In parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere, it’s winter.
By winter, we mean snow, ice and cold.
So while playing a round of disc golf in Southern California in the low 50s may be cold to some, that’s not really winter, per say!
The frigid weather in the Northeast has been tough for some to get out and chuck plastic. But one thing that seems to pop up with some who play in that weather is photos of broken discs.
That’s the topic we’ll cover in this week’s poll.
First, let’s check back to last week when we asked if you every had been part of building a new disc golf course.
Those who responded were split.
Of the 105 people who cast a vote, 51 percent (54 votes) said they had. The remaining 51 votes (49 percent) went to no.
Let’s see what a few people had to say:
Michael said:
I took part in the installation of a DG course at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA. I continue to assist with course work, upkeep and clean up where needed so as to keep the course as usable as possible. There is a lack of courses west of the Northampton MA area and I hope to take part in changing this in the coming years. Any suggestions on how one might approach private land owners and/or municipalities with under utilized open space would be much appreciated.
That’s great that you helped get one in the ground and still work on it! As for the suggestions, I think the first thing is to find whoever is in charge and first try and explain and show what disc golf is. Once you know if it’s viable in their eyes, I think you can then take the next steps. In my limited experience with this, some people seem more into the idea than others.
Peter B said:
We just finished putting the tees in at Lake Sonoma in Geyserville Ca. Everyone who’s played loves it! We’ve had world champions out there enjoying the course and although we don’t have room for expansion to 18, a really fun 9 hole is an excellent option.
I think a 9-hole course can be an important aspect to a smaller area. I know some people throw those courses aside, but if that’s all that’s around, one learns to adapt to it. As this game grows, it’s important to show diversity and different looks. Good luck with your courses as it continues to age!
Nikolas H said:
I haven’t yet but if anyone in the Northern Mississippi area needs a volunteer to help I’d be willing.
If you are willing to help out, reach out to local clubs and see if you can volunteer. Or check out any local forums. I think disc golf organizers are always willing to accept help!
Bocephus Moonshine said:
I’ve volunteered for work days at a local course (Gordy Road Preserve) to help them expand the course from 9 holes to 18, but I just helped clear some brush. I didn’t have a hand in any design decisions. They’re still working on signage for the new holes, and they’re holding a fundraiser in a couple weeks. I hope to get out there and help them dig some post holes for the new signage.
Every little bit helps! Besides designing and getting funds, courses need people willing to put in “grunt” work in cleaning, digging and maintaining. You’re definitely doing your part!
Simpletwist said:
Almost hated to say yes because I’ve done very little. But as they say, “Every little bit helps.”
First off I helped with the redesigned Arrowhead Disc Golf Course at Wilson-Tuscarora SP in NY. This was and unfortunately very little used course. It really is a shame. The curse was just mediocre at best before the redesign. But now the course plays a lot more challenging. Several holes were lengthened. Some were made more difficult by changing the pin placement. A couple were dropped and a couple added. Can you say tunnel shot? I along with several other volunteers did the bulk of the grunt work; placing tee markers, hauling trees, branches and debris.
And there is a brand new private course in the area, Hawk’s Landing. I’ve helped haul wood to clear a couple fairways.
Both times were very satisfying. And you feel a little differently about the course afterwards. Pride I reckon.
Every little bit does help. And it seems like it would definitely give you some pride knowing you helped improve each course.
There are some other, longer responses well worth reading, too. Go back to last week’s poll and check them out!
Now, let’s check in with this week’s poll.
This isn’t just about cold weather. It can be anything. But it seems more photos come with the cold weather as I imagine discs are most susceptible to breaking in frigid weather.
So the question this week is a simple yes or no question in regard to breaking discs.
We’d ask, though, for you to expand in the comments. Do you have a good story about it. Maybe a photo? Feel free to put links in the comments or on our Facebook page. Or post a photo to the Facebook page. If you give permission, we’d like to even use a couple next week.
[poll id=”50″]
If you have any comments, questions, thoughts, ideas or anything else, feel free to e-mail me and the crew at: pj@rattlingchains.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!
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I personally have never broken a disc, but I will tell about a friend of mind who did. After a friend of mine came out to play with me a few times he decided he liked the sport and wanted to buy a set. Trying to be frugal (and I being none the wiser at this point) he went to a large retail store that shall remain nameless but has been under scrutiny for unethical business and employment practices. He bought the first set he could find, a Halex beginner set. I had never heard nor seen this brand before and since it was only $8.86 for the set, I didn’t think it would do harm much for a driver, mid, and putter. Man was I wrong, the driver and midrange were literally unthrowable. As soon as he put any type of power behind the discs would flip immediately and promptly fall the ground. The plastic was super brittle, and the only disc that would fly was the putter, so he used it for everything. About 5 holes in he hit his first tree and destroyed his putter. After refusing to believe what had just happened, we inspected the disc or what was left of it and came the realization that it literally broke into about 5 pieces. Needless to say he nor I were particularly impressed with Halex discs. Soon thereafter he got some Champion plastic from Innova, and hasn’t had a problem since. I didn’t know at the time, but know now that he should have sent in his putter to Vibram for their Broken Disc Contest (http://www.vibramdiscgolf.com/broken-disc-contest.html).
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This is my 6th winter playing. Although for Buffalo, NY last year probably shouldn’t count. I think it only snowed once. I have never broken a disc nor have I ever seen anyone break once because of the cold. And I love to play all winter long. Cold & wind have yet to stop me from going out either. Of course with my noodle arm I don’t really expect I’ll ever break one either.
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I said no. Not because I haven’t had plenty of chances to brake discs (I hit trees almost as often as I hit air). Here in the Great Inland Northwest we have very wooded fairways and it’s usually a challenge to get through all of them without hitting something.
I have really enjoyed playing but decided cold weather play is for those who are more adventurous. I think it messed with my timing and foot work playing in the slick winter. I was getting less distance with more effort after playing in cold weather last year, because I was more worried about slipping that I was about timing for 3 months. My hope this year is to do more field work early in the spring and minimize breakage (bones & discs).
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Over the many years of throwing discs I have broken many, many discs. All of them in the winter. Many have been returned to the manufacturer for recycling with a letter explaining how we need a better disc for winter play. Some times I have received replacement discs in the mail. My worst loss was way back in 1976 when two roommates played catch in the cold and broke my Super Giant Saucer Tosser from a Minnesota Company. That thing was huge. As big as a garbage can lid. And it flew really well. The first time most people caught it it knocked them down.
When I start official disc golf in Sept 2009, I proceeded to break all 5 disc golf discs in my collection. I am pretty sure they were old discs and had turned more brittle. Since then every fall I put all white discs and all cheap plastic discs away for the cold. Which reminds me why do Ice Bowl discs come in white?
I love Daredevil Discs for their durability.
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We don’t really get the icy cold days where most of the courses are here in Australia so it’s never an issue anyone I have played with locally has been faced with.
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