2017/05/05-09 There's a new sheriff in town... but not for long...

DP - Jacksonville

   This reporter had received intel that Puma was coming back to Jacksonville to take on the reigning champ, Eric "Birdie" Taylor.  Puma had been planning for this visit, which is one reason it occurred later in the year than usual.  As the slightly slimmer, more toned Puma stepped out of his chariot, it was clear, he meant business.  Puma had arrived a few days earlier to acclimatized himself to the warm Florida weather.  It also have him a chance to warm up and play a few practice rounds.  Up north, during the winter, Puma throws the discs just for his puppies' enjoyment.  They love chasing the discs.  However, that doesn't hone the accuracy required for the precision needed to beat the champ.  Our hero needed putting practice without a dog chomping at every disc.  On Thursday, Puma went to the course by himself to work out the putting kinks.

   On Friday, the day before the big match, Puma and his rag-tag posse of TJ, Boom-Boom and Bushie played at Ed Austin.  The wind was blowing steadily at 20+ mph and before starting the match was started the group decided it was simply a fun match.  The wind was expected to be about the same the next day so it was good practice.  The practice was definitely needed as Puma missed a few make-able putts but still won easily.  TJ also tested out his new score keeping app, which keeps track of the # of metal (putts that hit the basket but fail to go in), # of woods (any significant tree hit), # of splash downs and # of lost discs in the lake.  Puma led the pack with 6 metals while TJ led with # of woods with 7.

   As the sun rose on the big day, Puma was anxious to face his nemesis, who was already at the course assembling his disc chariot.  The practice in the wind the day before was useful as the winds had actually picked up overnight.  Surprisingly, TJ (The Jason), a notorious ally of Birdie and a well known late morning person was there and surprisingly alert.  Rick "Bushie" Pike, desperately wanting to not end up in last place yet again, had convinced  Ryne "Fresh Meat" Edwards to join the gang and participate in only his second disc golf game.  Unbeknownst to Puma, his chauffeur, Simon "Boom-Boom" Bouma had been plotting for many months to unseat our hero, Puma.  Boom-Boom and Bushie had been secretly practicing to improve their games and challenge for a leadership position.  They had spent the previous few months experimenting with new discs and other gizmos to reduce the talent gap that obliviously existed.  That practice definitely did help one of them.  Boom-Boom, for example, was now making putts, although his exclamation of "aviar for the par" chant was getting tiresome.  

   At the start, Birdie set the tone with a great drive.  However, he clanked his second shot to settle for par.  Boom-Boom, TJ and Puma all made pars as well.  Bushie's  "Rise from the bottom" plan seemed to be in jeopardy from the outset as FM made bogey and Bushie made double.  The short second hole did not go as planned as both Puma and Boom-Boom's drives went wandering away from the basket.  Birdie and TJ made par as did Bushie, in a rare attempt to redeem himself.  It was at the 3rd hole that things took a turn for the worse.  Birdie threw another magnificent drive and was the only one to make par.  The early morning started to catch up on TJ, who started his 5 consecutive bogey streak.   Puma, perhaps a bit too keyed up, tried to steel himself and calm down in order to make a game of it.  When Birdie made a rare bogey on #4, Puma sensed an opportunity and made a nice par saving putt.  After that, for a while, it was close.  Birdie went up by 2 when Puma made a bogey on #6 but the lead dropped to only 1, after Birdie's bogey on #8.  However, the next 3 holes decided the match.  Birdie made 3 pars as Boom-Boom and TJ both went +3 and Puma carded a +4 over those 3 holes.

   Boom-Boom tried to make a game of it with 6 pars over the next 7 holes.  However, the final outcome was decided on #17, when Birdie threw his worst drive of the day.  The drive went too high, keeled over, barely clearing the fence as it hit the ground and turned into a roller.  However likes most greats, when life gives you lemons, Birdie makes a fine lemonade.  The disc rolled in a great arc settling within 2 feet of the basket for an easy birdie.  In the end, it was Birdie with a 52.  Boom-Boom scored a career best 63 with TJ and Puma settling for 65.  FM experimenting with different discs and different throwing styles seemed to be making progress.  This also means that Bushie had better take notice as within one or two more games, FM may be able to compete (and get a new nickname).  Both Puma and FM led the pack with 10 metals!  FM had the easy lead in woods with 9, although TJ tried to stay close with 7 woods and Bushie had 6.

