This is a nice area... probably the nicest neighborhood I've seen a disc golf course in. It is right on Waco Lake and the views were nice. You could hear some people playing in the water. This is a nice, comfortable course. No place to really lose a disc (I love that). You could put a disc in the lake on #17, but it would take a fairly errant shot. Not impossible, but not too likely.
I had read online to be careful about over-driving some of the holes, because there is OB right behind some of the pins. I warmed up and put my first shot pin-high and laid-up a 40 footer and dropped in a par. I bogeyed #2 after a slipshot upshot (way off). I drove #3 within 40 feet and FOUR PUTTED. Arggh!! Stomped around for awhile, got it out of my system. +3 when I should be at par. Sigh. I can't putt, still, after all that practice. But, I totally don't putt like I practice. I don't know why. My drive on #4 was bad, but I pulled out a par. F.A.T. on #5 (F.irst A.vailable T.ree). Then my Roadrunner didn't turnover all the way and I missed a 35 foot putt. +5 already on an easy course!!! Argh!!! Birdied the 210 foot 6, nice drive on #7 but I missed a 12 foot putt. Stomped around again, spent a few minutes practicing my "putt" (but didn't make any progress... hmm, 10 putts and I'm not suddenly Ken Climo, strange). +6. Parked #8, birdied a 25 footer. Errant drive on #9, hit my own car, but bounced back I.B. Yeay, thanks car! Par. +5. Overshot #10 but hit easy par, birdied #11 after "drive" hit a tree root and got lucky skip. Pars on 14 & 15. Great seeing-eye drive on #15. Tiny little opening to drive through on #16, shot two mid-rangers for par. Slipped a disc on #17 and FAT again. Decent second shot, laid up for bogey. +5. Parred 18. +5 on new course, blind? I'll take it. But, I NEED TO LEARN TO PUTT! And drive. I need consistency. I have all the shots. I can make all the shots, but I need to do it consistently. I have no talent. I do practice, really, a lot more than you'd think a guy with a full-time job, lots of time dedicated to a church-ministry and 6 kids would be able to do. But I haven't had the results yet.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Course: Cameron Park, Waco TX
This is the non-"Beast" course. I didn't have a chance to play the Beast, but this park was pretty good.
I started out with no one behind me and I didn't have a chance to really warm up, so I just started and really tanked the first three holes -- taking a bogey on each. These are SHORT holes, around 200 feet each, but with some trees (not really "tunnels" just trees here and there) so I called them "warmups" and started again (#3's basket was pretty much right at #1's tee anyway). The second time around, "for real" I shot -1 for the three. This area is skip central. The ground by the baskets are very bare, minus some exposed tree roots, and anything that had some steam but wasn't high enough to spike would skip a long way. But, I was happy with -1. I parred 4, and#5 -- "Bogey Hill" didn't look too daunting. I drove pin high, but too far right and hit a tree with my 100 foot upshot. Still having about 70 feet to go, I overshot, then missed the 40 foot come-back badly (bare ground!!!) and ended up with a good 30 footer for triple-bogey and got it. Argh! +2. Then on #6 I slipped a disc and got stuck about 100 feet up a huge tree and took about 10 minutes to get it out. My shoulder was worn by then. I took the penalty, placed my upshot and took a bogey. +3!!! Dangit! I birdied 7 and almost parked 8, but missed the 30 foot putt, then the 30 foot comebacker and dropped in another bogey. Hit some bushes on 9, missed a 20 footer and got another bogey.
The back nine starts in a flat, mostly open (keep 'em low, out of the high cut canopy). I took another bogey, then had a par, birdie, par (missed a 25 foot putt), par. So, I was +4 teeing on 15, where I lost my old Pro Wraith. Hit a big tree branch and dropped a dingy ditch. When I was looking for it (no chance!) I found an old, unmarked Quantum something or 'nuther (grimey... seems like a "Champion Beast" -- even says "Innova discs" on it... hmm). I cleaned it and thought "why not" and shot it after my drop. Oops. Another bad shot. Ended up with a dbl-bogey. +6. Then I bogeyed 16 for +7 and parred out with a couple of decent drives. +7 on a decent course, pretty much blind? I'll take it. I need to work on my putting.
This is a fun course, and will be more fun when I play it next time after I can putt!!!
