Issue #014  takes you on a trip to the International Disc Golf  Hall of Fame and Charlotte Worlds. We’ll also have some of the regular features of the ‘Corner, so relax and enjoy while in between rounds of golf.

Let’s start with 4 quotes from 4 famous people:

********************** DISC   GOLF   ”QUOTES”

                      “Don’t bother trying to be better than your contemporaries or your predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”

                                                                                                            -William Faulkner

 ”When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”

                                                                                                          – Joe Namath

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

                                                                                                          -Frederick Douglas

” A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.”

                                                                                                           - Winston Churchill

****************** CHARLOTTE :  ON TOP OF THE WORLD

    This year’s Disc Golf World Championships will be remembered as one of the best. Stay with me as I take you on my personal experience at the 2012 Worlds in Charlotte, North Carolina:

My seventh Worlds was unique in that I decided not to play, but instead  enjoy seeing the best disc golfers under the greatest pressure, and come back with not only a story to tell, but one to remember.

But first, I stopped at a special place…..

********************** ON THE ROAD TO THE HALL

I was ready to go and drove all the way to Appling Georgia, only stopping a few times. Fifteen hours later I arrived at the International Disc Golf Hall of Fame.

I could feel the vibe as I walked in with excitement and anticipation of what I would see after my 1000 mile trip to get there. Right away the guys running it were real nice and didn’t even charge me the ten bucks to get in.

Plaques with the Honorees names and inscriptions are lined up and taking up one wall in a room that serves as the “Hall”.

 There’s a room with huge glass displays and historic disc golf items. You’ll also see a place reserved for the Father of Disc Golf, Ed Headrick. He brought us the Mach One, Mach Two, Mach Three and Mach Five (there was no Mach Four, he combined the 2 and 3). He gave us lines of Headrick, hooks of Headrick, the Disc Golf Association, and the PDGA.

Proud to have met and talked to the legend a couple times,  I felt a sadness for the loss of a man who changed my life and whose statue was before me.

I’m sure he would be amazed if he saw the Hall and the sport of disc golf today.

After taking it all in, I head into the gift shop and buy a disc with the IDGC logo on it so when I get to Worlds, I’ll get some Hall of Famers to sign it.

Had a fun time and stayed the night in Georgia before heading to Charlotte, two and a half hours north.

************************CHARLOTTE  WORLDS

So, it’s off to Charlotte, where my first event was the players meeting.

Likely the biggest mass of people ever assembled together in one room for disc golf made up a special night of  welcome and good luck. The amazing part is before and after, where all the many reunions are taking place for people who met at worlds or other places and are meeting up again. The friendships are rekindled and strengthened as the years go by.

A Lot of the big time players are roaming around the hotel and it’s like a big family get together for disc golf. A special day ’cause THIS IS WORLDS!

A record amount of players took part in a Worlds that saw a lot of close battles and two first time World Champions emerge in Paul McBeth and Sarah Stanhope.

 On the first day I started out watching the Open players, amazed at the courses and the level of play I was seeing. These guys are the real deal. Every hole was exciting!

 The second day I went to see the Masters play and got to see some of the best golf, and some tense moments between players.

 Ken Climo was tied with Johne Mcray starting out the day and was joined by Jay Reading and Patrick Brown.  Barry Scultz joined the lead card the next day and battled Climo the rest of the week before Climo won his 13 th Worlds, and first in Masters.

 Tense moments came between Climo and Reading at one point as Jay was crunching the bushes too much.  Reading also took heat from Patrick Brown, who felt no sympathy for Jay’s injury, thinking he was faking it to work the group. I saw a lot of grumbling from the masters field that I didn’t see from the Open players, and it’s usually the other way. The masters were complaining of all the people roaming around the course, where the Open players were so cool and collected while playing under pressure. They were polite and respectful most of the time to the fans and each other. It was enjoyable to watch these cats play.

 In Open I got to see Ricky Wysocki and McBeth battle Michael Johansen and Cale Leviska most of the week and then Will Schusterick had a hot final round to make the final 4, but not after an exciting playoff between Johansen and Leviska to see who would get the final spot in the final 4. On the fifth overtime hole Cale had a putt to end it from about 25 feet but missed, and the next hole Johansen parked it, Cale didn’t, and it was over.