   After grabbing some breakfast, TJ suggested playing another round.  The winds had died down and the weather was quite nice.  Bushie sensing that FM was improving too quickly made up a quick excuse and beat a hasty retreat, dragging FM with him.  The remaining 4 players, went back to the course to settle things.  It was obvious from the outset that this match was going to be different.  Birdie missed his par putt on #1 and Puma missed his first 2 putts!  Both TJ and Boom-Boom made pars giving them the lead.  However, both Birdie and Puma made birdies on #2 to close the gap.  With Boom-Boom and Puma making a par on #3 and Birdie and TJ making bogey, Boom-Boom had a 1 stroke lead over the other 3.  Birdie's drive hit the nearest tree on #4 and he struggled to find a clean throwing lane.  With Boom-Boom's bogey, TJ and Puma were able to catch up and tie for the lead.   After hole #6, TJ and Puma were in the lead, battling for supremacy at 19, with Boom-Boom at 20 and Birdie at 21!!!  Had they found Birdie's kryptonite?  Was it feed him before playing or simply exercise him for a few hours before playing?   TJ was so overjoyed and giddy about being in the lead,  that he promptly lost his focus and didn't make par for the next 5 holes.  Puma also faltered a bit making only 2 pars over those same 5 holes.  Boom-Boom had 3 pars while Birdie got his second wind and made 4 of 5 pars.  After #11, it was Boom-Boom and Birdie tied for the lead, with Puma 1 stroke behind and TJ only 2 strokes behind.

   Birdie took the lead with a birdie on #12 with TJ making his 6th consecutive non-par.   The next 3 holes were pressure packed as the new kid, Boom-Boom battled with Birdie for the lead with Puma and TJ trying to stay with them.  On #16, both Birdie and Puma stumbled to make bogey.  This produced yet another tie for the lead.  Boom-Boom was on fire, making 7 consecutive pars with TJ close behind with 5 consecutive pars.  Each player missed their par putts on #18.  Boom-Boom, who earlier in the day set a career low, beat his own mark and tied Birdie at 59.  Both Puma and TJ did better in this second round than they did in the first round.  However, it was Boom-Boom Bouma who put everyone on noticed that there was a new sheriff in town to contend with.

   On Sunday, "Rusty" Randy Knagge, who last played back in October had heard about the previous day's fireworks and wanted in on the action.  While Birdie couldn't attend and TJ licking his wounds, Rusty and his son "Perky" Preston arranged for a game at Ed Austin park.   Joining them were the true warriors Bushie, Puma and Boom-Boom.  The weather was ideal.  All of the players from Saturday showed their fatigue of playing their 3rd (Bushie) or 4th (Boom-Boom) or 5th (Puma) game in consecutive days.  Bushie in particular, was in full lumberjack mode, whacking an impressive 19 trees along the way.  In the end, Puma had manage to tie the game totals at 2-2 with Boom-Boom, with Rusty hanging on to beat Bushie and Perky.

   On Monday, Birdie was back with a vengeance.  Fresh off his day of rest and relaxation, he wanted to put this new upstart in his place, as he challenged Boom-Boom to another match.  Puma, now in the unusual position of playing second fiddle, tagged along.  For Puma, it was his last full day in Jacksonville and he wanted to break the tie with Boom-Boom.  For Boom-Boom, his arm exhausted from 4 straight days of disc golf, it was simply a way to boost up everyone's spirits and let them get over confident for the next match.  Birdie put it away early with 5 pars on the first 6 holes while everyone else struggled.  With 14 total pars, the final score was fairly predictable.  Birdie finished with a 63, Puma at 72 and Boom-Boom at 75.  As Puma limped back home, he realized that while he did manage to beat Boom-Boom 3 out of 5, he lost to Birdie 3 more times.  There was more work that was still needed.  

2016/12/17 - Birdie directs a show to remember (with CGI)

DP - Jacksonville

   The fog was thick as the morning sun rose over the Springfield Disc Golf course.  The rapidly warming temperatures helped to break through the haze to show that Rick "Bushie" Pike was already there and talking on his phone trying to coordinate his strategy for this  match.  He was tired of losing by dozens of strokes as the last few matches have shown.  Emerging out of the car that just parked, mighty Puma rose with his trusted cohort Simon "Boom-Boom aka BB" Bouma.  Puma looked relaxed and ready to play.  BB was already jittery from the lack of a morning cup of joe.  For over a week, Jason "Misty Eye" McCallister had been laying the ground work for his latest excuse.  Reality dictates that he was just afraid to play.  Although that gang had gotten together the previous night for a pre-game dinner, Misty Eye Mac was already lamenting about his shoulder.  This morning, with the damp fog, his excuse was that the dampness on his shoulder would not let him participate.  Then, the new crowd favorite arrived in his chariot.  Eric "Birdie" Taylor calmly stood up and stretched.  Yes, he thought, today would be a good day for disc golf.  As Birdie prepared himself for the upcoming match with his usual pre-game setup, there was something about his demeanor that exuded confidence.  Perhaps he was not losing as much sleep due to his new child as he had claimed the previous night.  Perhaps it was meditation.  But whatever the reason, his head or his shoes, he stood there this Saturday morning, feeling good about life.  There was a calmness about him that beguiled the beating he was about to inflict.

