Nine Holes & Course Work

I wanted to figure out how far each of the holes at Moraga was, and after having Brian's GPS for over 2 weeks, I finally figured out how to use it and so walked the course and shot the distance to each hole.

Once that was done, I played nine holes before playing some doubles with Scotty, Greg, J.B., T.P. and Dustin. My score for nine holes is below.

Nine
2*, 2**, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3 = +1

* I threw my new Val on this hole (with a big Hyzer) and it landed at base of last tree (Scotty style).
** I finally got a birdie on #2!! It was a big throw to 20 ft left of basket and a nice putt!

In doubles - I was teamed with Dustin, and Greg and Scotty won by 1 shot over T.P. and J.B. and by 2 over us. We had the lead early, but could not hold on and T-woods made a huge putt on #9 to seal the deal - Clutch!!

Friday @ DeLa

I went to Dela in Santa Cruz with Dustin (aka D-Money). It was a great day, sunny and warm, and it was nice to be able to share the experience with a Moraga local. Greg and K.P. had also expressed interest in going, but ended up being unable to make this trip. Hopefully they can join us next time!

We left Moraga around 9:30 and got to Santa Cruz around 11:00 am. We went to D&J's Mini-mart to check out the selection of plastic and each decided we could not live without a new Star Valkarie (167 grams - see below).


After that, we realized that getting some food would be a good idea and so I took D to my favorite Mexican Food place (Tacos Moranos) on Water Street (right down the street from the mini-mart). We took our lunch to the beach, which is my custom, and ate in view of Pacific Ocean (by Jacks and boardwalk).

Once lunch was over it was off to the course. With some practice putting out of the way, we started playing. It was backed up on Hole 1, so we warmed up on hole 20, 21, before beginning the round. Below is our scores:

Round:
First 9
S - 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3 = +6
D - 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4 = +6

Next 9 (minus closed holes):
S - 5, 3, 5, C, C, C, C, C, 4 = +5
D - 4, 4, 3, C, C, C, C, C, 5 = +4

Last 9
S - 3, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3, 3, 5, 4 = +9
D - 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 4, 4, 4 = +5

I had some really good putts for par saves or bogey's, but as usual the harder course showed my weakness as a player. I need more control over my throws, but I still enjoy playing this course to any other.

On the way home we stopped off and threw at the Fremont course, which was really a field with some baskets on it, but it was really nice to try and see what my throws do out in the open. Plus it was fun to make up holes and tee placements. It was at this point D realized he had lost his favorite Crush (by leaving it at the dela course by mistake). Hopefully it will make it's may back to him.

Overall it was a wonderful day of disc golf. Wonderful weather and company and a new course discovered.

Late Round

I got in a quick nine holes before dark. Not bad, but wasn't able to get all 18 in.

Round
3, 3, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3 = +1

More Moraga Rounds

I played with a host of folks, including Greg (T-Woods) and others. I came back to beat G on the first round, but after that I fell apart and did not do nearly as well.

Round 1
4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3 = +5
3, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 = -1 +4 Total

Round 2
3, 3, 3, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3 = +4
5, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 3, 3, 3 = +4 +8 Total

Back to Moraga

I got the call from Greg to meet him out at Moraga at 3pm, so of course I went... :D

Once there, we hooked up with Nick and JB as well. I played ok, but was still recovering from yesterday's rounds. I am not in shape enough to throw this much, and my score shows it. Plus my confidence is still not recovered as well. I played some unusual shots today, in an effort to learn how to throw them and to imagine a tigheter course than Moraga is. Unfortunately my timing is still off and I did not have many good throws.

Round
3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 5, 4, 3, 4 = +6
4, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4 = +4 +10 Total

Napa-tasterfy

It was Greg R. (aka Tiger Woods) birthday and so a group (Scotty, Dave, Brian, Greg and I) of us went to play in Napa. I have to say that my expectations got the better of me, as I thought I would be able to play closer to par or at least have as many pars as bogeys... but it was not to be, as Napa once again showed me for the inexperienced player I am. My round started off bad and only got worse.

Round One
4, 4, 5, 5, 4, 6, 3, 4, 4 = +12
4, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 4 = +8
+20 Total - OMG!!


The shot above is of Scotty up a tree on #16 (I think) as his disc was wedged in the very top and by far the most wedged in between two branches that I have ever seen. Through some tremendous efforts, he was able to get it down.

The second round was a little bit of an improvement. I started to play damage control golf and if I had a bad tee shot or got a huge roll down the hill, I would just take my lumps and not try to get it back on the next shot but play it safe and lay-up.

Round Two
3, 4, 3, 6, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3 = +6
4, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4 = +6
+12 Total - Yuck!

I still putted badly, but it was no worse than the rest of my game. I find once my rythem is off and my steps get off - I can't seem to figure out what is wrong and/or get back on track. That is difinately something I need to work on.

I Did It!!

I did it, I did it... I birdied #8!!!

It was not raining this afternoon, and so I decided to go out to throw and ended up meeting for a practice 9 with Scotty, Lane and their friend Todd (and were later joined by K.P.) and decided to played 18.

I started of ok, but after getting to +2 after 7, I needed to play better. I had a nice drive to just behind the last group of trees on #8, and decided to try my gum putter (to make sure I did not roll too far away). I threw it straight and hard at the basket, and wham, it went in for a 2!! It was an amazing shot that felt good as soon as it left my hand. K.P. said it looked good all the way, as he was standing near the basket, but on the road. It was nice to make such a long putt, and to also do it in front of friends so they know it was legit.

Unfortunately #8 got me back, as on the next trip around to complete my 18 - I took a 5 (because I needed a drop) and thus ended my round at +2. I really don't mind, as birding one of the toughest holes on the Moraga course is well worth it!! Below is my complete score.

