at backhand on the open areas made me feel still inadequate, when the throws to the hole were so many more than par. What didn't help was seeing this guy launch his disc from the long tee, it flew past us (we had stood back to allow him to play through) over an island in the lake to a basket, some 440ft in one throw! We were taking the scenic route on that hole, as the lake/island didn't have to come into play from our tee point, to finish at that same basket. My longest throw that I'd been so pleased with at the time, and subsequently measured, had been a forehand with a Valkyrie the week before this trip and that was 151ft. 

I tried not to let it get into my head but after seeing his throw, all I could think about was how on earth did he do that and make it look so easy. One of those cases where you have to be able to walk before you can run. I know its going to take time to build on technique and stamina but as we only have each other to compare against its difficult to comprehend, just from watching videos on You Tube, how we can get better!

Encouraging others to play Disc Golf

On the way back from Orlando Airport my Sister and Brother in Law (G&J) asked what kind of day we had had. We told them about our play at Turkey Lake and explained about our obsession with Disc Golf. 

As they had played Ten Pin Bowling in the past and now played Crown Green Bowling and Indoor Bowls we knew they would be possibly be open to the suggestion of playing Disc Golf, even though it was nothing like anything they had played before. They were staying with us for 2 weeks and this would be something different to do with them during their holiday (vacation).

Once settled in and rested from their travel, the next day they asked us more about the sport of Disc Golf. We explained the aim of the game and about the discs. Showed them our disc collection and told them about the courses within 30mins drive that we had played. We asked if they would like to give it a try at Bob Gardner Park, as this was good for beginners and they actually said yes. So off we went.

We explained how best to hold the disc and how to stand and let them have a throw. We worked our way down the first fairway before joining in. I'm sure it was that satisfying clang of those basket chains that did it! They wanted to continue and we played the full 9 holes.

They then asked if we could go round again!!

Although a little muscle sore the next day, G&J started to ask about the possibility of playing more during their stay. We told them we could play as often as they liked. We had other activities planned and places to go but we were happy to be flexible and play Disc Golf. Conversations revolved around discs and the courses we had played. After a couple more times at Bob Gardener Park, we decided to take them to G.T. Bray Disc Golf Course. We did explain that it was different to what they had seen so far, with lots of trees. They were up for the challenge, we must have done a good sell!

Despite it taking us a long time, with four of us going round the course, we had a great time. Hitting trees, watching discs fly in wrong directions and laughing a lot. G&J were having a blast and we could see that with some further encouragement they would improve, even during the time they were with us. We played here a few more times during their stay, They asked if they could have a go at playing North Water Tower Disc Golf Course. Well of course we were up for it. We did tell them that we might spend a bit of time looking for discs because of the difference in environment, namely the scrub and bushes. No problem, let's go.

I never expected during the 2 weeks that G&J were with us, that they would have wanted to play Disc Golf so much. They really did get hooked to the point that they started to ask what we knew about courses back in the UK, and which was our nearest course. I was thrilled that I could play a sport with my Sister.

I'd already started looking into where our nearest registered course was in the UK, and checking out UDisc it was only 20mins drive from our UK home at Myerscough College. Great. Unfortunately, I then found that it had been reported unplayable and the Facebook page was also stating the same thing. I would need to look into that when we got back to the UK. The next nearest course was a little over an hours drive away near Manchester. G&J said they would wait until we got back to start looking into playing on a course in the UK.

I'm beginning to learn that people who are introduced to Disc Golf either take to it straight away with or without the need for perfect technique and throwing miles down the fairway, or they really are very indifferent and its not their thing. There's no in between. If you do take to it, it really does get a hold of you very quickly and you soon love it. I continued with my obsession, even to the point of buying a new Tshirt!! 

Bill Frederick Park - Original Turkey Lake Disc Golf Course, Orlando, Florida, USA

During February 2020 my Sister and Brother in Law were due to fly out from the UK and visit us in Florida. Coming into Orlando Airport some 2.5 to 3 hrs drive from us, depending on traffic. Rather than just drive over and pick them up we decided to see if there was a Disc Golf course close by that we could go play at and make the journey over more than just an airport pickup.

