Newly in from our West Coast Correspondent, Tim Emmott regales us with his first SF DG outing.
The elder of the wood bros asked me to write a few words once in a while about the Californian disc golf scene.
So first up to bat is San Francisco Golden Gate Park Disc Gol Course or SFGGPDGC:-) for the texters.
As the squeaking of the my bike pedals ceased to be drowned out by the plethora of trucks, sedans and low riders I know I have made it to the famous goldengate park. A few squeeks more and the gentle clink of chains begins to dust the air, my hairs begin to stand on end excitement akin to that of a kid at christmas.
I had made it. Legs like jelly. Arms like noodles, the first tee awaits.
The two most obvious differences between Sf and the legendary Lloyd park are the trees and the other disc golfers, there are shed loads of both. So many golfers that pick up games are very common, I joined a couple of unsuspecting homiez and showed then what the bdga is all about y'all
The concrete tee pads inspire confidence with the hint of a cool onshore breeze and the warm sun adding tactility to my finger pads, it was time; x step, whip, snap....... Thunk.
It seems my disc is still getting over the jet lag.
After obliging the first tree with a happy slap from my English plastic (not quite leather on willow old boy) I went on to champion mediocrity by tickling and tinkling the chains across the course. Oft accompanied with a mumbled "Tim you pillock". I thought it best to do the British thing and let the locals win.
Aside from my disc golfing buffoonery the course presents a challenging technical 18 holes with mash up of forced shots and tee pads with plenty of options. There are 3 basket positions for each tee whic means that the course changes every couple of months which keeps things fresh and prevents too much bag tailoring.
Considering the course plays under a canopy of 100ft tall redwoods the geology of the land allows for some longer holes and a good mix of elevation change. Personally the course feels shorter and tighter than the big C and this levels the playing field very nicely., the course plays as a par 3 course but depending on the pin position the par is occasionally increased to par 4 but I'm not sure it is entirely warranted. On the majority of holes it is easy to make it in 3 but tricky to birdie, regardless of length.
You could take you whole bag with you or you could take a stable teebird, buzzz and focus and you won't be left wanting, I have not played a course that demands such a broad skill set from a golfer whilst still giving you the undeniable feeling that you could absolutely crush each and every hole. To put it another way its more hole 12 in winter than hole 16 mid summer.
Over all the course is pleasure to play but lacks some of the croydon 'magic'. The high density of trees demands good shaping of lines. Disc golfers with poor depth perception might like to try driving into a sheet of ply from B&Q for a similar experience.
Also not particularly disc golf related but the park is a phenomenal size with interests for the whole spectrum on good days you can leave the kids and or Mrs at the beach whilst you increase the international profile of disc golf. Certainly worth a trip out to the park if you are in the area but unlike croydon I wouldn't plan my holiday around it.
Now Santa Cruz de la veaga on the other hand.... Perhaps I'll run in to croydon wannabees Nate 'negative 10' Doss, Avery 'money bags' Jenkins and perhaps if I get my silent ninja shoes Kenneth 'did you hear that' Climo.....
A word to the wise for smokers out here, when asking where you can get some fags you will find the locals remarkably salubrious, but is highly unlikely to satisfy your craving for nicotine.
Wish you were here!
Jungle Tim and Chardonnaye
