Most of us look forward to Mondays at Morley (wasn't that the name of a bestselling book?) to find out if our "lucky" pin position is in. What hole / position is your favorite? Whether it's because of it's challenge, it's aesthetics, it's seclusion, or maybe it's where you just seem to always "park it". Let us know - sans hole 11 cliche answers.
Leave your reply in the box below
Morley Player Profile: Brandon Langston
Brandon LangstonPDGA#37506 Advanced Amateur
Started Playing Disc Golf:
I played disc golf for the first time in 7th grade P.E. A new teacher at my school in Arcata, Mr. Shaddix, was a disc golfer and ultimate player. His first order of business was to bring it into our P.E. class. We learned a handful of different shots to throw while playing on our football field aiming for a pole that had a 5' circle drawn around it. I forgot about the game after that until I picked it up again around '00. My first tournament was in 2005.
First Disc: Innova Hammer in '89 which I proceeded to loose that same day.
Favorite Hole: Hole 11. It's very social, a good time for a break and if it is a weekend you'll likely be there longer than any other hole. 5 aces so far. Hole 2 twice, 6, 8 and 19.
Favorite Disc: Sparkle Squall (aka bass boat)
Favorite Driver: Star Destroyer since I've thrown it the furthest and have aced with it.
Favorite Midrange: 1st run Champ Gator is always with me
Favorite Putter: I've moved to a few different putters and haven't been convinced any are my favorite yet
"In My Bag": Star Destroyer, Star X Caliber, Champion Firebird, Champion Teebird, Champion Leopard, Champion Gator, Sparkle Squall, Z Wasp, Discmania P1 and P2 Putter
Top Morley Finishes: 2007 Spring Fling Intermediate Winner 2008 Sunrise Showdown Intermediate 2nd place 2008 Morley Field Course Championships Amateur Champion 2008 Southern California Championships Advanced 2nd place (tied with a good friend)
Favorite Disc Golf Website: DiscGolfersR.us is where I go most often.
Favorite Pro Player: All that I have met and/or played with have been great.
Tip For Other Players: Learn to throw an arsenal of shots. Hyzer, Anhyzer, Forehand and a Roller are a good place to start.
Morley Player Profile: Dave “¢” Vincent
Dave “¢” Vincent
PDGA# 24099
Professional
Started Playing Disc Golf: I started playing disc golf in august of 2002, and was instantly hooked. Started playing PDGA tournaments in 2004
First Disc: DX Cheetah
Favorite Hole at Morley: I love hole 10f because of how unique it is compared to the rest of morley field. It truly requires distance and accuracy to even have chance at a birdie. Conversely, if both requirements are not met, it is easy to find yourself in a very difficult position for par...
Aces: 40+ total, with 14 at Morley Field. I have the only hole in one on hole 10f, 426'
My Favorite Disc: D Challenger, hands down the most used disc in my bag. I haven't used another type of putter since 2004 because of how perfectly this disc fits my style. I can use it on any shot under 300' and know that it's going to land exactly where i want it to go
Favorite Driver: Predator. This is the most overstable and accurate distance driver ever made, even micah dorius wants to throw predators...
Favorite Midrange: Z Buzzz. Best midrange on the market
Favorite Putter: D Challenger. It's the most predictable and wind resistant putter available
In My Bag:
Champion Monster
Champion Firebird
Star Teebird
Star Destroyer
Z Predator
Z Buzzz
Z Shockwave
Z Drone
D Challenger
Favorite website: www.pdga.com
Favorite Pro Players: Kevin Gomez for his tiger woods mentality. Steven Thomas for his surgical precision. Carlo Pelg for his determination to win… in style!
PDGA Sanctioned Tourney Results:
Professional
1st San Marcos Ice Bowl
3rd Sunrise Showdown
4th Sun Valley Open
4th Emerald Isle Open
5th Southern California Championships
8th Las Vegas Halloween Classic
25th The Memorial
Amateur
1st Emerald Isle Open
2nd Mountain High
3rd Toney's Mountain Golf Challenge
3rd Las Vegas Halloween classic
3rd Scott Killian Memorial
3rd Morley Field Spring Fling
3rd Hawaii State Championships
15th PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships
Tips: Do not practice at the course, always practice at a field, or in a wooded area away from the course. Practice every type of throw. Many people are limited in their game and can't throw sidearm, overhand, rollers etc...but the players that are able to throw all types of shots have an instant advantage no matter where they are playing.
Do not be afraid to ask other players for advice, I’m always willing to help anyone with their game...
Missing a shot is not the worst thing in disc golf. Not having the courage to miss is the worst thing in disc golf...
Morley Player Profile: Mark "mdub" Wilson
Mark “mdub” WilsonDivision: Rec / Masters
Began playing disc golf?:
I went with a group of friends the day after high school graduation (Madison HS - 1979 in San Diego). I was hooked from then on and played maybe once a month or so. In 1982 I worked at the Union-Tribune in Mission Valley and we would take off for lunch a little early (10 min.), play a full round (barley 1 hour!), and arrive back to work a little late (15 min). That’s right people… you could play Morley in an hour! I had to stop playing for about 10 years because I threw my back out on hole 1 with a horrible form of a backhand. I returned a few years later to sponsor a tee sign hole (Hole 12) and Snapper asked where I had been. I told him about my back and he suggested throwing sidearm from there on out. I actually threw farther than ever! Started playing again regularly (3-4 times a week) in 2006.
