I know there is one more Saturday in January but we made it through 13 weeks of another Winter Warriors season.
This was one of the most frustrating seasons from a standpoint of score and scoring ability. I failed in so many ways in terms of that.
But I had a blast and feel like I am coming out of the season in a good place.
Yes, I failed to make the top 10 this year after finishing in a solid second place last year.
Yes, the quality of my partners was much lower on average this year as compared to last year.
Yes, I began to tweak my form on the middle of the season.
Yes, that process has yet to yeild the results that I desire.
No, I am not running with a bunch of confidence as I did last year (but look where that got me).
Most importantly, I played a lot more disc golf than I would have without Winter Warriors and yes, I had a lot more fun that I would have had just sitting around doing something else.
I think I am getting back to a place where I feel like I can compete at a high level this up coming season. I feel like I am in a place where my expectations can rightfully be very low and I can go out and just have fun and learn the game a bit better than I currently do. I think there are good things in store and I think I am ready to bust off this plateau.
Things may be different this time around and that may mean a more positive outlook for the season, but there is still much work to be done.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Goals For 2015
Well, after a disappointing year this past year, it is probably time to set some more realistic goals for 2015. I know part of the problem last year was having my head in the clouds and simply not doing some of the necessary work to get there. Additionally I came to the realization that I could be more consistent with different discs and switched my bag half way through the year. I am sure that made some thigns interesting as I had to make adjustments. Additionally this led to changing theories in what discs I should actually carry in my bag. I am not entirely sure that this process is over for me.
One of the great things that I got for Christmas was time with my dad's physical therapist. I am really looking forward to this as I am hoping that he will be able to help me accomplish two things. First, is helping me get my body to be healthier to play the great sport of disc golf and two that I can add some strength that might help add some distance to my game. He apparently has worked with a lot of athlete's from other sports and may be able to help me figure some things out with my form as well.
I am also blessed to have one of those internet gurus on disc golf form living near me. My hope is to continue to work with him as well as we figure out how to come up with the perfect form.
I know there are some other things going on in my life that might bring big changes to my life so there is always that bit of mystery that may provide for some set backs. But if I look at the pattern of my disc golf career, I have one good year and one bad year followed by one good year and then a bad year. I know last year was a bad year and I am hopeful that this means that the coming year will be good. So, with that being said, here come the goals.
1. Spend More Time Practicing - I have a practice routine for putting and I generally played a lot of practice rounds. But as I continue to work out my bag I am hopeful to find more time this year to practice. I think this will help me work through form issues as well. And of course there are always new discs to test out.
2. Play More Tournaments - Sure, I played like 23 tournaments last year. I think I can play mroe this year. I just hope there aren't too many schedule conflicts.
3. Earn A Rating of at Least 960 - I know ths is a big jump considering that my rating dropped last year, but I am feeling that my game is at least at the 960 level right now, I just want my actual rating to reflect that. I have a lot of poor rounds to drop. Unfortunately they are scattered throughout the entire year.
4. Earn at Least $500 from Sanctioned Tournaments - This might be my most unrealistic goal for the year, but I think it is entirely possible. I finally took cash this last year and earned well over $100. I think with a full season and playing better than last year and playing in more tournaments should make this goal achievable.
5. Never Shoot a Tournament Round Rated Below 900 - I am pretty sure this was one of my epic fails from last year, but I am going to put it on the list again this year. I will be playing fewer courses that I do not already know this year and I know that I can play better on most of the courses that I do know this year so I have hope that I will be able to pull this one off.
There are lots of other things that I want to do that are disc golf related. But for the most part those are unrelated to my actual game and as such I felt like they are not quite right to put here. That and the goals I had last year that fell into that category failed epically.
Here's to a great year for everyone on the disc golf course!
One of the great things that I got for Christmas was time with my dad's physical therapist. I am really looking forward to this as I am hoping that he will be able to help me accomplish two things. First, is helping me get my body to be healthier to play the great sport of disc golf and two that I can add some strength that might help add some distance to my game. He apparently has worked with a lot of athlete's from other sports and may be able to help me figure some things out with my form as well.
I am also blessed to have one of those internet gurus on disc golf form living near me. My hope is to continue to work with him as well as we figure out how to come up with the perfect form.
I know there are some other things going on in my life that might bring big changes to my life so there is always that bit of mystery that may provide for some set backs. But if I look at the pattern of my disc golf career, I have one good year and one bad year followed by one good year and then a bad year. I know last year was a bad year and I am hopeful that this means that the coming year will be good. So, with that being said, here come the goals.
1. Spend More Time Practicing - I have a practice routine for putting and I generally played a lot of practice rounds. But as I continue to work out my bag I am hopeful to find more time this year to practice. I think this will help me work through form issues as well. And of course there are always new discs to test out.
