Hey all,

Here we go again! It's time to start thinking about the 2008 Memorial. We are going to a Thursday - Saturday format, March 6-8. Registration will be up and running soon and you know how fast this event fills up so GET IN EARLY!

We have 2008 fund raisers available now exclusively at SpinnersDiscGolf.com (http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/page/page/5052949.htm).

Can't wait to see everyone in March. If you have any questions feel free and e-mail me at spinnersdiscgolf@yahoo.com.

you're KILLING my ski trip between the vegas tournament and the memorial :p

a serious question though...

what was the reasoning to going to thurs-sat?

i'll be there either way, just wondering how many other pros won't be because of the change

Will there be an expert division?

I wish that they would have kept the Fri-Sun. setup. Apparently this decision was not made with the fact that most people work Monday-Friday in mind. I will have to take half a week off if I want to play.

There were many factors that went into the decision.

We wanted to give people a travel day on Sunday, many an awards ceremony has been poorly attended because of people rushing to the airport right after their round.

We also know that a lot of people consider the Memorial not just a tournament but a vacation destination and that is why so many people are in town Mon., Tues. or Weds. at the latest.

It is going to be an adjustment but one that we are confident people will enjoy in the long run.

Will there be an expert division?


???

If you dont know what it means look here.

http://www.pdga.com/documents/2007/2008CompetitionChangesSummary.pdf

I guess I should have been clearer. :oI know why and what the expert division is, I also want to know if the expert division is going to be offered at the memorial. :)

I talked to keith yesterday and he said that he would have the highest am division so I take that as a yes.

If you could take the whole week off you can play Gentlemans Club in Vegas the weekend before.

It does make for a nice couple of weeks with GC and the Memorial, if you are looking for great trip and some fun golf. It's right around the corner, don't let it sneak up on you.

It does make for a nice couple of weeks with GC and the Memorial, if you are looking for great trip and some fun golf. It's right around the corner, don't let it sneak up on you.



EXACTLY.....last year i played vegas, skied 4 days in colorado and played the memorial, only missing 6 days from work and having 6 days of golf and 4 of skiing.......

now at best i'll have 3 days of skiing and STILL miss the same amount of days from work, since i don't work sunday :p.....

i know for 30-40% of the PRO players that they are coming between vegas and phoenix, but the other 60-70% of pros plus most of the ams will NOT be...

we'll see how it goes and like i said, i'll be there either way, but in my opinion, that with tee times on sunday and still being done with awards by 7ish, that the move to a whole day forward will cost the event players that would have come the other way......

the other bad part is the fact of dealing with school letting out disrupting the event for 2 days instead of just 1 (at least for the masters groups, which deal with it EVERY year)

see you in 5 months...

keith (the non-spinning one :D)

Hey all,

Here we go again! It's time to start thinking about the 2008 Memorial. We are going to a Thursday - Saturday format, March 6-8. Registration will be up and running soon and you know how fast this event fills up so GET IN EARLY!

We have 2008 fund raisers available now exclusively at SpinnersDiscGolf.com (http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/page/page/5052949.htm).

Can't wait to see everyone in March. If you have any questions feel free and e-mail me at spinnersdiscgolf@yahoo.com.



From the website:


Changes for 2008:
-- Tournament competition will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
-- Great players' package for Advanced Amateur divisions (no post-event payout).
-- Intermediate Amateur divisions have been eliminated.

So in light of the PDGA competition format changes are you saying no payout for any of the amateurs, and you're only offering the highest amateur division for each track, i.e., Expert Amateur, Advanced Master and Advanced Women?

It's not your fault if the PDGA changed the terminology after you designed your website, but now it's confusing.

Sounds like we Ams are going to have to set up a lot of side bets in order to make it more interesting...

So there is no post event payout for ams, even for the winner? It's a lot to ask us to drive hundreds of miles, take extra time off of work for the thursday change and figure out where to crash with no payout. Fortunately payout is not a motivating factor one way or another for me.
Also the tourney website doesn't tell me if both Expert and Advanced will be offered, it just says intermediate has been eliminated. Any possibility of a clairification?

Either way ill be at BOTH Vegas and Memorial again this year!!! Love both tourneys and having a birthday in there with 2 tourneys is amazing!!! Man I cant wait till feb!!! PS..........I dont think it matters whether the ams pay out or not I bet this even fills both sides atleast a month in advance!!!

When I talked to Keith last week he told me there was going to be the highest am division. The players pack is going to be awesome. They are also giving out trophys still. Who cares about the payout I am just ready to play these two tournament a week after my birthday

Ok, the highest Am division will be Expert. Does that mean there will be no Advanced division? If so the website should clarify that. I'd also like to know what is in this players pack that makes it so "great" and "awesome". And i'm cool with no prize packs for payout, I just figure you should get something if you finish in one of the cash spots at a NT event. Just seems fair.

From Fountain Hill Times - 10/10/07
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fountain Park

While the grant will likely bring construction activity at Desert Vista Park next year, the town is currently wrapping up major improvements at Fountain Park. The new irrigation system is all but installed and is just awaiting the arrival of components of the pumping system for installation.

A walkway along the western shore of the lake has been completed as have 18 - 8' Circular Concrete Tee pads for the disc golf course in the park.

Installation of lush landscaping is being completed in the area near Plaza Fountainside, the splash pad and the playground. Hundreds of new low water plants, trees and shrubs are being put in as part of the landscaping project. The area immediately behind the Plaza Fountainside will have sod put in place.

The town has spent more than $1,000,000 for the improvements at Fountain Park.

That park is awesome!

Just don't get caught in the spray. Yeech!

The spray pitted my sunglasses...

The spray pitted my sunglasses...



That's what she said.

Hello golfers,

Changing to the "Trophy Only" format for the amateur divisions has raised some questions. Below is an e-mail that I sent in response to a competitor that contacted us through Disqman.com (http://www.disqman.com) along with his reply. I hope this helps people understand the direction we are going.



"Hi Jack,

The entry fee will be priced in relation to the quality of the event and the players' package will have a value that equals or exceeds the entry. For this years Memorial we are figuring it to be around $75.00. The players' package will be assembled before the event and can be picked up at check-in. I'm sure folks will be happy with the items that will be put together for the packages.

More than likely we will be offering trophies for the top 10% of the amateur divisions. That shouldn't be a thought in peoples decisions on whether or not to attend. Just know that the value of your entry will be in the event itself and the players' package, everything past that is a bonus.

We are moving in the direction of trophy only, with the support of the PDGA, to help bring in more new people to the sport. We feel that by paying out the same amount to 100% of the field instead of just the top 40% is going to be the future of amateur disc golf.

I look forward to seeing you in March, please don't hesitate to contact me with any other questions."

----- Forwarded Message ----
To: discraftkeith@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:12:23 PM
Subject: Re: The 2008 Memorial

Keith
Thank you for your response I spoke with someone from Spinners I know who he was by voice and can picture his face in my mind from coming to your event for the past several years, last year was the first time I played well enough to place.I like the idea of everyone getting a sweet players pack and think it well bring in players that wouldn't other wise play in a event of this stature, knowing first hand how much it can cost just to make the trip each year I think it well help to know your already going to go home a winner because of the players pack. Plus I think it well take alot of the pressure off to play your best game and just enjoy the event and if you happen to play well you can get a trophy as a bonus.If my schdule will premit I well be there for sure this year.
thanks
Jack

ps
feel free to paste my email response as someone who you have won over with your new format.
be seeing you in March


Jack Moore

I think it's a gutsy move by the Memorial organizers to experiment with the trophy-only model for Ams at their NT event. There is a lot of blustering done on other threads of this board about what the best tournament payout format is/would be to encourage new players to play tournaments and sandbaggers to move up. I don't know one way or the other whether this will work, but I applaud the Memorial crew for having the cojones to give it a try.

The Las Vegas Gentlemen's Club Challenge (IX) is set for February 29 - March 2, 2008...the weekend before the Memorial. Same weekend as NASCAR, so get your hotel NOW. Watch for a future discussion page for this tournament as things are finalized.