First Disc: Shark?
Favorite Morley Field Hole: In the early days of Morley Field there were a few holes that traveled south from the 19th pad, along where the nursery is. There were a few holes that crossed back and forth across the canyon (if you look at the nursery incinerator on 19 you will see a little dip that was the entrance the little valley). I think it was hole 13. You threw from one side of the valley across to the other. It was pretty cool.
Morley Field Aces: NONE! It is almost mathematically impossible to throw something at a target 10,000 times and not even hit it by accident! I predict hole 1 left, 13 short, or pyramid on 15
Personal Favorite Disc: Elite Z Xpress Spongebob disc my kids got me for Fathers Day 2006
Favorite Driver: Star Destroyer (great sidearm disc)
Favorite Midrange: Star Cro (great sidearm disc)
Favorite Putter: Omega Supersoft
“In My Bag": Star Destroyer (x2) Champion Groove Elite Z Avenger SS Champion Valkyrie Elite Z XS Star TL Star Cro Omega Supersoft 120g #2 Helix for my 5 year old
Tourney wins and / or Top 5 finishes (not necessarily from Morley): I have only played one in my life (Course Championship 2007). I finished 1 spot from DFL and 2 spots from DNF but I had fun. I did though play a doubles round at Bayside and cashed. It was kind of funny.
Favorite DG Website: 1000 Rated and morleyfield.com (I am the web guy so that may seem biased)
Favorite Pro Player: 1. Snapper - Without him who knows where this sport would be. 2. Dave Feldberg – I still "blame" him for the recent huge surge in crowded courses in SoCal, due to his appearance on Conan in 2007! 3. Paul McBeth – He is the future of the sport! The “Shaun White” of disc golf
Tips for other players that have helped you: 1. Take your time. Visualize the shot 2. "Shut up and throw" 3. Pick up trash 4. Have fun!!!
Claim to Fame: Concusions from errant throws on holes 16 ($5k ER trip / CAT Scan) and 15 (from same group that hit me 2 years previous on hole 16!)
Player Profile: Chuck VanKempen "CVK"
Chuck VanKempen
PDGA#: 5351
Division: Open Masters
I began playing disc golf: In the Spring of 1980, so this will be my 29th year.
My favorite disc of all time: This would be the Chain Chopper. For those players who haven’t played very long, it’s a puffy mold that was made from a very soft material, almost like a pearl pink eraser. Favorite hole at Morley: Hole #10B for the fact that it has cashed out for me twice on the last day of league play and no one else; something the entire league, not to mention at least eight other aces.
Number of aces at Morley: I have aced over 100 times. (Editor’s Note: I saw him ace 101 this day.)
Favorite Driver: Wraith and Star Starfire.
Favorite Midrange: Max weight Roc
My Favorite Putter: Putter X, although in my time as a disc golfer, I’ve tried many of the putters on the market such as the 86 Softie, APX, Gum Pot, AVR Puffy and Super Puffy.
“In my bag”: Flick, Monster, Predator, Star Starfire, Flash, Ray Orc, VSS, T-Bird, Roadrunner, Spider, Goblin, Sharp, Barracuda, Sting Ray, AVR, and Putter X.
Wins and best finishes: Most recent would be the Halloween Classic ’06, second place; many monthly tournament wins at Morley, although the most memorable would be the Morley Field monthly. I set a record for being the only player to come from the third group back and take third place. It also put me on the course records page with a -16. I finished at -24 that day.
Favorite disc golf website: I have no favorite disc golf website only due to the fact that I don’t have a computer.
Favorite Pro Player: Steve Weiscup.
Tips for new players: Try not to start out with any discs that are too overstable. In other words, if you are a right-handed player who throws with a standard backhand, that disc would go out and turn to the left. You would be better off checking the disc chart at the pro shop and they will show you choices of discs that are more straight flying.
fyi: For you golfers that may not know me, I’m the guy who goes around the course with my wrist rocket hunting discs out of the trees, so if you ever get your disc back from the shop and see a small cut on the rim you can thank me.
It's That Time Again... Doubles!
Morley Field doubles return on Wednesday, March 11th with the firstOpen / Advanced competition of the year and Friday, March 13th for all divisions. Play starts at 5:00pm sharp. It's a good idea to get to Morley early to make sure you get a spot!
Wednesday Night Doubles 2009
Entry fee $10.00 per player, with play band you’ll need $12.50. Wednesday Night Doubles is only for the upper echelon of serious competitive players at Morley. There is a separate Wednesday Night Ace pool in effect. Expected field 24 players or less. (scores typically run -10 to -19) The course has become too busy on weeknights to cater to a larger competitive field. The format is best shot with players from an A pool randomly assigned partners from a B pool.
A player qualifies as an A player if any of the following requirements are met: A) Any qualified B player who chooses to play in the A pool. B) Any player with a 965 or higher player rating C) Any player who shot a -13 or better cumulative score for 2 rounds in any of their last 3 monthlies at Morley. D) Any player who finished league play with a -5 handicap or better in the last 2 years
A player qualifies as a B player if: A) Any player with a 925 or higher player rating B) Any player who has shot a -4 or better 2 round tourney cumulative score in their last 3 monthlies at Morley C) Any player who finished league play with a -2 or better handicap in the last 2 years
All scoring requirements are for singles play only and scores shot in practice rounds are meaningless. Out of town players will be considered for eligibility on an individual basis.
