Deer Lakes Park thread [Archive] - PDGA Discussion Board

gotcha

May 06 2006, 07:13 AM

Currently under development, the newest course in the Pittsburgh area will be located in Russellton, northeast of the city (five miles north of the Creighton exit on Hwy 28). Course designers Tom Moeller, Dan Sauers and J Gary Dropcho have plotted the front and back nine holes with what appears to be another challenging course which will truly compliment area courses Knob Hill and Lakeview at Moraine State Park. The Deer Lakes course will likely be designed as a par 64 with two par 5's and six par 4's.

Construction of the course is ongoing and baskets/hardware will remain in storage until the county (Allegheny Parks) determines the course is ready. The county is funding the cost of the entire project....18 baskets, tee signs and concrete for red, white and blue tees.

Sunday, May 7, is the first official work day for PFDS volunteers. Additional work dates are posted on the club's web site www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org)

Moderator005

May 06 2006, 12:19 PM

Sounds awesome, Jerry!

Clips from the PFDS website:

Allegheny Parks has bought and paid for a deluxe Mach 3 course and is committed to installing 3 pins/hole and concrete tee pads for Red, White and Blue skill levels!

Tom Moeller, Dan Sauers and J. Gary Dropcho have plotted the basic routing of two nine hole loops that begin and end at the Blue Gill Parking lot (map coming soon). It will likely be a par 64 layout -- two par 5s, six par 4s and some tough par threes, including a downhill shot across the head waters of the upper fishing lake.

Tom Moeller created some conceptual photos of the holes (pictures coming soon) but you have to see this for yourself. Deer Lakes is on the Orange Belt in Russellton, just 5 miles off the Creighton Exit of Rt. 28 (past Fox Chapel and before Pittsburgh Mills). Deer Lakes is only 30 minutes from Knob Hill and will be the third corner of a Northern Tier Triangle of World Class courses. When the county sees the commitment from the PFDS to make this project happen, the idea of putting in disc golf courses in the east, west and south parts of Allegheny County will become a plan, but now is the time to make Deer Lakes happen.

sandalbagger

May 07 2006, 07:12 PM

Oh my.............the work!!!!!!!!!!! yikes. Looks like it's gonna be a beauty though. Hole 1 looks gorgeous as you throw through a tunnel of dogwoods, curve right and then head deep into some thick woods. Hole 3 is about 1000 feet up and down an old power line. woah!!! the work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

And what's even better, is if we get this installed quickly, the parks might possibly give us permission to put in 3 more courses within the next 3-6 years!!!

seamusk

May 10 2006, 11:55 PM

Doesn't look like I can make any of the scheduled work days. Bummer. Will there be more?? I'd love to help make this happen. The more courses the better!

gotcha

May 12 2006, 08:35 PM

I'm sure there will be plenty more work days! This course is going to take a lot work before it's ready. The good news is that the Allegheny Parks department did some work out there this week. J Gary went out there Monday or Tuesday and reported that much of hole 2 has been cleared and bush-hogged. There are steep slopes we thought they might not be able to cut, but J Gary said the tractor apparently was able to navigate the hillside with no problem.

It's going to be very nice once completed. Following our work day last weekend, Tom, Dan and J Gary showed us the back nine which I thought was quite impressive. A couple of holes are still in development, but from what I can see, I really like the overall design. These Pittsburghers definitely know how to design a quality course...

gotcha

May 22 2006, 10:30 AM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/05/22-0647252561T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=22-064725L&y=2006&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2561&srv=img2)

Moderator005

May 22 2006, 11:29 AM

Jerry, how long is hole 15 projected to be? Will people lay up before the water, or will everyone be gunning to cross the water?

gotcha

May 22 2006, 11:55 AM

It's hard to estimate the length of the hole due to the raw state it is in now. Golfers will definitely have the option to lay up or go for the green on this par 3 hole. The wooded fairway slopes downward to the water, thus, lay-ups and go-for-it drives will both require a downward trajectory from the elevated tee(s).

I can almost guarantee you that the tees will be strategically placed where a "thumber over the top" will not be an option off the box...

gotcha

May 25 2006, 08:58 AM

The next scheduled work day on this new course is this Saturday, May 27. See the club's web site for details and directions to the park:

www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org)

The baskets and tee signs are here, sitting in storage. The quicker we can clear these greens and fairways, the quicker we can plant the pole holes. Please consider donating some of your time and elbow grease...

gotcha

May 28 2006, 08:08 AM

Thanks to the dirty dozen who showed up for yet another successful work day at Deer Lakes Park. We were able to finish clearing hole 5 (par 3) and much of hole 6 (par 4). We're definitely making headway!

Please check our web site for future work dates which will be posted soon: www.PFDS.org (http://www.PFDS.org)

seamusk

May 28 2006, 11:41 PM

Hey Jerry,

It was good meeting you and everyone else on Saturday. My compliments go out to everyone who conceived of this course and has made it so close to reality. I think it will be a great course based on what i've seen!

gotcha

Jun 21 2006, 11:47 PM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

It's the Summer Solstice, and disc golf keeps coming at you! Come out
to Deer Lakes on Saturday June 24 from 8:30-10 and play the Front 9 of
the new course. Portable baskets will be set up in the morning to
allow players to throw the holes. Entry fee for the nine hole course =
2 hours of work on the BACK NINE!

PFDS members will resume clearing, limbing, and shaping the tees,
greens and fairways for holes 11-15 with work days this Saturday and
Sunday June 24 and 25, as well as Sunday July 2, and the remaining
Saturdays in July. Bring work gloves, loppers, pole pruners, bow saws,
axes and other implements of construction.

As an added bonus, PFDS will feed you this Saturday with a picnic lunch
courtesy of Dunham's Sports at the newly dedicated Deer Lakes Disc Golf
Club pavilion (aka Blue Gill).

You can see some of the work that has been done already on the first 5
holes at Tom Moeller's photo album, but as usual, pics aren't near as
good as seeing it for yourself.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tmoeller1/album?.dir=/
801dre2&.src=ph&.tok=ph_GZDFBomZFGBpb

See you Saturday!

gotcha

Jun 23 2006, 07:50 AM

The baskets will only be set up from 8:00 am - 10:00 am tomorrow morning (June 24).

After 10:00 am is when the real fun begins!

Jerry

p.s. Wear long pants!

gotcha

Jun 25 2006, 09:55 AM

trbn8r

Jun 25 2006, 10:02 AM

Wow, that's beautiful property! Is it all like that?

_________
www.4141discgolf.com (http://www.4141discgolf.com)

gotcha

Jun 25 2006, 09:39 PM

Moderator005

Jun 25 2006, 10:38 PM

gotcha

Jun 26 2006, 09:04 AM

[/QUOTE]

Hey Jerry, how far is it to the landing zone? And with the low ceiling created by those dogwoods, is a backhand roller a good call here?

[/QUOTE]

I would guesstimate the landing zone to be about 250'-275' from the blue tee...uphill. We have not measured any holes at this course with the exception of hole 3.

Righty backhand rollers will definitely work for this tee shot, but the uphill slope leaves little room for error if the roller angle is slightly off line. The slope on this hole is very tricky. We've only thrown the hole a couple of times, but I've seen many more successful air shots than rollers. If you enlarge the image and look past the Dogwoods into the shaded background, you'll see the slope sharply rise up and to the right. The roller is probably the best way to get around the dogleg and up into the wooded fairway, but you better nail the angle just right... :D

gotcha

Jun 26 2006, 09:22 AM

gotcha

Jun 26 2006, 04:33 PM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450372426T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045037L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=2426&srv=img2)
Hole 4 (blue tee)
This photo was taken from the proposed blue tee location, allowing golfers the option of taking either the left or right opening. The white tee will play from just inside the tree line.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450423239T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045042L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=3239&srv=img2)
Here's a look at hole 4's fairway from a few feet right of the white tee. There's a lot of options for pin placements on this particular hole. One thing that won't change is the existence of "bunker bushes" which are visible in the image above.

************************************************** *******************

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0459362409T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045936L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=2409&srv=img2)
Hole 5 (white tee)
This hole plays down a steep hillside....guesstimated distance of approximately 240'. The blue tee will only be about 15' further back, however, it will be placed along the left side of the fairway requiring a completely different route through the trees.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0459411741T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045941L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=1741&srv=img2)
This reverse image of hole 5 gives you a better idea of the sloping fairway. Below, Jason Plunkett, nails his putt as Dan Sauers looks on. Both Dan and Jason have put many, many hours into the ever-changing development and clearing of this course. Thanks, guys.
http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0459457687T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045945L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=7687&srv=img2)

gotcha

Jun 27 2006, 09:14 AM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0459507890T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045950L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=7890&srv=img2)
Hole 6 (blue tee)
This par 4 hole plays right to left off the box and has a dogleg approximately 200'+/- from the blue tee. Scott's disc in the photo above is hyzering left toward the large landing zone.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0459558735T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045955L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=8735&srv=img2)
Here's a view of hole 6's fairway at the turn. The wooded fairway has a nice bottle-neck as you approach the green. You can see the golfers and the basket in the background. Beyond the temp basket in the photo, the ground quickly slopes upward and to the right. Eventually, this wooded slope will make an ideal green for the B & C pins.

gotcha

Jun 28 2006, 06:31 AM

gotcha

Jul 01 2006, 07:57 AM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0523253683T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-052325L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=3683&srv=img2)
Hole 11 (blue tee)
This is a really cool par 3. The fairway slopes downhill from tee to green, especially the section inside the woods. The blue stake near the "key hole" is will be the white tee. We'll need to open up the key hole with our trusty pole saws.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0523305404T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-052330L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=5404&srv=img2)
Here's a view from Hole 11's white tee.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0523342623T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-052334L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=2623&srv=img2)
Hole 11 fairway (before)

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0523396903T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-052339L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=6903&srv=img2)
Hole 11 fairway (after). If you click on the image for a full-screen enlargement, you might be able to discern a small green stake on the other side of the valley (60' to the right of Scott). This will be the c-pin and it is definitely one of the more challenging greens. Not only will the basket sit atop a small hump on the hillside, there will be O.B. behind this fast little green (there is a marshy creek/bog area not far behind that hump). Scott is standing in one of the other proposed pin placements.

gotcha

Jul 07 2006, 09:51 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

All Y'all

Plan on being at Deer Lakes this Saturday (July 8) and/or Sunday for more fun
with Jason (that's Jason Plunkett -- one of the founding members of the
Deer Lakes Disc Golf Club and a guy who has been involved in the design
and work on the course since the idea was formed about 4 years ago).