The finals were just incredible at Hornets Nest, and it was great to see them all tee off. After that, you had to pick a group to watch. The last 3 groups groups were the Women, Masters and then Open. I watched the Women play their first hole and then the Masters for about 6 holes and then the rest of the Open finals. I missed a really good Women’s Finals as Sarah Hokem made a huge last putt to win her first World Title.

        Paul McBeth made history in 2012.  He was good and he was poised. He looked and acted mentally strong and backed it up with some incredible shots and solid putting. I’LL bet his phone # is (222) 222-2222.

             He was THE best at Charlotte Worlds.

                                  …….DISC…….GOLF ………..TICKER………

                                Here’s my disc golf ticker for my trip……..

Saw Bobby Jones Highway and JC Smith University……License plates : DSKGOLFR……FRZB……..DISGOLFR…….DSCGLF……ACERUN… and on a Corvette I saw ZOOM….. The previous 4 World Champions faced off in the opening round….Flymart was massive huge with a lot of vendors……Had a huge thunderstorm everyday around dinner time……….Saw NASCAR Hall and Lowes Motor Speedway…..drove 2,450 miles… got signatures from Hall of Famers on my IDGC disc…..saw a lot of New Yorkers during the week…Huge gallery at the finals….speeches by the World Champions…..

************************DISC GOLF RULES!

         From the PDGA Rulebook:

                  805. Measurement Cross Reference

                         10 meters                 32 feet 10 inches

                           3 meters                    9 feet 10 inches

                            1 meter                     3 feet 3 inches

                          30 cm                         11 and 3/4 inches

************************CROWLEY’S DISC GOLF TIPS

                Here’s my tips for the Ams:

 There is nothing wrong with being an amateur player if you enjoy the sport at your own, maybe making some small improvements to your game. But if you’re an amateur that wants to improve and possibly make the pros, you can do it by trying to improve each part of your game. As explained in Crowley’s Corner “The 5TH Element”, there are 5 main parts to your game.

Driving, approaching, and putting are the first 3, then your physical and mental part of your game. If you improve a little on each one, each year, your scores will get better and you’ll be more consistent.

 Pros don’t need a lot of advice but are trying to improve and learn in order to transfer everything into low scores when it counts.  We can all improve somewhere and we all have weaknesses. We can all practice better and improve our mental game. Learn to recognize where your game needs work and apply it.

************************ THOUGHTS ON GOLF

Charlotte Worlds was my 7th that I’ve been a part of. I had previously  played in 4, volunteered in 1 and watched 1. Now, for the first time I got to see the whole week from the sidelines with a front row seat to the stars.

Disc golf and life are all about the moments and there were many. Especially the magic moments with disc golf’s elite players. The people of Charlotte were nice and the volunteers were proud and did a great job with our sports biggest week.

 Charlotte- I love you man….

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

                        Once again, my goal is to educate, enlighten and inform people about America’s best sport, disc golf.

            Gary Crowley -  Writer and Editor of Crowley’s Corner

           Professional Disc Golfer since 2005/Disc Golf Writer since 1999

          Issue #013 will offer 13 ways to improve your game. We’ll also have some of the regular features of the column so enjoy while waiting to play your next round of disc golf.

Here are some quotes to start it off with:

**********************DISC GOLF “QUOTES”

 More nuggets on the mental game from around the world:

“Golf will not allow you to be any place other than exactly  in that  moment”

                                                                                  -Susan Anton- Actress and golfer

 “Accept that some things are not in your control”

                                                                               -Notah Begay – Pro Golfer

“Performing at peak  level is a combination of mind and talent”

                                                                             – Andy Williams – Singer and golfer

 *********************A BAKERS DOZEN WAYS TO IMPROVE

 Only the number thirteen can evoke the thoughts of doom and unluckyness more than any other number. Though I don’t believe in curses and such, it’s kind of been an unlucky year in alot of ways for me, so rather than take any chances, I figured it would be better to embrace it, than to fight it. For issue #013  we have 13 ways to improve at disc golf.

Way #1  is  practice.

The best way to get better at disc golf is to practice. You knew that right? Playing is practice, so just playing or playing more will help you improve at disc golf. Sorry, no shortcuts. The more you practice, the better you will be at anything.

 Way #2 is putt more.

 If you spend some time putting on a regular basis, you will not only be a better putter, but a better player. This is probably the best way to lower your scores. Just think what would happen if you make 3 more putts PER ROUND.