Players who show up drunk will be asked to not return to Wednesday Night Doubles for the remainder of the 2009 season. Players who try to circumvent these scoring requirements to gain entry will also be asked to not return. Players who do not meet these requirements but still wish to play can gain entry be shooting the required score in any upcoming monthly.
Friday Night Doubles 2009
Entry fee $6. Format is best shot doubles.
A separate Friday Night Ace pool is in effect.
A pool players are under par players.
B pool players are over par players. If a top tier player (-5 average score) shows up they will be assigned a random handicap (mandatory throwing styles, or off hand throws, or they may play alternate shot format for “X” number of holes with their partner… etc.) as determined by the tourney director. The purpose of which is to develop alternate skills while allowing lesser skilled players a chance to match their score. In that same vein all women entrants are allowed 2 putts at each putting attempt inside the 10 meter putting zone and will be assigned top A players as partners whenever possible. Once again this year we will have the 3 deuces in a row rule on Friday nights. Once a team has scored 3 consecutive 2’s they will then be required to take all subsequent shots with either their off hand or using a sidearm motion until such time that they do not score a 2 on a hole. The purpose of this rule is to keep baggers or just players getting hot from blowing the field away.
Friday night doubles is an attempt to balance the competitive field so that hopefully each team is competitive. (scores typically run -5 to -10)
Expected field size is over 30 players per week.
Friday night is date night and the course empties out after 6 pm. So Friday night doubles starts out somewhat busy but we end up with a less busy course than usual weeknights allowing for a larger competitive field to participate.
Morley Player Profile: Micah Dorius
Micah Dorius
PDGA#14609
Division: Pro
Sponsor: Innova
Began playing disc golf: I was very young, probably in grade school when my dad took me down to Morley field to play disc golf. All I remember is throwing over and over through the trees. I only remember playing on a few occasions. It was either late 70s or early 80’s, don’t know for sure. I grew up on Texas St. about 4 blocks from Morley field. In junior high I started playing after school with some friends. I didn’t take it that seriously. In high school I played a lot of basketball and did a lot of surfing. I didn’t play any disc golf for about 5 or 6 years. Then one day after surfing with a childhood friend he suggested we go play a round of disc golf. He used to always beat me. So I started practicing to get better. Then he stopped playing. Then I met Mark and Ken Jarvis. And I was amazed how far they threw and how much talent they had. Since I was a competitive jock I couldn’t stand losing to these skinny little kids. So I practiced even harder. They convinced me to play my first tournament which was the 1997 Spring Fling. Since I thought I was pretty good, I went straight to advanced division. I think I got close to dead last. I was so frustrated I practiced even harder. And the rest is history. Still hooked!
First disc: Don’t really remember the first disc I bought or played with. I’m pretty sure the Frisbee I first threw was probably a Whamo. It was a long time ago. Then later on my friends just let me use discs that they had. I remember vaguely throwing aviars and classic rocs in junior high and my favorite driver for distance was the eclipse. Then when I started playing again at the age of 23 I believe the first disc I bought was a yellow dx shark.
Favorite Morley field hole: Hole 5 lets admit it, the greatest thing in disc golf is watching your disc fly a long way. Since its down hill it always made you think you were a little longer than you really were. And if you learned to play disc golf at Morley like I did, we all measured our distance improvement on that hole. I couldn’t wait to get to that hole to see if I could get to that long pin or the gully. And how sweet it was to finally reach that long pin and get the deuce.
Morley field aces: The first ace is always the sweetest. It was hole nine in the short right pin. I threw a yellow dx shark as hard as I could. That led to my personal best round at the time which was 7 under. I’ve honestly lost count of my aces somewhere around 80. It just was not important to me anymore to keep track. But I counted every ace whether it was my first shot or I emptied my bag.
Favorite disc: Aviar has always been the most consistent and reliable disc that Innova has made. So it’s got to be my favorite.
Favorite driver: Any teebird whether champion, Dx, or Star are the most controllable and reliable drivers I've ever used.
Favorite midrange: Anyone that’s played with me knows that my champion shark is my baby. I’ve been throwing the same one for about 6 or 7 years. Take that out of my bag and the confidence is gone.
Favorite putter: The JK Aviar-X. Thanks Juliana Korver!
“In my bag”: Champion Whippet X Champion Firebird Star Xcaliber Champion Teebird (New) Champion Teebird (Beat) Champion Leopard Champion TL (beat for roller) Dx Moray (Roller ) 2 Champion Sharks (1 new, 1 beat) Champion Gator 2 Aviars (1 stable, 1 flippy) 150 class Aviar JK Aviar-X Currently Testing Boss VS Destroyer
Tournament wins and notable accomplishments: Countless monthlies 10 consecutive Morley field course championships 1 out of state win the Teva Tree Bash in Flagstaff, Arizona 2 wins at Waller Pines at Santa Maria 2 faultline classic wins and 1 Masters Cup in Santa Cruz 1 win at Sunrise Showdown 1 Sun Valley Open win in La Mesa 2 top ten finishes in majors. 7th at the worlds in flagstaff and 8th place at the USDGC
Most respected tour player: After playing with just about all the best in the world the only one who truly and consistently carries himself as a professional on the course and the most fun to watch and compete against has still got to be Ken Climo. It’s just too bad we don’t get more opportunities to see him or compete against him on the west coast.