Work continues to reveal the course. A meeting with Allegheny County
Parks and Recreation is planned for next week, and we need a few more
big pushes to clear the way for some of the heavy machinery that they
will bring in.

Won't you come out and give your sweat equity to what will be the sweet
equal of our other courses?

Meet at Blue Gill parking lot 1o am. We'll likely be working holes
11-14. Wear long pants, and bring loppers, pole pruners, bow saws,
axes, work gloves ( if you have them), etc. Lunch is a good idea as well.

Directions to the park at
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/dlfac.asp

sandalbagger

Jul 11 2006, 02:32 PM

lookin good!!!!!!!!!!! Ill be back out there someday soon....

gotcha

Jul 13 2006, 11:12 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Tom, J. Gary and Jason had an excellent meeting with Allegheny County
Parks Director Andy Baechle and Deer Lakes Acting Park Manager Mike
Dutch on Monday July 10.

We were ecstatic to see that Mike had chogged the entire length of #3,
opening it up from tee to green! We walked all 18 of the holes
together and got approval for the entire layout. Andy and Mike were
please and impressed by the work we have done so far. We also agreed
on a timeline for installation of the basket anchors and tee sign poles
for the Front Nine on Sat -Sun July 29-30, and the Back Nine August
26-27.

To make this happen we need YOU for two HUGE work days on Sat. July 15
and Sat. July 22. Both days will start at 8 a.m. by playing Holes 1-9.
This is your chance to have input on the tee and pin positions for
the
Front Nine.

Your reward for playing: help clear #13, #14, and #15. These are some
of the most scenic holes on the course and the last to be cleared. If
you have been out to the park on any or all of the work days so far,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

If you have not yet been able to make it, won't you please arrange your
schedule to be there this Saturday and/or next weekend? And please
mark Aug 29 + 30 as Red Letter days on your calendar to help install
the pins on our eighth course.

Bring discs (obviously), as well as lunch, work gloves, bow saws,
loppers, pole pruners (if you have them, if not, we'll have extras to
use). If you have expertise in building foot bridges, we need to
engineer 4 ravine crossings and can use your advice.

Reply with an email to tell us what days you can come out and assist.

J. Gary

directions to Deer Lakes:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/dlfac.asp

gotcha

Jul 18 2006, 08:03 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Things are moving at Deer Lakes. We are on track to begin installing
anchors for the Front Nine on Sat and Sun July 29-30. If you have been
wanting to come out to help on the new course, this Sat. July 22, and
the following weekend (JULY 29-30) would be excellent timing.

Bring your discs because we will start this Sat. at 8 a.m. by playing
Holes 1-9. We'd like your input on finalizing the locations for the
three pin positions on each hole.

Then we'll work to clear tees, fairways and greens for holes 13, 14,
and 15. These are some of the most scenic holes on the course and the
last to be cleared.

Bring lunch, work gloves, bow saws, loppers, pole pruners (if you have
them, if not, we'll have extras to use). If you have expertise in
building foot bridges, we need to engineer 4 ravine crossings and can
use your advice.

Reply with an email to tell us what days you can come out and assist.

J. Gary

directions to Deer Lakes:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/dlfac.asp

Moderator005

Jul 18 2006, 01:22 PM

Sounds awesome, Jerry!

I'm moving across town July 28th-30th, after which I'm hoping to reward myself with a trip out to Da Burgh in early August to see the progress at Deer Lakes. If not, I'll surely be in town during the weekend of Sep. 23-24 for Roger Waters at Star Lake Amphitheatre and the Bengals / Steelers game.

gotcha

Jul 24 2006, 10:18 AM

Six dedicated PFDS members showed up for workday on Saturday, July 22. That's not bad considering it rained pretty heavily that entire morning. :mad: We pruned up hole 12 and accomplished a significant amount of clearing on the Signature hole, #15 (the lake hole).

I predict this course will be the "favorite" once it's completed. It's that nice...and, yes...I know we already have Knob Hill and Moraine State Park... /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Next weekend, July 29 & 30 are two BIG workdays the club. The plan is to have the county bring their auger so we can begin planting sleeves on the front nine. Keep checking the web site www.PFDS.org (http://www.PFDS.org) for updates throughout the week.

Please pencil Deer Lakes to this week's schedule. The sooner we get the work done, the sooner we'll be able to install the baskets (which are currently collecting dust in storage). Thanks in advance for your consideration. And thanks to the guys who weren't afraid of a little rain this past weekend (Dan, Jason, Greg, Jeff and Scott).

Sincerely,

Jerry

sandalbagger

Jul 24 2006, 10:56 AM

Knob Hill will always be the favorite Jerry ;) lol. Now I just need to move so I am equal distances from Knob, Moraine, and Deer Lakes. I'm going to be moving the baskets at Moraine today. It was sweet, I Was boating on the lake yesterday and got to watch someone throw hole 15 from the lake. That was pretty cool to see. You can just barely see the basket from lake!!

Moraine is still our sanctuary. "Deuce it Barbo"

gotcha

Jul 24 2006, 11:10 AM

Please move all the baskets to A-pin except for holes 6, 10 and 18. I would like to see 6c, 10b and 18c as this is how I will set up the Regatta layout. Thanks!

Moderator005

Jul 24 2006, 11:51 AM

gotcha

Jul 25 2006, 09:10 AM

Please move all the baskets to A-pin except for holes 6, 10 and 18. I would like to see 6c, 10b and 18c as this is how I will set up the Regatta layout. Thanks!

I couldn't find any information on this on the PFDS website, except a link to the Regatta website.

Is this a tournament? A beginner's clinic? Or just a good weekend to play casual rounds at Moraine?

Good observation, Jeff. The Regatta at Lake Arthur is scheduled for August 5 & 6 at Moraine State Park. The PFDS will be setting up a tent and promoting the Lakeview course as well as the sport in general.

We'll have information posted on the web site (as well as the appropriate DISCussion thread) real soon.

gotcha

Jul 30 2006, 09:38 AM

10 guys...3,200 lbs of concrete...29 sleeves installed. It was a obviously a good work day at Deer Lakes Park. Several more trees and underbrush were removed as well (thanks, Scott). The next scheduled work day is August 12 and we are planning to install the remaining anchors.

Check out the photo album:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gotcherj/slideshow?.dir=/27fcre2&.src=ph

This <font color="blue"> Blue-rated </font>, par 66 course is going to be awesome!

Moderator005

Jul 31 2006, 12:49 PM

Looks awesome! Great work, guys! :cool:

Would it be a safe to assume that poleholes will be installed sometime around the middle of August?

gotcha

Aug 01 2006, 05:03 PM

Would it be a safe to assume that poleholes will be installed sometime around the middle of August?

Probably not. Late August/early September would be my guess. We still have a lot of work (clearing) to do on holes 13 and 14. In addition to that, we're still waiting for the county to chainsaw the numerous trees we've flagged for removal.

This coming weekend, August 5 & 6, the club is suspending work on the course due to our promotional involvement with two local festivals...the Regatta at Lake Arthur and West Deer Township Community Days. We should have the baskets installed for your September visit, however! :)

gotcha

Aug 25 2006, 09:58 AM

This week the county workers used the auger to dig more holes for the remaining basket anchors. J Gary said the tractor could not reach all of the greens/pin placements, thus, we'll have to manually dig 3 or 4 holes to complete the installation of the 54 anchors (only 25 more to go).

Anyone near the Pittsburgh area is encouraged to come out to Deer Lakes this Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We could definitely use help installing the remaining anchors and clearing the fairways on holes 13 & 14. We have the Mach III's assembled and ready to go! :D

Moderator005

Aug 30 2006, 12:29 PM

How did it go this weekend, Jerry? I just made a reservation to stay at the Microtel out there when I come out in two weeks to check out the course. Are you still on pace to have poleholes in the ground by September 9th?

gotcha

Sep 05 2006, 09:25 AM

Jeff....Sorry for the delay in responding, but I just returned from a 5-day Paw Paw trip last night. What a great time we had!

I spoke with J Gary on the drive home and he said we are waiting for the padlocks to arrive (which will, hopefully, be this week). The basket assembly was completed last week, thus, we hope to begin installing baskets soon. Holes 13 and 14 still need clearing so I'm not sure if we'll have the Mach III's in the ground by this weekend, however, I feel confident we'll have the course installed by the 23rd.

I'll post an update on this thread once things progress... :D

sandalbagger

Sep 06 2006, 10:02 PM

Pins went in the ground today!!!!! The course is unbelievable. It has elevation and valleys much like Paw Paw whipping post. It really is an amazing course. I was blown away. 2 holes still need more work before the are playable, but me, Jerry, J Gary, KB Clark, and Chuck Vesch all played a round today. I manage a 68 which won the card from the blue tees. All I can say is PIttsburgh now has the 3 best courses in the WORLD!!!!!!!!

Moderator005

Sep 06 2006, 10:21 PM

Chris, I'm coming out on Saturday morning to try out the new course; I should arrive by noon. Are you going with Jerry and J. Gary to the Can-Am Cup, or can you join me for a round?

I am so freaking pumped I can't wait!!! :cool::) :D :D

-Jeff

gotcha

Sep 08 2006, 07:09 AM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/05/22-0647252561T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=22-064725L&y=2006&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2561&srv=img2)

Wow! This course is going to be fantastic! All eighteen Mach III's are installed and the course is open for play. Please be advised holes 13, 14 & 15 have not been cleared, thus, these holes are really not playable yet. If you will notice from the map above, one can play holes 1 through 12, then walk back to hole 16, skipping the uncleared fairways. Oh, yeah....don't forget to wear pants!

Deer Lakes Park has a nice blend of open holes, wooded holes and elevation changes throughout....even a water hole! This 950-rated (blue tees), par 66 course will become a favorite for many disc golfers! Wait until you see the wooded green on hole 9! Awesome!