   Once the foursome were ready,  BB threw the opening drive into the fairway.  Bushie started off with a walk about towards the 2nd basket.  Puma graciously allowed Birdie to go next in order to gauge the competition.  Birdie stood on the tee box, performed some yoga type of breathing ritual and launched a tremendous drive to within 15 feet of the basket.  Puma sensing impending doom threw a reasonable drive that fell well short of the basket.  While the others scrambled to catch up, Puma, sadly, missed his birdie putt and Birdie made his putt for his first birdie of the day.  Bushie unveiled part of his new strategy by using a putter and scrambled for a par while BB settled for a bogey.  Puma's spidey senses were tingling as he joked to the gang that Birdie just threw down his gauntlet after slapping Puma across the face a few times.  However, Puma gladly accepted the challenge. 

   On #2, Birdie had a nice safe drive away from the canal that runs through this course.  Bushie and BB followed suit.  Puma, realizing that his original plan of playing conservatively and going for pars would not work this day, launch a nice drive for a drop in birdie.  Birdie settled for a par as did Bushie.  BB still trying to control the jitters clanked his par attempt and settled for another bogey.

   Now tied, Puma launch a nice drive towards the 3rd basket but clipped the tree.  BB went wide right into another tree, while Bushie went wide left.  Birdie launched another mammoth drive around the trees setting up his second birdie of the day.  Puma trying desperately to keep pace, missed his approach and settled for a par as did Bushie.  BB clanked yet another par putt giving him yet another bogey.  It was clear after just the first 3 baskets that things were playing out differently than in previous matches.  Birdie was now 2 under par, Puma 1 under, Bushie at a remarkable even par with BB at a very unhappy +3 with 2 unsatisfactory clanks.

   Basket #4, has many obstacles including a building, brush, a small hill and several trees.  Birdie calmly stepped forward and launch yet another marvelous drive under the trees and straight towards the basket.  Puma tried a different angle of attack, which did not work out well.  BB and Bushier decided to go through the trees without much success.

   #5 was much the same, as Birdie completed his 4th birdie in 5 holes while Bushie made par and Puma fell behind with another bogey.  BB clanked yet another putt for yet another bogey.

The next 3 holes also continued the streak with Birdie making 2 of 3 birdies.  BB and Puma made pars and Bushie made a bogey on #6 but pars elsewhere.

   On #9, Puma unleashed a huge drive that sadly did not drift towards the right towards the basket, as expected but instead curved left towards the canal.  It fortunately landed on a small island of twigs.  It was pin high but with no foot path to the disc, Puma was forced to drop yet another stroke.  A single player approached the group and indicated that he could fish it out after his round.  The gang thanked him and let him play through. 

   The back 9 was, sadly, relatively uneventful.  With no meaningful competition, the players descended into who could make the CGI (Canadian Geese Infestation) move the furthest.  Simon, an original Canadian, of course, knew how to control his peeps the best and won that mini challenge.  No matter where Birdie threw his drive (for example, the road on #10), he recovered and made pars with his only birdie on #16.  BB clanked a record 8 putts off the various baskets to settle for bogey instead of pars.  Bushie was playing an awesome (for him) game with 5 consecutive pars.  Puma, meanwhile, after the 11th hole knew that it was time to abandon all hope of catching Birdie.  He tried to create some sort of momentum, but his 4 easy birdie tries frightfully missed, setting himself with 6 consecutive pars.  The only real question was who was going to be in second place.  At #15, Rick and Puma were TIED!  Rick was excited and Puma was determined not to lose 2nd place.  By the time they reached the 18th tee, it was over.  Puma had a commanding 3 shot lead primarily due to Bushie's double bogey on #17.  Perhaps just to make it exciting, Puma inexplicably threw his drive into the canal on the right to finish with a double bogey which was still enough to secure second place.  In the end, Eric "Birdie" Taylor lived up to his moniker and thrashed everyone with a outstanding 47, smashing Puma's old record for that course by 7 shots.  Puma got his butt kicked to finish with 60, Bushie close by with 62, and Simon "Clank" Bouma at 65.

