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.