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 01:18 PM

Good lord! Even after having the benefit of Jerry's pictures over the last few months, I was still blown away by the new world class course at Deer Lakes Park. Even in its unfinished state, this course is easily one of the top twenty I've ever played out of 150+ courses over the last ten years in both the United States and Canada. It is every bit as good as Moraine State Park and Knob Hill Park, so that is really saying something! :cool:When this course is finished and groomed as nicely as the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society typically keeps their courses, the city will soon be known nationwide as a disc golf destination for those looking to experience world class caliber disc golf courses within an hour of a major metropolitan center.

As previously advertised, the course has a superb blend of open holes & wooded holes with serious elevation changes throughout, and a downhill shot over water. The terrain and play of the course, as well as beauty and aesthetics, are similar to that of at Moraine, Knob Hill, and Paw Paw. The course alternates between "pipeline" holes that have a wide open fairway and heavy rough to the side, holes cut through less dense woods with only light rough off the fairway, and open grassy holes typical of a public park setting. Pro par four and par five holes that require fairway placement alternate with par threes that offer deuce opportunities. With few exceptions, there are no "gimme" holes, especially when playing from the more challenging blue tees and when the alternate pin placements eventually get utilized. The pro par of 66 is quite realistic! Here is my estimate of the hole length and par for each hole from the blue tees that I played:

<table border="1"><tr><td>LAYOUT</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>OUT</td><td>10</td><td>11</td><td>12</td><td>13</td><td>14</td><td>15</td><td>16</td><td>17</td><td>18</td><td>IN</td><td>TOTAL
</td></tr><tr><td>Blue Tee/Green Center</td><td>490</td><td>300</td><td>900</td><td>300</td><td>240</td><td>500</td><td>375</td><td>290</td><td>850</td><td>4245</td><td>550</td><td>410</td><td>310</td><td>510</td><td>750</td><td>300</td><td>475</td><td>325</td><td>625</td><td>4255</td><td>8500
</td></tr><tr><td>Pro Par (Blue Tees)</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>33</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>33</td><td>66</tr></td></table>

As indicated, all 18 baskets have been installed and the course is currently available for a "sneak preview." Holes 13, 14 & 15 have portions of them that still need clearing - they can be walked but not really played. The approach to the polehole on hole 14 has not been opened yet but you can throw a drive, and what a drive that is! It is jaw-droppingly beautiful, as it plays severely downhill through large mature trees. I'll save most of my individual hole commentary for later, but for now, I'm hoping that the course designers re-consider prior plans to put a pro teepad at the very top of this hill, that although would require a hefty hike to reach, would result in one of the most exciting shots on the course.

My hat is tipped to the enormous amount of grunt work that local PFDS volunteers endured to make this course a reality, and to their continued efforts at getting new world class disc golf courses installed in the Pittsburgh area. The new courses they are putting in are shining examples of how to make challenging, yet fair and most importantly fun layouts that require actual GOLF skills and knowledge, and reflect today's advances in disc technology and course design.

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 02:21 PM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450053968T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045005L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=3968&srv=img2)
Hole 1's blue tee shot must negotiate the Dogwoods to reach the dogleg. This par 4 hole plays uphill the whole way...especially once you make the turn toward the green.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450105836T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045010L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=5836&srv=img2)
Click on the above image and see a full-screen enlargement. There is an ample landing zone and well placed tee shots are rewarded with a look up the wooded fairway. Please note you can see the Skill Shot basket we placed at the top of the hill.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450141155T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045014L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=1155&srv=img2)
Here's another view from the landing zone (that green Orc you see is my tee shot :D).

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450193208T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045019L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=3208&srv=img2)
Here's a reverse view of Hole 1. That's Marcus Ranii-Dropcho looking at the uphill putt. This location will probably be the A-pin placement. Both B and C pins will be further uphill and slightly off the fairway center.

As promised, here are my individual hole thoughts.

Hey Jerry, how far is it to the landing zone? And with the low ceiling created by those dogwoods, is a backhand roller a good call here?

I would guesstimate the landing zone to be about 250'-275' from the blue tee...uphill. We have not measured any holes at this course with the exception of hole 3.

Righty backhand rollers will definitely work for this tee shot, but the uphill slope leaves little room for error if the roller angle is slightly off line. The slope on this hole is very tricky. We've only thrown the hole a couple of times, but I've seen many more successful air shots than rollers. If you enlarge the image and look past the Dogwoods into the shaded background, you'll see the slope sharply rise up and to the right. The roller is probably the best way to get around the dogleg and up into the wooded fairway, but you better nail the angle just right... :D

Standing on the blue tee, I just did not feel comfortable with an uphill anhyzer air shot, and the short grass and low ceiling screamed backhand roller to me. I executed well, rolling my Stringray up to the far right corner of the landing area. A few feet left or right can make a big difference in which alley you can throw to reach the polehole. I couldn't use the main alleyway but squeezed a Roc up the left side up to the polehole for a drop-in birdie three. :cool:

The alternate pin placements will make this hole much more challenging and almost demand perfect placement on the tee shot. I imagine that after playing this hole a number of times I may eventually need to change my method to attack this hole; I agree that the roller angle is critical and anything slightly off line would be disastrous!

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 02:32 PM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450234491T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045023L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=4491&srv=img2)
Hole 2
This short par 3 plays across a valley. The slopes are quite steep and from the bottom you cannot see the pin (where Marcus is standing). The reward for driving the green is a less stressful walk around this steep-sloped fairway.

Even from the blue tee, it should be rare for a golfer to find himself where Marcus is standing. While this hole is very cool to look at and throw, it really doesn't take advantage of the awesome elevation changes, which are even more severe than the picture depicts. As the crow flies, it's a very open and straightforward tee shot, especially from the shorter white tee. While this tee is appropriate for white level golfers, I'd like to see the blue tee pushed back at least another 40-50 feet. This would really bring the elevation change into play on weaker drives.

With this pin placement, I can also envision that missed putts from the top could roll down off this fast green. What a heartbreaker that will be! :cool:

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 02:46 PM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450284408T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045028L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=4408&srv=img2)
Hole 3 (blue tee)
This is one of the two par 5 holes at Deer Lakes. Due to the existance of an unground cable line, this fairway already existed....somewhat. It is a huge valley shot and the initial measurment came in at 850'. That distance will probably be to the A-pin with the C-pin coming in at 1,000'. That's the plan, anyway.

That's Tom driving from the blue tee. See the dudes in the background? They are near the bottom section of the valley.

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/25-0450331633T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=25-045033L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=1633&srv=img2)
This photo is near the bottom of the valley. If you click on the image for enlargement, you should be able to see a red Innova Traveler target further up the other side of the valley. That's the A-pin. :D

Obviously, we have much more work to do on this hole. More use of pole saws is required and we will need a rope saw for the higher branches. It's gonna be awesome once completed, however. One word word of advice: FAIRWAY. :D

This hole is the ultimate in risk / reward. I played it exactly as I planned, with a conservative Classic Roc shot off the tee for fairway placement. The four other golfers in my group all threw drivers, which found heavy schul to the side. I followed my tee shot up with two fairway drives that were also on the conservative side, which left me an uphill 80-footer for four; I missed for an easy drop-in par five. Skilled players and thinking golfers should never do worse than five on this hole. Aggressive play could result in a birdie four, but it could also cause very high numbers. The decision is left to each golfer on this wondrous par five.

I'm not sure whether B and C pin positions are needed on this hole; it's perfect just the way it is! :cool:

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 03:05 PM

http://img2.glowfoto.com/images/2006/06/28-0237485528T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=28-023748L&y=2006&m=06&t=jpg&rand=5528&srv=img2)
Hole 7 (blue tee)
Although it looks to be flat, this fairway slopes downward to a flat green just inside the trees. Estimated distance is about 425' and due to the elevation change, this hole can easily be overthrown. Beyond the green is a steep, wooded hillside which drops down to the O.B. parking lot.

I think that estimate is a tad generous, and this hole will likely measure about 375 - 380 feet. I threw an Avenger and placed my drive about 15 feet from the polehole for deuce, and it was the highlight of the day for me. :cool:

This hole is a thrilling downhill chuck, but I have one small safety concern with it. I think that the polehole position furthest right could cause interference with the pavilion and possibly with those playing hole 9, especially if there is a strong headwind blowing. Righties that griplock their drive or lefties that get too much hyzer may drift too far in that direction. I think that keeping the polehole in the left pin positions will help to avoid that interference.

Moderator005

Sep 11 2006, 03:45 PM

Wait until you see the wooded green on hole 9! Awesome!

Agreed! The polehole rests on a plateau on a wooded hillside. The slope descends gently to the polehole and steepens greatly after the green area.

Other hole notes: <ul type="square"> Hole 10: The local golfers I played with informed me about the debate over the blue tee placement. I agree that the blue tee should be located further up the road. If this hole is to be played as a par four, I think that it's critical that golfers have a chance to reach the top of the hillside on the drive, in order to have a shot at reaching the polehole on the approach. With the current blue tee, very very few golfers would be able to score a birdie three on this par four hole.

Hole 11: I played the white tee on this hole, but look forward to playing from a blue tee further back - it will likely be the most challenging par three on the course.

Hole 14: See previous notes; I'd really, really like to see a blue tee at the top of the hill. That section of old growth forest is beautiful and it would be a shame not to take the most advantage of the full elevation there, even if the hike up to it would be considerable.

Hole 15: The local golfers I played with told me about the possibility of the county putting in a floating bridge across the water? If so, that would be outrageous! :cool:

Hole 16: Absolutely *love* the design of this hole. You can get aggressive with the drive to leave yourself with a shorter approach to the polehole, or you can throw a conservative shot to ensure that you make the pipeline fairway. I threw too conservative and made it out of the woods, but left myself too much distance to reach the polehole on my approach. It's a lot longer than it looks to the polehole, and uphill the whole way.

