Fresh for the new year

Just in time for 2010, a batch of shiny new Humvees rolled into Devens yesterday. Although the photo doesn't do them justice, it was very cool seeing them.



Don't forget, if you would like an official Ice Bowl disc or shirt, let me know by Sunday.

• Aviar, Roc (DX) with IB stamp -$8
• Wizard (Soft) with IB stamp - $10
• Buzzz Supercolor (ESP) - $20
• Avenger SS (FLX ESP) with IB stamp - $14
• IB longsleeve shirt (Navy) - $12

All proceeds go to Loaves and Fishes.

As of Thursday morning, the course is very playable. Most of the snow has melted and only a few tee boxes are a bit icy. Get out there and practice for the Ice Cube Open before the next batch of weather gets here later today. And thank you to the honest golfer that turned in a few found discs this week.

Happy New Year!

Too cold for networking

The AccuWeather RealFeel temp for Tuesday is supposed to be 4 with winds gusting at 24 mph, so I think we'll cancel this week's networking opportunities at DEVNET.

I'll save such insanity for the Ice Cube Open when the motto is no wimps, no whiners!

Pre-order Ice Bowl gear by next Sunday!

Only one week left to pre-order some Ice Bowl gear for the ICO. If you can't make the ICO but still want a disc or shirt, let me know.

It's an easy way to donate a little extra to the Loaves and Fishes since all proceeds go to them!

• Order and register for the ICO

Merry Christmas!

Here's hoping Santa brings you all types of shiny new plastic, a bunch of birdies, and a handful of aces tonight! Merry Christmas from Devens Disc Golf!

Don't forget, if you have next week off, join us Tuesday morning at 10 AM for DEVNET and try out some of your new gear.

Ice Cube Open registration is now open!

Register for our third Ice Cube now! This year you can order your own players pack. All orders for gear must be received by Jan. 3, so don't wait.

• More info
  
• Register online
• Register by mail

Our goal is to raise at least $500 for the Devens Loaves and Fishes. We hope you can make it, but remember -- no wimps, no whiners!

Clinic: Putting Basics

Here's something to study during the off-season. Good luck!

DEVNET today, 10 AM

Join us today at 10 AM for job counseling and disc chuckin'.

Tis the season to vandalize the course

Looks like Scrooge hit the course earlier this week. Some loser cut the rope on hole 16 not once, but at each place where it was tied to a tree. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

Jimmy and I attempted to reattach it, but only had enough for the top several feet. Bah humbug.

DEVNET draws a few

Three of us made it to the inaugural DEVNET this morning. Not surprising since I just came up with the idea yesterday.

After a few minutes of counseling and career advice, we played a combo of 10-cent skins and stroke play. I had a good day and was quickly -2, but shot an ugly 5 on hole 14 to bring me back down to Earth.

1. JoBo - 1.20, 54
2. Jimmy Blakeney - .40, 62 or around there
3. Marcy - .20, 70 or so

Marcy had a couple of phenomenal holes today. She got a 3 on hole 3, a deuce on 13, and a 3 on 18. Yes, I said a 3 on 18! Absolute textbook play -- drive to the ridge, approach to just above the pin, and a 10 ft putt. The deuce on 13 was from about 70 ft away around a tree near the road. Amazing!

Marcy can't believe she just parred hole 18!


With 3 skins up for grabs on 14, Jimmy took advantage of my crappy drive and took the hole after getting out of a bit of trouble himself. Nice work, Jim!

Hopefully we'll see a few others next week. Let's see some weekend workers and second- and third-shifters too.

Introducing DEVNET - Starts Tuesday!

The Devens Networking League is designed especially for unemployed and underemployed disc golfers. Each week we will meet and trade job leads, advice, and stories about how the Man is keeping us down, all while getting some good therapy chucking plastic in the woods.

Satisfy your job search requirements and play some disc golf too!

The league is free (we're unemployed after all) and we will mix up the format depending on who shows up.

Casual, fun, and who knows -- you may find a job out of it! And of course, you're still welcome even if you have a job. Join us!

• When: Tuesdays, 10 AM @ Devens
• Format: Singles or doubles
• Cost: Free

Send me your DiscGolfScene email and I'll link you up.

Love disc golf? Join the PDGA!

If you love disc golf, why not join the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)? You don't have to be a pro -- you just have to love playing! Your membership helps continue to build the sport, the association, the National Tour, and efforts to attract sponsorship, spectators, and media coverage.

When you join, you'll get a lifetime membership number, a free disc, a subscription to Disc Golfer magazine, and other benefits. If you play any PDGA-sanctioned events, you'll also get an official rating and over time see how you've gotten better.