I started out with no one behind me and I didn't have a chance to really warm up, so I just started and really tanked the first three holes -- taking a bogey on each. These are SHORT holes, around 200 feet each, but with some trees (not really "tunnels" just trees here and there) so I called them "warmups" and started again (#3's basket was pretty much right at #1's tee anyway). The second time around, "for real" I shot -1 for the three. This area is skip central. The ground by the baskets are very bare, minus some exposed tree roots, and anything that had some steam but wasn't high enough to spike would skip a long way. But, I was happy with -1. I parred 4, and#5 -- "Bogey Hill" didn't look too daunting. I drove pin high, but too far right and hit a tree with my 100 foot upshot. Still having about 70 feet to go, I overshot, then missed the 40 foot come-back badly (bare ground!!!) and ended up with a good 30 footer for triple-bogey and got it. Argh! +2. Then on #6 I slipped a disc and got stuck about 100 feet up a huge tree and took about 10 minutes to get it out. My shoulder was worn by then. I took the penalty, placed my upshot and took a bogey. +3!!! Dangit! I birdied 7 and almost parked 8, but missed the 30 foot putt, then the 30 foot comebacker and dropped in another bogey. Hit some bushes on 9, missed a 20 footer and got another bogey.
The back nine starts in a flat, mostly open (keep 'em low, out of the high cut canopy). I took another bogey, then had a par, birdie, par (missed a 25 foot putt), par. So, I was +4 teeing on 15, where I lost my old Pro Wraith. Hit a big tree branch and dropped a dingy ditch. When I was looking for it (no chance!) I found an old, unmarked Quantum something or 'nuther (grimey... seems like a "Champion Beast" -- even says "Innova discs" on it... hmm). I cleaned it and thought "why not" and shot it after my drop. Oops. Another bad shot. Ended up with a dbl-bogey. +6. Then I bogeyed 16 for +7 and parred out with a couple of decent drives. +7 on a decent course, pretty much blind? I'll take it. I need to work on my putting.
This is a fun course, and will be more fun when I play it next time after I can putt!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What's in my Bag #3
Here's what is in my bag right now.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - Gone. Lost in West Guth's pond. I tried to find it for 45 minutes. :-). Someday I might go back, but it's so much like the Wraith that I'm sticking with my Pro Wraiths right now because I like the Pro plastic.
Pro Wraith (174g, 175g) - Now my main driver, and bought a new Pro Wraith (with a great dye job, my first). The second one is 175g, which is my preferred throwing weight. Don't see ever getting out of this disc.
Star Monster (175g) - Getting happier with the Monster. The Firebird I had, I lost (threw it, threw my approach, walked away! Ugh!!!). I think I like the Pro plastic better -- the Star plastic is very grippy (at least this time of year, with high humidity). Unfortunately, I have mostly Star plastic. I'll probably get used to it, like I did this disc.
Champion Beast (172g) - Still in my bag, but I haven't used it during a round for a long time. Just use it when practicing in a field. I have decided that the plastic is okay during this time of year, when the Star stuff is too sticky. If Innova keeps making the Pro discs (heard a rumor the manufacturer no longer makes the plastic for "Pro"), then I'll keep buying them.
Star Roadrunner (175g). This is a good long range roller and specialty disc. I tend to turn it over too much. I just can't get out of the habit of putting a wing up for the sweeping annies and I end up rolling it a bunch. Once it stops raining here, I'm going to spend a lot of time learning to throw this one flat so it does it's proper job.
Pro Firebird (175g) Lost. R.I.P.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Still like this disc, the unlikeliest of discs. I don't know if it's just this one Banshee but I defy you to throw it straight. It's even well-beat. It's a good short-range hyzer disc and I have several holes it's perfect for.
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it. Bought Star copy (not available in Pro). GREAT short-range driver. Bought a 175g. The DX is already pretty beat up, so I'll probably retire it to the "for newbie friends" pile. We'll see. Might keep it for a understable short-range driver.
Mid-range
Star Cobra (180g) - Bought a CFR online ($23!!!). But, it's a great disc. Keeping the DX in my bag to try to learn a left-leaning roller (might find that the Roadrunner works better, though). Love this disc in both DX & Star.