Hole 17: Oh my! After escaping the woods, what a gorgeous open hole! With the low cut grass and rolling terrain, this hole reminded me of hole#12 at Knob Hill and hole#9 at Moraine and screamed backhand roller. I was enthused to send my Sidewinder roller just into the woods about midway between the A and B pin positions, and I made my putt coming back for deuce. Woo-hoo! :cool:

Hole 18: What a perfect finishing hole! A wide open tee shot allows you to bomb an airshot, but the approach narrows considerably to the polehole, and the OB road looms dangerously on the left while the green slopes drastically towards it. Many matches at the Deer Lakes course will be decided when one opponent scores a birdie three and another takes a circle five or worse. [/list]

Here's my scorecard from the round. Note that I played the white tee on hole#11, the red tee on hole#15, and holes 13 & 14 were not in use.

<table border="1"><tr><td>LAYOUT</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>OUT</td><td>10</td><td>11</td><td>12</td><td>13</td><td>14</td><td>15</td><td>16</td><td>17</td><td>18</td><td>IN</td><td>TOTAL
</td></tr><tr><td>Blue Tee/Green Center</td><td>490</td><td>300</td><td>900</td><td>300</td><td>240</td><td>500</td><td>375</td><td>290</td><td>850</td><td>4245</td><td>550</td><td>410</td><td>310</td><td>510</td><td>750</td><td>300</td><td>475</td><td>325</td><td>625</td><td>4255</td><td>8500
</td></tr><tr><td>Pro Par (Blue Tees)</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>33</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>24</td><td>57
</td></tr><tr><td>Jeff</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>31</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>24</td><td>55</tr></td></table>

gotcha

Sep 12 2006, 09:53 AM

Hole 14: See previous notes; I'd really, really like to see a blue tee at the top of the hill. That section of old growth forest is beautiful and it would be a shame not to take the most advantage of the full elevation there, even if the hike up to it would be considerable.

The top of the hill was the initial choice for Hole 14's blue tee, however, the Park Director was not comfortable with that location due to erosion concerns. The wooded slope is very steep and golf discs would inevitably end up on that hillside during play. As a result, the blue tee was relocated down the hill below the white tee. The hole is still in development and once we clear the fairway and green, we'll have a better idea as to where the blue tee will fit best into the hole design.

Glad you liked the course, Jeff. It's been a slow process due to the fact we (PFDS members) are prohibited from using chainsaws on the course. :( We take out everything we can (with hand tools) and flag the remaining timber for the county workers to remove at a later date. Unfortunately, we have some trees which have been flagged for weeks (i.e. Hole 15). That's okay, though....this course is going to be worth the wait! :)

jerry

Moderator005

Sep 12 2006, 01:36 PM

That's okay, though....this course is going to be worth the wait! :)

jerry

Absolutely! :cool:

Jerry,

Notice that in the original posts about this course earlier this year, it was planned as a "par 64 with two par 5's and six par 4's."

Do you agree that now from the blue tees, there are three pro par five holes? (3,9,14) The six pro par four holes are 1,6,10,13,16, and 18.

gotcha

Sep 13 2006, 09:02 AM

Notice that in the original posts about this course earlier this year, it was planned as a "par 64 with two par 5's and six par 4's."

Do you agree that now from the blue tees, there are three pro par five holes? (3,9,14) The six pro par four holes are 1,6,10,13,16, and 18.

You are correct, sir. Hole 9 was initially designed as a par 4. The green was eventually pushed deeper into the woods and then J Gary relocated the blue tee about 40'-50' further back. Designed for 950 rated players, the blue tee adjustment should result in a scoring average closer to par 5.

The same goes for holes 12 and 16. The initial tee locations for these holes were reversed....12 was longer and 16 was shorter. Hole 16 looked to be an easy par 4, thus, J Gary lengthened the 16 tee and shortened the par 3 hole 12. That worked great for both holes...eliminating the "tween" factor from the original hole design.

Can't wait to get out there this Sunday and do some clearing on 13 and 14! I love working on new courses! :)

gotcha

Sep 15 2006, 07:44 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

"Hey ya! Maybe you've been hearing the rumors, so we
want to set the record straight...the baskets are in the ground at Deer Lakes!

Deer Lakes Park Manager Mike Dutch padlocked the Mach 3 Pole holes into their sleeves on Wednesday Sept. 6 and you can hear the oohs and aahs already. PFDS members and friends played the course over the last week and you can read some of their comments on the PDGA discussion board under the Deer Lakes thread.

But why not come out and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

We will be gathering at 9 am on Sunday 9/17 to play a round and then around 11:30 shifting into work mode to attack the
last three holes remaining to be cleared -- #13-15.

We want your help, so bring saws, loppers, axes,
gloves and long pants. A gang of people would be a huge boost to opening up these last holes and making them playable.

Call J. Gary (724-933-6969) if you can make it. Or
if you are playing the Sunday Devotional, make the 30 minute drive over to Deer Lakes afterward and get your hands on this beauty."

sandalbagger

Sep 15 2006, 12:42 PM

If I don't go out of town this weekend, I will definitely be there. This course is amazing.

Moderator005

Sep 15 2006, 01:41 PM

If I don't go out of town this weekend, I will definitely be there. This course is amazing.

Chris, did you see my message #585269 on 09/06/06? I was out in Pittsburgh last weekend and would have loved for you to join me for a round. J. Gary hooked me up with local Dan Sauers and he showed me the course - what a heck of a nice guy. :cool:

I'll be out there again next weekend and hopefully we can get a round in. -Jeff

sandalbagger

Sep 15 2006, 02:08 PM

I was at the Can-Am cup. next weekend might work well for me. Send me an email at deitzel at hotmail.com

gotcha

Sep 18 2006, 10:33 AM

The PFDS is pleased to announce that all 18 holes at Deer Lakes disc golf course are now playable. Yesterday, 15 members and friends of the PFDS worked diligently to clear hole holes 13, 14 and 15. Limited to only hand tools (no chainsaws), the work day was a huge success. Please click on the link below to view the slideshow images.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gotcherj/slideshow?.dir=/3411re2&.src=ph

There are several tree branches which were out of reach of our 15' pole saws. Either a rope saw or the addition of a ladder will enable us to remove these remaining tree limbs. Of course, we still have a large number of trees marked for chainsaw removal by the county workers (mainly Hole 15).

Of particular interest is the par 5 design of Hole 14. A well placed tee shot will offer the option of attacking the hole from either the right or left side. The wooded fairway splits before a large valley and now there are two distinct pathways to approach to the uphill green. We obviously have MUCH more work to do on this new course, but it's going to be awesome once it's completed! :)

sandalbagger

Sep 18 2006, 08:15 PM

All I can say is wow!! What a difference a day makes. I'm glad I came out to do work on 13. I can't believe how much you guys got done on 14 after I left!!! Amazing. Can't wait to go out there again and play a round with the newly cleared holes. By Spring of next year, this course is going to be so nice. But even in the rough, raw stage that it is in, it plays beautifully. www.PFDS.ORG (http://www.PFDS.ORG)

gotcha

Sep 21 2006, 07:51 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

We've lost count of the number of work days put into the Deer Lakes
course, but we are making progress. You probably have heard that the
baskets are in the ground.

Fifteen disc golf troops showed their colors on September 17 at the
last work day and totally opened Hole #13. Some work was also done to
show the line on the par 5 #14 as well.

Click link below to see last week's before & after photos:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gotcherj/slideshow?.dir=/3411re2&.src=ph

Our next assault will occur on Sunday October 1. The plan is to meet
at 9 am to build two foot bridges on hole #11 with material provided by
the county. We are looking for a gas powered generator, as well as
circular saws and/or a small table saw to cut wood to size for the
bridges. We'll also need battery powered drills to drive screws
through the decking into the bridge supports. Please contact J. Gary
724-933-6969 if you can bring any of these tools.

With some luck and a lot of help from you, we'll also finish clearing
#14 from tee to green. Wear long pants and bring bow saws, pole
pruners, loppers, work gloves and lunch.

If you haven't yet been out, of course we forgive you. Come out and
lay into this project. People who have played it are saying what the
course designers were hoping: Deer Lakes is going to be the best disc
golf course in the PFDS rotation. Come and make it happen!

Directions to Deer Lakes Park: From Pittsburgh, take Rt. 28 N. Exit
13 at Russellton/Creighton. Left at stop sign on Crawford Run Road.
2.5 miles turn Right on Butler Logan Road. Approx. 2.5 miles turn
right into Deer Lakes Park Main entrance. Follow road .5 miles, then
turn right into Entrance #1. Park in upper end of Blue Gill parking
lot.

From the north, take Rt. 910 east and follow Orange Belt into
Russellton and turn left into Deer Lakes Park Main entrance. Follow
road .5 miles, then turn right into Entrance #1. Park in upper end of
Blue Gill parking lot. First tee up steps.

Allegheny County Park website with mapquest directions:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/dlfac.asp

gotcha

Oct 04 2006, 07:50 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

It ain't done yet...but we are getting closer to having the course
ready for the first tournament rounds to be played at Deer Lakes on
October 28.

This weekend is when we'll get #14 the haircut and shave it so badly
wants, and we'll build some bridges on #11 to close the gap.

Won't you come out and lend some time and muscle? PFDS members are
gathering Saturday at noon to clear #14, and Sunday we will start at 9
am to construct two foot bridges on #11.

Bring loppers, pole pruners, bow saws and axes, gloves and long pants
for the attack on Sherwood Forest.

If you have a gas powered generator, or know where we could get one for
use on Sunday, call J. Gary at 724-933-6969. Otherwise bring circular
saws (battery powered or corded), drills, and other implements of
construction. The county is supplying the lumber, concrete and
fasteners we might need.

Bring some lunch, bring a friend, and bring your discs because we know
you'll want to throw some of these holes.

The tournament mentioned earlier is the final event of the Pittsburgh
Scholastic Disc Golf Championships, but we want everyone to come out
and celebrate the birth of our newest course so we are throwing a
tournament with divisions for everyone! That's right, two tournament
rounds at Deer Lakes with an 8:30 registration and 9:00 tee time.

Entry fee is $10 plus a donation for the payout prize box (new or
collectable disc, garb, or other disc golf paraphenalia to be
distributed to the lucky and good golfers that day). Bring a couple of
extra bucks too because we are going to throw off for a mountain bike
donated by Scholl's Bicycle Centers. You could get the first
tournament ace on the new course...