• Join now under the "Refer-a-Friend" program (use my PDGA number 23492 and I will donate my credits to the course!)
  

I've been a member for eight years and it is fun to look back at how my rating has gone up over the years. In 2004, my rating was 783 and is now up to 937. The goal of course is to be a 1000+ rated golfer, but since that is usually where the top touring pro players sit, I doubt I'll ever get there!

No wonder Jimmy's not afraid of the Hill!

Check out what Devens regular Jimmy Blakeney does in his free time. Very cool. Very crazy.

Jimmy Blakeney 2003 Creeking DVD from Bryan Kirk.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Along with the official Devens Turkey who calls our course his home, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

Eat up!

Tolvanen tops taggers at Bonanza

Sixteen golfers and one dog showed up yesterday for our annual year-end Bag Tag Bonanza that wraps up our Wednesday Weekly tag league.

Good times were had, good food and drink were brought, my grill decided to go on strike (sorry about that), and lots of stuff was given away. And maybe best of all, two rounds of golf were played on an unseasonably warm and sunny day in New England.

Just for showing up, everyone received a small Devens Disc Golf freebie and was entered in a drawing for a special-edition 2009 Worlds Sparkle Shockwave, a one-of-a-kind Devens hat, and a Devens Thrill on the Hill DVD made by Steve Walker.

Congratulations to Pete Tolvanen who went home with the 2009 #1 tag and a custom Devens keychain. Matt Duquette took home the Overall Skills Challenge title and won himself a new Avenger SS. Nice job, guys!

Thanks to several generous golfers, we ended up with 18 CTPs and prizes to give away. Thanks for supporting our league everyone and see you next year!

Bag Tag Bonanza Results
Final tag Golfer R1 R2 Total

• 1 Pete Tolvanen 54 56 110
• 2 Donnie Phillips 56 58 114
• 4 Frank Strauss 59 56 115
• 5 Rob Walker 56 61 117
• 6 Alan MacLean 57 62 119
  
  
• 9 Luke Adolph 62 58 120
• 11 John Borelli 61 62 123
• 15 Andrew Duquette 60 63 123
• 16 Pete Nevius 61 64 125
• 17 Dave Mallen 63 64 127
  
  
• 20 John Rodenhizer 65 64 129
• 22 Chuck Gerbrands 71 65 136
• 27 Matt Duquette 70 67 137
• 29 Doug Callaghan 65 72 137
• 33 Steve Walker 77 77 154
• 40 Dave James DNF

Overall Skills Challenge A B C D E F Total Prize

1. Matt Duquette 3 4 5 3 0 0 15 - Worlds Avenger
2. John Borelli 0 5 4 0 3 2 14 - Strauss Jam
3. Donnie Phillips 3 0 0 5 0 5 13 - 12-pack of Mt Dew
4. Dave Mallen 5 0 0 0 3 1 9 - Shot glasses

Skills events

• A - Corner kick flick into soccer net
• B - Roller CTP
• C - Opposite hand for distance
• D - Closest to Marcy
• E - Putting
• F - Stand and deliver for distance

Raffle

1. Andrew Duquette - 09 Worlds Sparkle DGA Aftershock
2. Donnie Phillips - Devens hat
3. Pete Tolvanen - Thrill on the Hill Dubs DVD

CTPs

• Ice Bowl shirt - Luke Adolph
• Orange surge - Luke Adolph
• Ice Bowl Roadrunner - John Borelli
• King of the Hill Surge - John Borelli
• King of the Hill Surge - Pete Nevius
  
  
• Thrill on the Hill Dubs DVD - Rob Walker
• $10 funny money - Pete Nevius
• Disc and towel - Luke Adolph
• Harvard General Store gift card - Pete Tolvanen
• Harvard General Store gift card - Doug Callaghan
  
  
• Homemade applesauce - Donnie Phillips
• Homemade pickles - Pete Tolvanen
• Homemade salsa - John Borelli
• The Regifted Cooler - Rob Walker
• $10 cash - Pete Tolvanen
• $10 cash - Matt Duquette

CTP donors

• Matt Duquette
• Andrew Duquette
• Steve Walker
• Frank Strauss
• Dave James
• Chuck Gerbrands
• Pete Tolvanen
• Donnie Phillips
• Killer B Productions

Sorry, not many photos this time. I forgot I had the camera. Just like I forgot how to drive, approach, and putt too...

Pete practices for Putting



John R, Doug C, and Dave M roll in after Rd 2


Matt D turbo putts his way to Overall Skills Challenge dominance

Four year olds can deuce 16. So why can't you?!