Way #3 is to do some excercise and stretch.

 If your body is in better shape, healthy and free of pain, you will play your best golf. And last longer in the late stages of the round.

Way #4 is to add some strenth.

 Adding footage to your drive can really make your putts alot closer, where it counts. Do not attempt to add strength unless accuracy is a prority to your driving game. Even your mid-range game can benefit from some added strength so don’t hesitate if you want to improve.

Way #5 is to learn more about the mental game.

 It takes years  to develope a strong and effective mental game so you may as well get started. Learn to be positive and have fun while playing in tournaments. Have a pre-shot routine that helps you focus on the next shot.

Way #6 is to develope a pre-shot routine that works for you.

 This is part of the mental game so figure out what it is that helps you get focused in order to play disc golf at your best. Pros will learn how to have a  narrow focus that allows them to adjust and cope under any condition in order to make the next shot a good one.

Way #7 is to have fun.

When  you are enjoying disc golf you play better. It’s a game and games are played to have fun. Having fun helps you play good, which is fun(which helps you play good).

Way #8 is to have confidence.

 Confidence helps you play well and playing well gives you confidence (which helps you play well). How do you get confidence? See Way #1.

Way #9 is to play challenging courses.

 Play a variety of courses with water and out of bounds challenges. Eventually you will have more confidence in these situations and you will play better.

  Way #10 is do something for disc golf.

 This one has no guarantee but has a pretty high success rate. Doing it for the sport is doing it for yourself. You’ll feel better and people who feel good about themselves are better players. Disc golf Karma is known to be reliable.

Way #11 is to get more rest.

When rested you are fresh and ready to play at a higher level. Especially later in the rounds when it’s all on the line. Your thinking is even better which helps your decision making on the course.

Way #12 is to play in competetive events.

 A good way to improve is to join your local club and get a PDGA membership number. Figure out what division is best and play in some events that require PDGA sanctioned rules. This will give you some experience in competition, which is helpful to your game.

Way #13 is to have a good warmup when you play.

Rushing to hole #1 may get you done faster, but if you want to put lower scores on the card, warm up before you play. Play 4 or 5 practice holes or at least do a few putts, drives and mid range shots before starting.

Way #14 is commitment.

(It was suppose to be 13, but for reading the ‘Corner, here’s an extra “Way”)

 Commitment. If this is something you don’t have, then you can improve greatly. This is going to be the biggest factor in improvement. If you’re committed to disc golf and committed to improving, it will happen.

 So, just play more, learn more, have fun and be committed.

You’ll be confident while having fun being a better putter who warms up and is committed to getting more rest for playing challenging courses and competitive events.

                              (you may now rest your brain after that sentence)

**********************DISC GOLF RULES!!

 From the PDGA Rulebook:

Unplayable lie: A lie from which a player decides that obstacles to stance and throwing motion make it impractical or unsafe to attempt a throw. The lie is relocated with penalty.

Out of Bounds: An area designated by the director prior to the start of play  from which a disc may not be played. The out of bounds line extends a plane vertically upward and downward. The out of bounds line is itself out of bounds. An out of bounds disc is not a lost disc.

Group: The competitors who are assigned to play a round together for the purpose of verifying scores and proper play in accordance with the rules.

 Provisional Throw: An extra throw, agreed upon by a player’s group, that is not added to a players scrore if not used in the completion of a hole (when there is a disputed ruling).

**********************RANDOM THOUGHTS ON GOLF

When I first got involved in writing I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but I knew I was in for a journey. That journey took me to disc golf, and for me, the rest is history.

I started out writing some freelance articles and then, what began as a writing project about disc golf, led to writing the proposal to install the first disc baskets at Green Lakes in 1998. I then started the CNY Disc Golf Magazine in 1999 and  Crowley’s Corner in 2010. Here we are 12 years and 20 magazines later, still golfing …..still writing.

           Still on my journey….

                           It’s fun to write about America’s best sport, disc golf!

                                      Gary Crowley - Editor and Writer

      Disc Golf Writer since 1999 / Professional Disc Golfer since 2005

        Welcome to Crowley’s Corner, the place for disc golf players everywhere….

Issue #012 will look back at 2011 and have some of the regular features of the column, so relax and enjoy while in between rounds of disc golf.

