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Disc Golf - The fastest growing sport...


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Any other disc golfers? I've been playing for about 5 years now and I must say, it's a blast.

Get a few of your friends, a couple discs (frisbee is trademarked, so don't call it frisbee golf), and hit the course.

There's one near you, I guarantee it: PDGA Course Directory.

 

There has been an upswing in the number of players and courses in the last couple of years,

but there are still a lot of people that give me funny looks whenever I mention it.

Even Conan didn't get it at first:

 

 

 

But he was having fun by the end...taking his jacket off and really getting into it...

If he can like it in just a couple minutes, I'm sure you'd like it after a couple holes.

I would be out playing right now, but the damn lightning won't stop...

 

PS. Don't play when there is lightning.

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It's a sport that's uber-easy to learn, but takes forever to master (or even get good at)...But it's weird like that...when I started I had never heard of it, now I play at least once a week. Once the bug gets you (that sweet shot you never thought you'd make) you want more and more...I'm playing in a tournament this weekend, and since the rain has seemed to stop, I think I'll go out and get some practice in...See y'all under the basket biggrin.gif

 

____

EDIT: So I posted this in the greatest sports clips thread, but it really belongs here...

 

 

 

Nice one, Cale...that putt pushed a sudden death playoff with the current world champ.

Edited by geomy
Attorney General

Well done. icon14.gif

 

I've been told by my friends who have played, that there are few things in life better than firing up a nice J and playing a round. I've never played, but it looks like I'm missing out. I'm gonna have to check it out...looks like fun.

Blind Joe Death

Wow, looks amazingly fun.

 

Not sure if there would be one near me but I will certainly check up and give it a go. But yeah thanks for the topic, seems like a cool sport.

 

"It's the fastest growing sport you've never heard of", lol that quote is awesome.

@ Attorney General - yes you are...and if you are going to smoke, don't be like this guy.

 

@ yamum - Australia is still "learning to walk" in a matter of speaking...Disc golf is there, but not nearly as far and wide as US/Europe, but there are good things happening...a good friend of mine recently went back to AUS after working for disc golf in Texas for 8 years. He was one of the biggest things to happen to Texas Disc Golf and is sorely missed. His name is Chris Himing and he lives in Perth...I know that's a long way from Gold Coast, but seriously, if anyone can better disc golf in Australia, it's him. He did a lot of work with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and is set to have an Australian Open in 2009 (which I'm saving my pennies for). Here's the courses listed in the PDGA database, but I know for a fact there are more than these few listed. If worse comes to worse, go to the park with a couple of lids and pick a target - a tree, the side of a barn, whatever...and play. If you want to learn more about Aussie DG, look at http://www.downunderdiscgolf.com/...Chris is very friendly and will give you more help than you're looking for.

 

@ darthYENIK - Ulty is a blast...also check out Double Disc Court, MTA, TRC, and Guts...

 

 

 

To:  Citizens of Southeast Texas and Disc Golfers worldwide

 

Since 1991, Southeast Texas has had the privilege of enjoying the Barry’s Treasure Disc Golf Course on Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island was the home of 4 such courses at one time, and was the host of successive Disc Golf World Championships in 1994 and 1995. Barry’s Treasure is the sole survivor of those 4 World Championship courses, and as the name implies, is a true treasure to the disc golf community, both local and nationwide.

 

It was designed by renowned disc golf course architect John Houck in the early 90s, and has survived all these years with the volunteer efforts of the local disc golf community. The course has features that are atypical for the area: massive rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and a beautiful view of the ship traffic to the Port of Port Arthur. Barry’s Treasure is unique in those aspects, and cannot be replaced or duplicated in our area.

 

However, Tuesday, June 19, 2007, in an effort to develop the area, the Port Arthur City Council voted in favor of demolishing the park to make way for a 19 acre RV Park. The initiative is being spearheaded by Motiva Enterprises, with the intention that the park be used as temporary housing for their contracted laborers while working a massive construction project. They plan to destroy the most beautiful landscape of the entire island to set up what amounts to a laborer’s camp.