Ethan S. became the youngest golfer in Devens history to deuce hole 16 today at the tender age of four!

Out for a casual round with his dad Frank, Jimmy B, and me, Ethan stepped up to the tee box on 16 and whipped a Roadrunner tomahawk roller down the hill, just missing family dog Puck who was sniffing around the rocks just below the tee. The disc caught an edge and veered right, just over the rim of the hill and looked like it stalled out in the brush.

After the rest of us threw, we started down the hill and Ethan yelled, "There's my Roadrunner!" We looked up (uhh... down) and sure enough his disc had somehow made it all the way down the hill, stopping about 40 feet in front of the basket. Not bad for a throw we all thought didn't even make it over the edge of the hill!

But Ethan wasn't done just yet. He calmly walked up to his disc and picked it up, took a few steps toward the basket, and threw another Tomahawk. Crash! Into the basket for a deuce! We all had a good laugh over that one, especially since we all got fours.

Here's Ethan re-enacting his history-making putt a little bit closer to the basket. Keep it up, buddy!

Pro Clinic: Getting out of trouble

Bag Tag Bonanza is coming. Are you?

Please let us know if you are coming to the final bag tag tourney of the year next Sat. Nov 21. It's free.

We have a bunch of one-of-a-kind Devens prizes and a special DGA Sparkle disc I got down at Worlds up for grabs. It is very cool.

RSVP now, now, now!

Vote Borelli for NEFA MA representative!

Just a quick request to all MA NEFA members to vote for me for MA State rep. Right now state reps only determine the state's double NEFA points event, but word on the street is that they will be given more responsibilities next year as the organization continues to grow.

I've got a bunch of ideas to help grow disc golf in our region and would appreciate your vote!

Cast your vote by Nov 21 by emailing current officers Gary and Rick. You must be a NEFA member and you must email your choice to both men. Thanks!

Thank you

Today is Veterans Day. To all military personnel who have passed through Fort Devens and to all who continue to serve on base, thank you for your service. You are a huge part of why we can freely chuck plastic on Shepley's Hill and everywhere else in the USA!

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a Federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. (source: Wikipedia)

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11:00 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America's war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater. (source: US Dept of Veteran Affairs)

The Hill brings 'em in from far and wide

A few weeks ago, Ernie Davis from Seattle sent me an email looking to play a round while he was out here on vacation. I met him Friday and had a great time showing him around the Hill. Ernie's been playing a while and had a few interesting stories about playing with Nate and Feldberg when they were younger. Good times!

While we were playing, we bumped into a guy from Wyoming also out visiting family. "I've been to a couple courses in MA and so far this one sure is the most challenging," he said. He must have liked it because I saw him out for a second round later.

We also bumped into a group of new players. They weren't from any exotic place like Seattle or Wyoming, though. They lived in Groton and NH and the kids went to Lawrence Academy. They looked like they were having fun and asked a few questions about rules and technique.

The Happy Locals


Both Ernie and I impressed them with lucky park jobs on hole 1 (but we didn't tell them that of course). If you guys read this, be sure to email me and I'll hook you up with some real disc golf discs like we talked about.

With this warm weather this week, I'm sure Hill will be hopping. Get out there and chuck some plastic!

Ernie fires away on Hole 1

Eight Hillfolk finish in top of NEFA Points standings

Can I get a huge "Hill Yeah" for eight of the finest disc golfers at Devens?!

Congratulations to Daniel Marcus, Ken Gary, Mike Connell, John Borelli, Ed Hovestadt, Alan MacLean, Marcy Buchanan, and Sam Misuraca for finishing at or near the top of the 2009 NEFA Points standings in their respective divisions!

I normally don't brag, but damn, what an impressive showing. We had someone place in the top three in 7/10 divisions. Not too shabby for such a young course, eh?

• Daniel Marcus: 1st, Pro Masters
• Ken Gary: 2nd, Pro Grandmasters
• Mike Connell: 4th, Pro Grandmasters
• John Borelli: 2nd, Advanced
• Ed Hovestadt: 2nd, Advanced Masters
• Alan MacLean: 3rd, Intermediate
• Marcy Buchanan: 3rd, Women's Intermediate
• Sam Misuraca: 1st, Recreational
• Full results
  

Throughout the year, NEFA members compete in several tournaments throughout New England and earn points depending on their finish in each tournament. Depending on the division, the top three to five finishes for each golfer are totaled to determine the overall Points Champion at the end of the season.

More success at Finals
The season concluded with the NEFA Points Championship tournament in Maine a few weekends ago. Despite horrible rainy and cold conditions, Pro Grandmaster Ken Gary earned top honors for the second year in a row! Atta boy!