Round
3, 3, 3, 4*, 4, 3, 3, 2**, 2*** = +0
3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 5****, 3 = +2 +2 Total

* - Landed right next to the basket with Gummy, only to roll completely down the hill
** - Yeah Baby!!! 40 ft. Birdie putt makes it all worth it!!
*** - Birdied from 10ft. to finish front 9 at even
**** - Threw it stright into the trees on the right of the road and had to take a drop - payback.

New Practice Putters

I went by the Play-it-again sports in Pleasant Hill and they had a new shipment of plastic in stock, so I picked up a couple of practice putters (170 grams).

It is still raining today and as a result I will have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest to get out and play with them. I am just glad to have finally found a few more to play with - as the Banger-GT seems to be difficult to find.

Back in action

I was finally feeling well enough to get back out and throw. It was pretty windy at the beginning of the round, but it settled done over the afternoon. I played the first nine holes by myself before hooking up with JB, Craig, and Ron and Tsunami. Scotty and Dustin joined and then went on their own way - which was interesting. Anyway, played ok at the start, but then got tired and seemed to lose focus and energy.

Round
4, 3, 3, 2*, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 = +0
5**, 3, 3***, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3 = +5 +5 Total

* - Made a nice birdie from the fringe of the ivy on the left
** - Had a bad drive and then overshot my par putt and so ended up with a double
*** - Missed a birdie chance up the hill, but more played it safe as JB rolled down the hill twice for bogey.

Santa Cruz & new plastic

I went to Santa Cruz and picked up this new Star SL (165 grams) with the DeLa logo on it. I wished that they had another color (as my Star Wraith is also white with the same logo), but that was all they had. I only got a chance to make one throw with it, but according to Innova it is suppose to have a longer glide and take less arm strength to throw, so I am hoping it can add a little distance to my throws - we'll see.

Otherwise it was again great to play in Santa Cruz. I just love the vibe they have there and everyone is really nice and some very good golfers. I played with 3 local guys and we all had some good shots and some forgettable ones. I think I was 10 over for the 18 holes I played before leaving for basketball. I find that I learn something new every time I play that course, as it is so much more demanding than Moraga. But then, it is over a hour drive so I can't really play it that much more than once a week.

Great weather for some quick rounds

I played a number of rounds today with first Nick, than the Gregs, and finally Dave. We got in at least 36 holes it not more. I have a number of good shots and seemed to be putting and approaching better. I had a couple of long birdie and par saves... which I was encouraged by.

Tiger woods had some great shots and putts, as well as a few close calls at an Ace. I think he is due to hit one soon, and I only hope to be there to see it.

The other Greg (Greg L.) is just very steady, he keeps himself in play with good shots and on his better shots he'll have a chance at birdie. He rarely seems to beats himself, but rather takes his chances as he gets them. If he does make a bad throw or slip, he is good enough to recover and minimize the damage. A great player to learn from.

Nick, on the other hand seems to be up and down, and while he is plays well, I think he could improve even more by taking just a fraction more time before each shot. He rushes at times and I think that costs him a few strokes here and there.

And as for me, the more I play the better my game gets. I need to settle on a putting style, and commit to it, not to mention getting physically stronger to be able to make throw (and especially putt) more easily. I have been practicing rollers and those have come in handy and actually saved me a few strokes here and there. I just have to remember that this game is about having fun with friends and not a contest to see who's best. I have only been playing for a few months now and everyone else has played much longer (in some cases years longer) than I have, so I need to be patient with myself and work on each aspect of my game... I'll get there eventually.

More practice...

Played with Nick again and managed to keep my round from getting out of hand. I had a few birdie opportunities and converted some and missed others. I also did some putting at the end of the day and think that I still have to find the right stance... the straight on putts just seem to be too much a throw and less controlled than I would like.

Round 1
4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3 = +3
3, 3, 3, 2*, 3, 3, 3**, 4, 3 = 0 +3 Total

* Long birdie putt from the road (Nick made a birdie putt before me and he could not have all the fun)
** Missed an easy birdie putt to go to 2 under... rats!

Round 2
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 3 = +3

I saw JB and Scotty, but they were playing with some other guys and I just don't like playing in huge groups, as it takes too long to play. I do hope I can hook up with him again... and plan to play with Greg on Wednesday (if possible).

Back in the flow

I played the home course and seemed to get my rhythm and my shots back (somewhat) after a slow start. Greg and Scotty where playing doubles, so I went off and played some with Nick and other holes alone. I had a few birdies and better putting than I have recently. It always seems like I play better coming back from playing in Santa Cruz. There are just so many great players there that you can't help but learn something each round.

Round
3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 2, 4, 3 = +1
4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3*, 2**, 3, 3 = +1 +2 Total

* Came very close to birdie as I just missed the chains on 2
** Just missed an ace as I hit the pole and had a kick-in birdie.

Nice playing partner

I got the rare opportunity to play with a reining would champion (Nate Doss) and some other great players today in Santa Cruz. He was a very nice and low key guy. His driving was ridiculously accurate but his putting seemed to be the biggest difference from other very good players I have played with. He was even nice enough to sign my putter (the only discraft disc I play - and his sponsor). He also gave me some pointers on the history of the thumb groove - it was actually something he had tried and liked in a driver, before being put into putters.


I also was finally able to find a star wraith in my weight (168 grams) so I got one. It has the Santa Cruz club logo which makes it that much better.


I actually played pretty well and was only +4 after nine but did not have a chance to complete the round (as I had to play hoops at 4 pm and also hunt for my lost Star Sidewinder - which I ultimately found). All-in-all a very good day of playing.