Update:

   The following day, Clank suggested playing at Ed Austin.  We DID NOT invite Birdie!

Actually we knew Birdie was busy on Sunday but still we felt better not inviting him after the whipping we all received the previous day.  We did invite other fresh meat to dole out a similar beating just to boost our meager spirits.  It was a warm humid day at Ed Austin park.  Joining the party was "Rusty" Randy Knagge who last played in 2015 and his son "Perky" Preston Knagge.   Perky at age 7 is an up and coming enthusiast.   The day started fine for Puma with 3 straight pars before the heat and humidity started to get to him.  Clank tried to match Puma's start but soon reverted back to his usual clanking bogey ways.  Bushie, maybe sore (he needs to get out and play more often), started with 6 consecutive bogies or double bogies before his first par, followed by another string of 6 less than desirable scores.  Meanwhile, Rusty was inventing new terms such as a Knagge par (KP) (for a 6) and a Knagge birdie (KB) for a 5.   This meant that he got one KE(eagle), 6 KB's and 6 KP's over the first 13 holes.  Although he managed real pars on #15 and the long #18, the other 3 holes didn't help.  In the end, Puma had 69, Bushie with 75, Clank with 77 and Rusty with a 99.

2016/10/30 - Wandering aimlessly is not the best approach

(DP) - Jacksonville, FL

  While covering other events, this reporter heard that Puma was back in town.  Puma had escaped from the cold, rainy northern part of the country and came south for some fun in the sun.  Although the purpose of Puma's visit was the north Florida Ace race to be held in Elkton, FL the next day, the gang was planning to play a round at Ed Austin park on Saturday.

   It was a beautiful day at the park, when the small gang assembled.  Rusty McCallister had run off to an island in the Caribbean to escape the soon to be administered thrashing.  Sadly, others such as Becky "DOC" Pike, Ryne "Fresh Meat" Edwards, Randy "Fantasy Football Freak" Knagge, and Nick "It's too Hot" Pappas decided that Rusty's approach was the correct one and avoided showing up.  However, Eric "Birdie" Taylor, Simon "Boom-Boom" Bouma and Rick "Bushman" Pike were there and ready to play.

Bushman was also ready to try out a new strategy.  Having lost his putter and mid range on a previous outing, he was going to play the day using his driver as his only disc.

   This keen reporter's eye noticed that Puma did not appear be 100%.  Although he bravely claimed all was well, it was soon evident that it was not.  Perhaps spending the last two days with Boom-Boom in the grueling sun was taking its' toll.  It appears that Boom-Boom may have hatched a devious plan to gain an advantage.  Two days prior, Boom-Boom had driven down to Elkton with Puma to scout out and play the Ace race course.  Having learned from Treebeard, TJ and Hollywood that Puma can become dehydrated, Boom-Boom had "forgotten" the water.  Then on the way back home, his car broke and while he waited 2+ hours for the tow truck, Puma was forced to walk all of the remaining distance back to the home to get any water.  The following day, Puma spent hours driving Boom-Boom from dealer to dealer and sitting in the hot sun while Boom-Boom went into the A/C to talk to them about a possible replacement car.

   It is not known if Bushman was aware of all of this, but as Puma was about to release his first drive, Bushman appeared to have shouted "watch out".  This sporting violation caused Puma to release the disc slightly last causing it to impact with Pike's pine.  Bushman denied ever calling out anything, but the damage was done.  Boom-Boom made a nice drive with his opening shot, only to watch in awe as Birdie, did not follow his usual form of taking it easy for the first few holes, launched a magnificent drive to the middle of the fairway.  The dye was casted.  As Puma or perhaps his disc seemed to be stunned from the initial woody impact, Puma wandered aimless around the course seemingly waiting for yet another shout out.  Birdie made par of #1, Boom-Boom and Bushman made bogey and Puma aimlessly finally hit the basket for double bogey.

   Hole #2 was much the same, Birdie made an easy par, Boom-Boom and Bushman made bogies and Puma seemingly more skittish made a triple bogey after missing 2 easy putts jumping at every sound.

   Things appeared to settle down on #3, as Birdie made his 3rd consecutive par and everyone else made bogey.  Boom-Boom and Birdie made pars on #4, with Bushman and Puma making bogey.  #5 followed a similar pattern, as Birdie made yet another par, Simon made bogey and Puma and Bushman made double. 