 

This is not progress. This is not development. Defacing the land and taking recreational parks away from the public in an effort to make a quick dollar and appease an industrial mega power is unacceptable. The damage that would be done is irreversible, and the profits from such are fleeting, as the construction project is not a permanent undertaking. Once construction is completed, the workers will leave, and we will be short one disc golf course. In its place will be an empty trailer park – of which there is no shortage in Southeast Texas.

 

The council is concerned with making a profit from land that is maintained at a loss, a cost that they are willing to exaggerate in order to suit their agenda. John Chirafis, Pleasure Island Commission chairman reported to local news outlets that the city spends $20,000 per year in order to keep the park mowed. With the infrequency that the park is mowed, $20,000 per year would mean that someone is paid in excess of $150 an hour for the job. The figures are being grossly misrepresented. These elected officials are effectively betraying the community for a chance to grovel at the feet of “Big Oil”, hoping that a few silvers might trickle down from an overflowing coffer.

 

We do not accept this. The park lands are the property of the community. They do not belong to local politicians, to do with as they please in the name of short sighted greed. They belong to the people who frequent them, and the children who will grow up enjoying them. We ask that another location be considered for the project. Pleasure Island is mostly undeveloped land, and of that undeveloped land, almost all of it is more suited to the task at hand than the rolling hills of our disc golf course. There is a wealth of undeveloped territory on Pleasure Island that is already flat and would require far less preparation and development to be made ready. We will resist these efforts and do all in our power to make sure that this beautiful course is not transformed into an eyesore on the island. We are: the Pleasure Island/Port Arthur community; the citizens of Southeast Texas; the disc golf enthusiasts of this great nation.

 

Sincerely,

 

The Undersigned

 

Public Parks need your support. I heard about this through disc golfing, but wasn't even mad about losing a course. What upset me was elected officials selling and demolishing public land for use as a private RV park. Turns out the housing is for people who will be flown in to 'aid in the relief effort'...by the good nature of big oil? I don't think so. Please sign the petition if you have ever played disc golf, if you enjoy the outdoors, or if don't believe that greedy politicians should benefit at the expense of public lands. Thanks for your help.

 

I'm bumping the Disc golf thread in Sports Discussion, but more monitors will see it here, and the more support, the better. Please don't sign anything but support, this is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly.

 

Sign the petition, Save our Parks!

_____

 

Port Arthur City Officials

Motiva Enterprises

_____

 

Here's a copy of the letter City Councilman John Beard created for the Mayor to read:

 

All,

 

Hope this finds each of you well,in good spirits considering the recent events.

 

I am sending a copy of the email I requested be read at the Tuesday 6/19 meeting regarding the proposed RV Park. The mayor,in his infinite wisdom,had it read AFTER the vote was taken, precluding my comments from consideration by the members or the audience.

 

The issues I spoke to are just a sample; it has come to my attention that there are more troubling things surrounding this debacle,worst of all being that the Council,nor its attorney, have seen the contract agreement, or financial specifics, and that when this info was sought by the attorney,he was told by the Island 's executive director that the mayor had the material. This action violated the city's procedures regarding the sale or use of public property,and the council did not exercise due diligence in its decision,i.e., acted with all the facts.

 

Please know this; that I am opposed to,and will stand and fight with you to undo this terrible, error filled act, and am working on ways to attack and possibly remove or nullify the Council's action on P.R. # 14090.

 

As always,feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

John Beard,Jr.

Councilman,District 5

409-626-1179

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 19,2007

 

To the Mayor, Council and City Manager

 

 

 

Good Morning !

 

Due to illness' and the death of a family relative, I will be unable to attend today's Council meeting. However, I respectfully request that the Mayor and Council allow me the opportunity to express my opinion on the following item.

 

 

Item P.R. # 14090 : Proposed Pleasure Island RV Park

 

There are several issues of concern in considering approval of this item.

 

 

The City Charter specifies that the sale of park land (which the island, technically, is a park) requires an election to approve the sale of park property.

City policy also requires the posting of advertisements for bids and request for proposals when seeking parties to develop projects on city owned property. I asked staff for information on the date when notice for bids or RFP's for this project were posted,and they stated that none have been made.