 Let’s start with some quotes.

    ********************DISC GOLF “QUOTES”

   Harvey Penick is a well known golf teacher and Author from the ball golf world. Here are a couple quotes from Harvey from his Little Red Book:

 “I can’t say it too many times. It’s the most important advice in this book. Take dead aim. Make it a point to do it every time on every shot. Don’t just do it from time to time, when you happen to remember. Take dead aim.”

 Also from Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book:

Two of Jack Burke’s 29 Maxims can be used in disc golf.

#6.       Picture a shot going perfectly to the line.

#13.    Picture the shot as you would like to see it.

   ********************O-ELEVEN FLIES BY

                 Two Thousand and Eleven was a year of big moments that did and didn’t happen. A year of suprises and amazing moments. Here’s a look back at some of things that made the year 2011 one to remember.

 First, Worlds in Rochester, a special week for local Amateurs to play on all the home courses in Rochester and enjoy the special treat of playing Worlds near home. 

 It was one of the best, so how about a Worlds….. Ticker…….

Huge players meeting…… Huge Flymart…. Free stuff/Great deals……Nite golf event has discs throwing across the river…….. Putting contest in the hotel, up and down escalators and near chandeliers…….Tons of people watching and trying to follow the layout …….Hotel Classy…………Awesome view of City and river…….Players party at Stadium and players throwing discs OUT of the stadium…….Secret layout at the final 9………Picturesque with water and OB everywhere……Huge crowds of people…..Exciting when every shot counts…..

 Big moment that DID happen- Rochester’s Melinda Apton took home the Amateur Womens Disc Golf World Championship.

Big moment that DIDN’T happen- Dan Hasting not winning Worlds after leading most of the week and the final day.  ( Still proud of the home boy ’cause 2nd at Worlds is REAL good)

 Pro Worlds saw Nate Doss make his place in disc golf history by winning his Third World Title. And he may not be done yet.

Great moment that DID happen- On, video, an Ace at Worlds from out on the dock to a basket on land with ALOT of people watching.

Great moment that DIDN’T happen- Valerie Jenkins lost to first time winner Paige Pierce near the end or we would have had our Mens and Womens World Champions- a couple.

Great Moment that DIDN’T happen #2- Ken Climo did not play Worlds for the first time in like 22 years, due to an injury.

  It was the 10th Annual Central New York Disc Golf Championships this year. Shows some longevity for the local PDGA event and a tribute to the people who started it (Sam Meggs and myself) and kept it going over the Years (Don and Wendy Courbat, Larry Oyler and Eric Tripanny).

 Here are the first 10 Central New York Disc Golf Champions:

2002- Gary Crowley (Amateur Champ- no pros that year)

2003- Matt Fitzwater           2004- Bob Honch              2005-  Hank Foss  

2006-John DeBois                2007- Gary Crowley        2008- Eric Tripanny

2009- Gary Crowley            2010- Mike Falconio         2011-  Billy Sivils

Leagues-       The main league for CNY was a travel league playing at Jamesville Beach, Oxbow Falls, Clay Park and TC3. Eric Tripanny won the points battle over myself in second and Dee Cameron taking third. Greg Meitus did a great job as League Director for 2011 and had a fun finals at the end.

  Amazing throw:  Troy Widden at Hyzer Creek #12, reaching just past the creek and estimated to be a 600 foot throw!

Amazing Ace: Scott Purdy making an ace at Worlds!

     *******************DISC GOLF RULES!!

                      From the PDGA Tour Player’s Handbook:

      8.4         Carts and Caddie Policy

    8.4.5      For those players wishing to use a carrying device, approved carrying devices include golf bags, foldable chairs and pushcart companions. No motor or animal driven or bicycle type devices shall be allowed at all PDGA National Tour and Major events, and are not recommended at PDGA Super Tour events.

  9.             Miscellaneous

  9.2          Players are not permitted to have active cell phones, animals or audible pagers on the course during any competetive round.

   ********************CROWLEY’S DISC GOLF TIPS

                 It’s no wonder my golf bag is so heavy. Some of these rounds can be quite long and it’s nice to have what you need to make yourself comfortable and be ready for whatever happens on the course. Here’s what I gotta have when I play in a tournament:

 Discs.  Six drivers, two mid ranges and two putters. That’s 10 discs, essentially what I will need, but wait. There’s more.