The first batch of "Reflection" SuperColor discs are in!!! You can get that great pic on the Surge (http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/catalog/item/5052949/5161928.htm) or Buzzz (http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/catalog/item/5052949/5161950.htm).

That Buzz looks sweet!!!!

I wish i could attend, Shelly Sharpe was my old stomping grounds. **** wedding getting in the way of my disc golfing. :eek:

Yeah they turned out better then we even thought! Too bad you can't make it. You should at least pick up a disc since you can't be there!!!

Way to turn that sale around!

Well...when in the heck is the entry form going to be up? I know the PDGA hasn't set a price standard for this silly Expert division, but make a guess like the folks did in Vegas!!!

Entry forms will be up and registration opening around 11/19/07.

We are putting the final touches on registration. Look for more info today or tomorrow.

One thing that has been confirmed, no expert division.

We are putting the final touches on registration. Look for more info today or tomorrow.

One thing that has been confirmed, no expert division.



Is there no expert division because the expert division was changed back to Adv or are you saying that there is no division for players rated over 935.

We are putting the final touches on registration. Look for more info today or tomorrow.

One thing that has been confirmed, no expert division.



Is there no expert division because the expert division was changed back to Adv or are you saying that there is no division for players rated over 935.



Think about it :p...NO Expert Division..(scratch chin)....I'd say its because there is NO EXPERT division :p

Why no payout for amateur divisions? What exactly are we competing for? Will the player pack be completely predetermined or will am's at least get to pick what they actually need. Looking forward to playing the event this year.

it seems an expert division would diminish the Pro field, possibly. Not guaranteed, but The Memorial may not be the right venue to test out a new division at a tournament.

That is my question are players over 935 rating going to be forced to play Open.

From their website:

March 6th - 8th
Fountain Hills and Scottsdale Arizona

Changes for 2008:
Tournament competition will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
1st-3rd place trophies for all professional divisions.
Trophies awarded to a minimum of top 10% for each amateur division.
Great players' package for Advanced Amateur divisions (no post-event payout).
Intermediate Amateur divisions have been eliminated.

Looks like I will be celebrating my birthday, on March 7th, in Arizona next year, SaaaaaWeeeet! ;) ;)

That is my question are players over 935 rating going to be forced to play Open.



I hope this doesn't get me banned, but y'all are being knuckle-heads. :D

In my catchings up, I noticed that the proposal to create a division called "Expert" was killed. Instead the ratings limits are being adjusted upwards with a new lowest division being added to the bottom. So from highest to lowest it goes Adv/Int/Something/Novice. The top am division will still be called "Advanced".

Therefore....the Memorial will not offer an Expert division.

These guys are leading you on and playing you.

This was always a tournament that I looked forward to attending, but the Th-Sat format will never work with my schedule. Sorry to miss it, this is always one of the highlights of the year. Say howdy to Russell for me! DD

I like the Thursday through Saturday format. I think it will allow me to go this year.

For me it is a great idea. Thanks.

Preparing to launch.... t-minus 65 minutes and counting!

Online registration (http://www.takeflighttoday.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=188) is now open!

Get in quick, I expect to be full by Christmas!

I'm getting reports that it's a little glitchy with IE but FireFox works just fine.

I'm getting reports that it's a little glitchy with IE but FireFox works just fine.


Now that's a first :D.... NOT

Is there a flyer for snail mail somewhere?

I thought the idea of the expert division was to create a more competitive group within "advanced" players. Now with there no payout for am's, just a player pack, where is the competition? All you get is a trophy. Just would like more clarification because I dont buy that eliminating a payout will attract more players???

from website "We are moving in the direction of trophy only, with the support of the PDGA, to help bring in more new people to the sport. We feel that by paying out the same amount to 100% of the field instead of just the top 40% is going to be the future of amateur disc golf"

I would really appreciate an explanation other than this generalization. Will an $80 entry fee attract more players when they are not competing for anything, just signing up and getting a player pack. Dont say move up to open cuz 95% of adv players couldnt compete with this field, traditionally. You are not paying out anyone, you are giving them a player pack of stuff they may or may not need/want.

I like the idea but 75 dollar entry fee is high for players pack only. If I can find the flyer online I will be there.

I thought the idea of the expert division was to create a more competitive group within "advanced" players. Now with there no payout for am's, just a player pack, where is the competition? All you get is a trophy. Just would like more clarification because I dont buy that eliminating a payout will attract more players???

from website "We are moving in the direction of trophy only, with the support of the PDGA, to help bring in more new people to the sport. We feel that by paying out the same amount to 100% of the field instead of just the top 40% is going to be the future of amateur disc golf"

I would really appreciate an explanation other than this generalization. Will an $80 entry fee attract more players when they are not competing for anything, just signing up and getting a player pack. Dont say move up to open cuz 95% of adv players couldnt compete with this field, traditionally. You are not paying out anyone, you are giving them a player pack of stuff they may or may not need/want.



That is the explanation Ryan. They are trying out the concept of a 'trophy only' Am tournament. As for whether it attracts more or less (in this case 'equal' as the tournament probably fills each year) players, the proof will be in the attendance. My bet is that the tournament fills.

You know the format ahead of time so there are no surprises. Make your decision to attend or not based on your personal beliefs and situation.

there is no doubt that this event will fill for both pro & am, i just want to know if they really believe that an $80 entry fee with no payout just a player pack is the right direction for am's. this will fill because its two great courses and very well run and has no other events to compete with and great weather. i'm excited to play this year and the player pack only is no deterrent for me to not play but i think if you beat over 150+ players you should get something other than a trophy, unless these are some sweet trophies. Does the winner get a basket?

Here's what I *think* the logic is on trophy-only/big player packs for Ams:

1) Having a guarantee of coming home with merch will attract more "less-competitive" players, which would, in theory, expand participation. Eliminating lower Am divisions also allows more prizes to be spread around. This would make tournaments more inviting to Am players who doubt they will win prizes - the proletariat donators.

2) Eliminating competitive merch prizes in the highest Am divisions would, in theory, drive some of the most-competitive Am players into pro divisions. Some critics feel that the current merch prize system for Ams encourages bagging, and that making these divisions trophy-only will lead priz-hungry Ams to try Pro - especially since they can now play for Merch in Pro divisions without losing Am status.

3) Running an Am prize distribution at the second course on Sunday (usually Fountain Hills?) is probably percieved as a hassle by tournament organizers. It sure seemed that way last year. Also, there is then *no* chance of gripes by players who finish (and merch) last that "there's nothing good left" once they receive their vouchers.

4) Ordering merch for player packs is undoubtedly easier than ordering the right combination of merch for a prize distribution.

I'm sure there are other points in the logic...

there is no doubt that this event will fill for both pro & am, i just want to know if they really believe that an $80 entry fee with no payout just a player pack is the right direction for am's.



Obviously they do or they wouldn't be trying it. And no, I wouldn't expect a basket if you win.

For a tournament that fills, going trophy-only makes a lot of sense for all those reasons. True, some prize monkeys will stay home, but their spots will probably be taken by lower ams who weren't going to get anything from a payout anyway.

And, just because they aren't doing a payout doesn't mean you can't have a payout. You can always gamble among yourselves for the stuff in your player pack.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I really hope they are successful with this concept. I think in order for them to be successful with the concept it is important that people understand going in that

THERE ARE NO AMATEUR PAYOUTS AT THE MEMORIAL THIS YEAR.

It's sort of like flying to a disc store in a place that's likely warmer than where you live and spending $80 for merchandise that the merchant picks out for you. Then you go down the road to play a few rounds actually following PDGA rules on a course where you'll likely lose a few discs. Then party into the night before the final round. If you get a better score than most doing the same thing, you win a trophy.

I stripped it down to the bare financial essentials but it's really a lot more fun than I made it sound and it's well worth it to play The Memorial at least once to see what it's all about.

Yeah, I had fun playing my first Memorial and shoot one off the hot round on Sunday! I wish I had more time to practice for Fountain Hills though, I was playing it blind and it showed.

This is a great vacation tournament. $80 is cheap compared to a lot of other stuff you could be spending 3 days in another city doing. Plus you get a players pack!