We found Bill Frederick Park which is a large, 187 acre, recreational park with playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, boating, primitive camping and cabins as well as 3 Disc Golf courses. There is the Original Turkey Lake course, The Woods course and the Turkeynator course. We decided to play the Original Turkey Lake course. The Woods course was completely closed at the time of our visit.

The park offers ample parking and next to the start of the Turkey Lake Course there is a pavilion with benches and tables. There is a water fountain, although we found the water to be warm. There are also toilets (restrooms). We didn't see a course map so used UDisc to find our way around the course.

There is a $5 charge per car to get into the park and then the Disc Golf courses are free to play. 

The Turkey Lake Course has 18 Holes with 2 concrete tee boxes, par 54 and 60, 4463ft - 5326ft. A variety of more open wooded areas with some tight fairways and Florida scrub but also a good selection of more open areas. There are some minor changes in elevation with sandy and soft muddy areas and of course a few holes that run either towards or down the side of Turkey Lake. There are warning signs along the lake regarding alligators.

This was a pretty course and well worth the stop to play. A good variety of forehand and backhand holes, so I practiced both types of shot, sometimes on the same tee, to see how well my backhand was fairing against my forehand. The forehand continued to be the better option for me, although on some of the tight backhand fairways I struggled and ended up in the bush a few times. Still it was a beautiful day and we were only going to have to wait in the cell phone parking lot at Orlando Airport, so we decided to play a few holes on Turkeynator.

I don't have any photos for this one. It starts at the same parking lot as the Original course. The few holes we played were tighter wooded and scrub. We unfortunately had to cut it short after 5 holes as my ankle was starting to play up. All in all we had had a great time playing and couldn't wait to tell my Sister and Brother in Law about our new found sport and see if they wanted to have a go whilst staying with us.

This is turning into an addiction!!

Now reaching mid February 2020, playing 5 times a week and having had another buying session of Discs plus a new bag, I think I have a problem..... 

I LOVE DISC GOLF, its official and unlike other addictions that one could have in life, this one is healthy and fun.

Here's my "In the Bag", after only playing...Mmmm 6 weeks. All Innova Discs;

Starter pack of Aviar, Shark & Leopard in DX Plastic

Bullfrog XT

Rat - Star Plastic

Wolf - DX Plastic

Mako 3 - Champion Plastic

Wombat 3 - DX Plastic

Teebird - DX Plastic

Sidewinder - Gstar Plastic

Valkyrie - DX Plastic

Beast - Champion Plastic

Mamba - Gstar Plastic

Daedalus - Star Plastic

Yes I know, there are discs in this bag that I can't get the best out of as a beginner yet, but I know I'm not the first or the last person to take up Disc Golf that thinks that if I buy this particular disc I can throw further or straighter or rounds trees!

For those who are reading this blog with little or no knowledge of disc golf, there are many companies that make discs. Those discs are also made of different types of plastic. It is a little too much for me to go into on this blog so I've put a link for you to go to, if you are interested, which will help you understand more about discs and the game.

https://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/

I'm starting to have a couple of favourites out of these discs at this time, the Teebird and Sidewinder. 

They are suiting my Forehand style of play and work well for me in the woods at the 2 courses we are concentrating on, G.T. Bray and North Water Tower. In playing these courses there was less opportunity to develop a longer throwing game because of all the trees. I don't see that as a negative at all, in fact it's helping me gain muscle tone in areas I didn't have before, I was starting to feel fitter and developing the technical skills of the game for this type of environment. This build up of body strength and trying to be accurate in tight spots I'm sure would help going forward. I keep trying the Backhand, which I do use for short shots to the basket and putting, but I'm still struggling with co-ordination, power and timing. My partners Backhand throws are improving in length. When I changed to Forehand I soon caught up but now as her strength, power and backhand technique improves she's leaving me behind by some 20-25ft. This was getting in my head and I was asking to throw first each time because throwing second and shorter was frustrating me. I wanted to do better but instead tensed up and threw even worse. This is definitely a head game as well. More study of videos I think and just keep trying. The good thing about all of this is that I'm still having great fun.

Please feel free to share your experiences with me on the comments section below each post. Its great to hear from others and their journey.