Tips for other players: If you are serious about getting better, go to a park and practice every kind of shot you can think of. And bring a basket and practice put. It’s not as fun as playing at the course with your friends but you will get faster results. No pain no gain.
March Monthly Results
March 2009 Advanced Markus -11 $50 + grab bag David Parnell -7 $40 Mike T -6 $33 Adam C -5 $27 Justin F -4 $22.50 Magnus -4 Jack D -3 Danny Z -3 D-unit -2 Ranli -1 JJ Johnson 0 Mans +2 David G DNF Quinn H DNF
Intermediate Ben R -5 $34 + grab bag Chris M -3 $27 Jay H -2 $19 Patrick P -2 $19 Alex S -2 KC -1 Mike H +4 Shane D +8 Hawk +10 Derek +15 Sage +17
Novice David F +3 $28 + grab bag Pete R +5 $25 Dale C +7 $21 Dennis +9 $17 Will W +10 $14 Joe K +10 Andrew +11 Pierre +12 Ryan +12 Josh H +14 Frank M +14 Neil M +16 Aiden +18 Russ +20 Lawrence +24 Sean H DNF
Women Vilga +17 $15 + grab bag Leta +32 $9 + grab bag Fia +36 Rita +36 Michelle +41 Tianna +49
Mondo winners- Josh H, Sage, Larry K
Morley Player Profile: AdaZm Nash
AdaZm Nash
PDGA# 28304
Division: Advanced
Began Playing Disc Golf: Late 90s up at a Morro Bay pole course, quickly maturing into Waller Park at Santa Maria, still one of my favorite courses. Started playing "seriously" when i started working at the Morley pro shop in 2003.
First Disc:
Max weight Cobra, was so peeved I could not throw it farther, didn't quite grasp that it was only a mid range disc.
Favorite Morley Field Hole: Hole 5 because I am right handed
Morley Field Aces: First ever ace was hole 12 short left/middle with 150 Polaris. Since then MANY condor aces. Best ace was hole 3 short right to win a sudden death playoff to qualify for the Team Tournament
Personal Favorite Disc: Hard to beat a Condor (unless there is a head wind).
Favorite Driver: Eagle-L, again a little dicey in a head wind. yet so easy to throw it gently, keep it low and have pin point accuracy for 285-330 feet.
Favorite Mid range: Spider. I like the part where it drops predictably left when it comes to the basket. When i play one disc challenges at Morley, it is definitely with a spider.
Favorite Putter: Champ Rhyno, works in the wind and unlikely to go too far past the basket if you miss.
“In My Bag": I try to keep it under 15, hard for me to keep track with more than that: 175 Eagle-L 175 Champ (KC Pro 11X) T-Bird. Gomez is right, brilliant stable disc. 197 new stable Condor (now that they are back in production i carry two). 197 beat-up used flippy Condor for jump putts (or high altitude) 175 Champ Spider 175 Champ Gator, no big arm should be without! 175 Champ Banshee, literally the best approach side arm disc of all-time. 175 Z Surge, basically a wraith. Good barely stable disc. 175 Champ Boss. Hard to believe it is legal. i now have a 370 ft sidearm! 175 Champ Rhyno. 175 Champ FL (firebird-L) new "favorite" versatile disc. A faster banshee/less stable Firebird, awesome for sidearm AND backhand. 175 Champ Roadrunner, sometimes there's a strong tail wind. 175 Champ Firebird, i tried playing without it, but it's too darn practical. 175 Champ Starfire, should be stable, yet isn't. somehow i keep finding use for it.... …on the bubble: 175 Champ Destroyer, for courses longer than Morley 175 Champ Whippet, specialty sidearm/tomahawk disc 178 Wasp, i want it to work, yet why won't it come back left?!?
Tourney wins and / or Top 5 finishes (not necessarily from Morley) am sure it seems silly, but i am more of a top 6 type finisher. recently took 2nd place at Oak Grove Am tourney though. finished 4th in SoCal for 2008.
Favorite DG Website: i check SoCals site for tourneys and PDGA for discussion. ebay when I'm bored
Favorite Pro Player: Paul McBeth, NO question. Phenomenal guy and player. Plus UBER generous of him to let me beat him a couple times in the distant past! i especially enjoy the part where he is no longer playing in the same division as me
Tips for other players that have helped you: Disc golf is a simple game, throw disc to basket. don't complicate it. if it is important to you to excel, practice putting. a remotely athletic person can learn to throw decent drives in just a couple rounds of playing. if you want to take things to the next level, drive for show, putt for dough. also, it's invaluable to have a decent grasp of both backhand shots and sidearms, especially for approach shots. and remember, have fun! disc golf is an inexpensive walk in the park, enjoy it even when you have a bad roll that turns your birdie into a bogey. is not the end of the world, at least you aren't playing ball golf. oh and just in case it's not common knowledge. throw more stable discs into headwind, less stable with tail wind. less stable discs uphill and less stable discs at high altitude.
editors query - - - Q: Where does the Z in your name come from? AdaZm: I've always been annoyed that my name was a common one. so many years back I for some reason thought to throw a Z in there for fun. and it turns out, if someone say finds a disc with the name "Adam" on it, maybe I get it back, maybe not. but with the name "adaZm", EVERYONE knows whose disc it is.