Just to clarify, the same amount of discs and merchandise will be distributed as last year. It will just be distributed to 100% of the Amateur field.

What are you competing for? How about the pride of winning, the bragging rights of beating 175+ of the best ams? Not to mention the sweet trophy you will be taking home.

You will have a great time, just don't forget the sunscreen!

Mail-in form (http://memorial2008.disqman.com/mem2008-mini-flyer-final.pdf) is up.

****, Skybus doesn't fly to Phoenix. This makes me sad... Everybody should eMail Skybus and tell them to start flying to Phoenix. :D

you're KILLING my ski trip between the vegas tournament and the memorial :p

a serious question though...

what was the reasoning to going to thurs-sat?

i'll be there either way, just wondering how many other pros won't be because of the change



I sadly will have to retract this statement as with the Thursday-Saturday format, I can't get more than 2 days of skiing in and get to Phoenix Wednesday night, so for the first time since 1999 I'll miss the Memorial which no matter where I lived was the ONLY event that I've played EVERY year.

I don't care that there's no payout, I do care that for some SILLY(can't post true feelings or I'd be on probation) reason, there was a need to change to Thursday - Saturday format.
It really SCREWS with the MAJORITY of pro players(95% of pro players do not drive in from the Vegas event.)

I guess, as Dave Devine said earlier, you can say hi to Russ for me also :p as I'll be skiing in Colorado on Thursday.

Keith

No Keith??? Why not skip the Fri-Sat-Sun Vegas tourney instead to ski, and then go to puh-hoe-knicks?

The Memorial is in a very unique position in that every year demand far far FAR exceeds capacity. They can try some really different things that will reduce demand and still fill up.

I think the Thursday-Saturday thing will make the biggest impact, but I kind of like what it brings to the table: no rush to get out of town after your last putt because you have all day Sunday as a travel day. I drive from SoCal and play am, so I'm usually trying to get out shortly after the round and start the 6 hour drive. Now I can stay for the awards ceremony without taking Monday off work like I did the first year I went to the Memorial. (And with the new "no smoking in restaurants" law taking effect earlier this year in PHX I would actually want to attend the awards again!) For the pros, no more mad scramble to the airport right after putting out. They can finish the round, hang out and strut/grumble, have a few drinks, and go to the awards too.

Thursday is rough, but the Memorial is big and this might bring demand down to where the organizers don't have to feel crappy for turning so many people away.

The BigPlayerPack/NoPerformancePayout thing for ams is fine with me. I just wish the entry was more like $50 instead of $75, but $75 is a pretty tiny percentage of my whole "tourney bill" for attending this awesome event, so it's still okay. :)



Here are the two biggest drawbacks and PITA headaches that the organizers will have to face:

Players who think they have some kind of "right" to play in every tournament there is, and only on their terms, complaining about the Thursday start. Tourney organizers are the ones who have the right to run their events how they want, but many players refuse to accept that. Expect (even more) big grief for this change.

Ams who can't read or refuse to check things out prior to going to the tournament, who will then act extremely outraged when they finally discover there is no payout. I feel it coming already. :) Keith Murray, might I suggest you put a note about the am payout in big bold letters on the paper entry form and also on the online sign-up, so we can point to those after the event? :) :) :)


I'm looking forward to this one. I have more vacation time than my wife does, so the Thursday start is definitely impacting our plans. But I hope we can make it work. Even if we can't, it will still be a great event.

I would really appreciate an explanation other than this generalization. Will an $80 entry fee attract more players when they are not competing for anything, just signing up and getting a player pack. Dont say move up to open cuz 95% of adv players couldnt compete with this field, traditionally. You are not paying out anyone, you are giving them a player pack of stuff they may or may not need/want.



What they are saying is that some people dont play tournaments because they pay money get nothing had most likely if its your 1st event dont win anything either........So that turns them off from tournaments..........Now you are paying your entry, most likely getting a players pack that is above and beyond what you paid and playing for the sake of playing.........I agree this is where the future of AM disc golf is going and if more of the high rated Advanced players move up to Open then they pay further down which gives the lesser rated pro players a chance at some cash!!!

Keith Murray, might I suggest you put a note about the am payout in big bold letters on the paper entry form and also on the online sign-up, so we can point to those after the event?



I think putting a big note in the Player Pack bag indicating "This IS your complete payout" might also help before the event starts.

I think putting a big note in the Player Pack bag indicating "This IS your complete payout" might also help before the event starts.



That's too late.

I'm suggesting in addition to what you proposed which is great.

I'm suggesting in addition to what you proposed which is great.



I like these suggestions and will get them implemented right away.

I'm suggesting in addition to what you proposed which is great.



Okay, "giant font" note in the player's pack would be a good reminder too. :)


Thanks again Keith M. for all you do for us players.

So Player Packs will be a $75 value, just the entry fee value. And thats it. Its kind of a damper because a lot of the bigger tournaments I've played around here have seen some GREAT player packs near entry fee value, and then on top of that you see payouts...

I still want to go because, hell, it's the [censored] Memorial after all. Pull out a huge set of rounds there and it looks **** good on your resume as a golfer. I can't wait, and I really hope I can pull it off. Its scheduled for the ABSOLUTE PERFECT week... *SPRING BREAK* here at UT. So I don't miss a thing.

No Keith??? Why not skip the Fri-Sat-Sun Vegas tourney instead to ski, and then go to puh-hoe-knicks?

<font color="red">
1)Because no matter how I play I ALWAYS have a great time in Vegas.


2)Skiing during the week is FAR LESS crowded which makes it a great time to go in Winter Park.


3)Except for seeing all the nice people and my friends, I NEVER have a great time in Phoenix.


Let's recap - Great time in Vegas, Great time skiing, nice people in Phoenix.
Sorry, Rhett but 2 out of 3 Great times versus 1 of nice people so I can be at home playing doubles doubles on Sunday instead of throwing discs into the water at Vista still seems silly - and this change is to appease WHO?</font>

Players who think they have some kind of "right" to play in every tournament there is, and only on their terms, complaining about the Thursday start. Tourney organizers are the ones who have the right to run their events how they want, but many players refuse to accept that. Expect (even more) big grief for this change.

<font color="red">
I consider that a personal attack and will report you to the moderators if they continue :D


Seriously, what the hell does that mean?


Who do you think the tournament is supposed to cater to?


Players that want to play events, not on THEIR terms, but at least ones that make some sense to the majority of players that play them.


I know that TD'S have the right to run events as they wish, I've been doing it for 11 years myself, but personally I think that your suspension has clouded your usual common sense and left you in "attack" mode, as your posts have hidden rancor in them that lets you skate by the moderators, but I will admit it seems at least you still have some common sense left, hence the Payout warning post earlier. </font>




I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, but I'm probably one of the few who isn't afraid to say something.


Keith

there is no doubt that on a nationally local level each community will generate larger fields with a gauranteed return on investment of entry to product with a trophy to the best performers that day.i believe there are plenty of potential players that have felt there chances were limited to get a decent return,because their skills didn't compare with the elite advanced players.so they may have thought they were only donating to the better players. this way they can"cash" equal to their entry

Man, I can't wait for this great event...

Looks like I will get to read alot of whining this winter...

No Keith??? Why not skip the Fri-Sat-Sun Vegas tourney instead to ski, and then go to puh-hoe-knicks?

<font color="red">
1)Because no matter how I play I ALWAYS have a great time in Vegas.


2)Skiing during the week is FAR LESS crowded which makes it a great time to go in Winter Park.


3)Except for seeing all the nice people and my friends, I NEVER have a great time in Phoenix.


Let's recap - Great time in Vegas, Great time skiing, nice people in Phoenix.
Sorry, Rhett but 2 out of 3 Great times versus 1 of nice people so I can be at home playing doubles doubles on Sunday instead of throwing discs into the water at Vista still seems silly - and this change is to appease WHO?</font>

Players who think they have some kind of "right" to play in every tournament there is, and only on their terms, complaining about the Thursday start. Tourney organizers are the ones who have the right to run their events how they want, but many players refuse to accept that. Expect (even more) big grief for this change.