 I need mini’s and some extra ones, and pencils, and scorecards, and extra towels in plastic bags. Throw in some hand warmers and rulebooks along with a small container of candy.

 I also like to take some fruit like apples and gotta have my coffee jug along with a bottle of water or two and an icepack to keep it cool since I usually don’t drink any for awhile.  Bag getting heavy yet?

 Add a raincoat and or an extra layer of clothing and my chair and we’re just about ready for hole one.  I already have on my cletes and visor along with my belt clip for my towel. I also have pre-worn my seal skin sox to keep my feet dry most of the time. Bringing an umbrealla is just about out of the question. Masters players usually have thier advil and bandaids as well. Sometimes I even have a golf ball or a tennis ball for throwing at discs caught up in trees.

 Funny thing is, I used to play with just one Frisbee. Learn what works for you.

 ********************RANDOM THOUGHTS ON GOLF

                        In no way am I in favor of the new format at the United States Disc Golf Championships in Rock Hill. You’re taking one of the best formats in disc golf and replacing it with some sort of handicap system?

 What happened to my favorite slogan- “One Division, One Champion? A special tournament made for the elite player that can BE the best that week. Looks like the Champion is now the guy who plays over his head that week instead of a test of the best.

 Former winners are: Ken Climo- 5 times.  Barry Schultz - 3 times. One time winners are Doss, Feldberg, Locastro and Schusterick.

And now…the 2011 United States Disc Golf Champion is John Key, an 880 rated player who battled it out with a 918 rated player for the title. This is the United States Disc Golf Champion?  Uh…okay. Not.

 Congratulations are due to Mr. Key for his Historic “Format” Victory. As for having his name along side Climo and Scultz, this is an insult to the real champions of disc golf.

 I’m never gonna get it. Scrap it USDGC, this is a doinker.

                       Gary Crowley – Editor and Writer of Crowley’s Corner

                      2011 April Showers Masters Champion

                      2011 Roc The Worlds Masters Champion

                  Issue #011 is the “Welcome Back” edition of the ‘Corner after a ten month absence. We’ll have some random thoughts on Worlds and other matters, as well as some regular features of the column so relax and enjoy while resting for your next round of disc golf.

                                                    DISC GOLF “QUOTES”

                    Here’s two quotes from the 2011 Am Worlds Program:

                                 ”This has been a four year journey to get to this point and has been the culmination of efforts by a dedicated team of volunteers of both disc golfers and non disc golfers. All have been committed to making these World Championships an event to remember and one we can be proud of.”
                         

                                      -Tony Inzana -  2011 Am Worlds Tournament Director

                              “This year marks the return of worlds play to Rochester, the up dating of our world class courses, Rochester’s largest field of players ever, and the most fun anyone can have.”

                                     -Royce Racinowski -     Disc Golf Hall of Fame - Class of 2000

                                                  RANDOM THOUGHTS ON GOLF

          So much has happened since the last issue that I want to throw out some random thoughts right away.

 Like Worlds.

It was amazing to have the Amateur World Championships in Rochester, and it was one of the best. An exciting week of people and golf and events that were done with pride and commitment by the Worlds staff. It was my first as a volunteer and I was impressed by the whole team and the players who made it so special. I hope the experience will last a lifetime for everyone. Kudos to Tony Inzana and  staff and all those who worked on the courses in the years it took to get ready for the event. A continuation of Rochester’s place in disc golf history.

 More random thoughts:

 Another accomplishment worth noting is the 10th Anniversary of the Central New York Disc Golf Championships, a tournament I Co-started with Sam Meggs in 2002. The first year we had 9 players and no pros. This year we smashed the record with over 80 players. Tournament Directors have included Larry Oyler, Don and Wendy Courbat, and currently Eric Trppany. Ten years is a good start for any tournament. (By the way, we’re all 10 years older!)

 Welcome to the Pro ranks for the following players:

 Dan Hastings, Mike Falconio, Dan Sweeny and Mark Peters.

 Congratulations and good luck. Except against me. (Just kidding. Not.)

Some Final random thoughts:

            Clay Park has to be the most improved course over the past year or so. What started out pretty rough around the edges has turned into a challenging and fun place to play disc golf. Many of the water problems have been solved and with teepads, bridges and kiosk, it’s been non-stop improvements.

