Last Disc Golf at Solitude

Last Disc Golf at Solitude
Originally uploaded by catinlap

Bah that Solitude closed early this year!

2010 Bone/Kat Disc Golf Invitational

2010 Bone/Kat Disc Golf Invitational
Originally uploaded by Clint Gardner

Despite the fact that it was "Tournament Day!" at Solitude (replete with crass and rude Utah Disc Golf Association members) ex-pats Bone and Kat were in town from their Korean sojourn, so we headed up to get in a round. Bone had played while visiting friends in Flagstaff, Arizona, but otherwise he has had a year off of the sport. He only lost by one throw, however, as Catinlap racked up a birdie on the 14 hole (I think.)

Farewell Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational: Catinlap & The Croin

Farewell Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational: Catinlap & The Croin
Originally uploaded by Clint Gardner

This past weekend, Catinlap, The Croin, and myself headed up to Solitude to play the course one last time with The Croin who is, quite literally, shipping out for parts known to do service for our country. It was not our best effort all the way around, and I managed to lose two my best discs--one swallowed up in a lush wetland and the other sailing off into a ravine. It was time that they were retired anyway.

As The Croin departs into the sunset, we can certainly hope that he will not keep loud celebration swearing at bay, as is requested by disc golf etiquette. Why the hell would you want to do that anyway? If you can't yell and swear in the great outdoors, where in the holy living fuck can you do it?

The Croin has left the building. (Well not quite yet, but I needed a good closing line.)

Now is the Time on Sprockets When We Dance

Now is the Time on Sprockets When We Dance
Originally uploaded by Clint Gardner

While it may appear to the untrained eye that Catinlap (q.v. on flickr) is doing some sort of insane Highland jig, or (more amusingly) engaging in an out-of-doors unprotect fencing match with an unseen opponent, he is actually throwing a disc in the official opening of the 2010 disc golf season at Solitude Ski and Summer Resort (http://www.skisolitude.com/).

In the 2010 Season Opening Wilhelm Invitational former Wilhelm inmates Catinlap (pictured), The Croin, and yours truly (Theorris) took on the mighty course on opening day and utterly destroyed their self-esteem. I had a wicked 6 over par that absolutely destroyed my score. Cat and Croin did much better, but were far off their scores from last year. I predict, however, much better performance.

If thou art a disc golfer or would like to be one do thou shoot me an email anon if thou wisht to receive and invitation to the next Wilhelm Invitational. Don't worry--we pretty much invite anyone and pretty much no one has the balls to show up. That's right--I just insulted you people who dis the disc golf. What are you going to do about it? How about we have a throw down--er throw off!

As always, beer is optional, but highly recommended.

Given that I now live at the Fortress of Solitude, I think I shall simply name this season, the Season of Solitude.

Meh. I still prefer the Wilhelm Invitational.

Perfect Day

Perfect Day
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Hole 16 on the University of Utah course probably has the best view of any disc golf course I've ever been to. Not even the construction cranes mar it. I've heard rumor that it is going to be taken out. Much of this was spurred by the removal of holes 10 & 11 because of bad placement near a parking lot that borders the course. The wholes appear to be in the process of being moved, so perhaps the rumor is false.

Perfect Putt

Perfect Putt
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Catinlap and I hit the University Disc Golf Course again today, as did hundreds of other people. It was nice when only a few people knew about it. In any case, play went quickly, despite the number of people. I couldn't get my throw down, and ended up with an atrocious 71. Catinlap pulled exactly the same score as he had the last time we played: 63.

First Disc Golf of 2010

First Disc Golf of 2010
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Catinlap and I took advantage of the beautiful day, and the closeness of the University of Utah's relatively new disc golf course.

I threw a 67. Catinlap (pictured) threw a 63. I was over-throwing the disc during the middle section of the course because I was worried about the wind and being spectacted by others. Stupid mistake. I did manage mostly par on the front 9, but blew it on the back nine. Only 2 pars.

This is the place--for disc golf!

This is the place--for disc golf!
Originally uploaded by Theorris

I know there was some gnashing of teeth of the retirement of the ball golf course at the University, but a disc golf makes much more sense given that it is less dangerous to pedestrians, TRAX trains, and cars who pass closely by, park, or sit near the course. The course is dry right now, given that they are still working on construction for what I think will be new dorms at the University. In any case, disc golf course will never take any where near as much water as a ball golf course since it doesn't require water-hogging greens.

