Top of Texas News

[johnrock]

The weather couldn't have been better.
Almost NO WIND!

What?

60+ degrees and NO WIND.

Preliminary counts show $600.00+ and somewhere around 300#(just a guess-no scales).

Several CTP winners thru the day. The BIGGEST BY FAR, Art Elliot scores an "ACE" CTP throw on his 70th birthday! Way to go Art! Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

New SHORT GAME Champ - Tom Brown! 21 holes with a score of 48!

New WINTERTIME FOOD DRIVE CHAMPION!

Chris Saldana!

57 from the BLUE TEES in the mushy, slushy conditions.

[Jroc]

"Several CTP winners thru the day. The BIGGEST BY FAR, Art Elliot scores an "ACE" CTP throw on his 70th birthday! Way to go Art! Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

Couldn't have happened to a better guy. Congarts Art!!

[johnrock]

It finally happened. RAIN! Not much, but we got a few large drops at our house last night. It's been so long without, I've almost forgotten what it looks and smells like.

Stay tuned for news about a new course coming up. Details are getting finalized, layout tweaked, and trees trimmed!

[johnrock]

12th annual Top of Texas Open coming in August.

[johnrock]

Preliminary distances (Google maps) show around 2900ft. (PAR 30) on the front 9, 2640ft. (PAR 29) on the back 9. As the equipment gets installed, distances may be adjusted. Longest hole is 600ft.+/-, shortest is 179ft+/-. One hole plays pretty much flat, the rest are going to deal with varying degrees of elevation.

[johnrock]

Top of Texas Open will happen August 20 -21, 2011. PDGA sanctioned C-tier.
Friday doubles - flex start.
More info soon!

[johnrock]

I stopped in at a Hastings Books & Video store today to pick up some lunchtime reading material and guess what? They were setting up a huge Discraft display. That's right, Hastings is getting into the disc retail business. The girl I asked said all Hastings and only Discraft (can't win 'em all). Off to a good start!

[johnrock]

More news!

The YMCA Corporate Cup is on again! August 13, 2011. The plan is to set up again at the North Y (9 holes), and at this point there are 19 teams that will need to go through the course by 10:30. Start time is 8:00, so there will be some juggling going on. May have to bring an extra basket to set up a 10 hole course unless another better option comes up. Sure would be cool to have a permanent course set up at the South Y, wink - wink. There is plenty of room plus trees, small hills, and a couple of ponds.

[johnrock]

Just got back from walking through the park next to the North Y (Hines Memorial Park). Rough! Stinking drought. The area near the elementary school (soccer/football field) looks nice, so holes #1 - #4 are in pretty good shape, but other areas have taken a hit. Hole #5 lost some trees, so it will play easier. Rollers will have it easier since the grass is so dry.

19 teams to go through a 9 hole course in 2.5 hours. Can it be done? Maybe add an extra hole around the soccer field (mando through the goal post)...

How many players are going to go inside the Y and jump in the pool after their round? This heat wave has been tough for afternoon rounds.

[johnrock]

Word is Hasting's is selling Innova as well as discraft. Thanks Jon K. and Kristie!!!

Marmaduke for BOD!

[johnrock]

Rain in the area! We got a nice little shower at the Rock Yard Monday evening, and we're only a mile or so from the Disc Creek course so I'm sure some fell over there as well. Please do your rain dances, meditations, prayers, animal sacrifices, or whatever your religion of choice allows because we need MORE! This extended drought is making our course look about as dry as I've ever seen it, and I've been watching from the very first throws out there. The Top of Texas Open is coming up in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to another fine weekend of golfing on one of the Panhandle's finest (and oldest) courses.

[johnrock]

The YMCA Corporate Cup is coming up soon. They sound very excited about the DG portion, as it was a big hit last year. The temp course I laid out for last year's event seemed to provide plenty of challenge for the lesser skilled players, as well as some excitement for the more experienced golfers. Feedback was very positive about the layout, and the YMCA Board members seemed to be more accepting of the game after seeing the positive reaction of last year's players. Let's hope this year's DG round makes an even bigger impression on the Board!

[johnrock]

I wonder if Hasting's is putting together a team for the Y's Corporate Cup? I've heard United has a team (or 2). Maybe have to install some Pro TEES. Maybe last year's players will have been practicing. Who else has a team?

[johnrock]

I saw the team rosters for the YMCA event yesterday. Some familiar names from last year. 11 teams so far - 2 better than last year! Things are looking good.
No team from Hasting's. Bummer, they could have been the best equipped!
United has 11 players in the event, one more and they'll have 3 complete teams.
It looks like we'll be fine with our 9 hole layout, we'll just have to run a ghost card or 2. There should be no problem with all players getting through the course by 10am. The next event for teams will be at the South Y starting at 11am, so there should be plenty of time. With an 8am start time, we should miss most of the heat issues.