<font color="red">
I consider that a personal attack and will report you to the moderators if they continue :D


Seriously, what the hell does that mean?


Who do you think the tournament is supposed to cater to?


Players that want to play events, not on THEIR terms, but at least ones that make some sense to the majority of players that play them.


I know that TD'S have the right to run events as they wish, I've been doing it for 11 years myself, but personally I think that your suspension has clouded your usual common sense and left you in "attack" mode, as your posts have hidden rancor in them that lets you skate by the moderators, but I will admit it seems at least you still have some common sense left, hence the Payout warning post earlier. </font>




I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, but I'm probably one of the few who isn't afraid to say something.


Keith


I think that you're more in the minority than the majority here. I want to make it to this event. From Ohio. Driving. And this change gives me the chance to do that because it saves me from missing any classes if we drive through the night after the tournament is over. For those people not trying to triple-stack their weeks with two tournaments AND a ski vacation this is a change that makes sense because we need that travel day.

I bet fewer people are inconvenienced by the early start than were by the lack of a travel day. The tournament already required many to take a full week of work or class off if not flying in right before it started just to drive to AZ.

I understand that it inconveniences you, and that sucks. But I think it helps more people than it hurts, and so it IS catering to the players. I think it DOES make sense to the majority of the players (the two event+ski vacation guys, I think, are in the minority).


-Chris.

Any word on a "host hotel"

Host hotel info should be posted by Monday the 26th. Just signed the paperwork and waiting to make sure the reservation department is ready.

The 2008 Memorial is proud to announce The Hotel Scottsdale as the official host hotel. We have 50 rooms blocked per day starting Tuesday, March 4th through Saturday, March 8th.

The rate is $149.00 per night, before any local taxes or fees, for any standard double or standard king rooms (we informed them that there could be 4-5 people staying in one room and they were fine with that).

Players staying at the Hotel Scottsdale will enjoy:
- Complimentary Airport and local shuttle service
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- Complimentary full breakfast buffet
- Complimentary local and 800 calls

You MUST mention that you are a contestant in the Memorial when making reservations to receive this rate.

You can book your room by calling 866-394-3911.

For all other travel arrangements, Sun King Travel (http://www.sunkingtravel.com) is the official travel partner of the 2008 Memorial and you can receive a Lowest Price Guarantee by calling Cindy at 352-442-5307.

A big thanks to Cindy and Mike Barnett at Sun King Travel for working up these great deals.

No Keith??? Why not skip the Fri-Sat-Sun Vegas tourney instead to ski, and then go to puh-hoe-knicks?

<font color="red">
1)Because no matter how I play I ALWAYS have a great time in Vegas.


2)Skiing during the week is FAR LESS crowded which makes it a great time to go in Winter Park.


3)Except for seeing all the nice people and my friends, I NEVER have a great time in Phoenix.


Let's recap - Great time in Vegas, Great time skiing, nice people in Phoenix.
Sorry, Rhett but 2 out of 3 Great times versus 1 of nice people so I can be at home playing doubles doubles on Sunday instead of throwing discs into the water at Vista still seems silly - and this change is to appease WHO?</font>

Players who think they have some kind of "right" to play in every tournament there is, and only on their terms, complaining about the Thursday start. Tourney organizers are the ones who have the right to run their events how they want, but many players refuse to accept that. Expect (even more) big grief for this change.

<font color="red">
I consider that a personal attack and will report you to the moderators if they continue :D


Seriously, what the hell does that mean?


Who do you think the tournament is supposed to cater to?


Players that want to play events, not on THEIR terms, but at least ones that make some sense to the majority of players that play them.


I know that TD'S have the right to run events as they wish, I've been doing it for 11 years myself, but personally I think that your suspension has clouded your usual common sense and left you in "attack" mode, as your posts have hidden rancor in them that lets you skate by the moderators, but I will admit it seems at least you still have some common sense left, hence the Payout warning post earlier. </font>




I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person who feels this way, but I'm probably one of the few who isn't afraid to say something.


Keith


I think that you're more in the minority than the majority here. I want to make it to this event. From Ohio. Driving. And this change gives me the chance to do that because it saves me from missing any classes if we drive through the night after the tournament is over. For those people not trying to triple-stack their weeks with two tournaments AND a ski vacation this is a change that makes sense because we need that travel day.

I bet fewer people are inconvenienced by the early start than were by the lack of a travel day. The tournament already required many to take a full week of work or class off if not flying in right before it started just to drive to AZ.

I understand that it inconveniences you, and that sucks. But I think it helps more people than it hurts, and so it IS catering to the players. I think it DOES make sense to the majority of the players (the two event+ski vacation guys, I think, are in the minority).


-Chris.



You are right Chris.

I'm just picking at Rhett, and Aggravated by the fact that it does f up my "10 greatet days of the year" plan in '08.

But that's life and disc golf playing out of state will just be a smaller part of it next year, with only 2 trips to Vegas and 2 to Virginia, and Worlds.

Still not too bad, and the 1 good thing to come out of it will be MORE days of skiing!!! :D

this is a bit off track but will the Fountain Hills event in January have the same no payout am structure or will there be a payout for am's? thanks

thanks for the quick reply Spinners, the answer is no payout for am's at Fountain = time to get ready for pro :cool:;)

Sorry to keep blowin this thread up but is there a chance of a trophy only option for Am's at this years Memorial? Maybe $10-$20 to register and play for a trophy....

No, the Amateur entry is $75.00 and it will be trophy only, 100% + giveback package.

What is the Max amount of Am's that can enter. Will it be 141 like last year.

We should be able to accommodate more this year. We are planning around 175.

I am also bummed about the switch in dates. I have made the Memorial the past three years by driving through the night Wed and Sun from Colorado. That way I get a practice day to relearn what discs to in the lower elevation air and plan strategy for the courses. With the switch, I either have to forgo a practice day or take Wed-Fri off which is not really possible for me. Also, a $155 entry fee is pretty darn high for those of us "pros" who do this for a hobby.

I love the Memorial and it's a great event so I'm really trying to find a way to do this...it just may not happen this year :( I hope all the changes work out great, the event fills easily and everyone is happy. I just doubt I'll be there to see it.

-SAD :(MAX

The 2008 Memorial is going to be great event once again. Thanks to everybody that gives up so much to put it on. :)

I am going to try really hard to never post in this thread or any future Memorial thread ever again. My posts just never seem to work out and detract from a great event and the great efforts of all the volunteers. I apologize once again. If Keith J. or anyone else wants to "give me the business" or comment on my ealier post, please take it to the "Welcome Back Rhett" thread because this thread is for a great tourney, and it doesn't need the negativity.

Keep up the great work Arizona and Discraft. The Memorial is really a class act on the disc golf tournament circuit.

Gonna make this my third year at the Memorial. This is an event to be never missed. Bummer for you guys that can't make it...

Good times will be had by all. I hope next year, its at least windy... ;)

you're KILLING my ski trip between the vegas tournament and the memorial :p

a serious question though...

what was the reasoning to going to thurs-sat?

i'll be there either way, just wondering how many other pros won't be because of the change



I sadly will have to retract this statement as with the Thursday-Saturday format, I can't get more than 2 days of skiing in and get to Phoenix Wednesday night, so for the first time since 1999 I'll miss the Memorial which no matter where I lived was the ONLY event that I've played EVERY year.

I don't care that there's no payout, I do care that for some SILLY(can't post true feelings or I'd be on probation) reason, there was a need to change to Thursday - Saturday format.
It really SCREWS with the MAJORITY of pro players(95% of pro players do not drive in from the Vegas event.)

I guess, as Dave Devine said earlier, you can say hi to Russ for me also :p as I'll be skiing in Colorado on Thursday.

Keith



DANNY, IT WORKED! KEITHS NOT COMING!!! :eek: :D

(oh, and "HI KEITH"!)

The 2008 Memorial is proud to announce The Hotel Scottsdale as the official host hotel. We have 50 rooms blocked per day starting Tuesday, March 4th through Saturday, March 8th.

The rate is $149.00 per night, before any local taxes or fees, for any standard double or standard king rooms (we informed them that there could be 4-5 people staying in one room and they were fine with that).