2. Play More Tournaments - Sure, I played like 23 tournaments last year. I think I can play mroe this year. I just hope there aren't too many schedule conflicts.
3. Earn A Rating of at Least 960 - I know ths is a big jump considering that my rating dropped last year, but I am feeling that my game is at least at the 960 level right now, I just want my actual rating to reflect that. I have a lot of poor rounds to drop. Unfortunately they are scattered throughout the entire year.
4. Earn at Least $500 from Sanctioned Tournaments - This might be my most unrealistic goal for the year, but I think it is entirely possible. I finally took cash this last year and earned well over $100. I think with a full season and playing better than last year and playing in more tournaments should make this goal achievable.
5. Never Shoot a Tournament Round Rated Below 900 - I am pretty sure this was one of my epic fails from last year, but I am going to put it on the list again this year. I will be playing fewer courses that I do not already know this year and I know that I can play better on most of the courses that I do know this year so I have hope that I will be able to pull this one off.
There are lots of other things that I want to do that are disc golf related. But for the most part those are unrelated to my actual game and as such I felt like they are not quite right to put here. That and the goals I had last year that fell into that category failed epically.
Here's to a great year for everyone on the disc golf course!
Monday, December 29, 2014
2014 Reflections
I really should have thought more about my goals before I spent so much time typing them out at the beginning of last year.
2014 was a great year categorized by a few bright spots and lots of not meeting expectations. I am beginning to learn why expectations are very dangerous, even if it is in the world of sports where ultimately that expectation you have may not be met and in the long run it means very little. The question I learned to have in the midst of this year was, are you still having fun? Of course the answer to that was yes, probably more fun than I should be allowed to have. I had a great time traveling and playing in new places. I watched some friends do very well. I made new friends. I still love the game of disc golf.
Let's take a quick peak back at the goals that I had for myself.
1. To Be Myself - I played my game a lot this year. I know I don't have all the tools of the others I am playing with, but I know what I can do.
2. To Be A Learner At All Times - Ooo, I nailed this one. It really doesn't matter who you are, I still have something to learn from you. I found that there are some people in my circles that are really doing some amazing things, and I am not beyond asking for their help.
3. To Qualify For Pro Worlds in 2015 - Even with the mid season change in qualifications for next year pro worlds, and even without a couple of tournaments reporting points, I have more than qualified for a trip to Pittsburg. You better believe I am going to register just as soon as I get the chance to.
4. To Finish In The Top 25% at Am Nats and Am Worlds - Yeah, lets refer back to not meeting expectations and move on.
5. To Not Finish Last - Epic fail on this one. Oh well. Moved on still had fun.
6. To See My Rating Improve To At Least 960 - Even bigger epic fail. I actually lowered my rating this year. Lots of possible factors. 2015 is looking bright.
7. To Design A Course That Gets Played - Nope. Didn't get any help from my local parks department on that one.
8. To Make At Least One Disc Golf Video - Nope, not enough time to make this one happen. At least not to the quality that I would hold myself to.
In order to keep myself from typing too much, here is my top 10 list of things that happened in 2014. I promise I will not type too much, even if that leaves you wanting more.
10. Played in my first National Tour event.
9. Changed my entire bag up, got me some Swedish plastic.
8. Had my extended family come watch and cheer me on in Michigan. Gave my cousins kids their first discs.
7. Cashed for the first time and took it. I'm a pro now.
6. 100 courses played according to DGCR.
5. Was complemented on Facebook even though I don't have Facebook. Tears in my eyes.
4. Played a round in a tournament with Cale Leiviska and Garret Gurthie, made my mom famous. Woop Woop!
3. Got two aces in one year, what???
2. Taught kids to play disc golf, made parents cry.
1. Met and made a new friend in JohnE McCray. See you again this year friend!
Alright, that is it for now. I am already pondering the goals for next year. Maybe make a chipmunk smile will be on there.
2014 was a great year categorized by a few bright spots and lots of not meeting expectations. I am beginning to learn why expectations are very dangerous, even if it is in the world of sports where ultimately that expectation you have may not be met and in the long run it means very little. The question I learned to have in the midst of this year was, are you still having fun? Of course the answer to that was yes, probably more fun than I should be allowed to have. I had a great time traveling and playing in new places. I watched some friends do very well. I made new friends. I still love the game of disc golf.
Let's take a quick peak back at the goals that I had for myself.
1. To Be Myself - I played my game a lot this year. I know I don't have all the tools of the others I am playing with, but I know what I can do.
2. To Be A Learner At All Times - Ooo, I nailed this one. It really doesn't matter who you are, I still have something to learn from you. I found that there are some people in my circles that are really doing some amazing things, and I am not beyond asking for their help.