Star Shark (175g) - Okay, figured it out. I've quickly added a very good short-range forehand game. I used to be backhand from about 200 ft in just because of control. But in one day I figured out the control forehand shot and can throw the Shark or Cobra very, very accurately. I also can throw my putters almost anywhere I want now too (okay, I still miff a lot, but when I get more consistent). Very happy with the Shark now.
DX Skeeter (174g): Read what I wrote in my WIMB #2 entry about the Skeeter. Turns out, I hate it. Flippy, flippy. Probably great for a beginner without power. I can't throw it at all. No longer in bag.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (175g) - Used to have two in my bag, but the Shark/Cobra combo removes the need for the newer putter. Now I just have the beat up Peach putter.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - Gone. Lost in West Guth's pond. I tried to find it for 45 minutes. :-). Someday I might go back, but it's so much like the Wraith that I'm sticking with my Pro Wraiths right now because I like the Pro plastic.
Pro Wraith (174g, 175g) - Now my main driver, and bought a new Pro Wraith (with a great dye job, my first). The second one is 175g, which is my preferred throwing weight. Don't see ever getting out of this disc.
Star Monster (175g) - Getting happier with the Monster. The Firebird I had, I lost (threw it, threw my approach, walked away! Ugh!!!). I think I like the Pro plastic better -- the Star plastic is very grippy (at least this time of year, with high humidity). Unfortunately, I have mostly Star plastic. I'll probably get used to it, like I did this disc.
Champion Beast (172g) - Still in my bag, but I haven't used it during a round for a long time. Just use it when practicing in a field. I have decided that the plastic is okay during this time of year, when the Star stuff is too sticky. If Innova keeps making the Pro discs (heard a rumor the manufacturer no longer makes the plastic for "Pro"), then I'll keep buying them.
Star Roadrunner (175g). This is a good long range roller and specialty disc. I tend to turn it over too much. I just can't get out of the habit of putting a wing up for the sweeping annies and I end up rolling it a bunch. Once it stops raining here, I'm going to spend a lot of time learning to throw this one flat so it does it's proper job.
Pro Firebird (175g) Lost. R.I.P.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Still like this disc, the unlikeliest of discs. I don't know if it's just this one Banshee but I defy you to throw it straight. It's even well-beat. It's a good short-range hyzer disc and I have several holes it's perfect for.
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it. Bought Star copy (not available in Pro). GREAT short-range driver. Bought a 175g. The DX is already pretty beat up, so I'll probably retire it to the "for newbie friends" pile. We'll see. Might keep it for a understable short-range driver.
Mid-range
Star Cobra (180g) - Bought a CFR online ($23!!!). But, it's a great disc. Keeping the DX in my bag to try to learn a left-leaning roller (might find that the Roadrunner works better, though). Love this disc in both DX & Star.
Star Shark (175g) - Okay, figured it out. I've quickly added a very good short-range forehand game. I used to be backhand from about 200 ft in just because of control. But in one day I figured out the control forehand shot and can throw the Shark or Cobra very, very accurately. I also can throw my putters almost anywhere I want now too (okay, I still miff a lot, but when I get more consistent). Very happy with the Shark now.
DX Skeeter (174g): Read what I wrote in my WIMB #2 entry about the Skeeter. Turns out, I hate it. Flippy, flippy. Probably great for a beginner without power. I can't throw it at all. No longer in bag.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (175g) - Used to have two in my bag, but the Shark/Cobra combo removes the need for the newer putter. Now I just have the beat up Peach putter.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Drinking Sermon
Apparently Pastor Perry Noble spoke about alcohol today. I've not yet watched it, but from his Cliff Notes (see the link below) he's pretty much coming from where I am.
But, I want to update my Drinking blog entry. I don't drink (this is not a challenge, Satan!) anymore, but after a lot more thought about it, it's not quite what I said in my blog entry on the topic. What I said there was:
So, for me, I'd go weeks or months and never get drunk, perhaps not even a little tipsy. But, there were days, oh those dreadful days... and I could never plan them. I couldn't say "great, it's Friday, tomorrow I can sleep in, if I get hammered tonight I can sleep off the hangover." Nope. It was a lottery anytime I opened a beer, no matter the day of the week or how big of a day I had tomorrow. Maybe it'd just be the one, maybe it'd be all of them, and a few more following a walk to the store. Then, there'd be the hangover, the prayers & promises, then regret.