Players staying at the Hotel Scottsdale will enjoy:
- Complimentary Airport and local shuttle service
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- Complimentary full breakfast buffet
- Complimentary local and 800 calls

You MUST mention that you are a contestant in the Memorial when making reservations to receive this rate.

You can book your room by calling 866-394-3911.

For all other travel arrangements, Sun King Travel (http://www.sunkingtravel.com) is the official travel partner of the 2008 Memorial and you can receive a Lowest Price Guarantee by calling Cindy at 352-442-5307.

A big thanks to Cindy and Mike Barnett at Sun King Travel for working up these great deals.



There have been questions about how far the host hotel is from Vista and it's listed at 4.1 miles away.

Here is the direct link for the Hotel Scottsdale (http://www.thehotelscottsdale.com/) also.

you're KILLING my ski trip between the vegas tournament and the memorial :p

a serious question though...

what was the reasoning to going to thurs-sat?

i'll be there either way, just wondering how many other pros won't be because of the change



I sadly will have to retract this statement as with the Thursday-Saturday format, I can't get more than 2 days of skiing in and get to Phoenix Wednesday night, so for the first time since 1999 I'll miss the Memorial which no matter where I lived was the ONLY event that I've played EVERY year.

I don't care that there's no payout, I do care that for some SILLY(can't post true feelings or I'd be on probation) reason, there was a need to change to Thursday - Saturday format.
It really SCREWS with the MAJORITY of pro players(95% of pro players do not drive in from the Vegas event.)

I guess, as Dave Devine said earlier, you can say hi to Russ for me also :p as I'll be skiing in Colorado on Thursday.

Keith



DANNY, IT WORKED! KEITHS NOT COMING!!! :eek: :D

(oh, and "HI KEITH"!)



I'll honestly miss seeing you Russ!

So will about 9 other(so far)pros that have posted in different threads that they can't make the Memorial because of the Thursday start.
I'll have to keep my play every year no matter what tournaments to just the Vegas and Virginia Open from now on :(

I might stop by on Saturday when i'm done visiting my grandmother in Tucson to say hi to everyone, since i'm flying back home from Phoenix. So even though i'm not PLAYING, i'll still be coming. :D

The 2008 Memorial is going to be great event once again. Thanks to everybody that gives up so much to put it on. :)

I am going to try really hard to never post in this thread or any future Memorial thread ever again. My posts just never seem to work out and detract from a great event and the great efforts of all the volunteers. I apologize once again. If Keith J. or anyone else wants to "give me the business" or comment on my ealier post, please take it to the "Welcome Back Rhett" thread because this thread is for a great tourney, and it doesn't need the negativity.

Keep up the great work Arizona and Discraft. The Memorial is really a class act on the disc golf tournament circuit.



When does bashing you(Rhett) equate to being negative about the tournament.
I never said ANYTHING negative about the tournament.
Voicing an opinion about the Thursday start day, does NOT EQUAL bashing the event, quite the opposite, I said i was extremely dissapointed to have to make a choice of not playing this year for the first time in 9 years.

By the way, I'll pick on you on whichever thread I please. :D:D

Howdy all! I have chick specific questions. How is the advanced women field in numbers historically?

If only a few girls show up will there still be trophies? (trophy)

To the folks saying you should have a choice in what you win if you win.... your spoiled TD's do not have to give you options of what your prize will be. You are playing as an Am, if there are prizes, you often don't get a choice.

Trophys only- my few trophys mean a heck of alot more to me then the couple hundred discs that I have won.

Hi Sheri,

The 2007 Memorial had 5 Advanced Women and 6 Intermediate. By changing to Advanced only I would think that we will be around the 10-12 mark.

As long as there are enough for a division there will be at least one trophy.

Sweet- I love when there are piles of chicks. I sent my cashola to you yesterday. Coming from Buffalo in March....Can't wait for the sun!!!!

We'll be sure and save some sun for ya! I moved out here from MI in March and am loving it right now, 30's back home and here it will be 75 today!!! :D

I have been golfing in snow every sat for the last month. Not too much just enough to freeze the rim of your disc, just enough for a joker to shake the tree above you and sneak down collar. Just enough to start counting down the days to Vegas.

side note- what kind wildlife can I expect to see? Never been to Arizona. Are we talking snakes? really really big bugs? armadillos?

I've seen a couple of scorpions, but not at the course. Haven't seen any snakes here and I don't think we have armadillos. The Shelly Sharpe Memorial disc golf course at Vista has a lot of birds, herons and such.

Sweet- I love when there are piles of chicks.



...must...show...MB...restraint...........

...refrain...from...double entendre.............

...whew....

Easy there big boy- And ****, I've always wanted to see an Arizioan Armadillo. And now I find out there aren't any.

You wont soon forget your trip to the Memorial, I promise!

Duke's B&amp;G, Oregeno's - Flickas - Ahem...Flickas neighbor, Fountain hills...

Good times will be had by all...

ps.If you want to see more of Arizona, thats easy, head north for a day to Flagstaff or Senoma...

More good times will be had...

Senoma...




:D That would be SEDONA.........SONOMA is in NorCal.. :p
:D

I have a conference in Austin, TX that runs Friday through the following Tuesday. Since I'll be speaking on a panel, I may have to be there as early as Saturday.

With that said, I LOVE THIS TOURNAMENT SO MUCH that I will compete on Thursday and Friday and then dropout and leave Friday night for Austin if I have to. Even if I am winning my division. All for the love of the game and this tournament.

See you in March!

Senoma...




:D That would be SEDONA.........SONOMA is in NorCal.. :p
:D



Thanks...Brainfart, Prrrrnnnnnnttttt

There are a pile of us coming from buffalo via Vegas. We will have m-wed to hang and play as much as possible. (sunday is poker day/night at the Plaza.) Last year I basically played dawn to dusk in Vegas. Whoo hooo!

The players packages are coming together nicely. So far we are at about a $140.00 value for Ams.

Also, all Women who sign up for Am will also receive an actual Womens shirt. We will have extras for sale too!

keep up the good work Keith. One of the finest tourneys on the west coast

Thanks Jonathan,

I always look forward to this event and hope to keep making it bigger and better.

I have a conference in Austin, TX that runs Friday through the following Tuesday. Since I'll be speaking on a panel, I may have to be there as early as Saturday.

With that said, I LOVE THIS TOURNAMENT SO MUCH that I will compete on Thursday and Friday and then dropout and leave Friday night for Austin if I have to. Even if I am winning my division. All for the love of the game and this tournament.

See you in March!



I really wish I could make it back to the Memorial for this one! You might want to get to Austin early...it's truly one of the greatest DG towns in the world! (except for the lack of tee pads)

Looking for cheap lodging........IE floor space in a hotel...........Someones house floor space.........Space in an RV or something of the sort............I really dont want to have to miss this but if I cant find some CHEAP lodging I may not be able to make it out this year...........So if anyone can help a MySpace_Mullet out it would be greatly appreciated.......Thanks in advance for any PMs that I may get.

This tourney is by far one of my favorites that I have played. The atmosphere, courses, players, everything is just great. This will be my third year playing it in a row and I expect it to be even better!

INNNNNNNNNNNN


looks like I might have to get off my once-a-month practice schedule if i don't want to embarrass myself!

Anything going down next week will be in town for holidays?

Anything going down next week will be in town for holidays?



Vista del Camino Park has league at 4:00pm Thursday and doubles at 4:00pm Friday.

SO with the new rule this year concerning Open payouts and how Am's can decline cash and except merch instead, to keep their Am status.......Although I know this may be rare didn't know if you have given it thought, and decided on it.

If an Am plays Open and cashes then they will receive a voucher for that amount to be spent on tournament merchandise.

Hey Millz let me see what I can come up with for you in regards to lodging. Will get back with you asap. Peace....upshot

I'll be making my first trip to the desert for this and the GCC. I've played both Vista and Fountains, just not in a tourney. Look forward to getting out and about again!

