After spending most of the past three days attending the North American Cartographic Information Society annual conference in Norfolk, Virginia for work, today it was time to start the long march back toward Minnesota, via South Carolina. Though with time on my hands, and “only” 300+ miles to drive before meeting with family tomorrow morning, I decided to sneak-in a few courses.
My first stop on the day was at Barber Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. The course was very wet, and there was periodic rain (a theme on this trip…sigh). But the toughest part of playing the course came after playing Hole 10. There was supposed to be a rather long walk between Holes 10 and 11, and on my walk toward Hole 11, I encountered a very large, ominous sign that read: “NO TRESPASSING. VIOLATORS WILL BE CHARGED WITH A FELONY!” Gulp. Not wanting to have an extended-stay inside of any North Carolina courthouse or prison, I decided to steer-clear of said area. Instead skipping ahead to Hole 15, which was along a paved trail outside of the “no trespassing“ area. After finishing Hole 18, I walked inside of a recreation center on park property. I asked one of the men who was working there if, in fact, there were four disc golf holes in an area where the public is (at least) not currently allowed. He said yes, so I told him that I made it a 14-hole course during my visit. Though I did see an elderly gentleman strolling up the road past the no trespassing signage, as if to thumb his nose at the rules and say: “What are you going to do? Handcuff and arrest an old man?” 🙂
After Greensboro, I continued on my way toward Charlotte, North Carolina, my destination for the evening. Along the way, I enjoyed a quick nine holes at Vietnam Veterans Park in Concord, as well as nine holes at Dorton Park, also in Concord. Dorton Park used land that is also used by people walking along a trail system. And just in the 20 minutes I was there, I encountered four sets of people out walking their dogs…with those individuals being directly in the line of fire off the tee on at least three or four holes. Dorton seemed like a course that might not stand the test of time if local players are not careful, as all it will take is one disc golfer who is either selfish, careless or inebriated to have other park users demand that the “safety hazard” (disc golf course) be pulled from the ground.
After finishing up in Concord, I made my way to Charlotte, and with a little extra time on my hands before sunset and checking into my hotel? I decided to play a quick eighteen holes at Kilborne TPC. My kind of course, as it has lots of trees and provided a good balance of length and technical shots (tunnels/alleys) off the tee. Posted a -2 (54) on the card…which was good enough for an estimated rating of 972.
Tomorrow my priority will be to pick up my mom in South Carolina, followed by playing a few courses and pushing as far into Tennessee as we can. Starting the LONG march back toward Minnesota. Hopefully without seeing any more rain…or [shudder] “the white stuff.” 🙂
Magic Number = 536 (1,464 Courses Played)
About Tonn’s Travels
How it All Got Started: Tonn’s Travels >>
A main purpose of this blog will be to share information, helpful tips and tricks (everything from health and fitness to methods for saving money while you’re out “bagging courses” of your own), and ideas for better, safer course design. But I am also hoping to inspire others with my passion for the sport, via the stories I can share about all of the interesting experiences I have. All of the interesting people I meet. All of the amazing courses I am blessed to have the opportunity to play. If I can inspire even a handful of individuals to get off the couch, get “out of their bubble” or “security blanket” and explore more of this big, beautiful planet we all call home? Then I will consider this effort a success.
About Derek
Derek Tonn is a member of the DGA’s Ambassador Team. His company, Mapformation, LLC, has been DGA’s partner in the development of disc golf tee signage since 2012. The longer our two companies have worked together, and the more Derek has gotten to know all the great folks at DGA the more he has wanted to formally sing the company’s praises. The more he has realized that “Steady” Ed the father of disc golf and the modern day Frisbee vision for the sport and his company perfectly describes his own interests and priorities related to disc golf, and the more Derek has recently been encouraged to share his story.