A New course in Houston just about ready

[tarazarr]

Ok now that I have your attention.....
I've been reading the message board for the last few days and it seems like a great medium to promote the Houston disc golf scene, unfortunately (the majority of) what I've been reading amounts to little more than trivial squabbling and complaining....

So here's a chance to come together (with involvement, not rhetoric) as a group to do something very positive for the scene. It's no doubt agreed that Houston could use a few more, well thought out courses (like the private course at Oak Meadows, designed and built by players, for players.

Here's my proposal and yes I am willing to be positively involved in making this happen.

There is a church and YMCA next to each other on the West side of HWY 249, about 5 miles north of Beltway 8, that has very adeqaute property to host 18 holes (9 on each piece of property). If I meet with say, the youth pastor at the church and the director of the YMCA and get a signed agreement from each allowing the construction of the course, would there be 17 members (minimum) here willing to get positively involved?

This is what would be asked of you as a designing/building participant.
1. A meeting (on site) to roughly lay out the course, then
2. each participating member would take ownership of, be in charge of, and have complete control over designing and building (their) 1 hole along the roughly laid out course flow.
3. The participating member (having ownership of their hole), would either look for sponsorship from a local buisiness to pay for the PDGA approved basket and aquire it, or would be free to get very creative in the original design, building and sponsoring of a basket (PDGA premium, 24 chain, spec target of course) as long as it doesn't detract from the beauty of the property.
3. We could improve the houston Disc gold scene one new (player designed and built) course at a time. Creating exposure to thousands of new potential disc golfers everywhere we get a new course in by hosting tournaments there. By creating the goodwill, increasing the exposure to the sport and giving back to the sport you love and are so passionate about, those tournament pots would get bigger and bigger.

The scene gets better, if we make it better. Would you rather unite as brothers and sisters and do something positive, or would you rather waste this great resource (message board and "community") and reduce it to not much more then a place to vent over trivial things.

Peace
and hoping to see 17 positive people step up.

[Mr. Blue]

Great idea if you can get the permission to do it. I might add that you might want to talk to some of the more experienced designers/installers in the area for some layout and proposal advice, but if it can get done, then my business will sponsor one. Shoot, the location is not more than 10 minutes from my office. Cool idea!:D

[tarazarr]

Great idea if you can get the permission to do it. I might add that you might want to talk to some of the more experienced designers/installers in the area for some layout and proposal advice, but if it can get done, then my business will sponsor one. Shoot, the location is not more than 10 minutes from my office. Cool idea!:D

This is my formal request for anyone to get involved. If there are experienced builders/designers who are willing to take ownership of one hole then their participation is welcomed and would be a big asset during the initial meeting when the rough overall course flow is put together and agreed upon, however each participant must design (their) hole. It is "your" hole to design and construct within the agreed rough layout, the buck stops with you on your holes basket and T-Box.

I will gladly and graciously accept your businesses sponsorship for the basket on my hole, that is unless you want to own a hole of your own, design and construct it yourself and sponsor it by your company. You get to pick the hole you own and designe by the order in which you sign up to participate. Anotherwords, since I'm the first to step up I get first pick of which hole I want to design once the rough course layout/flow is agreed upon and so on. If your serious, add your name to the list, When we have at least 9 members ready to be seriously involved, I'll deliver the signed approval to construct.

Remeber, no, non participant rhetoric allowed, if you want any input then you must participate and take ownership of at least one hole.

1. Tarazarr
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Thanks

[Mr. Blue]

Well, what will be the cost of a hole. Why split one if we can do two. What kinds of tee boxes do you want to use, baskets, where will you be ordering from. I have no problem doing an entire hole, lets just get a ballparked figure on cost per hole. It will be much easier for others to make that kind of a decision if they have a $ amount to base it off of. :rolleyes:

[tarazarr]

Well, what will be the cost of a hole. Why split one if we can do two. What kinds of tee boxes do you want to use, baskets, where will you be ordering from. I have no problem doing an entire hole, lets just get a ballparked figure on cost per hole. It will be much easier for others to make that kind of a decision if they have a $ amount to base it off of. :rolleyes:


What will the cost of the hole be? That's up to you, It's going to be your hole, you'll take complete ownership of your hole, the only standard set here is your basket must meet the Standard PDGA "measurement" specs and it must be a 24 chain basket and if you decide to manufacture your basket with an original design, then it must not detract from the beauty of the property. If you choose to purchase one then you decide which basket you purchase, so if you go this route you might want to line up some sponsorship.

There is room here for creativity, the key is again, if you sign up for one, then your hole is your baby, the only thing the group decides/agrees upon is the general layout and flow of the course like hole #1 goes here in this area, so design the best hole you can imagine and keep the course flow in mind.
The earlier you commit to owning and constructing a hole, better spot you get in choosing which hole you get to build.

