After nearly a month without being able to play disc golf due to a bout with pneumonia and a sinus infection, I finally got back on the road course collecting today, playing 69 holes on six new courses across central Iowa. It was a chance to try and get my energy and endurance back (today was a tough challenge, particularly with 25-30 MPH sustained wind) …as well as clean-up my map of unplayed courses in areas I had previously completed. I can now say that I have played literally every course between home and Des Moines, Iowa.
I enjoyed the recreational courses in Sac City and Breda (Iowa), and I had a great conversation with volunteers out at Orion 9 South of Coon Rapids. But Edgewood Park in Madrid was a bit scary. Throwing at/over playground equipment and areas where families like to picnic. I had to throw safeties off the tee on three holes just to make sure I didn’t come anywhere close to a dangerous situation. A few holes definitely need to be re-designed out there, to prevent injuries. I then finished on a better note by playing two more courses in Huxley and Maxwell.
I am en route to meet John Houck and Dee Leekha of Houck Design on Sunday, along with helping Mike Harrington of The Disc Golf Experience celebrate playing his 1,000th disc golf course (an early “welcome to the club,” Mike). I’ve talked with all three of those great folks on several occasions, but it will be my first time meeting all three in person. I cannot wait!
Magic Number = 652 (1,348 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.