In 1996 my second father had his second heart attack. This dude's really healthy; he loves to hike, hunt, canoe, walk, work around the house, garden. He's never smoked and rarely drinks (sometimes he and Mom split a beer -- SPLIT A BEER!!! If only I could wrap my brain around this. Sure enough, they could split one and I'd probably drink the rest).
Anyway, following his 2nd heart attack, back in 1996, his doctors told him he had to do this and that to lower his cholesterol and save his arteries. Like I said, he was healthy, including eating well (rarely ate fast food, liked veggies & salads, that sort of thing). His genetics just gave him bad arteries. His response? Cut out the fat. All of it. He went vegan-plus. No meat, no nuts, no seeds. At restaurants he gets a big huge salad and vinegar/vinegrette for the dressing. It's impressive how much he can eat and still lose weight. But, the thing is, he just couldn't eat a little fat and rely on not going overboard. He had to do without it period. That's for me, for alcohol. My wife has a drink now and then (she gets pretty interesting at 1/2 a drink, so 1 is plenty). I'm not against it for her, or for you, but I am for me.
If you have a problem like me, you might think about stopping altogether, though. You know what, you won't miss it. If you do, you'll be glad you stopped because if you really miss it, you should just stop.
But, I want to update my Drinking blog entry. I don't drink (this is not a challenge, Satan!) anymore, but after a lot more thought about it, it's not quite what I said in my blog entry on the topic. What I said there was:
"I am a binge drinker, which is a nuanced difference from being an alcoholic. Fundamentally, though, I can't enjoy a beer with dinner. I want them all, however many are in my fridge."This isn't really true. I can think back and remember plenty of times I only had one or two, or opened a third and found it sitting on the counter the next morning. There were days, too, that I just left them in the fridge and didn't bother with them at all. So, I spent some time trying to figure out exactly what the problem was. It's this: I didn't know, couldn't plan, WHEN I would want to drink them all. Pastor Noble (he's not my pastor, but apparently my pastor knows him), said that the Bible teaches that we shouldn't get drunk period. I'm not sure I agree with that. I think the general state of being a drunk is the problem that the Bible refers to (at least to my recollection). Being drunk isn't a good lifestyle choice, but if you get a buzz now and then ("eat, drink and be merry"), I don't think you're getting a "Going to Hell" stamped on your forehead. Of course, if you have your salvation, nothing is supposed to stop that anyway.
So, for me, I'd go weeks or months and never get drunk, perhaps not even a little tipsy. But, there were days, oh those dreadful days... and I could never plan them. I couldn't say "great, it's Friday, tomorrow I can sleep in, if I get hammered tonight I can sleep off the hangover." Nope. It was a lottery anytime I opened a beer, no matter the day of the week or how big of a day I had tomorrow. Maybe it'd just be the one, maybe it'd be all of them, and a few more following a walk to the store. Then, there'd be the hangover, the prayers & promises, then regret.
In 1996 my second father had his second heart attack. This dude's really healthy; he loves to hike, hunt, canoe, walk, work around the house, garden. He's never smoked and rarely drinks (sometimes he and Mom split a beer -- SPLIT A BEER!!! If only I could wrap my brain around this. Sure enough, they could split one and I'd probably drink the rest).
Anyway, following his 2nd heart attack, back in 1996, his doctors told him he had to do this and that to lower his cholesterol and save his arteries. Like I said, he was healthy, including eating well (rarely ate fast food, liked veggies & salads, that sort of thing). His genetics just gave him bad arteries. His response? Cut out the fat. All of it. He went vegan-plus. No meat, no nuts, no seeds. At restaurants he gets a big huge salad and vinegar/vinegrette for the dressing. It's impressive how much he can eat and still lose weight. But, the thing is, he just couldn't eat a little fat and rely on not going overboard. He had to do without it period. That's for me, for alcohol. My wife has a drink now and then (she gets pretty interesting at 1/2 a drink, so 1 is plenty). I'm not against it for her, or for you, but I am for me.
If you have a problem like me, you might think about stopping altogether, though. You know what, you won't miss it. If you do, you'll be glad you stopped because if you really miss it, you should just stop.
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