   Going into the woods, Puma tried to steady himself and reached for his secret weapon, the Ace race disc he had received from his time in Minnesota.  Puma hoped that in these tight wooded conditions, the long and straight disc would work well.  It appeared it was working, but sadly, Puma missed his par putt and settled for yet another bogey.  Birdie Taylor was not going down without a fight.  Although Birdie hit a tree on his drive, his approach was flawless and he made his 6th consecutive bogey while Boom-Boom and Bushman made double.  #7 was interesting and everyone made par except for Bushman who carded yet another double bogey.  Puma hoped his first par would start the comeback march.  Sadly on #8, Puma mis-aimed yet another putt and settled for bogey along with Boom-Boom.  Birdie made his 8th consecutive par with another nice approach shot while Bushman was also continuing his streak of double bogeys.

   On #9, the first water hole, a slight opening appeared.  Birdie launched his disc towards the water trying to cut the corner.  Sadly, it hit the overhanging branch which slapped that silly disc into the water.  Puma sensing the opportunity, made a nice drive and followed it up with a nice approach setting up an uphill par attempt.  Sadly, his aim was still off and Puma settled for a bogey.  Meanwhile, Boom-Boom and Bushman were wandering around the water to card a double bogey.  Birdie, having lost 1 disc in the water decided he had could make it across the water and minimize any scoring damage launch his next shot which turned away from score and also landed in the water.  After carding a disastrous 8, Birdie didn't seem so invincible.  Even with this 4 stroke gain, Birdie still had the lead at the halfway point with a respectable 32 (+4).  Boom-Boom was at +9, Puma at +11 and Bushman was at +14.

   Puma realized it was now or never for this match and tried to gain the advantage.  Sadly, his putting was as aimless as his initial throws.  While the top 3 made bogeys on #10 and #11, Bushman finally broke his consecutive double bogey streak at #11 with a single bogey.  On #12, the top 3 all made nice pars with Bushman carding yet another double bogey.  #13 Puma tried desperately to stay with Birdie as each carded a par with the other 2 players carding a bogey.  #14 basket was in the C location for an extra long challenge.  The match effectively ended after Birdie launch a nice drive and Puma's drive hit yet another tree.  Puma pushing hard to stay in contention, ended up 4 putting to end any chance.  All that remained for Puma was keeping TWAC out of Bushman's hands.  Given that day Bushman was having, it should have been an easy task but Puma's day wasn't much better.  As Birdie breezed to victory with 5 pars and 2 bogies on the last 7 holes, Puma could only manage 3 pars, 3 bogies and that disaster on #14.  Boom-Boom stumbled to the finish with 3 pars, 2 bogeys and 2 less than desirable totals.  Bushman finished his disappointing but rather consistent day with 8 bogies and 9 double bogies.  Bushman will soon be purchasing a new putter and mid range disc after this outing.

2016 Ace Race

2016/09/04 - 2016 Ace Race at Alimagnet Park in Minnesota

   The day had finally arrive.  It was time for the 2016 Ace Race.  The excitement was palpable.  The electricity in the air, the ionization smell, it was intoxicating.   Puma and his entourage arrive at the appointed place and time.  Many others were already there.  Although the course usually held 12 baskets, 6 portable baskets were set up and the starting locations were appropriately modified to fit into the flight profile on this year's prototype disc.

   The Ace race gives points for aces and for throws that hit anywhere on the baskets (called hitting metal).  From past experience Puma knew that scoring points would be difficult.  To provide some excitement with his posse, Puma also had the group count closest to basket as a tie breaking category.  Once the discs were obtained, the gang waited for the official start time. 

   Starting off at basket #4, everyone missed as they were adjusting to the flight characteristics of the new prototype disc.  This disc seemed to require a light but firm touch.  Add too much power and it flipped over rather easily.  Throw it gently and it flew straight and for a long way.  It was a very nice disc.  Everyone was impressed with the disc and will look forward to finding out what the marketing name will be. 