Fundamentals of Hideous Putting
By Jason Southwick of Marshall Street Disc Golf Store Let's be clear what we're talking about here. We're not talking about missing half your 20-footers. That's considered bad putting in some circles, but here we're talking about being fairly incapacitated from five to 10 feet, and missing the entire basket a lot of the time. And of course being terrified before the putt, and mortified afterwards. What happens during the putt is hard to remember, due to your little nervous breakdown. You can try covering it up with self-deprecation, but truth is, most people on the planet - and many of them have never even seen a golf disc - can putt way better than you right now. Then again, most of them don't have brand new facial twitches and a loud ringing in their ears.
And it's not something that comes quickly. You can't just walk onto a disc golf course and be a hideous putter. It takes thousands and thousands of putts over many years, covering dozens of putting styles and any number of putters. Hideous putting also requires brooding, and attaching your self-worth directly to the shortest of putts.
With the proper negative energy, nurtured by a deep-seated fear of failure, we can make our putting so hideous that people look away. And the one friend who's not giving you the silent treatment asks, shocked, "What was THAT?"
Well, it's not easy. Here are a few ideas for climbing into the abyss.
Bad Posture, the Key to Sucking at Any Sport
A few years back I gave a disc golf lesson to a big strong man, and we began with putting. Right off the bat he's all kinds of nervous, and can't reach the basket from 15 feet with his straddle putt. He somehow looks like so many bad putters, just worse. It dawns on me he's making the classic mistake of reaching the disc toward the basket - to make the putt shorter and, presumably, easier - while necessarily sticking his butt out in the opposite direction.
Problem is, in that position, it's difficult to muster enough coordination for even regular bad putting, never mind enough oomph to actually reach the target. It can be mind-boggling to witness otherwise normal disc golfers reaching forward in this awkward standing broad jump pose, eight feet away from the basket, as if they're trying to defuse a basket-shaped bomb with a disc-shaped remote control.
So if you define success as failure, remember to maximize the distance between the release point of your putt, and your rear end. Guaranteed to raise your score while amusing your friends. And one of the bedrocks of hideous putting.
Jason demonstrates extreme "Reach Closer So You Won't Have to Throw it as Far" putting, the perfect stance for unearthing that truly humiliating stroke that resides in all of us.
Footfault Every Single Time
Develop the habit of stepping on your mini upon release, and stepping over it afterwards. The idea here is to send the subliminal message to Captain Brain that you're unworthy. While disc golf will naturally rob us of our confidence, we can greatly accelerate the demoralization process by making our bad putting also illegal, the way Shaq used to step over the foul line after every foul shot.
The fact that cheating brings you a little closer to the target won't help one bit, and chances are, like poor Shaq stepping over the foul line, you won't be called on it that often. Why? Because what you're doing is so obviously not helping.
And because, as fellow disc golfers, we recognize that you're suffering enough already.
Thought Flashes
Thought flashes are the opposite of mantras. A mantra is something you repeat in your head over and over, in a calm, slow Keith Oberman voice: "Put the bisquit in the basket." Thought flashes are much more sudden, involuntary, and sound a lot like Sam Kinison screaming words so offensive they'd make the most hardened PDGA Monitor blush -- even if you wrote them without vowels.
No putting can attain true hideousness without well-timed thought flashes.
When the Psyche Goes Bad
The psyche is the whole shebang. It's what you're thinking and what you know and don't know, what you remember as well as everything you've forgotten. And if your body isn't part of your psyche, it's the car the psyche's driving, often erratically, especially on those short putts where your skin crawls right off of you, stands up on its own with holes for eyes and laughs in your face. And it's not a nice sort of laugh, either.
Whatever messes with your psyche, is guaranteed to mess with your putting. They are reflections of each other.
"Hurry up and miss," says my former skin, suddenly bored with the inevitable.
And of course I clang the front of the basket from nine feet and, since my skin's new job is to mock me, my blood and organs spill out of me onto the ground next to my poor putter.
Solutions
You can improve your posture, avoid footfaulting, suppress some of the more shattering thought flashes, start actually practicing, and visit a sports psychologist. All of this may help. When you're in hideous putting mode, however, your best bet is to simply surrender to it and accept it.
Sooner or later the vortex in your head will settle, your confidence will return, and you'll be putting as well as the first time you ever picked up a disc.
Morley Player Profile: Kent La Gree
Kent La Gree
PDGA# 19730
Open Masters Division
Began playing disc golf: 1982 for about 6 months. 2001 the disease began
First Disc: The Hammer
Favorite Morley Field Hole: 17 it has the most character and carnage and 7 ( I am the roller king after all (chuckles)
Morley Field Aces: Too many to count! most every hole and position at one time or another - only missing some of the longer or more obscure holes
Favorite Disc: The one that gets the birdie. too hard to really answer that one My dad taught me long ago (being a ball golf pro) a great pro can out putt you with just a stick (ball golf), to become to attached to any disc will only be heartbreak when it is lost or retired.