[johnrock]

I'm getting ready to head out to the North Y (Hines Memorial Park) to get everything marked. TEE lines will be painted and basket locations will be marked with a "X" in a circle. I probably will not put out any flags until Friday because this park gets a good bit of juvenile traffic during the summer, causing disappearing flags. There is a map of the course available, just check with the YMCA office. If you let them know you are involved with the Corporate Cup they will probably find one for you. If not, contact me and I'll see what I can do.

I'm going to push for a Friday set up so players can practice or at least walk through the course.

[johnrock]

More trees missing than I previously thought. But for the most part, the grass is getting better. Holes #5 -#9 have seen the worst of this drought, and whatever caused the removal of several trees. These holes are still challenging, but players who return from last year will notice the difference.

Come on RAIN!

I noticed the soccer field is freshly mowed, painted, and has nets installed on the goal posts. Hopefully we'll get finished before any soccer crowds show up, but I'll be prepared to do some adjusting of #3 if necessary.

[johnrock]

14 teams for the YMCA Corporate Cup! Up 5 from last year. It was interesting getting everyone through the course in time for them to do their other events, and even with a 4 hole playoff, we were finished by 10:30. The Suddenlink team carded a score of 25 for the victory, Ben E. keith finished with a 27, and 3 teams tied at 28. Since there were trophies for 1st/2nd/3rd and points down to 5th place, a playoff was needed for 3 teams. Good to see lots of ladies playing, and everyone seemed to be having a good time while on the course. Successes like this can lead to more courses in the area, and I'm glad to be a big part of it. Big THANKS to the Amarillo YMCA!

[johnrock]

2011 TOP OF TEXAS OPEN



FRIDAY BRING-YOUR-PARTNER-DOUBLES
4:00pm until Dark

SATURDAY: 8:00am -9:00am Registration
9:15am Players meeting
9:45am 1^st Round start
1 Hour break (approximately)
TBA 2^nd Round
After Round FUN!!! Dinner, CTP’s,
SUNDAY: 9:45 Quick Players meeting
10:00 3^rd Round
2:00 (Approximately) Awards


Entry fees (for PDGA members – non-members add $10.00):
OPEN - $50.00 Advanced Master - $40.00
Pro Master - 45.00 Amateur Men - 35.00
Pro Women - 45.00 Amateur Women - 35.00
Advanced Men - 40.00 Junior (under 16) - 20.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Make checks payable to: Texas Panhandle Flying Disc Association
_

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by johnrock

Preliminary distances (Google maps) show around 2900ft. (PAR 30) on the front 9, 2640ft. (PAR 29) on the back 9. As the equipment gets installed, distances may be adjusted. Longest hole is 600ft.+/-, shortest is 179ft+/-. One hole plays pretty much flat, the rest are going to deal with varying degrees of elevation.

One more administrative hurdle to clear, then time to start digging holes and planting poles! As much as I really want a new course in this area, I'm glad the work will not have to be done in the sweltering heat we had this summer. I'll be meeting with the owner in the next week or 2 to hand over the design then as soon as possible we'll start work days to get the equipment set.

[johnrock]

DROUGHT BUSTER!

Well maybe not totally but this heavy, wet snow will surely help. With the snow this wet and heavy, there will probably be some falling branches from the big trees that are left (we lost many big Elms this summer due to age and disease). I'm seeing about 2-3 inches here at the Rock Yard, good news for the aquifer under my wellhouse.

[johnrock]

TIME CHANGE!

Saturday Handicap rounds are now starting at 3pm (instead of 4pm). $3 entry, $2 Ace Pot, $2 optional CTP.

Time to start planning your winning entry for the Wintertime Food Drive Chili Contest. DeLynn's got her secret ready for the win! One week after the Super Bowl.

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by johnrock

One more administrative hurdle to clear, then time to start digging holes and planting poles! As much as I really want a new course in this area, I'm glad the work will not have to be done in the sweltering heat we had this summer. I'll be meeting with the owner in the next week or 2 to hand over the design then as soon as possible we'll start work days to get the equipment set.

Unexpected delays caused a setback. Meeting next week with the owners to determine the schedule of installation. Cross your fingers for installation this winter.

[johnrock]

Still no approval word from the YMCA about a new course on the South side of town, but I'll keep on prodding. Sure would help out their Corporate
Cup event each year. They don't have a tremendous amount of trees or hills to work with, but every course doesn't have to be a Gold level track.

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by johnrock

Unexpected delays caused a setback. Meeting next week with the owners to determine the schedule of installation. Cross your fingers for installation this winter.

DEVIL'S SLIDE DISC GOLF COURSE (Palo Duro Canyon State Park)

Recently I had a walk-through with the new Park Superintendent and we plotted all the tee and basket locations with his GPS. He was surprised by the amount of ground we covered, and he seemed very interested in moving this project along so they can add Disc Golf as another attraction to draw visitors to the Park.

At this point, the proposal has to go up the chain of command. It will have to cross several desks, and at any one it could be canceled. The local Park officials believe we have a very good chance for it to go through, so my confidence is high. The course is marked with flags and cairns right now, but no landing areas have been cleared so it would be difficult to enjoy playing it unless you really like searching for your disc in high grass and thick brush.