3. To Qualify For Pro Worlds in 2015 - Even with the mid season change in qualifications for next year pro worlds, and even without a couple of tournaments reporting points, I have more than qualified for a trip to Pittsburg. You better believe I am going to register just as soon as I get the chance to.
4. To Finish In The Top 25% at Am Nats and Am Worlds - Yeah, lets refer back to not meeting expectations and move on.
5. To Not Finish Last - Epic fail on this one. Oh well. Moved on still had fun.
6. To See My Rating Improve To At Least 960 - Even bigger epic fail. I actually lowered my rating this year. Lots of possible factors. 2015 is looking bright.
7. To Design A Course That Gets Played - Nope. Didn't get any help from my local parks department on that one.
8. To Make At Least One Disc Golf Video - Nope, not enough time to make this one happen. At least not to the quality that I would hold myself to.
In order to keep myself from typing too much, here is my top 10 list of things that happened in 2014. I promise I will not type too much, even if that leaves you wanting more.
10. Played in my first National Tour event.
9. Changed my entire bag up, got me some Swedish plastic.
8. Had my extended family come watch and cheer me on in Michigan. Gave my cousins kids their first discs.
7. Cashed for the first time and took it. I'm a pro now.
6. 100 courses played according to DGCR.
5. Was complemented on Facebook even though I don't have Facebook. Tears in my eyes.
4. Played a round in a tournament with Cale Leiviska and Garret Gurthie, made my mom famous. Woop Woop!
3. Got two aces in one year, what???
2. Taught kids to play disc golf, made parents cry.
1. Met and made a new friend in JohnE McCray. See you again this year friend!
Alright, that is it for now. I am already pondering the goals for next year. Maybe make a chipmunk smile will be on there.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Winter Warriors X
So, last Saturday was the start of Winter Warriors X. The yearly event runs for 13 weeks in an effort to raise as much money for the Food Bank of the Rockies as possible. Last year we were just short of $10,000 raised and the bar has been set even higher this year.
For me personally, this has become a great opportunity to have fun and keep the game moving forward through the cold winter when I am less motivated to get out and play. Sure this off season I am planning (yes, still in the planning stages) of staying in shape and working to improve my game, but this will help me get out and play. I may have rather high expectations as well. See, last year I finished second overall in the standings with only Rob Nichols, the multiple time champion of the event, ahead of me.
With one week down, I am not where I want to be in the overall standings, but I played poorly in the first week and made some bad decisions in the mental game. Get back to having fun and working on the game. That is what I have to tell myself moving forward. Additionally, it isn't like doing well helped so much last year with a rather down year as far as tournaments are concerned. But then again, that is just a poor excuse and rationalization as to why the the score at the end really doesn't matter.
I am certainly looking forward to week two and beyond. There are some good courses on the schedule and I know I will have the chance to improve my game. The big picture is becoming a better player and using the opportunity to raise money for a great cause to do just that. It is not just about me.
For me personally, this has become a great opportunity to have fun and keep the game moving forward through the cold winter when I am less motivated to get out and play. Sure this off season I am planning (yes, still in the planning stages) of staying in shape and working to improve my game, but this will help me get out and play. I may have rather high expectations as well. See, last year I finished second overall in the standings with only Rob Nichols, the multiple time champion of the event, ahead of me.
With one week down, I am not where I want to be in the overall standings, but I played poorly in the first week and made some bad decisions in the mental game. Get back to having fun and working on the game. That is what I have to tell myself moving forward. Additionally, it isn't like doing well helped so much last year with a rather down year as far as tournaments are concerned. But then again, that is just a poor excuse and rationalization as to why the the score at the end really doesn't matter.
I am certainly looking forward to week two and beyond. There are some good courses on the schedule and I know I will have the chance to improve my game. The big picture is becoming a better player and using the opportunity to raise money for a great cause to do just that. It is not just about me.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Oh The Places You Will Go
When you are young and you learn about traveling one's eyes tend to light up with the big names. Paris, France, Las Vegas, Nevada and New York, New York, just to name a few. Most people tend to stick to those as they grow older, but there are a unique few people in this world that will choose new destinations to go to.
I was reminded of just how odd I am as a disc golfer in comparison to the travel plans of the rest of the world as about a week ago I traveled down to a resort near Rociada, NM to play in the Pendaries Fall Classic. It really was a good thing that most of the driving down there happened when it was dark out. I probably would have questioned myself many times if I was headed in the right direction. Even with the lack of light I was still not confident in Google maps to get me there. I dare not say rest assured as I got in a little after 11 pm and quickly settled in for a rather short nap before waking up to play disc golf.