   On #6, TJ just missed an Ace when his throw sailed several inches above the basket.  On #7, it was Hollywood's turn to just miss.  Treebeard had a close throw on #9 only to watch TJ come just a wee bit closer.  Puma had several closest to basket but no almost ace throws (yet).  On #10, Puma just missed too high.  On #12, while the other 3 went for a right edge approach through the trees, Puma decided on a left curving shot around the trees.  His first shot was dead center but sadly went barely over the basket.  Puma's next shot was almost perfect.  As the curved gracefully towards the basket, the anticipation mounted.  It was the proper height, it was dead centered on the basket.  It was.... *poof*, a gust of wind hit the disc and pushed it into the ground.  The disc refused to be denied.  It went sliding on the dirt pathway still heading towards the basket pole.  It had the velocity to make it there.  It was going to hit metal when suddenly it hit the hidden edge of the concrete holding the pole and stopped dead, perhaps 4 inches from the pole.  ARGH, cried Puma!  ARGH cried the team.  So Close!  On the next hole, a sweeping downhill around trees, Hollywood had a magnificent throw that just sailed over the basket. 

   However, in the end, no aces, no metals but lots of fun and each player had two highly regarded prototype discs to keep for future use.  TJ had 7 closest to baskets, Hollywood 6, Puma 5, and Treebeard was shut out in his fourth ever disc golf outing.

2016/09/03 - Tainted Victory with a Hollywood ending

Apple Valley - 2016/09/03

   Before playing the 2016 Ace Race, Puma and his entourage set off to check out the Alimagnet Lake Park DGC course where the event was scheduled to be held.  It was another gorgeous day in Minnesota. Arriving at the park, Treebeard found a parking spot and the gang emerged from their chariot, ready for action.  The excitement for the next day's Ace Race was already being felt.  TJ and Hollywood seemed extra excited, almost as if they were planning something.  They had stayed up the previous night, supposedly to play more games, after Puma had gone to bed, but one never knows what those two are up to.

   The first basket was tucked inside of 3 trees.  Both Puma and TJ made nice drives, but missed their birdie putts and settled for par.  Treebeard went into Ent mode and headed for the local woods for some strategy discussions.  Hollywood Gilman went over budget for a bogey.  The second basket was a large sweeping left turn around more trees.  TJ and Puma both made birdies while Hollywood straighten out for a par and Treebeard went for yet another small walk-about to settle for a bogey.  The third was a long-ish straightaway with trees in the middle.  TJ took the lead with a nice par, while everyone else carded a bogey.

   On #4, TJ launched a massive drive to set himself up nicely but his approach hit the overhanging branch which left him at the bottom of the hill.  His par putt hit the basket and rolled back down the hill to within a foot of where he was standing, alternately glaring at the disc and basket.  Meanwhile Hollywood carded a par and Treebeard made his 3rd consecutive bogey.  Puma, was also having gravitational issues as his putt rolled down the hill twice giving him a double bogey. 

   #5 was a long wooded tree filled lane with a basket on a hill at the end.  Hollywood and TJ were relieved to make bogies, while Puma (having more gravitational issues) and Treebeard got double bogies. Hollywood and Puma made par on #6, while TJ made bogey and Treebeard made double.

#7 was a short, 130 foot hole around trees and bushes.  Puma calculating that an easy high arching shot would do the trick, threw a wonderful long straight shot towards the eighth tee box.  Hollywood also went for but executed the high arching shot to set up an easy birdie.  Both TJ and Treebeard threw a bit short and settled for pars, while Puma worked his way back from self imposed exile and carded his third double bogey of the day.  Puma was fuming but found the strength and fortitude that champions have deep down.  The power of Puma's all encompassing force seemed to help his concentration the rest of the way.

   The next (and surprisingly last) 5 holes are most technically difficult and requires skill and talent to perform well.  Luckily for our hero, Puma has both.  While Puma and Treebeard made bogey, both Hollywood and TJ carded doubles.  #9 is a steep uphill with many trees.  Hollywood, Puma and TJ all navigated the obstacles to make par.  Sensing the tide was changing against their slim hopes of winning, it was then that TJ and Hollywood launched their plan to rob Puma of his inevitable victory. 

   The way to #10 was not marked, so TJ and Hollywood took the most likely path and sent Treebeard and Puma off on another path.  After TJ and Hollywood found the 10th tee box, they rested for several minutes while Treebeard and Puma trudged along the slippery, rocky goat path.  After several minutes, TJ and Hollywood finally called out that they had indeed found the tee box and the other two needed to trudge their way to their location.  It is still unknown if Treebeard was included in this plan, but his "forgetting" to bring water at the beginning of the trip is suspicious as well as his attempts the previous night to ply Puma with copious amounts of alcohol.   Forcing Puma on extra long marches and pushing him to the point of exhaustion and dehydration was just part of their devious plan. 