I can't find a schedule anywhere. Is there one yet? I assume pros will play one course while the ams will play the other course and then switch? I'm asking b/c I'm not sure yet if I'll play where I belong - in ams - or may have to cough up another $25 to play with the pros, depending on who my travel buddies are. But with one car, we'll both need to be at the same place at the same time.

Schedule here
http://memorial2008.disqman.com/info.html

Schedule here
http://memorial2008.disqman.com/info.html



Thanks!!!

The Dropkick Murphys will be here in phoenix Monday march 3rd for anyone who might be a fan.
Gaff

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/2151791867_97868a5534_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13585073@N02/2151791867/)

New tee pads at Fountain Hills

Sweet pads! I like that they're round so pins can be placed at different locations. Is that why they're round? I'm just guessing.

The Dropkick Murphys will be here in phoenix Monday march 3rd for anyone who might be a fan.
Gaff



That pretty much cinches it for me. I had signed up for the tourney just in case I could go, but if Dropkick Murphys are playing that week, I'm going to make it work and come on down. Of course, I wasn't planning on coming down that early, but that alone would be worth the trip.

Chap

Sweet pads! I like that they're round so pins can be placed at different locations. Is that why they're round? I'm just guessing.



I think they are large and round like that because they simply LOOK better seeing as its a park in a pretty high class area.........That and its possible they account for different pin positions.......I never really thought of that but I love the round because no matter what shot you throw if you dont have a super long run up your ENTIRE run up is on the tee........No stepping up onto the pad from the side or anything!!! Cant wait to play the Fountain again and try out those teepads :D:D:D

yeah for sure those are SWEET PADS!!! Very cool :D

Hi all,

The registrations are really coming in fast now. If you haven't signed up yet then you will want to right away.

An important date to remember is 1/15/08! That is the day you need to be PDGA current to make sure your spot is held and you are not moved to the waiting list.

1/15/08 is also the last day that the host hotel, the Hotel Scottsdale, will hold the rooms for the event. You need to reserve a room since most will sell out soon because of MLB spring training.

They will honor the discounted rate until they sell out but you MUST mention that you are a contestant in the Memorial when making reservations to receive this rate. You can book your room by calling 866-394-3911.

For all other travel arrangements, Sun King Travel is the official travel partner of the 2008 Memorial and you can receive a Lowest Price Guarantee by calling Cindy at 352-442-5307.

besides the pads have there been any other changes to either course that those of us who are out of state should/could be made aware of???

Vista will have a few changes, because of park construction, ease of flow, and safety. A few holes at the fountain due to a new sidewalk that went in, but pretty minor. More details to come pending parks and rec. approval and construction time frames.
Gaff

thanks for the update!

Is no one else excited for this tourney as I am. How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?

Heck ya I'm excited..first Pro NT and first time playing in AZ

Is no one else excited for this tourney as I am. How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?



Heck yeah I�m excited! I started at this course 20 years ago and am excited to be returning again! Over the Christmas holiday, I went back there to visit family and some old family friends have moved to back to that area and walk around the VDC park every day. They told me stories about the strangest thing happening there � people are throwing Frisbees into these weird baskets and it�s really amazing to watch. They�ll even applaud the thrower when they see a good shot and clap for them. I let them go on and on about how much they enjoy watching it. And one day some guy came over and showed them his Frisbees and told them to be sure to come in March as the pros will be there and they will truly be amazed.

I then asked if the people were friendly to them (thinking �uh-oh�). They said all the throwers were very nice and did not yell at them or anything negative. I breathed a sigh of relief and then explained to them that I was also involved in this game and am the 1990 and 1991 Arizona all-around champion, winning golf, distance and accuracy. I further explained that this game took me to CA back in 1990 as there�s more women playing and more tournaments to compete in as well. I had a good 12 yr run at it and even obtained a world championship title back in 1999. Needless to say, they were quite amazed and said they wanted to come and watch me play. I told them I�m no longer really any good at it since I took 2007 off to let my arm heal and purchase property. I�m coming back in �08 as an AM and hope to crawl my way back up to the level I used to be at. So I committed at Christmas time to come back and compete in this tournament. I also told them that it�s the people that kept me coming back. I�ve met many people in my travels over the past 20 years and it�s always good to come back to the place where it all began. In fact, the Fountain only had 9 holes at the time I left AZ and we used to play it twice at the monthlies to make it an 18-hole course. I�m very happy to say that this big ol Frisbee family of ours is truly AWESOME and it�s because of them and the thrill of a nice shot that keeps me coming back! So if you see an elderly couple out there with their 41 yr old son, be sure to say HI! Their names are Michael (Dad), Kilo (Mom) and Joey (Son). Here's their photo:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cf...mageID=18889993 (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&amp;friendID=61789818&amp;a lbumID=1544368&amp;imageID=18889993)

See you all in March!

Im pumped.........I think this will be my 5th year in a row at the Memorial!!! 5 Years in a ROW!!! I love how Dano and the guys at Discraft run this event!!! Top not tournament directing, players parties AND courses!!! Cant wait to make the Vegas AZ swing yet again!!!

This is the 3rd year for me and I'll continue to go as long as the better half lets me. This is mt get away after helping out with the GCC up here in Vegas and I love it.

I remember the 'Disc Pimp' backin 2004. That was my first Memorial (first tournament ever) and i got hooked. I played Int. and i still am a Int. now with the new ratings but i bumped up to Open to hang with the MulleTTs. See ya in AZ..........

How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?



Good Question.

Barley here. Looking forward to the Memorial as well. We hope to have the caddie books back this year. Any suggestions from last year?

WOOHOO! Just got the room confirmed so my travel buddies and I can breath easy. Now it's time to start practicing!

PS loved the caddie book looking for it to be online as soon as it is ready

How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?



Good Question.



We are working with numbers of 192 for the NT side and 180 for the A-Tier.

thanks keith! So open is filling up quick.......

Barley here. Looking forward to the Memorial as well. We hope to have the caddie books back this year. Any suggestions from last year?



Chris - I stayed w/you in Flag back in July of 2003? Is that you? :cool:

Yep - for the worlds, I believe.

Barley

Keith. 192 for the NT. Is that the max with foursomes, starting at 7 AM, last around 2 PM, with 10 minute tee times?

Jeff - GCC &amp; Vegas

Hey Jeff,

It's foursomes starting at 7am with the last tee time around 3pm, 7 minutes between groups.

Just signed Des and I up for this baby :D

We heard Keith has tan lines now :owe gotta see those!

Oh yeah!!!

I'm glad everyone is so excited to come, we are certainly looking forward to seeing you!

Here's another little nugget to look forward too. Check out what the players package items are coming in...

http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.shoppingcartsplus.com/i/Pics/tn_1_Package_Bag.JPG

Do the pros get players packs this year???

Yep, just not as big as the Ams, as usual.

I am getting very excited for this one!

Those look <font color="blue"> swearing deleted </font> AWESOME. Keep up the great work Keith and all those who are helping....

Just bought my flight out to Phoenix. Nothing like a day of snowboarding, couple days of golf, and SPRING TRAINING. YEAH!!!!

Heck ill fly out just for that backpack!!! Well that and Dukes and the Fountain and all my friends who will be there and Dukes and Dukes and well you get the idea........See you guys soon!!!

55 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!!

How many players does the field fill at for Pro and Am?

How many players does the field fill at for Pro and Am?



If you read back in the thread, Keith responded to this question:

How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?

We are working with numbers of 192 for the NT side and 180 for the A-Tier.

-----
Which translates to 192 pros, 180 ams.

151 pro already in.... only 41 spots left

I'm in....going to make first appearance at the Memorial...ready to start out the year right.

How many players does the field fill at for Pro and Am?



If you read back in the thread, Keith responded to this question:

How big are the fields going to be? i.e. What is the cut off # for entrants both AM and Open?

We are working with numbers of 192 for the NT side and 180 for the A-Tier.

-----
Which translates to 192 pros, 180 ams.



Thanks. I did look through and thought I read the whole thread. I didn't see it. I looked on their website as well and didn't see it there either, but thanks for the info.

25 spots left, some big names not on the list yet - 7 out of the top 21 finishers from last year.

