Disc Hovering Central Florida

News Letter

March 1998, vol I, issue I

What’s it all about… Rick "Andy McMillion" McCafferty First and foremost we would like to thank you, our helpers, throughout the last year. For the love of the game, you have contributed your time, energy and/or wallet, to help keep DHCF on the road. The Grand Marshall Scribner has been there from the beginning, along with Melbourne’s Steve Slasor. They are the only two to attend all DHCF events. Joe and Trixie Jacob, (Trixie contributes her entry fee to the Men’s Open Pro Division. Good show Trix!) Chris Lenkiewicz, our man at Volusia County Parks Department; Tim Willis, "Fast Mac" and the Sarasota Sky Pilots. Mitch Mitchell & Roger French for helping with scores, registration and course setup. Dexter, Mike and Donna Gill and the Daytona boys who usually show up early to help out. John Benefield for the use of the Gran Canyon. (Can I get an "amen"? Figured I might.) Innova Champion discs, for the 9 DisCatchers. Bucky Worboys and Flying Eye, for prizes and moral support. Mike Sigrist and John McMillan. And lastly, Ken Climo for letting Gregg win one!

Why Do We Do This

The sole purpose of DHCF is to seek out and find new parks, and boldly go where no course has gone before. Our job is to show State and local parks departments how Disc Golf is played; how a course is laid out, and the caliber of the people that play the game. 

In theory, this should help to clear the way for a permanent course. That’s why it’s so important that we draw big numbers.

It’s all very political. Parks departments respond to perceived needs. The more people they see playing, the greater the need becomes in their eyes.

The best case to prove our point is in Volusia County. DHCF #FORE at Gemini Springs had an excellent turnout and they have invited us back. Chris Lenkiewicz reports that, this time, we have to do the work, i.e. clear the land.

We would like every one to know that DHCF has been a lot of fun. Probably more fun than anyone should have while going broke.

Our PDGA Administrator has confirmed that our non-pro entry fees ($10 Am $12 Adv.) are still the lowest entry fee of any C Class PDGA event in the country. We had hoped that this would net a greater turnout. This has not always been the case. DHCF has put out about $6000.00 to keep us on the road. However, this is no enterprise. It is our gift to you. If you want more Disc Golf in Florida, your job is simple…show up! We’ll do the rest.

PDGA Cards

Showing the Parks and Recreation departments that we are part of a Greater Disc Golf Organization carries a lot of weight. For this reason,

we register our DHCF events with the PDGA. This costs $20.00 plus $50.00 for insurance. P & R dept.’s like to see that we assume responsibility for our organization

In order for Advanced and Pro’s to receive points for PDGA events, they must have a current PDGA card.

For every non-current Pro or Adv. player, we are charged five dollars.

We tried the honor system, but it didn’t work. So, we will be charging $5.00 for non-current players, as we did at the Gran Canyon.

You do not have to be a PDGA member to play DHCF events. We encourage everyone to play. But to receive points.. you must be current.

Gregg’s Editorial

Gregg Hosfeld

We at DHCF are trying to create a positive environment for Disc Golfers throughout the state of Florida by going and giving them a chance to play full 18 hole courses in places that, prior to our visits, "smack-a-tree" was the only form of Disc Golf available.

By doing this, we, of course, hope to proliferate our sport by getting more courses in the ground. We made some good contacts in our first year. #3 at GT Bray now has an 18 hole post course and the Sarasota Sky Pilots are funding the baskets. Cypress Grove went so far as to send a purchase order for 18 DisCatchers which was, unfortunately cancelled since our County Commissioner has a different agenda...for now. Moss Park’s manager is extremely interested in a permanent course. The park is being redesigned and Disc Golf is being reconsidered for the front of the park.

Currently, we are designing a second layout at Gemini Springs for permanent consideration. And Lakeland’s Lake Parker Park feels certain that Disc Golf will be a permanent fixture in their facility and has hopes to install a championship course a few years down the road in newly acquired parkland.