...but we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves. First we have to
finish clearing and building. So make some plans to come out this
weekend Oct 7 and/or 8.

Directions to Deer Lakes Park: From Pittsburgh, take Rt. 28 N. Exit
13 at Russellton/Creighton. Left at stop sign on Crawford Run Road.
2.5 miles turn Right on Butler Logan Road. Approx. 2.5 miles turn
right into Deer Lakes Park Main entrance. Follow road .5 miles, then
turn right into Entrance #1. Park in upper end of Blue Gill parking
lot.
From the north, take Rt. 910 east and follow Orange Belt into
Russellton and turn left into Deer Lakes Park Main entrance. Follow
road .5 miles, then turn right into Entrance #1. Park in upper end of
Blue Gill parking lot. First tee up steps.

Allegheny County Park website with mapquest directions:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/dlfac.asp

gotcha

Oct 20 2006, 08:02 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Sunday Oct 29 from noon till four pm members of the Deer Lakes Disc
Golf Club invite you to come help clear recently cut trees on #14 and
#15. Fairways have been mowed, tee blocks put in the ground, bridges
built, and preparations made, but a few finishing touches need you.
Come out and lend a hand.

Finally, plan on playing in the first official tournament at Deer Lakes
on Sat. Oct 28. We will hold divisions for all players, including the
middle and high schoolers who are playing the final event of their Fall
series. Register 8:30 a.m. at Blue Gill Pavilion with Players meeting
at 9 am. Entry fee for this inaugural event is $10 AND a new or
collectable disc or disc golf item. Be part of the history in the
making.

See you soon,

J. Gary Dropcho
PFDS # 007

PS. Here are updated maps of the Deer Lakes course:

http://img4.glowfoto.com/images/2006/10/20-0402326655T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-040232L&y=2006&m=10&t=jpg&rand=6655&srv=img4)
http://img4.glowfoto.com/images/2006/10/20-0402355774T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-040235L&y=2006&m=10&t=jpg&rand=5774&srv=img4)

gotcha

Nov 20 2006, 10:09 AM

http://img4.glowfoto.com/images/2006/11/20-0621454621T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-062145L&y=2006&m=11&t=jpg&rand=4621&srv=img4)

Turkey Shoot at Deer Lakes Park

Thanksgiving Day ~ November 23, 2006
Tee off at 9:30 am
Entry $5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay...we're not really having a turkey shoot, but everyone will be looking for birdies Thursday morning at Deer Lakes disc golf course. The PFDS is hosting a one-round holiday disc golf tournament on Thanksgiving starting at 9:30 am. What better way to kick in your metabolism prior to the big feast (and the inevitable food coma which follows)!

Entry fee is only $5 with 100% payout in each division. The forecast is supposed to be nice that day with a high around 57 degrees. Disc golf followed by food, family and football....sounds like a perfect game plan!

We hope to see you there!

Jerry

Jeff_LaG

Apr 30 2007, 03:15 PM

Is there a new unofficial course record at Deer Lakes Park?

On 4/29/07, J. Gary Dropcho shot a 60 from the Blue tees. I witnessed.

<table border="2"><tr><th colspan=1> Layout </th><th> 1 </th><th> 2 </th><th> 3 </th><th> 4 </th><th> 5 </th><th> 6 </th><th> 7 </th><th> 8 </th><th> 9 </th><th> out </th><th> 10 </th><th> 11 </th><th> 12 </th><th> 13 </th><th> 14 </th><th> 15 </th><th> 16 </th><th> 17 </th><th> 18 </th><th> in </th><th> TOTAL </th></tr>
<tr><td> Blue Tees </td><td> 423 </td><td> 276 </td><td> 825 </td><td> 345 </td><td> 264 </td><td> 471 </td><td> 405 </td><td> 273 </td><td> 846 </td><td> 4128 </td><td> 573 </td><td> 363 </td><td> 333 </td><td> 417 </td><td> 714 </td><td> 339 </td><td> 507 </td><td> 339 </td><td> 603 </td><td> 4188 </td><td> 8316 </td></tr>
<tr><td> Par </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 33 </td><td> 66 </td></tr>
<tr><td> J. Gary </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 30 </td><td> 60 </td></tr>
<tr><td> Jeff </td><td> 3 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 32 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 4 </td><td> 3 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 34 </td><td> 66 </td></tr>
</table>

gotcha

May 01 2007, 10:27 AM

60 from the blue tees is the best I've heard of at Deer Lakes. Good shooting, J Gary! :)

Jeff_LaG

May 01 2007, 11:01 AM

This was a good round for me despite some bone-headed play. I missed a 10-footer on hole#4 for a par, and a 15-footer to save a 4 on hole#6. I had the best drive on hole#13 and was on top of the hill, but hit trees on both upshots and missed the putt to take a very stupid 5. I did deuce hole #5,7, and 12 and parked the hillside pin on hole#11, catching chains on the severely uphill 25-footer to the current polehole position, but it didn't stick. But the highlight of the round for me was certainly hole#14. Again, I had about a 50-footer uphill for eagle. A huge turnover shot with a Sidewinder off the tee, and then another big flex shot with a Sidewinder to the hillside below the pin. My hands were again trembling knowing that I could be the first to eagle 3 this hole from the blue tees. Alas, I could not convert.

Watching J. Gary shoot 60, it wouldn't have mattered if I shot 80. He actually had a chance for a 3 on hole#18, but the wind was howling and he wisely laid up. :cool:

sandalbagger

May 01 2007, 10:25 PM

Jeff_LaG

May 02 2007, 10:41 AM

I got a 2 on 18 from the blues!!!! Threw a roller about 45 feet from the pin. It was sick. Hole 14 I have a record that I think will stand for some time - 6 4's in a row!! My best Blue score is a 61...but that was with some different pins than where they are at now.

You deuced 18? What a sick eagle - that must have been some roller, maybe it carried on the road for a bit? I don't think I've even 3'd that hole yet. In fact, I usually end up taking a 5. :(

KayakFisher

May 03 2007, 02:35 PM

Saw and played the course for the first time a few weeks ago. Loved the course and especially Hole # 15! What a sweet hole! I only have 2 gripes about the course... Holes #6 and #9.

Hole #6: The hairpin turn in mid fairway seems a bit much. People will start throwing straight thru the woods, which makes the hole half the distance. I feel the pin could be a little bit further towards the left. I did hear that a mando will be placed on that hole though.

Hole #9: I played to the "practice basket" and didn't even see the real basket until hitting the basket from quite a ways out and then finding out that I just put it in the wrong basket! Then while walking down to hole 10, I see the pin over the cliff... that makes that hole a totally blind shot. I'm sure the next time I play I won't make that same mistake with the practice basket behind the pavilion.

Overall, I was really impressed with the condition of the course and sorry that I couldn't make any of the work days there... I did move a really large tree during my round that fell on Hole 12 fairway though :) It really is a long haul for me from erie, but will definitely work it in on weekends that I am down er' n'at.

gotcha

May 03 2007, 08:27 PM

I only have 2 gripes about the course... Holes #6 and #9.

Hole #6: The hairpin turn in mid fairway seems a bit much. People will start throwing straight thru the woods, which makes the hole half the distance. I feel the pin could be a little bit further towards the left. I did hear that a mando will be placed on that hole though.

<font color="red"> The dogleg on hole 6 was intentional as this is a par 4 hole. A well executed shot to the dogleg will set up the subsequent approach shot to the green. There will be no mando implemented on this hole, but there will be an O.B. area created along the right side of the fairway and dogleg. This large O.B. area will probably encourage golfers to shoot for the landing zone as opposed to risking a shot through the woods. I'm not sure what pin placement 6's basket was in when you played the hole, but there is a walking/bike trail left of the green. For safety reasons, we intentionally kept the green short and right of that walking path. </font>

Hole #9: I played to the "practice basket" and didn't even see the real basket until hitting the basket from quite a ways out and then finding out that I just put it in the wrong basket! Then while walking down to hole 10, I see the pin over the cliff... that makes that hole a totally blind shot. I'm sure the next time I play I won't make that same mistake with the practice basket behind the pavilion.

<font color="red"> The par-5 hole 9 is one of my favorite holes on the course. Unfortunately, nearly every newcomer to the course plays to the practice basket....not realizing the actual target for hole 9 is tucked away in the downhill wooded green. Personally, I would prefer to see the practice basket kept down by the lower parking lot for that reason alone. We have a sleeve installed near the parking lot for this practice basket. During tournament play, the practice basket will be moved to the parking lot area so players will play the hole correctly. The green for hole 9 is definitely one of the more challenging greens of all the Pittsburgh area courses. Placement of one's second drive will make or break the approach to Hole 9's target. </font>

We're glad to hear you liked the course! A lot of work went into it and we have a lot more to do! The tee signs will be installed in a couple of weeks, followed by concrete tee pads later in the year. Needless to say, we have a lot more clearing to do as well.

Keep your eyes posted to this board and www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org) as we will soon be announcing tournament dates for the Deer Lakes Monthly. :)

Jeff_LaG

May 03 2007, 09:59 PM

<font color="red"> The par-5 hole 9 is one of my favorite holes on the course. Unfortunately, nearly every newcomer to the course plays to the practice basket....not realizing the actual target for hole 9 is tucked away in the downhill wooded green. Personally, I would prefer to see the practice basket kept down by the lower parking lot for that reason alone. We have a sleeve installed near the parking lot for this practice basket. During tournament play, the practice basket will be moved to the parking lot area so players will play the hole correctly. The green for hole 9 is definitely one of the more challenging greens of all the Pittsburgh area courses. Placement of one's second drive will make or break the approach to Hole 9's target. </font>

J. Gary and I both took a birdie 4 on Sunday! :cool:

gotcha

May 16 2007, 09:17 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Calling all volunteers! The Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society needs your help to install 54 new signposts at Deer Lakes over two days;
Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.