In the end we open up "our" course with an inaugural open tournament and when everyone steps up to hole #7 (for example) they are stepping up to " #7 Mr Blues Revenge" proudly sponsored by Home Depot, C&C metals, Allied concrete or whomever you can line up sponsorship from, it's your hole, designed by you, built by you, with no one to curse at but you when I take a double bogey on it :)...be creative as you like, build as challenging a hole as you can with the terrain if you like, it's all you man.

Who's ready to make it happen?

[tarazarr]

This is how I would approach the building and construction of "my" hole just to give everyone an example of what I'm talking about here.

1. I WOULD NOT go buy a 380.00 dollar basket...I would stop into a local welding and fabrication shop and talk with the owner about getting them some permanent advertisment..How? simply hand them the readily available plans for a DIScatcher pro target and say if you'll donate the fabrication/building of a custom target to these specs, you can show off your Companies craftsmanship and abilities by doing some custom metal work on the top deck that says (for example) this basket donated and built by the fine craftsman of.....and then along the outside of the catching basket in big metal letters "C&C Metals of Tomball"...

The basket will be seen by many people each week and if you build me a target that will last for 15 years, then you get 15 years of advertisment for the cost of about 50.00 worth of steel.

2. I go to Home Depot and ask them if they would donate 150' feet of #2 chain and in return "Home Depot" will be placed on 3 T-Box signs as a hole sponsor - that would give me enough chain for my basket and I could help 2 others out by giving them chain for their baskets.

3. I go to Allied Concrete and say "I'm building a disc golf course over the next 2 months at this location, the T-Box forms are in place and ready for concrete. Every time you have a little concrete left over from a job pour, if you'll have your truck pull in and pour one of our T-boxes (about 1/2 a yard of concrete) we'll put "Proudly sponsored by ALLIED CONCRETE" on the T-Box marker plaque as a hole sponsor for every box you fill. Wow I just got my T-box filled and maybe your's as well for free, then you get all excited and try and help the person building the hole next yours by clearing some brush with them or something

See where I'm going? Use your imagination, stop waiting for someone to build you a great course, (since when was it "their" job anyways) I'm not getting any younger, neither are you, I'm not gonna sit here and piss and moan about why "They", "some one else", "Anyone", "The City" or any other entity out there isn't upkeeping/maintaining or building a course for me.

Lets build a great course together, over the next 2-3 months. And then we do another and another. Think about it, after 2 courses are built who's not gonna want to be in on designing and naming their hole at each new course, forever named after them. we can do it, we can create some great courses...we need 17 positively involved people. You could have the exclusive rights to owning every #7 Mr. Blues revenge hole on every course we build.


Or...everyone could just sit back and debate why the two missing chains from basket #3 at what-not park haven't been replaced by "Some one" and why the "scene" here sucks and the grass is always greener in K.C.

[DPdiscer]

Hi Tarazarr,

I love your spirit! Count Birdshot in for a hole. Please get the Church's phone number and YMCA's phone number after you get approval and post it here or email it to Birdshot's webmaster at www.houstonbirdshot.com (http://www.houstonbirdshot.com). That way we can verify because I don't know who you are.

[tarazarr]

DPdiscer,
I will absolutely count you on board. Thank you. That's 2, (twice as many as we had yesterday!) I know there's more golfers out there ready to jump in and get involved. it gets better when we make it better!

When we get 9 golfers ready to get started. I'll set up the meeting to secure the approval and we can all meet at the site to lay it out, verify the approvals and get our game plan together. I think we should easily be able to find a total of 18 golfers willing to commit to building one hole, but if 9 is all we can get for the first course, we'll build a great 9 hole course and it will grow the next time around

My name is Scott hawkins from Tomball, thanks again and welcome on board.

1. Tarazarr
2. Birdshot
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[DPdiscer]

Hi Scott,

I emailed you earlier about your courses in Tomball. Were you able to get Andi Lehmann to committ? Your really need a professional designer to check out the design once we are finished. There are so many variables involved that amateurs may not design a good course that is safe and fun for all levels of players. Birdshot is thrilled when players get involved with Disc Golf. Contact somebody with HFDS and see if you can get them on board. That would be a big plus. I would love to meet you out at the site sometime just to get a peek at what we are working with. Let me know what is convenient for you. What is the closest course to your proposed site so that we can play after checking it out.

[tarazarr]

I absolutely understand what you are saying, I want those who want to have input to be physically involved, build a hole otherwise you end up with a bunch of people telling you how to do something, but not willing to do anything themselves.

I want to work with people who aren't afraid to commit to something, get involved, and see it through to completion. The Do'ers, not the whiners

Andi has returned my email and I look forward to discussing this and a few other projects I have in mind, and I have made a formal invitation right here in this thread for anyone and everyone to join up, take ownership of a hole and help increase the number of courses there are to play here in town. One course at a time we can make this city rock for "quality" disc golf. I hope she wants to get involved, the course would only benefit for sure.

We all know there are good courses here, but be honest, how many of them do you think are really quality courses...