Favorite Driver: Star Destroyer seems to fly the truest and farthest for this ol dog
Favorite Midrange: Z Comet and the Squall... both extremely controllable for a smooth throw
Favorite Putter: XD...straight and true...it is one of the reasons for my game being where it is at...you have to have the confidence to make the putt
"In My Bag": Clothes mainly...just kidding 2 XD's 2 Destroyers 2 Squalls 2 Comets 1 Crystal Buzz 2 Valkyries
Tourney wins and / or Top 5 finishes (not necessarily from Morley): Top 5 Finishes: 2x first places The Masters @ La Mirada 2x St Louis Open Champion Morley Field Course Champion 2009 Spring Fling Championship ...memory failing, those are the ones off the top of my head
Favorite DG Website: discgolfersrus.com and PDGA.com
Favorite Pro Player: No doubts on this one, I have had the pleasure of playing with so many greats of the sport but there is one that stands out above the rest..Steve Wisecup He has always been the most professional on and off the course of any player that I have ever played with or against..he rarely makes a mistake and his recovery from them is always well thought out. I have never seen him get angry over a bad shot or loss and always has a kind word for any player..truly everyone can learn from him what this game is all about.. just my opinion though
Tips for other players: Disc Golf is a game not unlike ball golf in it's execution and mindset..confidence is the key to the game. I have watched so many throw great shots and freeze over a putt or lay up for fear of going 20 by and I know it is what holds them back from moving to the next level. it is for me 20% talent and 80% confidence. I was lucky enough to learn much about the sport from playing with much greater players than myself, each gave me a key to what I formed into my own game, so there is much thanks to Donny Olow (the crazy just enjoy it side of DG) Micah Dorius (confidence and technique) and Snapper (find a way to push it to challenge yourself)
Morley Player Profile: Mike Ballestas
Michael BallestasPDGA# 35093
Open/Advance
Began Playing Disc Golf: In May of 2007 my friend Chris, introduced me to disc golf and was hooked instantly. How could you not be!
First Disc: The Archangel, good for anyone starting off. It’s a great distance driver with less power required to throw it.
Favorite Morley Field Hole: Hmm, there’s so many of them, but it have to be 12 because there are so many different pin locations and many trees to make it challenging.
Morley Field Aces: 11 aces at Morley..2c twice, 5c, 8a, 11a, 14d, 15a, 15e twice, 17b, 18b
Favorite Disc: Z Predator, a nice over stable disc that has many uses besides a backhand. For thumbers it’s great, it flips over slow and can go pretty far…it has saved me form trouble numerous times.
Favorite Driver: Star Destroyer, it’s a great fast, reliable disc that I can always count on. Once they get beat in they can hold a line for awhile and get there quick
Favorite Midrange: It’s a 178 Z Buzz and anybody that knows me would say that as well. It’s a GREAT midrange because it can hold just about any line you give it and just glide to the pin
Favorite Putter: 175 Soft Omega
"In My Bag": Soft omegas(2) putters 175g
Star destroyer 174g
Star Excaliber 175g
Star TL
Champion Firebird 170g
Champion Wraith 175g
Z Force 172g
Z Predator 174g
Z Buzz 177g
Z wasp 176g
Stratus 174g
Star Gator 175g
Favorite DG Website:
Not much time to look, to busy playing
Favorite Pro Player:
Snapper.. I’ve played with Snapper many times and just watching him throw effort less and accurate blows my mind. He’s a great teacher and you can learn many things by watching him.
Tips for other players that have helped you: Start with a controllable disc, like a Valkyrie or even a Archangel. Start off throwing slow, getting the right technique first because you are less accurate if you try and kill it. Just go out there and have fun! Remember, there are always players willing to help you out…just ask!
Disc Golf Comics - 3/1/09
Morley Player Profile - David “D. Bear” Butcher
Began Playing Disc Golf
I began playing object disc golf in 1972. I was training Killer Whales for Sea World and between shows / training sessions I would get the other trainers together and make up a game hitting trees, park benches, whatever. We put together a club with a small trophy that would rotate to each winner. We would play weekly in parks like Presidio, Kate Sessions, and play night golf through the museums in Balboa Park.
First Disc My first disc was a yellow 119 Frisbee. I loved that disc. It was magic. Then they started making golf discs and I started throwing Stratus and Phantom discs.
Favorite Hole at Morley: I like throwing through the trees on hole #17.
Aces: Just got my 16th ace 0n Feb.1, 2009 on hole 10.
Favorite Disc: It used to be the Orc, for Orca, get it? But now it’s the Star Destroyer.
Favorite Midrange: I like both the Squall and Comet. “Don’t turn over a turnover disc”.
Favorite Putter: I can’t put so what’s it matter.
In My Bag : JK Aviar, 3 Squalls, Comet, 3 Destroyers, XD, Orc, Wraith, and I used a have a Rattler until I through it in the ocean trying to impress my girlfriend on how to throw it into the wind and have it come back to you.
Favorite Website: I don’t spend much time on websites, I’d rather be playing.
Favorite Pro player: Micah Dorius and Snapper . I have enjoyed playing and sharing the game with both of them.
Tips: Learn the 3 step release, slow down and try to get rid of as many moving parts of your swing as you can. Confidence is huge in this game and the more you practice with success the better you become. Don’t turn bogeys into double bogeys. But most of all enjoy yourself and others around you.
February Morley Monthly: A Historical Day!
