Today was the day I have been waiting to have again for over a month. 106 holes played across seven courses in Iowa and Missouri. Five LONG, tough 18+ hole courses. And I played strong, with five rounds with an estimated round rating of 970 or higher. Hear me roar! Or, if you happen to be a fan of the Detroit Lions? “The roar has been restored.” 😀 I think it is safe to say that I am now recovered from my bout with pneumonia.
I started the day at Memorial Park in Ottumwa, Iowa. Played it strong, and finished with a ridiculous deuce on 19 that had no business going in. I put my Squall on a steep spike hyzer line, just trying to get over a ton of brush in front of me. And wouldn’t you know it? The disc found chains. Better to be lucky than good, I guess.
I then quickly played a six holer in Ottumwa (Franklin Park), before heading out to play Wildwood Park in Ottumwa. A fun course, and I managed to shoot 49, which was good enough for an estimated round rating of 985. I then snuck down to play Lake Fisher DGC in Bloomfield, Iowa. A course I have driven past before, and I wasn’t going to drive past it again. Managed a 50, Which was good for an estimated round rating of 984.
I finished my day with three new courses in Missouri. Sever Lake in Hurdland (which DGCourseReview.com says is an 18 hole course, but I only found nine holes), and then the two toughest courses I have played on this trip: Rothwell Park East and West in Moberly.
East was one of those magical rounds where I could do no wrong. I was rattled on Hole 2, losing one of my Hurricanes within 40 feet of the basket (looked for 10-15 minutes in deep leaves, with no luck), but I stuck every drive, just about every approach, and made every putt I needed to post a 53. You could offer me $1,000 if I could shoot another 53 (or better) on that course, and I am not sure I could. It was an amazing round I wish I could put in a bottle.
West wasn’t quite as strong of a performance. But my 55 was good enough for an estimated round of 970. I was very, very happy with those two rounds. Particularly since I already had 70 holes under my belt on the day before I arrived.
Finished the day having dinner with Mike Harrington of The Disc Golf Experience. All in all, a great day. With the anticipation of meeting John Houck and Dee Leekha of Houck Design tomorrow morning.
Magic Number = 645 (1,355 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.