We will meet in the main parking lot (Blue Gill) both days at 9:00 am . If you have any of the following tools, it would be great if you could bring them along ~ wheelbarrow, hoe, shovel, bow-saw and work gloves. Also, bring your lunch and golf discs for a 4:00 pm scramble following the work day.

gotcha

May 20 2007, 06:55 PM

The attached photos are from the Deer Lakes work day on May 19, 2007. Twelve folks showed up (including Alana & Kurt from Indiana, PA) to help install cemented tee sign posts on 11 holes....that's a total of 33 sign posts! The first two images are a before & after of the wooded fairway on hole 11. Difficult to see in the photos, we removed several small trees to the left of the large tree, opening another route to the green.

Of course, work day isn't much fun without golf following the labor.......seven of us hung out for a friendly round of "wolf" to cap off the afternoon. Thanks to everyone who volunteered this weekend and we hope to see you at the first Deer Lakes Monthly (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=691090&an=0&page=0#Post6 91090) next Saturday, May 26! :cool:

http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432094165T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143209L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=4165&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432133529T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143213L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=3529&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432162697T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143216L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2697&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432206189T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143220L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=6189&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432246068T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143224L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=6068&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432286411T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143228L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=6411&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432314219T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143231L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=4219&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432351336T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143235L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=1336&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432382279T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143238L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2279&srv=img3)http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1432413041T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-143241L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=3041&srv=img3)
http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452489747T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145248L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=9747&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452492124T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145249L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2124&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452524083T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145252L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=4083&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452542921T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145254L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2921&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452566433T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145256L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=6433&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1452586414T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145258L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=6414&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/20-1453002878T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=20-145300L&y=2007&m=05&t=jpg&rand=2878&srv=img5)

gotcha

Jun 12 2007, 04:13 PM

This afternoon I received a phone call from Deer Lakes course promoter, Dan Sauers. He said the new tee signs were installed today!

For those of you unfamiliar with this challenging par 66 course, please download the front & back of a Deer Lakes scorecard here. (http://pfds.org/course_deer.html) The course map on the back of the scorecard will help visitors navigate their way through this beautiful park!

gotcha

Jun 13 2007, 12:24 AM

http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025026291T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202502L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=6291&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025057177T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202505L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=7177&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025071650T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202507L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=1650&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025106428T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202510L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=6428&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025133671T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202513L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=3671&srv=img5)http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2007/06/12-2025158256T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/viewimage.php?img=12-202515L&y=2007&m=06&t=jpg&rand=8256&srv=img5)

Here's some recent photos of Deer Lakes hole 15 a-pin. This is a really fun par three which can test your nerves! Wind off the lake can be a factor on this downhill tee shot. Distance is measured to green center:

Blue tee 339'
White tee 285'
Red tee 162'

A drive which lands in the water is considered out of bounds (one stroke penalty) and player must play his/her next shot from the red tee (drop zone).

Jeff_LaG

Jun 13 2007, 03:07 PM

I finally had a decent drive from the blue tee last Saturday - put it right at the far end of the bench. Unfortunately, I air-balled the putt. :(

kUrTp

Jun 13 2007, 03:43 PM

The day we installed the sign post during our game of Wolf was the first time i threw from the blue tee on this hole. Nerves as hell that i would lose my XL, I went right at it, hitting the top of the basket. What a shame considering it skipped 40 feet past, then nerves as hell that i would over shoot my putt putting it back into the water, I threw short.

What a outstanding hole!!! Can't wait to see it if, when they install a floating bridge.

gotcha

Jun 13 2007, 04:11 PM

The Allegheny parks department has supposedly requested the cost of a floating pontoon bridge to be included in the 2008-2009 county budget. Yeah, baby! :p

gotcha

Jun 20 2007, 04:27 PM

This is a friendly reminder that the Deer Lakes Monthly is scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 23.

10:00 am Start time
1 round of 18 holes (pro & advanced blue tees; all other divisions white tees)
$10 Entry (all divisions)

A total of 24 players showed up for May's Deer Lakes Monthly. I know there have been better practice rounds carded previously, but here are the official Deer Lakes Park tournament course records:

Singles:

66 (Blue tees) ~ Red Whittington, 5/26/07 (Deer Lakes Monthly)
72 (White tees) ~ Dan Sauers, 5/26/07 (Deer Lakes Monthly)

If there's enough interest, we'll have an afternoon round of random doubles following lunch. We sure hope to see you there! Directions to the park can be found at www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org)

Jerry

p.s. The new tee signs have been installed on the course and they are suh-weet! Come out this Saturday, check out these new tee signs and try to take down Red and Dan!

xxDxSxx

Jul 05 2007, 11:30 AM

During my round on wednesday, July 4th, I moved the basket on hole #13 to the "B" position. This is the first time the basket has been in this position. It is about 30 feet farther and slightly to the right of the "A" position. This should help make this hole a little more difficult.

The new current layout is as follows:

1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-B, 5-A, 6-B, 7-B, 8-B, 9-C, 10-A, 11-B, 12-C, 13-B, 14-A, 15-A, 16-A, 17-C, 18-A

Also, I now have some club plastic for sale and hopefully soon I'll have a lot more.

Jeff_LaG

Jul 05 2007, 02:34 PM

Awesome, I look forward to playing the new pin position, which should make the hole play more like a true pro par four. Even from the blue tee, I've had some shots that carried over the crest of the hill and almost to the gully which has then typically been a pretty straightforward up-n-down for 3. Shots that fly straight and don't finish to the left aren't that bad, and in fact, if the new B pin is 30 feet farther and slightly to the right of the "A" position, a straight shot might be the preferred route now.

xxDxSxx

Jul 05 2007, 03:04 PM

I don't know how well you remember the hole Jeff, but there is a large tree that was just past and to the right of the "A" pin. This tree is now in play. Along with a couple of smaller ones. The good thing about this hole is that we haven't set the "C" pin yet. If the "B" pin still isn't tough enough, the location of the "C" pin will be. /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
I'm looking forward to hearing how the "B" pin plays.

Jeff_LaG

Jul 05 2007, 03:57 PM

Dan, I do remember that lone large tree and can see where it would present an additional challenge now that it's in play. However, I wonder if one could approach the 'B' pin from the right side after throwing a straight shot off the tee. As a left-hander I would imagine you've likely found yourself on the right side after throwing a turnover shot that din't quite get over and hyzered back out.

xxDxSxx

Jul 05 2007, 04:23 PM

Yeah. You're right. My shots either hyzer back out or hit a tree and kick right. It's been a while since I've had a look from the left side. I moved the basket after playing the hole and I didn't go back to even take a look afterwards so I really don't know. I guess I'll just have to go tonight and check it out. :D

gotcha

Jul 06 2007, 12:04 PM

You should've seen Dan's tee shot on hole 13 the last time we played the course (ugliest lie I've ever seen on that hole...so far over the hill and lying in the bottom of the creek bed, we almost abandoned it as a lost disc). :D

xxDxSxx

Jul 06 2007, 04:51 PM

Thanks Jerry. At least you could have mentioned that I still managed to par the hole. :D

gotcha

Jul 07 2007, 03:59 PM

Thanks Jerry. At least you could have mentioned that I still managed to par the hole. :D

:D

gotcha

Aug 12 2007, 10:11 PM

gotcha

Aug 14 2007, 08:13 AM

Has anybody been out to Deer Lakes since the bad storms last Thursday? The course at Schenley Park was severely damaged during that storm with lots of downed trees and one demolished basket (hole 12). Knob Hill and Lakeview are fine....we're hoping the same for Deer Lakes.

I received an email from Josh Charlton who has confirmed there is no storm damage at Deer Lakes Park. :)

Reminder: The Deer Lakes Monthly is this Saturday, August 18. Divisional stroke play begins at 10:00 am and there will be a Mace Man Doubles event in the afternoon at 2:00 pm.

jmc2442

Oct 03 2008, 11:44 AM

well, I imagine everyone is about tired of the tourney locations as they have been in place for like a month and a half now. well, have no fear! this weekend I am going to move all the baskets at the DLDGC. Im shooting for Saturday morning, but no promises. It will however get completed before Monday. If you want to know the status give me a call.

as of now I am looking at the following:

1 B
2 C (if I have time to clear, if not then A)
3 A
4 C
5 B
6 B
7 C
8 C (if I can get it unlocked, I got a can of WD40 to give 'er a whirl)
9 A
10 B
11 A
12 B
13 B
14 B (if I have time to clear, if not it will move to A)
15 A
16 A
17 B
18 A

I imagine this layout should produce some scores! Did anyone else notice only three people were under par during the Hunt? :D

jmc2442

Oct 06 2008, 06:02 AM

I still have not been able to move the baskets. It will happen this week.

jmc2442

Oct 07 2008, 02:21 AM

front nine was moved last night by DS and myself.....

we ventured slightly from my previous thoughts.... locations are:

1 a
2 a
3 c (NICE)
4 b
5 b
6 b
7 c
8 b
9 a

look for back nine locations sometime this week.

jmc2442

Oct 13 2008, 12:01 PM

back nine was moved later yesterday by DS and myself.....

full layout is as follows:

1 a
2 a
3 c (NICE)
4 b
5 b
6 b
7 c
8 b
9 a
10 a
11 a
12 a
13 b
14 b (Thanks to hard work Saturday by DS)
15 a
16 a
17 c
18 c

we forgot to move 17, so that'll probably be in the "B" position after my next round

sandalbagger

Oct 13 2008, 12:15 PM

I am heading to Deer LAkes right now as soon as I finish typing this sentence.

sandalbagger

Oct 13 2008, 07:34 PM

beautiful day at the lakes. -9 from whites. 4 of us played. lots of sun, and quite a few other players on the course.

jmc2442

Oct 15 2008, 01:49 PM

the course has been packed lately. The Poole's and DS and I played last weekend and Kurt and Alanna were surprised at the number of casuals cruising the course.

btw, 17 has been moved to B and 18 is back to A

the setup is A LOT easier than the tourney layout. Should see some scores during this monthly.

Jeff_LaG

Mar 06 2009, 11:25 AM

From J. Gary on the announcements thread:

Allegheny County Parks director Andy Baechle confirmed the funding for 54 concrete tee pads to be installed in 2009 at Deer Lakes Disc Golf Course! A partnership timeline with PFDS has been approved for the first phase of the installation to occur in March and April.

