After hearing the jets rumbling across the Nevada desert the past three days while exhibiting at a conference for work, today I was given the very rare opportunity to enjoy a round of disc golf as a civIlian at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I had to use a little DGA “in” or pull to get permission to play on the base, as I was the person who designed the course’s tee signage. But personnel at every level of security were extremely welcoming. And Jennie Chance, who works in Outdoor Recreation at the base, walked the round with me while asking for my thoughts on making the course safer and easier to play and navigate.
The course starts out easy, then gets more difficult as you work your way toward the ninth hole. But it is not about the course design itself, as much as how great it is that the US Military is beginning to install more disc golf courses on its facilities. And Nellis does a great job trying to introduce new players to the sport. Even allowing personnel to check out camouflage backpacks stocked with a variety of discs! That impressed me, as they really do want folks stationed there to enjoy disc golf as a fun hobby, at minimum. With talk of creating leagues and occasional tournaments.
Thanks again to Jennie and to Michael Romijn, for helping me get a temporary pass to be on the base. And thanks to all the personnel who are stationed there for your service to our country. Our entire DGA family appreciates all you do to help ensure that we all live in a free country where we are allowed to enjoy a wonderful recreational activity such as disc golf.
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.