Anyone got any space available in their hotel room? Even the floor would be fine...as long as I can make this event again! PM me if you do.

:: Update ::

As posted on the registration website:

The PRO (NT) side of this event has closed its online registration. Any remaining NT registrations will be handled directly by AZDGC. Please e-mail their club using azdgc@msn.com or call their club number which is 480-946-9509. Next time � register sooner!

Looking forward to shedding these layers and getting in the sun! :cool:

im really looking forward to this event. It will be my first NT should be awesome. also Idaho will be there strong I think there are 5 of us coming.

Rumor has it the Cincinnati Reds are in AZ this week looking for possible locations to relocate their spring training. If this happens you can be assured of a LARGE Cincinnati crowd at the Memorial in the future.

Just signed Des and I up for this baby :D

We heard Keith has tan lines now :owe gotta see those!



and he's got a girlfriend! (so that puts all those nasty rumors to bed) :D

Rumor has it the Cincinnati Reds are in AZ this week looking for possible locations to relocate their spring training. If this happens you can be assured of a LARGE Cincinnati crowd at the Memorial in the future.



I hope it happens. I've been to the Memorial three times and have always wished the Nati was training there. I'll be back next year if they move to the Scottsdale training facilities.

Good luck to all the players at the Memorial.

I was out there in '05 &amp; seeing a Brewers v Mairiners split squad game wasn't attractive to me. I've been looking for a reason to get back out there since.

The rumor now is that they may go to Goodyear (where's that?), and share the same facility as the Indians. Officials are there as I type.

I just played a round with Kathy manley and she told me the memorial was full!
all my cash went to christmas and holiday crap, (some drum crap too) is it really full?

They should be holding spots for touring pro card holders still.

The NT side is all but full. Only a couple of spots remaining and the waiting list should be started tomorrow. We will be dropping off the non-current PDGA members next week so if you expedite an entry form and check then you will be high up on the waiting list and could get in if you are current or sign up with the PDGA by this weekend.

We no longer have to hold spots for touring card holders. Even when we did we only had to hold 24 spots and the first 24 that sign up take care of those.

Glad I got my money in!!! Now all I have to do is find a ride from Vegas to AZ and book my flights and ill be all set!!! See you guys soon!!!

No surprise that the Memorial is full. Check out last years action, only on Disc Golf TV!

2007 Preview (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/109/wmv/channel/9)
Wednesday (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/116/wmv/channel/1)
Thursday (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/118/wmv/channel/1)
Friday (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/120/wmv/channel/1)
Saturday (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/121/wmv/channel/1)
Women's Finals (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/129/wmv/channel/1)
Men's Finals (http://www.discgolftv.com/dgtv/125/wmv/channel/1)

91 of the 105 Ams are now current (86.67%).

129 of the 179 Pros are now current (72.07%).


The non-current ams include:


Alan Dickinson

Matt Dickinson 31764

Chris Givans 25716

Andrew Jose 23769

Justin Kirk 28176

Jon Krueger

David Lewis 28298

Anthony Sendejo 21086

Edgar Spracklen 31769

David Wallace 25575

Brendon Wear 30346

Brittany Breed 30347

Tim Brick 28788



The non-current pros include:

Geoff Bennett 24962

Andrew Bohme 32842

Philo B. 26416

Ross Brandt 27480

David Brownlow 19500

Nate Doss 11794

Joe Engelman 30145

Ken Tank Franks 25447

Mike Gerads 23148

Cameron Golab 25529

Monroy Gowens 23413

Avery Jenkins 7495

Chris Kirby 17683

Cale Leiviska 24341

Joey Madrid 15270

Zak Martin 21909

Eric McCabe 11674

Matt Orum 18330

Carlo Pelg 16824

Nick Rapp 22865

Andrew Rich 14349

Bamba Rico 4667

Steven Rico 4666

Justin Romito 10670

Brian Rossi 25035

Jake Schlagheck 23143

Barry Schultz 6840

Greg Schwartz 28464

Don Smith 16831

Chris Sprague 16425

Kathy Betcher 15869

Emily Hardy 26129

Valarie Jenkins 17495

Kristin King 27725

Dan Busick 2085

Kevin Couch 7714

Bobby Giago 5896

John Heaton 4409

Dwight House 20900

James Rabb 14599

Reese Swinea 12371

Steve Simmons 19234

Jeff Stoops 12615

Ernesto Valdez 6998

John Kirkland 100

You need to contact the PDGA immediately to make sure you do not get moved to the waiting list for the 2008 Memorial!

***URGENT BUMP***

I dont understand what the rush to get a pdga current status is.As a TD what is the differance, it is a full event, it does not matter what player rating you are what size tee shirt you wear or what state you are comming from..You should only be concerened did they pay the event.Registering now has no benefit to me as a player I wont play any event until march.The deadline should be 2 weeks before the event, and then fill the spots ,they will be gone that day. The only benefit is to the pdga, they get all our money, a month and a half before we needed thier service.Keith is the pdga kicking you back some money for taxing us?How about the pdga kicking in the mag for all that entered early and save us all $10 each...Lets do the math 190 pros @ 75 $14,250 dont forget about those ams, is it $50 times, a sold out field $9,500...

total $23,750
Dont forget about the people who tried to take a spot away from someone that already PAID the event, in full.
What is the pdga doing for this event with $23,750 in pocket?

Please dont send Jon lykset what a bump on a log.
I will be current, to play in a great event, that Dan and family and friends, have made worth the inconvience .Fly 18 will donate,install ,and remove, over 800 lbs of tee pads, to help support the event and players.
2 cups of coffee to think about.......

That wasn't necessary.

As a way out of towner I appreciate the fact that they want you signed up now. You MUST be a PDGA member to play in an NT. If you aren't registered with PDGA and that frees up spots then 2 weeks is not enough time to (a) get time off work and (b) reserve airlines, hotel and car at a reasonable price.

I don't understand why you don't sign up for PDGA asap because then it's off your new year's task list and you can move on to other more important things.....Like beefing up those arms to move over 800 pounds of teepads... :D

The entry form clearly states your PDGA membership must be current by 1/15/08 or you will be moved to the waiting list.

HOW BOUT DEM GIANTS!!!!!!

They might have to do a skin graft on the Giants coach. It hurt me to look at his face. It looked way way way over exposed to -24. Good thing that kicker finally got one through the uprights. You know what happens to New York kickers when the screw up. (did I mention I'm from Buffalo)

"ITS NOR WOOD - ITS NOR WOOD" oh wait it went "ITS NO GOOD ITS NO GOOD"

Sorry had throw that one in there. Can't wait for the memorial to get here I am already getting excited and we still have the GCC to do here in Vegas first! :cool:

After so many years the pain has subsided. Habe Kein Angst.

i was not curent by the dead line but am know. Just wondering if i am in or not, Andrew Jose #23769

i was not curent by the dead line but am know. Just wondering if i am in or not, Andrew Jose #23769



your cut

This is taken directly from the membership section for online renewals/news:

"Memberships are processed in weekly batches...if your membership is received before the close of business on MON, you will be listed as current on FRI at www.pdga.com (http://www.pdga.com) (on the Membership page). Memberships received after the close of business MON will be processed with the following weeks batch."

According to this, if you signed up Monday before regular business hours, you will be current this week. If you signed up today, you will not be current until next week. If you did not renew Monday or prior and are put on the waiting list, you will have to take that up with the TD, not the PDGA. Online renewals should receive a confirmation email sent shortly after the order is placed. This email can suffice as a receipt in most cases.

BTW, the PDGA is not the one who is mandating that everyone be current by the deadline ( 1-23-08 as I've heard). The PDGA only requires that, for a NT event, you must be current before the start of the tournament. This deadline is set by the TD to avoid some issues that were present at last year's event.

Where is this waiting list that non-current players will be put on anyway?

the am side of the event has not filled so thier is no list yet

Was the deadline only for the pro side?

The interesting thing to me in Keith's message on the previous page is that a significantly higher percentage of AMs were current than Pros.

Maybe that is the difference between knowing that you are good and wishing that you were?