Mr. Sokolow, is it legal for the city or the Pleasure Island Commission make this type of agreement without complying with this policy? Can agreements be entered into without public approval of the selling of city park property?

 

Having read the executive summary, I found there was no financial or specific contractual information regarding the lease agreement and sale of the proposed 19 acres. If there is a contract, has it been reviewed by the staff or the Manager? What was/is their opinion?

 

At the June 5th meeting,Council stated its desire to have a joint meeting with the PIC, to discuss ongoing Island issues, and to build consensus on the direction and working relationship between both parties. To date, there has been no meeting ,planned or scheduled. The City Manager also sent a memo to the Council in response to its request to work with the PIC in studying the sale of revenue bonds to finance Island projects. His memo stated that it would not be cost effective for the PIC to issue revenue bonds. He pointed out that before any future projects involving the Island's land assets be initiated, a land use study be undertaken. He further expressed his concern that development could place the City in a position of liability for providing city services, and the associated personnel,facility and equipment cost, estimated in the millions of dollars.

 

It is no secret that the Council and citizens greatly desire to see the Island become a sustainable asset for the recreational use of our citizens ,and others who so desire. Yet what impact would this proposed RV park have on the quality of life and future development? The proposed location of the RV park is currently the location of the Frisbee Golf Course, which has been home to local and national tournaments, and is recognized as one of the top Frisbee golf venues in the country.

This location is also adjacent to the site set aside by the PIC for a future amusement/water park.

 

While it is appropriate that we try to assist industry in housing workers on projects in the short term, we must use this opportunity to improve our housing stock, and as a means of providing infrastructure for future neighborhoods. Industry has paid a premium, "turn-key bid", to house these workers, and they should work with the city to meet the housing and growth needs of both, in areas where it is beneficial, feasible and makes the highest, best use of available land.

 

This proposed RV Park project leaves much to be considered, many questions unanswered.

 

I respectfully request that we table this item until we have more complete financial information; a review of contract specifics; engage in a joint land use study with the PIC, and resolve legal issues surrounding the proper disposition of park property for sale.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted for the record,

 

 

John Beard,Jr.

Councilman,District 5

  • 2 weeks later...
tony da boss

I totally suck at ultimate frisbee. I can never get myself to throw it straight, it always has to turn sideways and completely miss the person I'm throwing it too. I'm pretty sure there's no hope for me in Disc Golf even though it looks pretty fun. confused.gif

I had never heard of Disc Golf before reading this topic, and although some of the people in the first video seem a wee bit intense, it does look like a lot of fun. I'm not sure I'd enjoy it more than Ultimate, seeing as Ultimate also has a teamwork aspect and a defensive aspect, but I definitely want to give this a try. Looks like most of the courses in Chicago are in the suburbs though sad.gif (I live in the city)

  • 4 weeks later...
8ballsoffire

looks like a blast. shame there's only 3 courses in scotland and they're all pretty far away from me, still i was quite surprised that the sport made it out here, never even heard of it before. looks a hell of a lot more exciting than real golf.

  • 2 weeks later...
Digïtál £vîl

I played Disc Golf in Lake Tahoe over 8 years ago. It was fun, but nothing too great. Just not my kind of sport.

 

Anyways, they actually have some course set up there in some wooded park in Tahoe. It was pretty interesting cuz it added a lot of obstacles and sh*t.

Had a tournament this weekend. Played like complete ass, but did have one highlight: 100' forehand from my knee to save a birdie 4 on the 900' monster. Those are the ones that'll keep you coming back.

 

I am steadily getting worse, but I'm steadily playing less. sad.gif I want a basket and more free time.

 

On the up side, the newest course in town just got mowed and we are installing teesigns next weekend. icon14.gif

 

____

EDIT: 100m is a long throw in any direction. Try not to overpower your throw - focus on your technique. Throw about 70-80% power and try to keep your throw nice and smooth. It's just like golf - it's all about the technique.

Edited by geomy
  • 13 years later...

They probably thought it would be really popular now if it was the fastest growing sport before. I see a lot of parks to play it at but never see people actually playing. They probably thought it was gonna be a big deal and built a bunch of parks now no one really cares about it lol.

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