 Oxbow Falls has added a nice washroom to the park and with the new tee signs installed, it’s a better situation for players and events. Still a great place for quality disc golf, and getting better.

 Emerson Park has also had some improvements to the course and once again, disc golf, along with the parks and the clubs, is moving forward. A good thing for the players. I hope we can continue to cooperate for a great disc golf experience in Central New York.

                                                     CROWLEY’S DISC GOLF TIPS

              AMS TIP #1             -  Never underestimate the value of warming up before you play. First- stretching is a good idea for all players before disc golf.

 Some putts, a few mid range shots and at least a few drives will have you ready for your round. If you are not doing some of these thing than you could lower your scores by 4 shots per round. (Just kidding. Not.)

              AMS TIP #2          Improving at disc golf is not going to happen on it’s own. If the sport is just a fun game for you and you enjoy it that way, then all is well, but if you really want to improve, I suggest you look at the five basic elements of disc golf- Driving/putting/midrange game/mental/physical, and try to improve each one a little bit at a time. Be patient and committed and you will improve by 7 strokes per round. (Ok- I made that up, but you know I’m right)

             Pros Tip #1                Keep fresh mentally by learning more about the mental game each year. It’s like practice, you need to feed and strengthen your mental capabilities.  (or you’ll be feeding me some of your money, I hope)

                                                      DISC GOLF RULES!

Here’s an abreviated version from the PDGA rule book on player conduct:

   801. Conduct of Players

  801.01  Courtesy

           A. Players should not throw until they are certain that the thrown disc will not distract another player or potentially injure anyone present.

            B. Players should take care not to produce any distracting noises or any potential visual distractions for other players who are throwing.

            C. Refusal to perform an action expected by the rules, such as assisting in the search for a lost disc, moving discs or equipment, or keeping score properly, etc., is a courtesy violation.

            D. Players are responsible for the action of their caddies.

            E. Littering is a courtesy violation.

                                                             LAST WORDS

                        It’s fun to be back and while I didn’t mean to leave you hanging, the hackers came in and made a mess, and then the golf season came into full swing when I don’t write as much. Thanks to the great powers, Charlie M, that is, and the CNYDGA, I am back in my corner, writing about America’s favorite sport, disc golf.

              Gary Crowley – Professional Disc Golfer Since  2005

Edition #010 will be dedicated to Bill Jones, whose passing on December 15 was not only  a loss for his family and the sport of disc golf, but the loss of a genuine American hero.

Disc Golf Loses Local Icon Bill Jones

By Gary Crowley

Bill Jones, CNYDGA #004,  was a longtime supporter of disc golf over the years, sponsoring holes at Green Lakes (#4) and Jamesville Beach (#1).

A true pioneer and local disc golf legend indeed, he went to meetings, wrote letters and even stopped up to the courses to help out on workdays. Did I mention that he’s doing all this while pushing 80?

Disc golf is “tremendously therapeutic. Being outside and enjoying the parks while getting exercise is a two-way benefit”, he’d say. “I’m an activist for the game”

Bill also has an interesting personal history. His early work at GE in Syracuse  is chronicled in the Annuls of the History of Computing for creating one of the first operating systems ever for excelerating the process of missle test data for ICBM guidance systems. This helped keep the United States a leader in technology and a stronger nation.

I was lucky to have a longtime friendship with Bill, who asked me to lead the project at Jamesville Beach when his persistance got us in the door for a second chance proposal. Before that he supported me on the first course proposal at Green Lakes and during my endeavors as CNYDGA Co-Founder and Club President from 1999-03. I wrote a profile on Bill in Issue #004 of my first publication,  the CNY Disc Golf Magazine.

I felt he understood me when he said I “played every round like it’s a tournament”, but when he said of my golf that “all my lies are true”, I knew he trusted and respected me.

You know Bill Jones as a low-key guy, but he’d do battle for disc golf.

Thanks Bill for being a friend to disc golf, but more importantly, for being a friend. You’ll be missed.

Gary Crowley       Editor- Crowley’s Corner

Edition #009 will have a profile of local player Ben Basilio, as well as a retro article called “Disc Revolution Number Nine” . We’ll also have some of the regular features of the column, so relax and enjoy while resting up for your next round.