What a huge commitment from the county to complete this world class course. Ten thousand thank you's!

All hands are needed on the weekend of March 14/15, March 28-29 and April 25/26 to build retaining walls on some of the pads, to frame and fill the base, and to help on the pouring and finish.

Plan on spending 3/14 Saturday afternoon (after the Deer Lakes Monthly) helping construct tie walls. Daylight Savings time will begin this weekend, so we'll have light until after 7 pm.

Bring work gloves, wheel barrows, shovels, rakes, levels, sledge hammers, and other implements of construction.

gotcha

Mar 13 2009, 09:51 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

The footers for retaining walls on #10, 11, 1, 2 have been dug and piles of gravel have been placed at each site, and the retaining wall timbers will be delivered on Friday. All we need are allya'll/yunzguys to show up and be huge for this weekend's tee party at Deer Lakes.

Here's a list of tools needed for wall building as compiled by master tie wall builder Dan Sauers (x next to an item means we have one of the item, but we want to have multiples so crews can work on more than one wall at a time:

line level x
4 ft level x
chalk line x
50' tape measurer x
speed square x
hammer x
3 lb sledge hammer
hand saw
cordless drill x
3/4" wood bit
5/8" wood bit
3/8" wood bit
shovel x
wheel barrow
steel rake x
tamper (does anyone have access to a gas powered one?)
post hole digger x
digging bar x
hoe

PLEASE let us know if and when you will be able to lend a hand.

JG
DS

gotcha

Mar 15 2009, 08:34 PM

The following image were taken at Deer Lakes Park on March 15, 2009. Thanks to all the PFDS members who showed up over the weekend to help install the retaining walls on holes 1 and 11. We made a lot of progress and though we have a long way to go, this course is going to be the bomb once it's finished! Enjoy the slideshow! :)

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SCOTT

Mar 15 2009, 09:53 PM

The walls look great. Wish I could have made it out again today. Nice pics, did someone break my tamper?

garydropcho

Mar 15 2009, 10:09 PM

Over thirty PFDS volunteers spent Sat and Sun building retaining walls on Holes 1 and 11 in the first weekend of preparation for installation of concrete tee pads. Three tee pads will be installed on each hole at the Red, White and Blue locations. The first phase of the project is projected to pour cement on Saturday April 25, with a second Tee Party Weekend scheduled for mar 28-29.

Make plans to help two weeks from now and at the end of April.

You can see some more photos of the progress made at

http://gallery.me.com/jgdropcho#100061

and

http://gallery.me.com/jgdropcho#100054

Yes, we broke your tamper, Sorry Scott. The club will pay for the damage. I think Dan Sauers has the pieces. Maybe we can put a new handle on it. My sledge hammer also bit the dust today. New handle needed there too.

SCOTT

Mar 15 2009, 11:02 PM

No big deal. I was just surprised it broke after just buying it on Friday night! Figures though everything you buy these days breaks fairly easily. I'll get a hold of Dan so that hopefully I can get it back in commision by the next tee party.

gotcha

Mar 28 2009, 09:47 PM

A very productive day on hole 11 at Deer Lakes Park. :)
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SCOTT

Mar 28 2009, 10:29 PM

Looks Great! Anybody working tomorrow? If so what time would a good time to start? I might be able to get out there until noon.

gotcha

Apr 22 2009, 08:21 PM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Of course it's going to be beautiful and sunny hot for the day that we pour the first 18 tee pads at the Deer Lakes disc golf course. Allegheny County has ordered 20 yards of concrete to be delivered to the park, and PFDS is counting on you to come out and help pour and finish tee pads on holes 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18.

We will meet at 8 am in the parking lot near hole 1 to get ready for the first truck that will arrive at 9 AM. A second truck will arrive at 1 pm.

We NEED wheelbarrows, floats, edging tools, shovels, hoes and most importantly YOU. Come out for the day, or just one of the shifts. (8 am and 12 pm)

Please email or call to let us know if you will be at this historic event and what tools you might be able to bring.

J. Gary Dropcho
Course Superintendent
Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society

gotcha

Apr 24 2009, 10:53 AM

I stopped by the DLDGC yesterday evening and J Gary, Scott McIntyre and Josh Arnette were busting their tails with tee pad preparation. When I showed up they were working on holes 8 and 9, spreading gravel and installing/leveling the wood frames in advance of the concrete being delivered tomorrow. Looks great.....you guys are mules! :)

Thanks in advance for anyone planning to help at Deer Lakes tomorrow. In my 17 years of building/working on courses, I have never been involved with the construction of concrete tee pads. I'm really looking forward to the hands-on experience! I will see you guys at the park bright and early at 8:00 am!

(p.s. Anyone planning to come out, don't forget to bring a chair. After we pour the pads, we will need to go on guard duty and prevent mischievous kids from writing their names in the concrete. If enough hands are on deck, we'll be able to take turns.......guard duty / play golf! ) :D

gotcha

Apr 25 2009, 10:38 PM

April 25, 2009 ~ Deer Lakes Park

17 tee pads poured!

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gotcha

Apr 25 2009, 10:46 PM

More images from Deer Lakes ~ April 25, 2009

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gotcha

Apr 25 2009, 10:51 PM

A quick nine in the afternoon! :)

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skierdave

May 12 2009, 11:45 AM

How much work needs to be done on Saturday? Will we be able to play a round and then work or do we need to focus on getting work done?

gotcha

May 12 2009, 07:41 PM

I spoke with the course superintendent last night. Depending on what the park does this week, we hope to prep tee boxes with gravel and install frames. The super said he would post information soon. :)

The monthly is scheduled for the regular start time at 10:00 am with volunteers working after lunch.

gotcha

May 14 2009, 08:52 AM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Have you thrown from any of the 17 new concrete pads at Deer Lakes yet? You know you want to. And you know you can't wait until all 54 are done.

But it ain't gonna happen just wishin it was so. YOU gots to MAKE it happen!

So... bring your discs and play in the Deer Lakes Monthly this Saturday, then STAY and help begin the next round of work. We will take frames off tee pads, back fill around the new pads and begin to frame the next 19 pads to be poured in June.

It took a lot of hours to prep for the first pour, and PFDS needs you to come out and help some more.

Bring your lunch this time so we can get right to it after the monthly round. You know how easy it is for some people to leave for lunch and take two hours to come back...or not come back at all. Stay for the day. Earn some good course karma.

Call or email if you can make it on Saturday or Sunday this May 16/17.

J. Gary Dropcho
Course Superintendent
Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society

www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org/)
724-766-6121

gotcha

Jun 16 2009, 09:45 AM

A message from the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Have you thrown from the any of the 17 new concrete tee pads at Deer Lakes? You know how they got there...

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You want more?

Then you're going to have give a little sweat this Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening to set forms AND on Saturday from 8 am- 2 pm as we plan to pour 15 more tee pads on holes 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, and 16. We'll need you and your wheelbarrow, hoe as well as edgers, floats and concrete finishing tools. The first truck will arrive early and we'll need all hands on deck. The second truck is at 11 am.

Please RSVP and let us know what tools you can bring and when you can be there.

J. Gary Dropcho
Course Superintendent
Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society

www.pfds.org (http://www.pfds.org/)
724-766-6121

kUrTp

Jun 16 2009, 05:28 PM

I'll be there...flying solo this weekend as Alanna makes the trip from H-E double hockey sticks with my Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, and Niece to Philly friday night for a bachorette party. God Help Her! Over 10 hours total in a car with my grandmother alone is enough to make any one go NUTS! Especially now considering grandma has shoulder surgery scheduled for next month. I'm assuming Alanna will know everything about it before they hit Ebensburg, PA which is about 30 minutes from Indiana.

Anyways...I'll be there. Probably not at 8am but before the second truck arrives.

sandalbagger

Jun 17 2009, 11:35 AM

a little birdie told me last night that there will be no concrete pouring on Saturday due to equipment issues??????

gotcha

Jun 18 2009, 07:36 AM

That little birdie was wrong....

The tees were excavated yesterday at Deer Lakes Park. The work begins this afternoon (Thursday 6/18) and Friday evening (6/19). J Gary will be out there much of the day today......I plan to show up in the late afternoon after I finish my work day. We need to build and level 12 frames in advance of the concrete pour scheduled for Saturday (6/20).

Calling PFDS volunteers.......we need your help on this project. Bring cordless drills (Philips head) to build the wood frames and shovels/ metal rakes to spread gravel. If you don't have these tools, bring yourself and a pair of work gloves. I know many of you have volunteered a lot of time already, but these tee pads won't happen if we don't make it happen. Thanks in advance for your support. DLDGC is going to be the bomb once it's finished!

Jerry

Jeff_LaG

Jun 18 2009, 09:07 AM

That little birdie was wrong....

And maybe in the future Chris it would be better to check first rather than post erroneous info which a little birdie supposedly told you... :rolleyes:

kUrTp

Jun 18 2009, 09:23 AM

And maybe in the future Chris it would be better to check first rather than post erroneous info which a little birdie supposedly told you... :rolleyes:

??????

I do see question marks which means he was questioning whether or not the birdie was true.

And thanks to Goocher, we are now positive that that birdie was wrong...

sandalbagger

Jun 18 2009, 09:58 AM

perhaps you should quit typing on our message board Jeff as all you ever do is stir up problems :)

And thanks for the update Jerry. As from what I heard on Tuesday from high ranking club members, it appeared that there would be no backhoe to make it out to Deer Lakes this week.

I am glad that the work is getting done.

And as for checking in the future Jeff, when 2 members of the PFDS board tell you that something doesn't appear to be happening, it is usually the truth. And like Kurt said, I was ??????? whether or not it would happen based on good intelligence from board members.

sandalbagger

Jun 18 2009, 10:34 AM

also, check out www.dgcoursereview.com for some wonderful new reviews of Deer Lakes and Moraine.

Jeff_LaG

Jun 18 2009, 11:42 AM

Sorry Chris but imo posting erroneous information which could possibly discourage volunteers for coming out for workday stirs up a lot more trouble than anything.