Daniel Marcus also had a great run in Pro Open, but lost in a heartbreaking playoff, while Ed Hovestadt played good enough to take home second place. So close!

The rest of us? Well, let's just say we had as much fun as we could playing in that miserable weather.

Congratulations on a great year, Devens! Hill Yeah!

> Don't forget about the Bag Tag Bonanza for all 2009 bag tag holders Nov. 21. Please RSVP now.

Locals make Disc Golf Monthly episode at the Vibram Open

Check out this great coverage that includes some of NEFA's finest from the 2009 Vibram Open at Maple Hill. Be sure to watch the other 8 clips from this episode, including the lead card for all 18 holes. Pretty nice!

Welcome Disc Golf Station

Please welcome our new website sponsor, Disc Golf Station. They are a new online store, so give them a try! Free shipping!

Happy Halloween!

Devens Speed: Coming to a theater near you!

Steve Walker created a short video of this year's Speed round at the Thrill on the Hill. Here's the trailer!

Save the date for the '09 Bag Tag Bonanza

Open to only 2009 Devens bag tag holders, this annual end-of-year tournament officially concludes the Wednesday Weekly bag tag league.

• Sat. Nov 21
• 9:00 mtg
• 9:30 tee off
• 2 rounds
• Please RSVP (email)

• FREE
• Potluck lunch
• Lots of one-of-a-kind prizes, including a special 2009 AM Worlds limited edition Sparkle disc
• Bring a CTP to share!

Who will end 2009 as King of the Bags?

• Registered players

Photos & video from Thrill on the Hill & Speed

Click above to see the full-size photos.

Gary/Phillips repeat! Speed record set!

Thank you everyone for coming out today. We lucked out with another beautiful Fall day - sunny and crisp.



Congratulations to Ken Gary and Donnie Phillips for winning the AM1 title for the second year in a row (47,49; 96). Ben Stevens and Kevin Fox won AM2 (55, 51; 106).




Kevin Fox also won the Speed round with an astounding time of 2:47 by shooting par (12) and running really fast.



More later.

Make that snow or shine!

We got the season's first snow this morning. Break out the snowsuit!

Don't worry, it has already melted and is a balmy 37 degrees outside. See you tomorrow!

Dubs & Speed -- rain or shine

Looks like it'll be a little damp this Saturday for the Thrill. That's okay, though. Every event we've ever had at the Hill has been on absolutely beautiful days (even in the winter), so I guess we were due. See you at 8!

• 8:00 - Sign in
• 9:00 - Players meeting
• 9:30 - Shotgun start

• Bring your own lunch

Stealing is bad

Today I called and emailed a few people with discs in our Found box. Most people never respond. I don't know why. Even if you don't want the disc back, just do me the courtesy of telling me so that I can stop tracking it and give it away to a new player.

Today was different though. I called Jeff whose orange Hawk had recently been turned in. About 20 minutes later he called back and said, "Where was it found? Devens? Huh, I've never been there." It turns out he is from Maine and lost that disc at Enman Field. Some loser evidently found his disc, ignored his name and number written nice and big on the back, and kept it for his own. Bad, bad, bad.

As a reminder for you newer players out there, keeping a disc that has contact info on it is stealing, pure and simple. Be a good human and contact the person. Many times they will tell you to keep it. Sometimes they will buy you a frosty adult beverage just for returning it. In either case, you will get the warm fuzzies and have the round of your life the next time out. It sure beats getting caught using it by the guy's friends who will be more than happy to reclaim it from you and throw you into the nearest pond.

Same goes for you. If you want your disc back, write your name, email address, and phone number on each of your discs. And be sure to write legibly! I must have about 10 discs in the Devens L&F that I cannot make out the info. You'll be happy you did when you lose your favorite driver that your dearly departed great-grandfather gave to you on his death bed.

That's all for today's public service announcement.

Who's in for Speed?

So, who is doing Speed this year after Doubles on Saturday (spots still available)? Any new victims -- er, contestants?

I am in and I know Donnie is. Adam Dodge said he was probably going to do it. How about you young 'uns, or are us old folks the only ones brave enough this year? Meow.

To review:

• It is only four holes: 13, 14, tee 15 to basket 9 (just short enough for you to catch your breath or lose your lunch), and 10. Then you sprint to 11's tee to the finish line.
• Speedsters go off in 1 minute intervals.
  
• There are spotters on each hole who point out your disc and then record your score. All you have to do is drive, run, putt. Repeat. Easy.
• Time is kept along with your score. Time penalties and bonuses are assessed for +/- par.
  
• Lowest score wins.