I read a post here where someone from KC wanted to know where to play, some one responded, if your from KC you don't want to play here...Really? Then why are we not changing that? Your gonna grow cobwebs waiting for someone else to build you a great course....

Lets make it better, no one else is beating the doors down to build us new courses, so lets do it ourselves....What are you waiting for golfers? It ain't gonna happen, unless you make it happen

[tarazarr]

Here is my last post/plee on this subject..There are 51 members on this board

How many years do you think it will take for the parks and rec department to build 5 new quality courses?

We could do it in 2 years. I have 3 sites on privately owned land that I know I could sell the idea of hosting a course on. 1 will easily hold a 36 hole course, 1 an 18 hole course and 1 can host a 9 hole lighted nightime course. And I have not even looked real hard outside of my local commute

If you read the earlier post you can see how easily we could get allot of local businesses to either build the baskets for us for free or sponsors could donate some needed materials.

Do you want to wait 10 years for the next 5 courses to be built? Remember, I did say quality courses.

When we get the process down to a science on how to get these built by donation, what public park wouldn't allow us to come in and design and build a championship caliber course at no cost to them. I'm sure they don't get those kind of proposals every day.

Interested? Please read on and thank you

[DPdiscer]

Hi Scott,

Keep on keeping on man! Please remove DPdiscer from your involvement list and replace it with Birdshot as this is a committment from the whole sports organization, not just me. Thanks Scott.

[tarazarr]

Thank you for your support Chuck and thank you Birdshot!

It's like my dad always told me....."If you don't ask, you can garuantee the answer is no."

So I'm asking, houston disc golfers will you step up and name your hole?

1. Tarazarr
2. Birdshot
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[Jake Walsdorf]

Glad to see someone else trying to get new courses in the Houston area. Don't get disgusted with it taking 10 years to get 1 course in the ground. That's 1 more then we had before. Words of advise: 1) get a professional to design the course (and look at the courses that designer has completed). 2) If it's truly a "championship level course" use PDGA approved baskets, not homemade targets. 3) Do you homework on course development in the Houston area so as not to insult folks that came before you. Some use to think Tom Bass was a quality park. 4) Instead of trying to get all of the knuckheads on that read this board to help (I know most of them, so I can say that) find some grant money to pay for baskets and construction. Now, that's course development work!

Most of all, good luck... And keep us posted.

[tarazarr]

Glad to see someone else trying to get new courses in the Houston area. Don't get disgusted with it taking 10 years to get 1 course in the ground. That's 1 more then we had before. Words of advise: 1) get a professional to design the course (and look at the courses that designer has completed). 2) If it's truly a "championship level course" use PDGA approved baskets, not homemade targets. 3) Do you homework on course development in the Houston area so as not to insult folks that came before you. Some use to think Tom Bass was a quality park. 4) Instead of trying to get all of the knuckheads on that read this board to help (I know most of them, so I can say that) find some grant money to pay for baskets and construction. Now, that's course development work!

Most of all, good luck... And keep us posted.

Thanks man, I'm trying real hard to get the local professional designer on board...Hopefully she's interested..

I know you've worked real hard down south and I appreciate the work you've done even if I don't get down there often to play. Much respect...

I would never suggest "home made baskets", but custom fabricated PDGA spec baskets made by a few very talented metal workers I know? (think custom bike building type metal work) building these spec baskets are childsplay to these talented guys and they'd do it just to show off what they can do and to promote their business.I wouldn't have a problem throwing my 15.00 plastic at that.

Thanks for wishing us luck, I believe some of the knuckleheads will step up....sad to think it could be 10 years before we play another new park, doesn't have to be that way......;)

[ThePatrick]

That would probably be the closest course to me at that point. I am sure that Tiff and I could help in some facet.

[ThePatrick]

And we are both current YMCA members...Probably willing to help with a EDGE style program.

[tarazarr]

Thank you Patrick, please talk it over with Tiff, if you guys can commit to one hole we'd love to have you on board and we'll be that much closer to making this a reality.

Everyone who has commented here has urged rather strongly that a professional designer be completely involved. I just want to say, I had a very positive discussion yesterday with a very well respected local professional designer. If they are willing to comit to a hole, then obviously they will have the green light in doing the course design, that only makes sense.

I know there are a few thinking about it. For each person who steps up, I think theres 1 more ready to comit.

Look at what Jake said below, if you know anything about the local history of disc golf (as I'm pretty sure everyone here does) you KNOW this man knows what he's talking about. He has lived it...10 years for another course...if that's our reality for not getting personally involved in building new courses, then lets be honest the shame should be on us and we don't deserve a new course...

That is a very gloomy option, and I'm willing change that reality.

What kind of reality do you want to see for disc golf in Houston?
1 new course every 10 years?
1,2 or even 3 new courses a year...it truly is your decision..

Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege."