The first of this season’s three monthly mondo’s was held between rounds one and two of the February monthly today. We had 27 discs in the air at one time from the 65 foot line after the call of “ready two…one…throw!” Each of the three rounds had one clear cut winner. Josh
Egbert, Mike Tyberg and Adam Colt divvied up the goodies donated for the CTP. A choice of sweatshirts from Discraft plus a hat, a collared T and a regular T plus a star disc from Innova and a month pass from the shop were offered as prizes this month.
In the Open division 10 time course champion Micah Dorius broke the course record for a single round in tournament play firing a -18 in the first round. He followed that up by shattering his own 2 round record by 5 strokes with a -34. The one round record is about the only tournament record here at Morley that Micah didn’t own until now. John Ahart had the previous record of -17 shot in the 1992 Spring Fling. Of note Carlo Pelg had 14 consecutive birdies in the first round and shot an impressive -16. He finished -28 for 2nd. Carlo’s 2nd place finish score tied for the third best score in our 32 year history.
Open
Micah -34 $90 new course record for 2 rounds
Carlo -28
Jeff L -19
George S -17
Angel G -17
Trey M -15
Jeff N -14
Mike L -14
KG -11
Roper -7
Serban F -2
Willie L +10
Advanced
Josh E -15^
Mike B -12^
Paul S -12^
Aaron V -11
Quinn H -11
Paul M -8
Chris W -8
Randy W -7
Adam C -6
Danny Z -6
Rob -3
Mike T -3
Justin F -3
Daniel G -3
Auggie +4
Eddy S DNF
Intermediate
Jack D -8^
Ben R -7
Patrick P -7
Shawn S -7
Chris M -6
Robert M -5
Eric S -3
Garrett B -2
Shooter -1
Jay H +2
Shane D +3
KC +5
Yeti +5
Ray S +5
Hawk +6
Ray G +8
Bill C +12
Neil +12
Dennis +12
David F DNF
Trey M aced #16 during 2nd round
* Course Record
^ Bumped up to next division
Disc Golf Video Game
In case you can't get enough disc golf time at Morley, here is the next best thing(?).
Click on the screenshot to the right to be taken to this free online timewaster.
Morley Player Profile: Ben Rutherford
Ben RutherfordPDGA#33997 Intermediate Division
Began playing disc golf:
My freshman year at CSU Monterey Bay - 1998 , a couple business majors built a course on the campus with help from Steady Ed himself. A few friends and I went down with Frisbees when we heard about the course. After a few holes and quite a few throws, we met up with some other disc golfers and learned the difference between a Frisbee and a disc. I went and bought my first disc that week. In 1999, I took a Disc Golf course the college offered. The class was taught by Dr. Stancil Johnson (PDGA #9.) I also was able to meet Steady Ed at a lecture that year.
First Disc: Yellow Typhoon and a white Aviar. I still have my Aviar.
Favorite Morley Field Hole: Hole 7. The fact that you have to throw a different shot for each of the pin placements makes this hole probably the most challenging hole on the course. Morley Field Aces: 3 Aces at Morley Field on holes 9-B, 11-C and 15-A.
Favorite Disc: Champion Leopard. My first Morley ace was with this disc. It is a great turnover disc and works well as a roller. I never play a round without one in my bag.
Favorite Driver: Pro Wraith or Champion Orc…too tough to decide between the two.
Favorite Midrange: Either a Z Buzzz or an Ontario Roc but a Gator will also be a mainstay in my bag.
Favorite Putter: The JK Aviar is definitely the one.
“In My Bag”: Star Xcaliber, Pro Destroyer, Pro Wraith, Champion Beast, Champion Orc, Champion Firebird (2), Champion Leopard, Star & Champion Gator, Z & Pro-D Buzzz, Star Ontario Roc, Soft Wizard, JK Aviar
Tourney wins and / or Top 6 finishes (not necessarily from Morley): 2007 Sun Valley Open Recreational 4th Place 2007 SoCal Championships Recreational 6th Place 2008 Ice Bowl in Paradise Recreational 5th Place 2008 Sun Valley Open Intermediate 5th Place
Favorite DG Website: I am always on the PDGA website. I look up the statistics of players I have played against or will play in the future. The amount of information that can be found is amazing. I post quite a bit on discgolfersR.us as well. It’s cool being able to put pictures of my disc golf road trips for others to see.
Favorite Pro Player: My favorite touring pro to watch would either be Dave Feldberg or Barry Schultz. Feldberg is fun to hang out with off the course as well. I don’t have a favorite Morley Pro because they’re all cool to play with. Watching two pros, Big D and Roper, battle for a place on Team San Diego for the 2008 Southwest Team Tournament was probably one of the best battles I have ever seen.
Tips for other players that have helped you: Teeing off: Don't spin on your plant foot. Putting: when inside the circle, focus on a link and reduce your body motion as much as possible. Don't get stuck playing one course over and over again. Explore other regions and what they have to offer to the game. And try to remember it is just a game. Have fun with it.
North vs. South San Diego Team Tournament
On February 14, the North County team travelled south for the completion of the North vs. South San Diego Team Tournament. Some competitors were unable to make the tournament but there were a few disc golfers willing to fill in as substitutes. The singles round started around 9am at Morley Field. It had rained the night which made the course a little muddy but the sun was out in the morning and made for a great morning of disc golf. In the afternoon, the competition moved over to Sun Valley for a round of doubles. Again, the rain made the course a bit muddy which resulted in quite a few tombstones and some tough footing on the hillsides.