The course will start and end in the Juniper day use area. Plenty of parking with lots of covered picnic tables for shade. The area has very nice, well maintained restrooms and many water faucets scattered around. The layout is geared for BLUE level players, with room to install shorter tees as the installation progresses. This will be a Moderate to Strenuous hike with some bushwhacking if you get away from the intended areas. Holes #8 & #9 will be near one of the Park's popular natural features, the "Devil's Slide". Holes #16 - #18 will have a scenic view of the river (without having to actually throw near it and risk losing discs).

Future plans for the area are to convert it back into a camping area and install new restroom facilities. Hopefully they will agree to install a second course, maybe one to cater to lower skill levels. This could make this course very attractive to traveling players. Camping in one of Texas' best state parks and walking to the DG course from your tent! However, it will stay a day use area for the next year or so until the camping loop is built. There is camping very close at the Mesquite camping area (water/elect/restrooms) and the Cactus camping area (primitive sites).

As always, be aware of State Park rules: No public consumption or display of alcohol, No open fires, and NO LITTERING!

[mfcastillo17]

Hello Amarillo Crew! I would like to personally invite you to our upcoming event. i have posted the links for further information. It is going to be a first class event on the best course in the Southwest!! It is also a Vibram Open Qualifier!
Click the links for more info!
http://www.pdga.com/tournament_results/78066

https://www.facebook.com/events/357469150935785/

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=4860

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by mfcastillo17

Hello Amarillo Crew! I would like to personally invite you to our upcoming event. i have posted the links for further information. It is going to be a first class event on the best course in the Southwest!! It is also a Vibram Open Qualifier!
Click the links for more info!
http://www.pdga.com/tournament_results/78066

https://www.facebook.com/events/357469150935785/

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=4860

Looks like that will be a good time. I've been through that area a time or 2 and I know someone who visits to play BG. Nothing but good reviews!

[mfcastillo17]

Awesome John! I hope we get a good crew from Texas for the event. It is going to be a fun one!!

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by johnrock

DEVIL'S SLIDE DISC GOLF COURSE (Palo Duro Canyon State Park)

Recently I had a walk-through with the new Park Superintendent and we plotted all the tee and basket locations with his GPS. He was surprised by the amount of ground we covered, and he seemed very interested in moving this project along so they can add Disc Golf as another attraction to draw visitors to the Park.

At this point, the proposal has to go up the chain of command. It will have to cross several desks, and at any one it could be canceled. The local Park officials believe we have a very good chance for it to go through, so my confidence is high. The course is marked with flags and cairns right now, but no landing areas have been cleared so it would be difficult to enjoy playing it unless you really like searching for your disc in high grass and thick brush.

The course will start and end in the Juniper day use area. Plenty of parking with lots of covered picnic tables for shade. The area has very nice, well maintained restrooms and many water faucets scattered around. The layout is geared for BLUE level players, with room to install shorter tees as the installation progresses. This will be a Moderate to Strenuous hike with some bushwhacking if you get away from the intended areas. Holes #8 & #9 will be near one of the Park's popular natural features, the "Devil's Slide". Holes #16 - #18 will have a scenic view of the river (without having to actually throw near it and risk losing discs).

Future plans for the area are to convert it back into a camping area and install new restroom facilities. Hopefully they will agree to install a second course, maybe one to cater to lower skill levels. This could make this course very attractive to traveling players. Camping in one of Texas' best state parks and walking to the DG course from your tent! However, it will stay a day use area for the next year or so until the camping loop is built. There is camping very close at the Mesquite camping area (water/elect/restrooms) and the Cactus camping area (primitive sites).

As always, be aware of State Park rules: No public consumption or display of alcohol, No open fires, and NO LITTERING!

Going out this morning to scout the area for another 18 hole layout. The Park staff is hesitant about using the area next to the existing restrooms due to the flooding issue. During and after rainstorms (yes, they really do occur), the river tends to reach all the way past the road that is next to the restrooms, making it unfriendly to motorists and hikers. I think we can create a nice short course with less severe elevation changes in the area near the new camping loop, but still fairly close to the restrooms.

More news later...

[johnrock]

18th ANNUAL WINTERTIME FOOD DRIVE

Sunday (2/12/12)

TOP OF TEXAS SHORT GAME CHAMPIONSHIP - 11am Start at the dirt parking lot near hole #12.

Come help the Texas Panhandle Flying Disc Association raise food and $$$ for the High Plains Food Bank.

[johnrock]

Originally Posted by johnrock

18th ANNUAL WINTERTIME FOOD DRIVE

Sunday (2/12/12)

TOP OF TEXAS SHORT GAME CHAMPIONSHIP - 11am Start at the dirt parking lot near hole #12.

Come help the Texas Panhandle Flying Disc Association raise food and $$$ for the High Plains Food Bank.

It's going to be a COLD one today! Looks like the snow may wait till later, so let's hit the course.

We've never cancelled one of these events in 17 years because the weather was bad, and this year will not be the first! Bundle up and let's raise food and cash for the High Plains Food Bank.