--John D. Rockefeller Jr. (http://archive.rockefeller.edu/bio/jdrjr.php),
businessman and philanthropist

[ERicJ]

What are you proposing for tee signs? Will they be consistent across all 18 holes or will each sign be different based on the whims of the hole's owner?

[tarazarr]

What are you proposing for tee signs? Will they be consistent across all 18 holes or will each sign be different based on the whims of the hole's owner?


Thanks for looking at the thread EricJ, I hope you'll seriously consider getting involved, a new course only creates more options when your ready to play a round and your tired or bored of the same course you've been drawn to year after year.

As far as the T-signs, if "I" propose something here, then I'm quite sure it will be criticized by those who have no intent in being involved in making the course a reality, so those questions would be decided by those who are personally involved. Maybe a few proposals are presented, keeping in mind those involved may very well seek a sponsor to pay for "their" basket and/or Tee box and those sponsors would and should be recognized for their contribution, then a vote taken by those involved with an understanding that the majority rules for consistency.

Let me ask you, what would keep you away from participating? Feeling like you have no input? If we have a professional designer join in and lay it out so that it is a safe course with good flow, I'm certain those who care enough and are passionate enough to be involved in creating, what will become, the newest course in town, are disc golfers and should be given the freedom to stand in the area of their tee box and look down "their" fairway or wooded area and say to themselves, "this is what I would do" and be free to do it, otherwise what motivation would they have to go out and secure a sponsor or two to make their hole a reality.

If it's a project of nothing more than free labor, I wouldn't ask you to get involved, I wouldn't ask anyone to get involved, I wouldn't be involved. I'd just sit back and wait 10 years for "someone else" to build a course.

I may not have the time to build 18 holes, but I surely have the time, energy and passion to build one, proudly put my name on it and know that I've made disc golf in Houston a little better for it. And honestly I'd feel privilaged if others thought I did a decent enough job on my hole, to ask me if I'd be interested in doing it again at another location. It would become as addicting as the sport itself.

peace man

I sure hope you and others will consider adding your name to the list.

[ERicJ]

As far as the T-signs, if "I" propose something here, then I'm quite sure it will be criticized by those who have no intent in being involved in making the course a reality
Keep in mind that there are smart people out there and just because they're not going to get deeply involved in this specific project doesn't mean they wouldn't have good inputs.

Part of a quality course is consistency, if you end up with 18 slightly different baskets and possibly 18 wildly different tee signs I think that detracts alot from the aesthetics (and thus quality) of the course.

Let me ask you, what would keep you away from participating?
Most likely the fact that the site you're proposing is an hour away from where I live.

[tarazarr]

Keep in mind that there are smart people out there and just because they're not going to get deeply involved in this specific project doesn't mean they wouldn't have good inputs.

Part of a quality course is consistency, if you end up with 18 slightly different baskets and possibly 18 wildly different tee signs I think that detracts alot from the aesthetics (and thus quality) of the course.


Most likely the fact that the site you're proposing is an hour away from where I live.

I completely understand if it's too far away for you...

No doubt there are very smart people who would have great input, but I'm sure you can appreciate, if all this ends up with is "10 chiefs" and no "indians" it will never happen anyway, so I don't want to get the cart in front of the horse here.

I won't disrespect anyones input or ideas, but those involved in this project, should be respected enough to make the decisions for this project. Hopefully it happens and maybe the next one is closer to you and you'll want in on it.

I agree, I think the T-signs should be uniform to respect the property and the sponsors, but I don't think a slightly different basket is going to run anyone off, rarely can you even clearly see 3 or more baskets at one time on most courses and who knows, maybe everyone invlolved agrees on using a certain basket...we'll see

This is a grassroots effort for sure and no doubt there will be lessons to learn from it, but it doesn't mean those involved can't build a great course, and it sure beats the alternative of waiting for those entities out there that don't play disc golf to build another disc golf course..

I'm holding out hope....but honestly, if disc golfers don't care enough to build a course, why would any non disc golfer care to build you a course? There are so many sports and activities out there competing for those parks and rec project dollars and aparently skate parks are the "in" thing to build as of the last 5 years, I see them everywhere, not to the extent of Mozola's, but I'm sure we all see them popping up in every little park around.

[zipper]

Hey Tarazar,

Here are some things to think about.

Most typically, new courses in an area go in with the efforts of a couple of driven individuals. Currently, the driving force behind such efforts, as you well know, are Andi Lehmann (hfds 001). That isn't exclusive, there are several other courses that have gone in under the direction of other motivated individuals, see Neal Dambra.

The method you are pursuing sounds good but it is tough to make work. Getting 18 people to step up is rough, even if you take the handful of people who have all stood up in the past (Don W., Andi, Neal, Dave Nez., etc.) you're still dealing with only a few. Getting those people to work together and agree on a course is going to be tough.

On the other hand, one motivated individual who wants to put in a course can get it done and can get local contributors to donate enough resources to do it, please see Neal's efforts at Quail Valley.