The North team began the day with an 8 point lead (136-128) but the South team received some strong play in their singles matches and took a 26 point lead into the afternoon doubles round. Once the doubles round finished, the South increased their lead to 36 points (300-264) to secure a victory in the first annual tournament. The results of the matches are below. An asterisk (*) indicates a substitute from the original lineup.
Open John Heaton* 2 9 Carlo Pelg Mike Slonim 3 6 Jeff Nichols Tom Olson 5 8 Dave Vin¢ent Miker Ramos 9 4 Dean Porter Kevin Gomez 2 7 Jared Person
Master Dan Shorkey 6 4 Randy Wylot
Amateur Dave Parnell 8 3 Chance Stevens* Dave Roper 6 1 Brendon Wear Big D 5 2 Alex Nichols Justin F 5 4 Trey McKelvey* Mike Tyberg 10 2 Jeremiah Price Aaron V 4 6 Josh E* Adam Cook 10 2 Dave Lewis David Wallace 3 7 Don Vincent Chris Givans 8 3 Richard Bobby Martin 6 4 AJ Worden Ben Rutherford 13 2 Norm Newsome Clark Jackson 9 2 Alex Lawn
Women Emily Hardy 5 3 Allison Wylot Latoya Padilla 1 7 Sofia Martin
Total
South 120 86 North
Doubles John H & Latoya 4 6 Carlo & Sofia Mike S & Emily 6 7 Jeff & Allison Tom & Clark 5 6 ¢ent & Alex L Miker & Ben 8 3 Dean & Norm KG & Bobby 6 3 Jared & Richard Shorkey & Chris 2 4 Chance & AJ W Parnell & Sean Olson* 8 1 Brendon & Dave L Roper & Adam 4 2 Alex N & Don Big D & Aaron 6 5 Trey & Randy Justin & Mike T 3 5 Jeremiah & Josh E
Total
South 52 42 North
Morley Player Profile: Carl "Beanieman" Renda
Carl “Beanieman” RendaPDGA#32852
Open/Adv
Began Playing Disc Golf: I played once or twice as a teenager, but never with more than one disc. In October of 2006 I begun playing with one of my friends, and by January 2007 I played in my first tournament and I was hooked.
First Disc: One of the very first run Z-XL’s. Good straight flying disc that could be used as a midrange too. Still had it in my bag until I lost it shortly before Worlds in 2008.
Favorite Hole at Morley: Hole 15. I’ve aced it 3 times, and I know more than a few different ways to get to each pin position.
Morley Field Aces: Four. Hole 15e twice, 15a and 18a.
Favorite Disc: Cryztal Challenger. My game lives and dies by the putter. I put a lot of snap on my putts and a challenger holds a true line with that snap. The Cryztal plastic gives me the feel I need to release it with consistency. I can use it from just about any shot 100 feet and in and feel confident about my opportunity to make the putt.
Favorite Drivers: Champion Wraith, Champion Roadrunner, Sparkle Rogue
Favorite Midranges: Z Comet, FLX Buzzz, Sparkle Wasp
Favorite Putter: Cryztal Challenger is a jump putter’s best friend
In My Bag: Drivers (12) Champion Wraith, Boss, Teerex, Teebird, Roadrunner, Monarch, Destroyer, Sparkle Force, Sparkle Rogue, Cryztal Avenger SS, Z Surge, Z XL Midranges (5): Z Comet, ESP Buzzz, Cryztal Buzzz SS, Sparkle Wasp, Champ Gator Putters (2):FLX Challenger, Cryztal Challenger. If you think that’s a lot of plastic, I used to carry 25 when I could throw thumbers and sidearms.
Top Finishes: 1st, 2008 Amateur Mini Disc Golf World Championships (that’s right baby…world champ!) 1st, 2007 December Morley Monthly Advanced 2nd, 2008 San Marcos Ice Bowl Advanced 4th, 2008 Sun Valley Open Advanced 4th, 2008 Ice Bowl in Paradise Advanced 4th, 2008 Fling XII Advanced 4th, 2007 Fling XI Intermediate 5th, 2008 September Morley Monthly Open
Accomplishments: 50th in Amateur PDGA Points internationally 2nd in California and 1st in SoCal, 2008 2008 San Diego Aces Advanced Points Series Champion 1st in California in PDGA events played among amateurs - 2008 2008 Disc Golf Gladiators Advanced Gladiator
Favorite Disc Golf Website: Would have to be PDGA.com, or my DGRUS page. You should also check out SanDiegoAces.com and this website, Morleyfield.com.
Favorite Pro Player: The answer to this is obvious. Based on heart, hard work, passion for the game, and since I play pro at Morley, I would have to say myself. Plus if I picked one of the local pros I play with all the rest of them would get pissed. But if I had to pick one out of the top 20, it would have to be Paul McBeth. The kid phenom will be the best in the world one day, and his success hasn’t gone to his head.
Tips for newer players and players looking to improve: Develop a consistent putting routine. 40-50% of your shots are putts, so if you are a strong putter, it will buy you time for the rest of your game to develop. If you commit any amount of time, even as little as 15 minutes of putting practice each time you are at the course, over time you will develop a consistent stroke that is easy to keep in rhythm. I usually commit 45-60 minutes each time I play to putting. 15 minutes before my round, 15 minutes inbetween rounds and 15 minutes before I leave.
Disc Golf Comics - 2/11/09