Some days in disc golf are rather wild. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It is like the day needs to see a psychiatrist. In the morning as I was seeing the disc golf course at Pendaries Village for the first time. What a humbling experience. It really is an amazing course, but it was kicking my butt and I nearly soured my opinion of the course based on how poorly I was playing. Then the second round came. Being in last place, I played with the old guys and had a realy fun round that ended up being really good. I improved my score from the morning by 13 throws! Sunday followed suit and was rated even better than my second round on Saturday. If I had one more round near my second two rounds, I would have easily been in the cash. Oh well.
Elite Brothers Disc Golf did a great job running this tournament and I look forward to being at more of their events in the future. They are another one of those companies that seem to be doing things right and they have strong local support for all that they are doing. They are certainly going to be big in New Mexico if not beyond.
I was reminded of just how odd I am as a disc golfer in comparison to the travel plans of the rest of the world as about a week ago I traveled down to a resort near Rociada, NM to play in the Pendaries Fall Classic. It really was a good thing that most of the driving down there happened when it was dark out. I probably would have questioned myself many times if I was headed in the right direction. Even with the lack of light I was still not confident in Google maps to get me there. I dare not say rest assured as I got in a little after 11 pm and quickly settled in for a rather short nap before waking up to play disc golf.
Some days in disc golf are rather wild. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It is like the day needs to see a psychiatrist. In the morning as I was seeing the disc golf course at Pendaries Village for the first time. What a humbling experience. It really is an amazing course, but it was kicking my butt and I nearly soured my opinion of the course based on how poorly I was playing. Then the second round came. Being in last place, I played with the old guys and had a realy fun round that ended up being really good. I improved my score from the morning by 13 throws! Sunday followed suit and was rated even better than my second round on Saturday. If I had one more round near my second two rounds, I would have easily been in the cash. Oh well.
Elite Brothers Disc Golf did a great job running this tournament and I look forward to being at more of their events in the future. They are another one of those companies that seem to be doing things right and they have strong local support for all that they are doing. They are certainly going to be big in New Mexico if not beyond.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
100 Courses Played According to DGCR
Well, according to DGCR I have played 100 courses in my disc golf career. I am not sure this is too accurate. There are several variations of the same course that appear to count for each variation I have played. That knocks me down about four courses by my calculations. It does not include three very private courses that I have played. So maybe the reality is that I am only at 99 courses played by my calculations. That being said, I will be at 100 by the end of the year barring major sickness keeping me from my last tournament in New Mexico at Pendaries. I guess 101 becomes 100?
The Tournament Catch Up Post
Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun. I realize that I have missed blogging about several events over the past couple of months, so here comes the run down in a very concise format.
WYOpen - Expected to play well but did not. Had fun. Lost a disc that I did not want to loose because of the stinking wind.
Denver Classic - Played well. Not happy with the first round. Still I cashed and I took the stinking money for the first time in my life. That's right, I am officially a professional disc golfer!
Peak One Might High Classic - Stunk it up on a course that I played really well last year. Started out really hot in the first round and everything fizzled from there.
Colorado State Championships - What a fun time. Sunlight Mountain Resort DGC was much better than I expected. Got an ace in the second round with a thumber. Did not play as well as I had hoped.
Frontier Open - Road trip with Bjerkaas' and Colten. Had a lot of fun. Wish I would have played the courses in advance. Played well considering I didn't know what I was doing half the time.
PODS Finals @ CHU - Rocked it. Played ont he lead card in the second round after playing one of my best rounds ever at CHU. Lost it in the second round but battled back to a descent score. Cashed!
Lunacy - Interesting tournament. Played best on the course I had never played. Could not get things going at the other course. Failed epically on one tough hole in the thrid round. Blah.
I think that just about covers everything. One more tournament for this year I believe. I am looking forward to a trip down to New Mexico to play Pendaries.
WYOpen - Expected to play well but did not. Had fun. Lost a disc that I did not want to loose because of the stinking wind.
Denver Classic - Played well. Not happy with the first round. Still I cashed and I took the stinking money for the first time in my life. That's right, I am officially a professional disc golfer!
Peak One Might High Classic - Stunk it up on a course that I played really well last year. Started out really hot in the first round and everything fizzled from there.
Colorado State Championships - What a fun time. Sunlight Mountain Resort DGC was much better than I expected. Got an ace in the second round with a thumber. Did not play as well as I had hoped.
Frontier Open - Road trip with Bjerkaas' and Colten. Had a lot of fun. Wish I would have played the courses in advance. Played well considering I didn't know what I was doing half the time.
PODS Finals @ CHU - Rocked it. Played ont he lead card in the second round after playing one of my best rounds ever at CHU. Lost it in the second round but battled back to a descent score. Cashed!
Lunacy - Interesting tournament. Played best on the course I had never played. Could not get things going at the other course. Failed epically on one tough hole in the thrid round. Blah.
I think that just about covers everything. One more tournament for this year I believe. I am looking forward to a trip down to New Mexico to play Pendaries.
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