I donated to Quail Valley and would donate to another project with certain restrictions. First, I want someone like Neal who I know will plan the course top to bottom and come to me with a full commitment up front from the owner. I want to know that the baskets will remain under the control of HFDS, ultimately, that is the body I am donating to, period. I want to see the documentation up front on course design and structure (and yes, Neal does this, Andi does too, although since she does all the work, including fund raising, she doesn't show anyone anything except those who she has graciously included in her planning and implementation).

The structure you are discussing sounds good but getting those people to commit and knowing they will step up and do it over an extended period is a guess at best. I know that sounds pessimistic, but it is reality. I've seen it in disc golf and in every business venture I've ever encountered.

Your motivation is great, but you're dealing with a group of people who, while they love the sport, are hard pressed to easily deliver time and resources in the way your asking.

What Neal does is to plan and out in place a structure on paper and then get people to step up for different parts, each with a short limited commitment.

1) Baskets - get 18 donors, no other commitment than cash
2) Land commitment - that's tough given your approach, are these land owners serious (it's easy enough to say so but where are they four years from now?)
3) Installation crew - you have to build the course in subsets long before you get to putting the baskets in the holes.

It requires that you be a project manager and manage people. Andi and Neal are particularly good at this (as are others). But asking for 18 mini project managers to all work together is not going to work well IMO.

Nonetheless, good luck and if you decide to take a more traditional approach, no matter how far from my home, I'll step up with a donation.

[tarazarr]

Zipper I appreciate your comments...

It's a radical approach I know, but hey maybe we discover a new way to "skin the cat" and prevent one person from being overloaded and overwhelmed

putting the baskets under HFDS control could be a very good idea and could help getting donations and sponsorship allot easier. Point well taken, thank you

[ThePatrick]

Zipper I appreciate your comments...

It's a radical approach I know, but hey maybe we discover a new way to "skin the cat" and prevent one person from being overloaded and overwhelmed

putting the baskets under HFDS control could be a very good idea and could help getting donations and sponsorship allot easier. Point well taken, thank you
I think that's the way to disect this into 18 smaller pieces. Let each hole be "planned out" by whoever raises the money for thier basket/tee sign/tee box. If someone spearheads the land usage approval and then lets the workers collect the money and clear the hole, there could be a lot of strain taken off the lead. Then if they want a master planner to come in and say hole x will be in this general area and the person/s responsilbe for that hole have that space to create within. (maybe with the overall steering of the master planner) Tiff and I are definitely interested in helping however we can as that's 10-15 min from our house. So for us donating a basket is just gas money saved. I also have a brother in law who does designer concrete and could definitely help us out with tee pads.

[tarazarr]

I think that's the way to disect this into 18 smaller pieces. Let each hole be "planned out" by whoever raises the money for thier basket/tee sign/tee box. If someone spearheads the land usage approval and then lets the workers collect the money and clear the hole, there could be a lot of strain taken off the lead. Then if they want a master planner to come in and say hole x will be in this general area and the person/s responsilbe for that hole have that space to create within. (maybe with the overall steering of the master planner) Tiff and I are definitely interested in helping however we can as that's 10-15 min from our house. So for us donating a basket is just gas money saved. I also have a brother in law who does designer concrete and could definitely help us out with tee pads.

Patrick,
You ROCK dude! Here's a post that sees the vision clearly! "There's more than one way to skin a cat"

Since I read that your having ankle surgery....I'll make you a deal...officially comit to a hole, I'll officially commit to doing the labor for your hole, as you invision it. (just please don't choose a super heavily wooded hole:cool:)

Watch out cause I'm getting all fired up about this:)

[derek]

tarazarr,

This is a lot of big talk, but you dont even have permission to use the land. Its one thing to be positive, and its another thing to be realistic. This is bordering on fantasy land.

[tarazarr]

tarazarr,

This is a lot of big talk, but you dont even have permission to use the land. Its one thing to be positive, and its another thing to be realistic. This is bordering on fantasy land.

Sorry if anything here has offended you in any way.

from my very first post on the subject.
If I meet with say, the youth pastor at the church and the director of the YMCA and get a signed agreement from each allowing the construction of the course, would there be 17 members (minimum) here willing to get positively involved?

I can't promise them a course with only 2 commitments and there's no point in approaching either without at least 9 commitments, which is what I've asked for.

What's the commitment going to cost you? Nothing. I've asked for nothing but a verbal commitment.

If my efforts are threatening in any way or with anything you may have in the works, I apologize.

I see an area that is 15 miles from the closest course and I want to change that. But you are completely 100% correct, if there's no interest to build this....then it is just fantasy land (and a pretty piece of fantasy land I might add)

If you continue to use the same process you've always used, why would you expect to get any different results then the same ones you've always gotten?

[derek]

i dont think youve offended anyone. what youre trying to do is not a bad idea. I would like to see you obtain full control of whatever land you are seeking because they you will get people onboard and something will happen, in that order, probably not the other way around.