Usually most times when I talk to my friends in the Pittsburgh area and within the PFDS, I hear something about how a select few do all the work for everyone else. So until every workday gets a minimum of at least 25 volunteers, don't you think it's best to do everything possible to encourage people to come out? And if the workday did happened to be cancelled, how upset would people have been once they arrived? Oh shucks, I guess I'll just have to settle for playing a round of disc golf on a world class course now. :D

And furthermore, if the workday was truly being cancelled, don't you think that one of those "2 members of the PFDS board" would have posted the information themselves? Are you a member of the PFDS board? Are you responsible for official club communications?

I've presented my opinion and won't debate the matter any further. I'm sure you'll respond and tell me once again that "everything people say about you is true, Jeff" blah blah blah. :rolleyes:

sandalbagger

Jun 18 2009, 12:31 PM

those 2 members almost NEVER use this board. So no, they wouldn't have posted it.

I didn't tell people not to go help build tee boxes, etc. I just heard that concrete wasn't getting poured.

And NO I have NO desire to be on the board.

And I don't consider info that was passed on by Mr DiscGolf himself to the PFDS pres to me as being erroneous. Hence why my statement was posted as a question???????????? It was not saying don't come, it was saying "hey I hear that we might not getting the concrete poured, is that true"?

matty$mcmillion

Jun 18 2009, 11:00 PM

now now children. no disc golf fights.

sandalbagger

Jun 19 2009, 10:45 AM

Love you Matt!!

sandalbagger

Jun 19 2009, 10:46 AM

Just curious, how did the TeePad building hold up after all the crazy storms we have had the last 24 hours?

gotcha

Jun 19 2009, 11:29 AM

Dave Wagner, KB Clark, J Gary Dropcho and myself were the only ones to show up for yesterday's work day at Deer Lakes, but it was a very productive day for only four dudes. We finished the framing for six tee pads (holes 12 and 16).

We still have six more frames to build and level this afternoon/evening. If the weather doesn't cooperate today, we will have to complete the tee pad framing tomorrow morning. We got word last night that the concrete will be delivered in one truck instead of two as previously announced. We are asking our volunteers to show up at 9:00 am tomorrow morning to be ready for the truck's arrival.

We'll post updates tonight about where we stand in regard to progress. Better yet, plan to come out this evening and see it for yourself. If we get rained out this afternoon/evening, we'll need help building the frames tomorrow before the concrete arrives....and that means an earlier start to the day. Cordless drills (w/phillips head), shovels, levels and metal rakes are needed to speed up this tee pad framing project. Oh yeah......more volunteers would be a BIG help as well.... ;)

matty$mcmillion

Jun 20 2009, 12:49 AM

good stuff guys. i wanted to come out to help but had to work open to close yesterday and today, but ill see you guys bright and early sat.

gotcha

Jun 20 2009, 07:51 AM

The concrete pour is on for this morning! We need your help! :)

Here's some photos from yesterday's prep work.....

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JedidiahBibby

Jun 20 2009, 10:33 AM

Jeff,

I have to agree with Chris on this one!! Yes you have a right to an opinion, but sometimes your opinion should just be kept to yourself.

Yes you are a PFDS member, but for you to speak about how you always hear that only a select few do the work for everyone else makes no sense to me whatsoever since you yourself are never doing anything in regards to work and help. And on top of it, you are criticizing Chris for asking a question regarding hearsay information and then you post comments about your own hearsay information which most people would say is also wrong. As far as I recall you just show up to events to play and stir up problems by posting on the board.

No doubt we like having you as a member of our club and enjoy when you attend the Pittsburgh events. And definetly you do alot for the sport in PA.

Jeff_LaG

Jun 20 2009, 02:16 PM

Hey Bibby,

When I live closer to Pittsburgh than my current 4.5 hours away, then you'll surely see me at workdays. I'm sure living in Cologne Germany you can understand how distance might affect your workday participation. :rolleyes:

I'm a lifetime member of the PFDS, the current PA State Coordinator, a PDGA Ace Club member and someone who cares deeply about growing the sport of disc golf. And again, I don't think possibly spreading erroneous information is the best way to encourage more workday participation.

Thanks for your input from halfway across the world, but it won't do anything to keep me from presenting my opinion when I see fit. I will not keep my opinion to myself, not now, not ever, no matter what you or anyone else says.

gotcha

Jun 20 2009, 06:30 PM

PGHteresa

Jun 21 2009, 02:11 AM

Just a random thank you to everyone who has been working on this. Hope I can help out in the future (out of town this weekend), but I really appreciate the time and effort that's gone into this project. I totally look forward to having the nice tees, and it's great to have volunteers who work hard for improvements everyone will enjoy.

sandalbagger

Jun 29 2009, 04:29 PM

Just played a round with KB at Deer Lakes and the Tee-pads are awesome!!!!! Nice work guys. Gonna be so nice when it's all done.

gotcha

Jul 15 2009, 04:38 PM

From the desk of J Gary Dropcho:

Hey all,

A lot of work is being done at Moraine, Knob Hill and Deer Lakes as of late to keep our courses the best ever. Thanks to all who have been pitching in, and if you haven't yet been able to make it out, it is not too late.

We are calling for help at Deer Lakes this Thursday and Friday in preparation for pouring 9 more tee pads on Saturday, July 18.

We'll be working at the park on Thursday and Friday afternoon/evenings to set the forms for the tee pads and need people to help from 3-8 pm those days. Bring a cordless drill and phillips head driver bit if you have. Shovels and rakes are good too.

We don't yet know what time the cement truck will arrive on Sat., so we are planning to meet at 8 am at the Blue Gill parking lot. Bring work gloves and, if you have them, cement finishing tools (edger, float) hoes, rakes, shovels.

(BTW, Mike Hoeg is missing his blue Kodiak shovel from the first pour we did. Please bring it if you have it).

Please give a call or send an email to let us know if you can make it. Thanks!

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=9d8861fcc8&view=att&th=1227c7092058f123&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zwhttp://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=9d8861fcc8&view=att&th=1227c7092058f123&attid=0.1.2&disp=emb&zw
J. Gary Dropcho
Course Superintendent
Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society

garydropcho

Aug 18 2009, 01:55 PM

Course prep needed for this Sunday's tournament and The Hunt:
Bring your cordless drill and phillips bit, pole pruner, loppers, work gloves.
Tuesday 8/18 from 3-8 pm.
Sat 8/22 9 am-3 pm
Any other time you can make it out.

Remove concrete forms and stakes from tee pads: 2 White and Blue; 6 Red, White and Blue; 11 Red.
Stack wood and stakes behind brick building near #8 tee pad.

Remove concrete forms and stakes from tee pads: #12 Red, White and Blue.
Stake wook and stakes behind brick building near #12 Red tee.
Grade and landscape around tee pads with gravel and dirt that is piled near tees. Provide a flat apron at least 3 feet in front and behind tee and at least 2 feet on sides.

Remove woody bushes in front of #15 basket on edge of the lake. Clear brush around and above bench beside #15 A pin.

Can anyone route (sp?) next hole directional signs? The course desperately needs these. In fact, Knob Hill needs these as well. We may already have some outdoor plywood cut into 6" rectangles at the Park office.

Cut up and clear fallen tree limbs between #13 basket and #14 tee.
Repair bridge on #14. A screw jack is needed to lift the sagging cross member.
Cut up and clear fallen trees on #14 fairway

Clear walkway from Blue Gill parking lot up hill to Blue Gill pavilion. Reset foot bridge and terraced steps up hillside.

garydropcho

Aug 19 2009, 01:22 AM

Dan the Man, Big Mule Josh Arnette and little mule J. Gary worked at Deer Lakes again today. Why don't you join us tomorrow?

Today we took the forms off and landscaped around the tee pads on Hole 6, 12 and 16. Josh also cleared brush around #15 green in preparation for installing two more pin placements.

Still to be done:
Remove concrete forms and stakes from tee pads on #2 White and Blue; #11 Red.
Grade and landscape around tee pads with gravel and dirt that is piled near tees. Provide a flat apron at least 3 feet in front and behind tee and at least 2 feet on sides.
Stack wood and stakes behind brick building near #8 tee pad

Can anyone route (sp?) next hole directional signs? The course desperately needs these. In fact, Knob Hill needs these as well. We may already have some outdoor plywood cut into 6" rectangles at the Park office.

Cut up and clear fallen tree limbs between #13 basket and #14 tee.
Repair bridge on #14. A screw jack is needed to lift the sagging cross member.
Cut up and clear fallen trees on #14 fairway

Clear walkway from Blue Gill parking lot up hill to Blue Gill pavilion. Reset foot bridge and terraced steps up hillside.

garydropcho

Sep 03 2009, 08:49 PM

The county has been working on the course in preparation for another round of concrete pouring. Blue and White tee pads on #14 and #15 have been leveled and gravel brought in.

This Sat. from 9-4 we will build retaining walls, clear downed logs and brush on holes #13, 14 and 15. We have one more pin position to set on#13, and a bridge to repair on #14.

We need wheelbarrows, a jack, shovels, sledge hammers, but most of all we need YOU.

Lend a hand and good course karma will return the favor.

gotcha

Sep 06 2009, 09:59 AM

How'd the work day go yesterday?

garydropcho

Sep 06 2009, 07:37 PM

Good stuff happending at Deer Lakes in the past weeks... County operators have leveled tee areas on #14 and !5 and put out gravel on Blue, White and Red tees. They are ready to be framed and poured.

Kurt P, Stella, Dan Sauers and myself (with reinforcement from Presto, Teresa and Drew in the afternoon) built a retaining tie wall in the front of #15 White Tee.

DS and Stella and Scotty Mac plan to build the Blue Tee wall on Labor Day Monday and would appreciate anyone who can to come out and help. Big Mule?

9 am-2 pm.

We played a round from the White tees today. Darren worked the skid loader on the fairways for 7 and 8, leveling and smoothing. More rough has been mowed.

Concrete forms still need to be taken off Red tee #11, and White Tee #2. We are leaving frame on Blue tee for #2 while considering what to do with the half-tee.

Bring a cordless drill to remove where frame is screwed together on corners and pull up stakes. Stack wood behind brick building to the left of #12 Red tee to be in position for next pour.

Who could make a tee party pour next weekend?