The view from the 12th basket is the best. The 13th tee is nearby and here Catinlap, while taking in the view, is also looking towards the 13th basket, tucked into the trees on the right. I managed to end up in one of the construction trenches on my throw.

New Disc Golf Course!

301a/365: New Disc Golf Course!
Originally uploaded by Theorris

The University of Utah has installed a new disc golf course to replace part of the defunct golf golf course. Will wonders never cease?

I only wish they had the course when I was getting my degree at the U, although it might have been detrimental to my study time between classes, it would have been a nice break in the day to get in 18 baskets. If that were the case, I probably would be a much better disc golfer today. Oh well, I suppose I will settle for the positive side effects of being studious.

Catinlap and I played the course yesterday. While the holes are generally quite short, they do have tree challenges and will offer the backhand exclusive thrower a heiser-heavy round of play. Lefty backhanders and righty forehanders should be in good stead, as I was since I throw right forehand for driving pretty much exclusively. We folk can throw and nice right-tending hook around trees rather well. The poor righty backhander tends to hook left, and that is a tough call at this course without the heiser.

In all it was quite a fun course--although not extremely challenging, it makes for a fun afternoon. I can't wait to play it more.

Wilhelm Disc Golf Team Reunion

Wilhelm Disc Golf Team Reunion
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Prior to karmaking111's wedding, the Wilhelm Crew reunited for annual Wilhelm Reunion Challenge 2009. Karmaking111 and Catinlap ended up with 19 over, although the official scorecard says that Karmaking111 was 18 over. I (not pictured) was 18 over and the Croin (back) was 16 over.

It was a great round and good to reunite all the Wilhelm disc golfiteers.

Side arm (forehand)

Side arm (forehand)
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Here I'm throwing sidearm (forehand) because I can't throw backhand due to shoulder problems. I find that side arm works for most of the holes at Solitude, but it is challenging on some holes. The disc flies opposite to backhand.

Backhand

Backhand
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Here Catlinlap demonstrates a backhand throw at the Solitude Mountain Resort Disc Golf course hole 11. It is a tricky hole, given all the trees.

Days of 47 Disc Golf Classic!

274/365: Days of 47 Disc Golf Classic!
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Catinlap and I were sadly the only entrants in the D47GC, but it was a good day anyway. Cat won by 5 strokes, but I put in a very good showing for my first opportunity of the season with an 81. Don't ask what par is. I'll smack you.

This is also the only 365 day self-portrait I have that contains another person.

The crew takes it to the 'Tude

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Ready to Throw

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Ready to Throw
Originally uploaded by Theorris

The Croin, LateJC, Hopabout, and Molly steel themsevles to enjoy a fine day of disc golfing at Solitude Mountain Resort. I received a few calls mid-course from invitees wondering if we were actually going to have the tournament. As if. Slackers.

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Lower Northstar

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Lower Northstar
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Here Catinlap takes his second throw from mid-range. He landed fairly near the basket. He had 2 birdies. This, I believe, sets a Wilhelm Invitational record.

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: The Croin throws the Hippy

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: The Croin throws the Hippy
Originally uploaded by Theorris

The Croin took up using his favorite disc, "The Hippy," despite its colors. It is rather easy to lose discs of such a color scheme, you see.

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Mainstreet

Wilhelm Disc Golf Invitational 2008: Mainstreet
Originally uploaded by Theorris

Here the crew ponders the final 1,219 hole. A good day was had by all. I ended up with a 75 because of a disruptive family who turned my par chance on Mainstreet into a triple bogie. Blah!

Woeful updating

We've actually had a great disc golfing summer, but have been very bad about updating our activities. I shall remedy that as soon as possible.

Disc golf fun at all hours day or night � RapidCityJournal.com

This event sounds kind-of fun, although I am very uncertain what a glow stick will do to the aerodynamics of a disc:

"Disc golfers will play a round in the daylight and a round at night. During the daylight round, golfers will be allowed to play according to the normal rules. The night portion of the tournament makes it unique, said Teresa O’Connell, who is organizing the event with the help of John Anderson, Brenda Bure and the Black Hills Disc Golf Confederacy." (Disc golf fun at all hours day or night � RapidCityJournal.com)

I think it would be much better if the did what Team Wilhelm tried a couple of years ago with such a nighttime outing: painting the discs with glow-in-the-dark paint. You had to recharge the disc before each throw and go find it quickly, but it did work to some extent.