[tarazarr]

i dont think youve offended anyone. what youre trying to do is not a bad idea. I would like to see you obtain full control of whatever land you are seeking because they you will get people onboard and something will happen, in that order, probably not the other way around.

I would have to give them an assurance in good faith that it could be done. I can't do that with only 2 verbal commitments (one being my own).
As you said, there's being positive, there's being realistic and then there's fantasy land.

Making the appointment, giving the assurance, and obtaining a signed approval to construct based on 2 verbal commitments, would fall into your latter category for sure.

I have no interest in setting the project up to fail.

I'm not selling them a course, I'm in essance proposing the local disc golfing community give their youth group/church body a course to play in return for giving local disc golfers another venue to play for free. If I were selling them a course I'd simply go in with a proposal that would cover contracting out the construction of a course for them.

With gas at 3.99 a gallon, it affects everyones bottom line, yours, mine and theirs included, so I'd probably be waiting a very long time for them to approve a $10,000.00 proposal for somethnig they aren't trying to buy in the first place. And it's not my intent to compete with those who do that as a business in the first place

[tarazarr]

I was checking out my personal profile page and noticed 34 people had visited it, (probably trying to find out who this crazy guy is with a dream) but I hadn't put any info on it, so let me introduce myself Since I'm new here, this is the other thing me and my 3 disc golf buddies do for fun....the guy sitting down in the back beating on things with sticks? Well he lives in Bridgeland, so no matter what he stays in the group....enjoy...ps I'm the old bald guy, wearing the doo-rag and trying desperately to stay young.....still trying:cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuEGxXoOTrE

[Mr. Blue]

I'm in. My business will sponsor a hole.

[mattman]

I need a name and number of our BRIDGElAND buddie, I think he wants to play some golf out there.

[tarazarr]

I'm in. My business will sponsor a hole.

Thank you very much Mr. Blue...Rock on!

1. Tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr Blue
4. ???????
5. ??????
6. ??????
7. ??????
8. ??????
9. ??????

[Suemac]

I would be willing to commit to sponsoring a hole. Will get a group of us to pitch in together, so now you are four?

[Jake Walsdorf]

I'm interested in seeing where this goes.

So count me in to help with the design work. Funding a basket is asking too much right now and given the situation our club is in installing our second course, I am not asking them for cash. But I'll be more then happy to look at a piece of property and give you some ideas for course layout.

[tarazarr]

I would be willing to commit to sponsoring a hole. Will get a group of us to pitch in together, so now you are four?

We are 4 indeed!

Thanks Suemac

1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. ???????
6. ???????
7. ???????
8. ???????
9. ???????

[ChingLizard]

Will there be some assurances that such a course would be "open to the public?" I'd hate to see a situation where only the church-members get to use it...

If it is going to be open to the public, then count me in for a hole.

I've always like the idea of sprucing up a tee box area with a bench and a little landscaping. There isn't any reason why a course can't be scenic too! :)

[tarazarr]

I'm interested in seeing where this goes.

So count me in to help with the design work. Funding a basket is asking too much right now and given the situation our club is in installing our second course, I am not asking them for cash. But I'll be more then happy to look at a piece of property and give you some ideas for course layout.

Jake,
I know your efforts have been exstensive to say the least down south and I suspect you have your hands full. Much respect my friend, I live too far north to be realistically involved in Jack Brooks #2 (with gas prices as they are).

I want to be completely up front, I've talked to the designer that lives up north (I was unaware at the time, but this course would sit in basically that individuals backyard) There is still plenty of time for them to commit to a hole, although they haven't as of yet. But I tell you what, if we get 9 volunteers without a designer commiting to a hole, I'll take you up on your offer.

otherwise brother, I think it's time the "knuckleheads" as you "lovingly" termed them:)" give you a day of rest

I appreciate the offer, and your support, but I hope I don't have to take you up on it

[tarazarr]

Will there be some assurances that such a course would be "open to the public?" I'd hate to see a situation where only the church-members get to use it...

If it is going to be open to the public, then count me in for a hole.

I've always like the idea of sprucing up a tee box area with a bench and a little landscaping. There isn't any reason why a course can't be scenic too! :)


WOW....and here they come...Yeah if it's not open and public, what's the point, I'd sell them a course and they'd have every right to keep it private like O.M.

So yeah that would absolutely be part of the deal.

Guys I'm asking you to not take this commitment lightly, I certainly won't. It will be hard work and it will take real time away from your life and you will be responsible finding a way to make your hole a reality, no one else.

Thank you Ching Lizard.
1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. Chinglizard
6. ???????
7. ???????
8. ???????
9. ??????

[ThePatrick]

Can I jump in at numer 6 spot. Just to make it official. (Patrick Brogdon)

[zipper]

The fact you live in Tomball says it all....:D

Enthusiasm is a good thing, vision is a good thing, but, we'd hate to see you burn out on something like this. There are a lot of important projects in this area that badly need someone of your interest. Those who've been around a long time, (or a medium amount of time) are always lookin' for someone to step up in leadership positions.