Consider that most of this is the result of two people’s efforts. Two people who rely heavily on your participation. Over the last year and a half, we have been met with a fairly decent response from Florida players. But it is painfully obvious that the level of intra-state co-operation has been less than exemplary.

Case in point...John Drown is an enthusiastic player / promoter who is trying to get Disc Golf in the ground in Punta Gorda and Fort Myers areas. His wife, Laura, put together a fundraiser at Ft Myers’ Edison Community College. John enlisted DHCF to supply the targets and called and got commitments from several members from the Clearwater club (aprox. 2 hours away). Sarasota, (1 hour) and Bonita Springs (20 min)

It is a well known, and often ignored, fact that people respond to positively far better than negativity. How do we, as promoters, respond to the fact that NOT ONE PERSON FROM ANY OF THOSE THREE NEARBY CLUBS MADE AN APPEARANCE?

Our Brooksville event went extremely well. We advertised it as the ‘most extreme course’ in the State and we delivered. We were pleased with the attendance (58) but were somewhat perplexed by the fact that only 2 (?) people from Gainesville (1 hour away) attended the event. (If there were more, forgive me, I didn’t do the registration)

We (the players) are the only ones who can increase the popularity of Disc Golf. Not all of us have the means to help promote the game. Disposable income is not easy to come by, especially if you depend on Disc Golf for any income. But... TIME.... there’s something that most of us have at least a little of. Just a little bit of time from a lot of people can make all the difference in the world! Keeping that in mind...Here’s a scenario for you...

Most of the people who attended Brooksville’s Gran Canyon tournament on Jan 31st were extremely impressed with the area (if not by the actual course) The owner of the property is open to the idea of a permanent course. So, a light goes off in our collective heads. If we ran a World’s Biggest out there and got the major portion of Florida Disc Golfers to attend, we could win a course for this amazing chunk of property. Those in attendance will tell you that it is well worth the effort. I am fully aware of the fact that we are up against some major markets, but it CAN happen.

However, based on the latest demo, and numerable other incidents, I have to ask you, "is it worth the risk?"

We have expenses that other TD’s do not. Few, if any, sponsors. And, no organized club to back us, we, of course, hope to change that. Thus far all of our events have been "sign up the day of" events. If we run a World’s Biggest, we can not possibly afford, or presume to guess how many will show without pre- registrations. And, we feel that we would need no less than 150 pre registrations to even consider running a World’s Biggest for this purpose.

Our question to you is this... "Are you willing to make the drive over to Brooksville for a day on the most exciting piece of property that Florida has to offer, in the hopes that we can win some targets for John and his incredible Gran Canyon?"

You’ve done more for less. It is in your hands.

Ken Climo’s Grand Canyon Experience Ken Climo When you first arrive, you can not foretell the pleasures that await you. What starts out like a lamb, comes roaring back to finish like a lion. Everything in between is a great mix of left, right, up, down and over. There are a few tight holes, which require precise control. Most of the course’s higher elevation was used for the tee areas, making long throws seem effortless. With quite a few strategically placed pins, putting can be a chore on this beauty. This place receives an ‘A+’ from me.

Do You Love Disc Golf?

Gregg Hosfeld

Do You? Do you really? How much? Are you willing to invest some time to bring others to the sport that you profess to care so much about? If your answer is "No", you may wish to reconsider your answer to the first question.

Players of Disc Golf range from the mildly interested to the fanatical Disc Golf Junkie. But there is not one Disc Golf promoter among us who isn’t absolutely in love with the game. They have to be! There can be no other explanation! What is the incentive to promote the game? Certainly not financial gain. Fans? Groupies? Public acceptance?

Throw everything into a big pot and stir it around and the recipe will always yield the same dish... LOVE OF THE GAME!!

Did you know that Rick McCafferty has donated 26 Disc Golf targets to various courses around the country? He has donated more to the game than many of our readers will earn in a year of work. That’s Amore’. Now let’s add time to the equation... well, we can’t. Nor do we care to. Time invested in something you love is time well spent (provided it’s not self destructive.)