DISC GOLF “QUOTE”

“One Division, One Champion”      -The United States Disc Golf Championship

DISC FLYER TEES OFF

Who: Benjamin Basilio             Born: Charlston, South Carolina

Wife: Christine           Son: Lucas- Age 3 (PDGA#42392)     Lives in: North Syracuse

Graduated: Chittenango High          College: Conservation Degree at SUNY Morrisville

What: Disc golf Player            When: Since 2002             First Course: Oxbow Falls

PDGA#28342      Rating:931        Highest Rating: 952

Discovered Disc golf because: His friend lived on Oxbow Road.

PDGA Tornaments: About 40       PDGA Wins :2       2nd Place:6

Biggest Tournaments: 2008 Worlds/2010 US Amateur Disc Golf Championships

States Played in: 6         Courses played: About 50          Aces:9

Toughest Courses: Timberidge and Tobbaggan, both in Michigan

Favorite Ace: Blind Ace on a hole he had NEVER played (Hyzer Creek)

Longest Ace: 348 feet (#17 Jamesville Beach)      PDGA Aces: 1 at Chili #16

Amazing Deuce: #12 at Jamesville Beach (150 ft second shot)

Favorite Players: Steve Rico and Matt Orum    Favorite Course: Victory (Michigan)

Goals: Do well at 2011 Worlds in Rochester, NY.  Make the top 50.

What he would change about disc golf: Disc resting on top (DROT) would count.

DISC GOLF RULES!

803.07                  Disc Above The Playing Surface

A. If a disc comes to rest above the playing surface in a tree or other object on the course, its lie shall be marked on the playing surface directly below it. If the point directly below the disc above the playing surface is an out of bounds area, the disc shall be declared out of bounds and marked and penalized in accordance with 803.08 (out of bounds rule).

-Notes : There is no longer a 2-meter rule unless the Tournament Director puts it in. Also, you should always MARK YOUR LIE FIRST before removing your disc from above the playing surface.

#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9#9

I’ve always wanted to re-publish this article and figured Editon #009 of the Corner would be a perfect time. This first appeared in Issue #005 of my first publication, CNY Disc Golf Magazine (1999-2007).

REVOLUTION NUMBER NINE

It boggles the mind to explain how the number 9 could come up so often and so big in 1999. What started out as interesting, quickly became fascinating as the pattern of 9′s repeated itself at the local, state and national levels of disc golf.

A closer look finds the number 9 everywhere in life but ponders the question: Why?

Why does a cat have 9 lives? Why does baseball play 9 innings? Why not 10? The Beatles very well could have recorded Revolution Number 8, but it had to be 9.

We may never know why, but here are the top 9 factors that made the number 9 a disc golf wonder in ’99.

1. Central New York Disc Golf Association formed in……………………..’99

2. The first full year with 9 baskets in Central New York…………………’99

3. Oxbow Falls Disc Golf Course Approved…………………………………..’99

4. First baskets installed at Oxbow(top part of park)………………………’99

5. Chili wins World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend with 474 players……’99

6. Rochester Hosts PDGA Pro World Championships……………………..’99

7. Consecutive World Titles won by Ken Climo…………………………………9

8. Year Climo’s consecutive streak ends………………………………………’99

And now, the 9th and most powerful factor for 1999:

9. 1999 Champion Ron Russel’s PDGA # is………………………………..9999!

Here are a few more honorable mentions while searching for the perfect 9.

Letters in Ron Russel…..9                Miles from Syracuse to Chili……99

CNYDGA Member #009 Doug Courbat is the 9th born in his family and sponsored hole #9 at Green Lakes.

The First basket ever installed in CNY: #9 at Green Lakes

Scott Stokley’s record throw  of 211.32 can equal 9 by adding 2+1+1+3+2

Multiply 9 by any # between 1 and 10 and add the #’s of your answer together and it equals 9……….Hope all your 9′s add up.

THOUGHTS…ON GOLF

Ben Basilio is a personal friend of mine. A friendship that grew from disc itself. Often times we were the only players at the course and eventually started golfing together all the time. Soon we were hitting the tournaments around New York, competing in the sport we are both so passionate about. We made the trip to Michigan for Ben’s first Worlds in 2008. It’s now been about 5 years of hitting the road and it’s been a blast.

Ben- hope you have success as a Pro but enjoy it like an Am.

Gary Crowley-  2010 Twin Creeks Harvest Champion