[tarazarr]

The fact you live in Tomball says it all....:D

Enthusiasm is a good thing, vision is a good thing, but, we'd hate to see you burn out on something like this. There are a lot of important projects in this area that badly need someone of your interest. Those who've been around a long time, (or a medium amount of time) are always lookin' for someone to step up in leadership positions.


I'm running for mayor, thank you for your vote:D

[tarazarr]

Can I jump in at numer 6 spot. Just to make it official. (Patrick Brogdon)


You rock man!!!

1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. Chinglizard
6. ThePatrick
7. ???????
8. ???????
9. ??????

I'm going out of town Wednesday for a week to take my kids to see the big rat in Orlando...If we get the rest of the volunteers while I'm gone, don't think I abandoned you guys, I'll be back next Weds.

HFDS001 - where are you, it's in your backyard, you gotta be part of this!

[tarazarr]

Glad to see someone else trying to get new courses in the Houston area. Instead of trying to get all of the knuckheads on that read this board to help (I know most of them, so I can say that) find some grant money to pay for baskets and construction. Now, that's course development work!

Most of all, good luck... And keep us posted.

Hey guys and gals, if we can make this course happen I propose we name it "Knuckleheads" to honor all those invloved in making it a reality and to give it that cool secret surf spot kinda vibe!

[DPdiscer]

"Knuckleheads" or "Knuckheads"? Either one would make a good nickname, but officially, I vote no.

[tarazarr]

"Knuckleheads" or "Knuckheads"? Either one would make a good nickname, but officially, I vote no.

"Hey Jim wanna go play knuckleheads saturday morning"?.....I thought it had a cool ring to it...:(

start thinking of a name....we'll have to take a vote at some time from all the entry's:)

[derek]

:::::crickets:::::

[ThePatrick]

1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. Chinglizard
6. ThePatrick
7. ???????
8. ???????
9. ??????

I'm going out of town Wednesday for a week to take my kids to see the big rat in Orlando...If we get the rest of the volunteers while I'm gone, don't think I abandoned you guys, I'll be back next Weds.

Not quite wednesday yet.

[tarazarr]

:::::crickets:::::

Kind of sad isn't it?

You'd think everyone would be tired of throwing at that same poor tree in the middle of the #7 fairway at BB (it looks more like a sculpture then a tree now)

fewer qaulity public courses, I guess = more demand for private courses..

Someone will profit from that I'm sure, they'll probably tell you it's not broke, so don't try and fix it - I'm sorry I'm not drinking the juice.

It's broke....who's going to fix it...sad there's only 5 people here willing to say let's do something different, let's try a different approach, who knows we might get different results then the same ones you've always gotten.

In a city of well over 5 million people, it you're not turning people away from your tournaments because they are jam packed - then it's broke, your just not reaching people...maybe it's not broke...maybe people just don't care...if you don't....don't fool yourself into thinking anyone else will.

[Mr. Blue]

Chill dude, it takes time to get these things going. The times are tough right now for many, and as was pointed out in other posts, people just can't make some commitments right now. Certainly your idea is good. I don't think Houston Disc Golf is broken, it could just benefit from some new blood. The same people have been stepping up for years, and some are tired. New leadership has the responsibility of sustaining what is and improving on what is to come. Don't be frustrated from it Tar, just keep plugging away. Who knows, maybe you'll find that the two organizations you say have control over this piece of property would be interested in picking up a hole a piece. Approach the local boy scout troop, as disc golf is now a badge, this makes an opportunity they might want to be a part of. You have a local base of people, just let it grow.

[tarazarr]

if the rest of the volunteers needed sign up, I'll gladly take the next step, if not I'll gladly let it die off. it's no sweat

Churches are sitting on some of the prettiest pieces of property in town most, but not all are sitting on perfectly manicured grounds for hosting disc golf courses (requiring very little work). They spend thousands each month in advertising trying to lure in "Joe Public". They are trying very hard to build their youth groups as they understand the youth is their future.

Going in and trying to sell them a course would probably go nowhere.
Going in and offering to give them a course would probably go over real well, one might even be able to talk them into "pitching in" and paying for concrete T-Boxes. The childrens book..."Stone Soup" surely comes to mind here..

I can't afford to buy a target....you say?
I went into Play it Again Sports and in less than 10 minutes I had them committing to sponsoring a hole and paying for the basket as long as it's open to the public.

Disc golf can be played and enjoyed by all ages. Families are desperately looking for ways to stay connected as families these days and trying to find things they can do together. That is a huge selling point to the church. Get the course in, and hold Weds. night clinics for their youth group and you'll get them excited about disc golf, you'll get families playing together, the sport will grow.