With Disc Hovering Central Florida, we have an opportunity to showcase Disc Golf anywhere we like. Imagine the possibilities! Rick and I work hard to find new places to play. Some of these places will soon have Disc Golf courses. You will have new places to play. You will meet new players, who may one day challenge you on the course. There are a few among you that truly see the merits in what we are attempting and they support us however they are able.

This is an open call to all Florida Disc Golfers!!!

We want...No... We NEED your help. We don’t want your money. What we want is an hour or two of your time. Here’s what we’re looking for...

The first step to running a DHCF event is finding a suitable site. If you see a place that looks like a suitable site for a course take a few minutes to jot down the name of the place, find out the number of who needs to be contacted and let us know. We will make the cold calls and try to set up an event or at least present Disc Golf to them.

Once the event is on the calendar we often need help in preparing the course for play. Such is the case in our upcoming return to Gemini Springs. (See the Calendar section for info.) We have designed 18 holes in a different area of the park (as per their instructions) and much of it will have to be cleaned and cleared. I would like to specifically invite all of the Volusia County Disc Golfers to get involved in getting the course in playable condition as well as helping out with the Earthfest demo (more on that later.)

The day of the event, we need everyone to remember that our events are auditions. That means dress presentably, act accordingly, and make yourself available for minor tasks that will help the event proceed smoothly. Course set up/ tear down, scorecards, registration, CTP donations, and anything else that might add to the event. Gladly offer tips and advice to any newcomers.

Since we are not yet in the mainstream of sports, we have to show our very best side. That is why we have set a standard rule at all of our events that simply states "anyone caught doing illicit substances during our events will be barred from all future DHCF events." We are pleased to say that we have not had to enforce this rule. And we thank you for showing the game, and us that respect.

On our second visit to a site, ideally we hope to hand over the duties of TD to a local or someone who wants and or needs TD experience. Chris Lenkiewicz of the Volusia County Parks department will TD DHCF #10 at Gemini Springs.

We hope that you will take our message to heart and invest some time into the game, with us or locally. There will come a day when your investment pays off. Unfortunately, it may not pay off for you directly. Think of it as your own child and enjoy watching it grow and flourish. If it is a labor of love, it is no sacrifice.

Calendar: check out important changes!

March 28 DHCF #9 Lake Parker Park ,Lakeland FL.

Currently scheduled for two rounds of 12 holes in the morning, followed by 12 to 24 holes in the afternoon. (Based on speed of play in the morning round)

A demo is being planned between rounds across the street at a Detroit Tigers pre-season game. If you wish to participate, have your Mom dress you. Collared shirts, no tie-dye or any ripped or cut off shorts or shirts. Lunch on site is also in the works. Be there by 9am.

Directions: I-4 exit 19. South on hwy 33 one mile. Left on Robson into gate #4.

April 18 Earthfest 98, Gemini Springs County Park-Debary, FL

This date was originally set up as DHCF #10. Saturday at Gemini Springs will be a HUGE gathering of local residents and legislators. We expect aprox 3,000 people in the park. We will be running a short 9 holes for the public to try out our favorite game. We heartily urge you to come out to show people around the course and offer some pointers. PLEASE do not talk politics! Trust me when I say, "all is well."

Just enjoy the day and spread the joy of the game. Be there by 9 a.m.

April 19 DHCF #10 Gemini Springs County Park-Debary, FL

Due to Saturday’s heavy traffic, our Pro-Am had to be moved to Sunday. Apologies to those we have inconvenienced. We will run our standard two rounds of 18 holes. A longer lay out than Saturday’s introduction course. $2 will be taken off entry for helpers who pre-register on Saturday. Be there by 9am.

Directions: I-4 exit 53, West on Debary Ave/Dirksen Rd 2 miles. Left into Gemini Springs County Park. Left at stop sign. Keep left. Park on Right before exit.

SCORES

In Closing

Due to limited ‘space and time’ we will publish more results of past DHCF events in our next newsletter.