The interesting thing to me in Keith's message on the previous page is that a significantly higher percentage of AMs were current than Pros.


This was the case last year as well.

I paid online for my entry last week and I don't see myself on the entry list yet. Keith, can you check and make sure it was recieved, I want to make sure I am in the field. Name is Carl Renda, from San Diego, PDGA #32852.

You're in Carl...
Registered Players / Results (http://www.pdga.com/tournament/tournament_results.php?TournID=7292)

What day will tee times be posted for 3/6?

Hello,

Tee times are usually posted the week before the event. Look for the course overheads to be available on the 2008 Memorial Website (http://memorial2008.disqman.com/) later next week.

Make sure you include the river on those maps that was running through the Fountain last weekend. :D

That river made for a tougher shot and a longer walk. It was funny to see Cory and Paul walk right through the river. They need Gore-tex. My socks were still dry after the round!

I cant wait to get back to Phoenix! hopefully a sunny dry Phoenix like Im used to . :D

Here is a link to a photo that show the river MillDog is speaking of....

http://public.fotki.com/JaySvitko/disc_golf_pix/2008-discraft-memorial/

Keep checking back for photos of the happenings before &amp; during the tournament.

Hey everyone, long time reader , first post. Flying down from Boise for the Memorial, trying to find place to crash, my Boise brothers that are coming down are a bunch of party guys and i am not, so im not wanting to share a room with them lol.

Willing to chip in with a none smoker on a hotel room( will take floor)

Thanks in advance <font color="purple"> </font>

Keith why are ther 4 people not current ,put on a waiting list, like you posted?They have had ample time, to comply.....Deadline is just that..... :confused:

What time does the lead MPO card typically tee off for their final round?

keith? how about a reply....Mean what you say, :osay what you mean.....

Is it officially full now?

The NT/Pro side is officially full now. We have been working very closely with the PDGA to confirm eligibility and only one person remains who is confirming his renewal date.



***JUST ADDED***

2008 Memorial SuperColor "Post Card" Challenger

http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/t/Fund%20Raisers/08_mem_PC_challenger.jpg

and the New Belgium Challenger

http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/t/Fund%20Raisers/08_mem_NB_challenger.jpg

at www.spinnersdiscgolf.com (http://www.spinnersdiscgolf.com/page/page/5052949.htm)

They are going FAST so pick yours up now and help support the biggest PDGA National Tour event!

Can you post the Pro waitlist? I am hopining I am pretty close to the top...

Very cool stamps!

What time does the lead MPO card typically tee off for their final round?



Around 2:30pm.

Is there anywhere online I can find pictures of the holes at both of these courses? I can't find where it says who will be playing what course on what days either.

Thanks for your help. See you all in less than a month!!!!!!

Ams play Fountain Hills, Vista del Camino, then Fountain Hills again. Pros play Vista, Fountain, and Vista again.

Can't wait to get out to play this tournament. Wish it was this weekend.

I've also heard the 1000 foot par 5 at Vista is no more because of the installation of another baseball diamond. Hopefully this is just a rumor.
Is the tournament going to provide those sweet caddie books this year?

No Rumor, the 500 footer that starts the added holes across the street is gone due to the addition of a new baseball field. It's my understanding that some of the holes that usually play doubled up from the original layout of Vista will be undone to make up for the missing hole(s) on the added side of the course.

Get creative AZ, play a hole inbetween the school and the baseball fields, where we usually warm up. How about a connector hole inbetween E and F, the long dogs on the added...something with water involvement. Rent out the pavillions over there to keep the crowds out and place a spotter in them. woohoo, only a few weeks away, Vegas and AZ...I've already told the boss I'm quitting if I don't get the time off this year...... :D

Are we going to see a Vista map or just the Fountain map. I would like to see what is changing from last year.

The Map for Vista is now up.

Thanks!

21 days till I leave for this one!!

19 days for us!! yippee!

19 days for us!! yippee!



I'm very ready for this! A week off work, tossing around some plastic.

Meeeee Toooo! I can't wait!

We will be in AZ from the evening of the 2nd till the Tournament. Any weekday minis before the event? Double the day before? Any mixed doubles teams playing? Come get you some.

Wish I could make it for the Clinic and Doubles. Can't wait to get there and play though.

We will be in AZ from the evening of the 2nd till the Tournament. Any weekday minis before the event? Double the day before? Any mixed doubles teams playing? Come get you some.



The NT Clinic will be on Tuesday the 4th at 4:00pm followed by night doubles at Papago (Moeur) Park. There will also be doubles at Vista on Weds. afternoon.

We will be in AZ from the evening of the 2nd till the Tournament. Any weekday minis before the event? Double the day before? Any mixed doubles teams playing? Come get you some.



The NT Clinic will be on Tuesday the 4th at 4:00pm followed by night doubles at Papago (Moeur) Park. There will also be doubles at Vista on Weds. afternoon.



Re doubles on Wed. - is it bring your own partner? Or flip for partners there at that time?

Random draw doubles on Weds.

Online registration for the Ams will be closing at 12:00am est. on Monday 2/18/08. You will still be able to print out and mail in an entry form or come by Spinners on the Green and register.

Here's a link to online registration (http://www.takeflighttoday.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&amp;products_id=188).

I'm totally stoked for this trip!!!!!! Can't wait to get down there!
See Ya in about 3 wks.

Taking a page from the PGA tour the final Open group on Thursday will include:

2007 World Champion - Nate Doss
2007 US Champion - Ken Climo
2007 PC Champion - Dave Feldberg
2007 Am World Champion - Greg Schwartz

Should be a great round of golf to watch!

What time will that group tee off at?

This could change but it should be around 2:42pm.

On behalf of the PDGA, National Tour and the Memorial presented by Discraft; we cordially invite everyone out the first stop of the 2008 NT Clinic Series. This series was designed by the touring disc golfers as a way to give back to the tournaments, fans and communities that host us and our sports best competitive venues.

Tuesday, March 4th from 4:00-6:00 at Moeur Park (Papago)

Your guest Pro Instructors will be:
-Nate Doss (Current World Champion)
-Barry Schultz (2X World and 3X US Champion)
-Steve Brinster (US Distance Champion)
-Eric McCabe (US Putting Champion)

Each instructor will give a twenty minute segment on a specific disc golf topic designed to help improve your game. The last forty minutes will allow some hands-on assessment of your game, meet and greet and autographs.

There will also be a glow-mini round afterward sponsored by the AZDGC and Spinners on the Green.

Come in force and bring your friends!

I'm coming just to heckle. :DYou sure on the venue? Moeur is a desert course with not much room for long drives and the like. See ya in Vegas my friend.

Can you post the Pro waitlist? I am hopining I am pretty close to the top...

Tee times to be posted tomorrow! :)

bee you are my pick to win am

get ignt son

I'm going to predict Kevin Gomez wins Am by 5 strokes (or more).

I predict you will be wrong.

I'd have to put my bid on Rusco from KS. Gomez will do well though for sure. I'm guessing top 5.

I don't know, there are several 950+ players in the field that could come out on top. Anyone want to set up a handicap booking on the division???? ;)

Not that we promote gambling b/c that would be wrong.

But with all those players coming in right after Vegas :cool:Either way I'll be rooting for my fellow SoCal players to finish strong.

I predict you will be wrong.



i'm incapable of being wrong

Are those Tee Times going to be posted on the PDGA site, or somewhere else?

The official Memorial webpage has a section with a link that says Tee Times. I am guessing that it will be able to be accessed when they post them.

Are those Tee Times going to be posted on the PDGA site, or somewhere else?



Yes. :)

Typically, they are posted at pdga.com, where you see the pre-registered players.

Chap

We are still working on some details with the PDGA right now and it doesn't look like the tee times will go up today. Hopefully by the end of the week.

Awwe :(

Can you PLEASE post the Pro waitlist?

We don't post the wait list.

Very well. How do I find out what my position is then? It will significantly effect my travel situation depending on which division I play in...

Very well. How do I find out what my position is then? It will significantly effect my travel situation depending on which division I play in...



Try a phone call. 480-946-9509...ask for Sue, Keith, or Dan.

Chap