   The shock and awe was that much sweeter for Puma when he made the only par on the tenth hole while everyone carded a bogey.  Puma made his 3rd consecutive par on the long downhill #11 with Hollywood scrambling to make a remarkable par.  On the very long uphill wooded #12, Puma made bogey.  Treebeard made a double bogey while TJ struggled with trees to card a triple.  Hollywood, in an improbable, amazing ending befitting his moniker, tried mightily to stave off another defeat.  His drive and approach both hit trees.  It was his 3rd shot that was the difference maker.  He threw it up the hill to watch it bounce off yet another tree and roll back down the hill towards him.  His mad rush up the hill to stop the now rolling disc as it rolled downhill was a clear violation of the rules but he refused to listen to anything about rules or fair play.  From the point where he stopped the disc, he took 2 more shots to claim victory with a double bogey.  Puma, not realizing the collusion that was going on, informed TJ, who was acting as score keeper, that Hollywood's actions warranted a 2 stroke penalty, if not outright forfeiture.  TJ acknowledged those facts but still entered 5 for Hollywood's score, giving him a highly controversial, tainted 1 stroke victory on this short 12 hole course.

2016/09/02 - Somerset, WI

2016/09/02 - Somerset, WI

    Puma and his entourage descended upon Minnesota with one goal in mind.  Winning the 2016 Ace Race.  This reporter heard of this mission and decided to follow them in their noble quest.  Since they were in Saint Paul, Minnesota, they decided to venture over to Wisconsin and warm up at the Somerset Disc Golf park .  It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the upper 70's and sunny.  This course was partly chosen due to several nearby geocaches.  Upon arrival Puma boldly led his party towards the first cache.  Upon Puma finding his first Wisconsin geocache (bringing his total # of states to 39), the gang went to the first tee pad to start playing. 

   After the long trip to get here, everyone was a bit rusty.  Sprinkle in a new unknown course layout, and the breezy conditions and you have a recipe for high scores.  After only 3 holes, Puma was leading at +4, followed by Jason "TJ" at +5.  Darrell "Hollywood" was next at +7 (+5 on the 3rd basket) closely followed by the new comer to the group Apu "Treebeard" at +8.  Starting at the 4th hole, the course went into the woods with cut down the breeze but increased the number of skeeters attacking them.  To avoid the bugs, the pace quickened but the scores dropped.

   Puma scored the first birdie on #4 followed by 4 consecutive pars (-1 for those 5 baskets).  Hollywood (+2) and TJ (+3) tried to stay in pursuit.  Treebeard playing just his second course, was +1 over the 4 holes until he relapsed into Ent mode, making +4 on the 8th hole. 

  Hollywood got excited by his first birdie of the day at #9, which was matched by Puma's second birdie.  TJ got onto the birdie parade at #10 with an excellent drive that came oh so close to an Ace.  It was at this point that the course layout failed everyone.  Up to this point the next tee box was clearly signed and the course was very easy to follow.  Sadly they were no markings after #10 as to where #11 would be.  Luckily, some locals showed up and guided the gang, across the driveway and down the hill to #11.

   The last 8 baskets were a bit more difficult.  Puma had only 1 birdie and 1 par over the 8 baskets.  Hollywood was the most consistent with 2 pars and 5 bogeys and only 1 double bogey.  TJ also had 2 pars but sadly only 2 bogeys.  TJ, perhaps got more winded due to his lack of running.  Treebeard did very well for a newbie with 4 bogeys over the last 8 holes.  Overall it was a good warm-up for the upcoming Ace Race.

Treebeard with his root

2016/01/18 - Vintage JAX DG

2016/01/18 - Vintage JAX DG

   It was a brisk day at Ed Austin Park when the gang started to assemble
for the 4th annual MLK disc golf get together.  There was a chill in the
air as the temperatures approached 50.  Bushman Pike tired of all his
recent last place finishes, desperately needing someone he could defeat,
brought a total newbie, his neighbor, Ryne "FM aka Fresh Meat" Edwards.
Eric "Birdie" Taylor was dressed as true Floridian, with a winter coat and
a warm winter cap.  Suddenly, there was excitement in the air when quite
unexpectedly, Puma confidently stepped out of the car chauffeuring him to
the park and joined the growing throng. Several members of the group,
namely Birdie Taylor and Boom-Boom Bouma were elated, as they now had a
chance to go against Puma while others, Jason "Rusty" McCallister and
Bushman Pike had their slim hopes further squashed.  Excitement rose even
further, when surprisingly, Ace Gilman drove up in his monster truck.