I did it last year and even though it sounds brutal, it really wasn't too bad. Sure, you feel like death when you are heading down 10 and sprinting to 11, but the hoots and hollers from people watching makes up for it. Honestly, it's a ton of fun. Young, old, even pack-a-day smokers do it.

As far as strategy, you can go fast and erratic and risk getting penalized for being over par. Or you can go slow and steady and get a bonus for being under par.

Last year, we had Speedsters use both techniques with varying results. Second place finisher Ken Gary took his time and shot under par, but winner Pete Nevius did the opposite and won by 35 seconds at 3:07. So, who knows? (2008 results)

Props, dubs, and chili

Luke is the man!
I have to thank Luke Adolph for having his own pre-mini-workday mini-workday this morning. Luke actually showed up before Dubs and did a bunch of trimming so we didn't have to go out after Dubs and do it ourselves.

There are a few holes that Luke didn't make it to, so I'll hit those later this week.

Luke is one of the few Devens locals that regularly volunteers his time and supplies to help with the course. The next time you grab a scorecard out of the box at the kiosk, say, "Thanks Luke," because he is the person who fills it regularly. We need more Lukes at Devens.

Dubs
Dubs was fun this morning with six of us showing up for a pre-Thrill round. Adam Dodge and Luke won with a 52, followed by Ken Gary and John Rodenhizer with a 54, and Marcy and me with a 55.

Doug Callaghan found us as we were finishing 18 to help with the workday. Even though we didn't go back out, he still gets credit and a bit of karma for showing up! John R gets some too since he had planned to help out. Hope it comes in handy next Saturday, guys.

Chili Cook-off -- uh, where were you?
Donnie Phillips and Phil Vilmorin stopped by to say hi at the Chili Cook-off and pick up their shirts. It sure would have been nice to see some more regulars there to support the course and spread the word. (See above about how we need more Lukes.)

If you had showed up, you could have seen the Bounce House collapse. Children screaming, parents running, newscopters hovering. What excitement.

A terrified ghost flees from the carnage



John R approaches on 6



Adam putts on 10



Adam launched a great drive on 18 that made the turn and went down the Hill



This little guy couldn't miss from this spot



Phil, John, Marcy, and Donnie show off their new duds

Hill Yeah! Get your Devens shirt now!

Yes, it is true! The first Devens fashion apparel has hit the market. Get yours while they last!

There's only about 20 left out of the first batch that went to Devens Bagtaggers. Available in Texas orange, tan, and steel blue (like the blue in the Devens logo). Heavyweight, long sleeve, $20. Help support your course and look super cool doing it.

Email me or stop by the Sunday Social, workday, or Chili Cook-off this Sunday.

Mini workday this Sunday after Dubs, before Chili

I'd like to do some quick cleanup of the course this Sunday, Oct. 11 after the Sunday Social. We will do an hour or so of work and then head over to the Chili Cook-off at 1.

If you bought a Devens shirt, you'll also be able to pick it up then.

To Do List

• Trim the sprouts that have sprung up from stumps and pick up any fallen branches from this week's windy weather. Gloves, hedge trimmers, and loppers are the tools of choice.
• Cut up and clear that downed tree on hole 7/8.

If you play the course often, here is your chance to show your appreciation for the course with a little elbow grease and earn some good karma at the same time. Last year, after helping at the workday Marcy hit her first ace, proving that good deeds bring forth good karma in the disc golf world.

Still looking for people to help at the Cook-off. Bueller? ... See you there for dubs at 9:30.

Watch the pros live at the USDGC now!

Support disc golf and the PDGA. Log in now to set up your free account to watch the live webcast of the 2009 United States Disc Golf Championship in Rock Hill, SC.

• USDGC website (lots of great stuff, including live tracking of top pros throws!)
  

Tune in for six hours a day Oct. 7-10. Watch the world's best players compete for a purse of nearly $100,000 on the famed Winthrop Gold Course. It's free!

• Donate and watch here
• Rely on the generosity of others and watch for free
  

Coverage starts at 11:15 EST, but there currently is a random live feed on different parts of the course. Something tells me that productivity for disc golfer cube-dwellers around the country will be at an all-time low this week.

Here's what went on earlier this week:

Dubs and chili cook-off this Sunday

Like the past few years, we've been asked by course sponsor the Devens Grill to set up a basket at the cook-off. So, after this week's Sunday Social we'll head over to the Common, introduce some more people to disc golf, and eat us some chili!

• More info
  

We are looking for volunteers to explain what the heck those metal contraptions are all about (and make sure no one gets bonked on the head). It's a fun way to spend the afternoon, plus the Patriots aren't on until 4:00. Let me know if you can help.