   With everyone present, they strode to the first tee box.  Bushie
narrowly avoided Pike's pine as threw his opening drive into the fairway.
Birdie Taylor signaled his intention of not holding back and launched a
massive drive that nicked a tree and yet, still cross the entire fairway
and continued straight to the far side of the field.   Ace Gilman threw a
wild shot which hit the ground rolling, sadly, in the wrong direction, as
it came to a rest near the practice/warmup basket.  Rusty curved a nice
drive around the trees and into a prime approach location.  Puma's drive
was nicely situated in the middle of the fairway as was Boom Boom's.  FM
signaled his strong desire to be a lumberjack, as his very first throw
attacked the trees but still make it to the fairway edge.  In the end,
everyone made bogey except for FM with a very respectable double on his
very first basket.

   On #2, Birdie launched a very impressive drive with Boom-Boom in hot
pursuit as they both made their first par of the day.  Ace and Puma
drifted off to the left and settled for yet another bogey, with everyone
else making double.

   On the tightly wooded #3, Birdie and Boom-Boom both went tree hunting,
allowing Ace and Puma to reclaim a stroke as they got yet another bogey
while everyone else got double except for Rusty who went tree hunting
multiple times and settled for a triple.

   While Puma was finding new and innovative ways to turn pars into bogeys
with Ace following suit, Bushie managed to channel some of Birdie's force,
as they both got par on #4 with Ace, Puma and Boom-Boom settling for a
bogey, and FM finally tasting DG pain.

   On #5, both Ace and Birdie went the long way around the trees, but both
made pars with most others took the more direct route but settled for
bogeys.

   On the heavily wooded #6, Birdie notably made his 3rd consecutive par,
with Rusty breaking out of his slump with a par along with Boom-Boom.
Puma made his 6th consecutive bogies when he yet again clanked a par putt.
FM made his first bogey on this difficult basket.  Puma had a good drive
and a reasonable approach and was eager to get his first par but clanked
yet another putt as he and most others bogied on the wooded and dog leg
#7.

   Coming out of the woods, people made sure that no embers were left
behind since Birdie was on fire.  Puma finally broke through with a par on
#8, matched by Birdie who made his 5th par of the day.

   #9, the first water hole proved costly as Bushie and Rusty heaved their
discs into the pond.  Puma watched as his disc floated down the cart path
and then sadly, turn towards the pond.  It dropped down on the pond's bank
and as seemed to be the MO for Puma this day, the disc then proceeded to
roll to the water's edge.  As Puma stood at the water's edge, he launch
his second throw over the water and watched as it curved gracefully
towards the shoreline only to watch it again hit the edge and roll into
the water.  Standing in his now soggy sneakers, Puma managed to clank yet
another putt.  What is surprising is that although Bushie threw his disc
into the middle of the pond, but he somehow managed to record a par???
This is just another fine, vintage example of PASS (Pike's Adjustable
Scoring System) at work.  At the turn, Birdie was leading the pack with a
(5 pars, 2 bogies) +6, Puma remarkably in second at +8 (1 par, 8 bogies),
Ace at +9 (7 bogies, 1 par), Boom-Boom at +10 (2 pars, 4 bogies), Rusty at
+12 (1 par, 3 bogies), Bushie at a highly dubious +12 (with 1 par, 1
questionable par, 2 bogies), with FM trailing (with 1 bogey and 7 very
consistent doubles).

   On the back 9, things started to heat up.  Birdie, Ace, Boom-Boom and
Rusty all made pars on #10, followed by Puma clanking yet another bogey.
Birdie faltered a bit missing a long but makeable par putt on #11, while 4
others made par.  #12 featured 5 pars.  #13 was a bit brutal as only Ace,
who made his 4th consecutive par managed to gain ground on Birdie.
However, Birdie reclaimed his namesake, with his first birdie of the day,
on #14.

   With the shellacking basically completed, Birdie glided to victory with
pars on the next 3 holes.  Much like the championship round of years gone
by, Ace tried to match the Birdie's brilliant display of grace and power
but was deficient.  Puma fought mightily and struggled all day but in the
end, he disappointed the assembled crowd as well as his posse.  Puma
graciously admitted that Birdie was quite impressive and Puma did not have
his A game nor sadly, even a B game on this day.

   Birdie scored a +3 on the back 9 to finish with +9.  Ace at +12 (+4 on
the back 9), Puma at +15, Boom-Boom at +17, Rusty at +19 and Bushie with a
still highly dubious +21.  FM survived his first course and vowed to
return.  When will Puma avenge this loss?  Stay tuned...