While the excitement is high you take this same proposal to the next church 5 miles down the road...They're competing with the Jone's right up the road and they have a course, so you have an easier time getting them to agree to allowing you to put in a course on their property as well, you get clinics running for them as well...the sport grows.

pretty soon you have church teams competing, out of that are bound to be several really good players developed, who will search out higher competition (local tournaments would surely benefit from that)

Such an untapped resource here....

I'm chillin...it's their for the taking, I'm ready to take it when ever there's enough interest:)

[derek]

how many acres

[ThePatrick]

So put me down for one hole and my wife down for another... whatever we need to do to keep this moving forward. When is the first meeting with the property owners/walk through the property going to start? I can be a driving force when needed.

[tarazarr]

So put me down for one hole and my wife down for another... whatever we need to do to keep this moving forward. When is the first meeting with the property owners/walk through the property going to start? I can be a driving force when needed.

I'll put you down for 2 holes if your sure you can make 2 holes happen. good luck with your surgery on 8/15.

I'll start putting my proposal together and fine tuning it, should we get the volunteer slots filled. We really only need 2-3 more people who fully understand the idea and want on board to realistically pitch the first 9 holes. I've tried to be real clear throughout this post what would be expected from each person signing up for a hole.

A 9 hole course is a good start, if it works out smoothly, we'll have a formula to tweak and base the next proposal on. I've got an idea and location in mind for something truly unique next. If we can make this first one happen peacefully I know those involved will want to be in on the next one. It will literally pay off to build a hole on the next course.

Thanks again Patrick, I hope we can get enough volunteers so you don't have to carry the load for 2 holes.

1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. Chinglizard
6. ThePatrick
7. ThePatrick
8. ???????
9. ??????

[ThePatrick]

I'll try not to push too hard for two backhand 500 ft. holes!:D

[scoot_er]

So have you even talked to the property owners about installing a course? I would have no problem donating a basket if the land was decent and there was enough space to put in a challenging course.

If it took you ten minutes to get PIAS to get on board why don't you try other places as well?

I have many visions for H-town disc golf but they at least need approval and a good piece of property to work with.

[LOU18132]

Push Pat Push, sounds like a roller for my wimp arm. Though I have played many 250' holes that would eat anybodys lunch. Longer is not always the best design. Will everybody onboard with this be able to meet and design the course forward and backward. The way I was taught course design! Just a question to think about. Anyone can design a course, but a great course is a different matter. There will be crickets, good courses take lots of time to create. Ask The Jakester

[tarazarr]

I have several other properties in mind. I chose this one first for a couple of reasons.
1. I had no idea when I began this thread, how interested the members of this board would be in doing something like this, and if there was allot of interest, how much time those who wanted to do this would have for clearing a heavily wooded area.

2. So I looked for a piece of property that would be easier to "work". This particular property (the Church) is already 95% manicured and could host 9 holes with very little clearing. There is enough heavier woods to build 2 wooded holes kind of like BB #7 and #8.

3. Next door the (YMCA) has much heavier wooded areas that are not in use. I haven't "walked" their perimeter yet to evaluate if shooting for another 9 holes looks do-able as it didn't even look like we'd get 9 volunteers for the first half of the course (the church). If the YMCA is an option for a second 9 holes I think it would end up being very much like "Spring Valley".

There is another completely different location a few miles from these two, that definately could hold 18 holes, this place could produce a really good course with an equal amount of everything. open fairways, tight fairways, long holes, short holes light, medium or heavy wooded holes, rough and smooth terrain, everything (except water hazards and hills). This property looks funner to be honest, but the area that could host the course is in a 80% natural state and would require allot of work to prepare it. I would love to do a course there, but you really need to know you got people on board you can count on first.

If the first property falls through for whatever reason I would definately go after this piece as an alternate, but no kidding this one would be work

I think if we could make the first course happen, with few hiccups, (you know start with baby steps) we'd all see that this idea can work, gain trust in each other, in that everyone can be counted on to get their hole completed on whatever schedule we agreed on. I think we'd start feeling like a team, we'll learn some lessons for sure and people will share their ideas for ways to get sponsorships (cause hey, we're in it together right).

With all this said - I've got an idea for our second course that would be a huge hit, truly unique to this city's disc golf, but I can't let this one out of the bag until I know we got 9 people we can trust to get it in and get it done before anyone else steals this one away - this second course will literaly pay off for your involvement and be way cool.

[tarazarr]

Push Pat Push, sounds like a roller for my wimp arm. Though I have played many 250' holes that would eat anybodys lunch. Longer is not always the best design. Will everybody onboard with this be able to meet and design the course forward and backward. The way I was taught course design! Just a question to think about. Anyone can design a course, but a great course is a different matter. There will be crickets, good courses take lots of time to create. Ask The Jakester

I would most definately take Jake up on his offer to come out with his experience and say "this is what you should do to get the most out of what you got here" and then let everyone pick their hole as stated earlier and create within their boundaries, so those who want a dogleg left pick a hole that would support that, those who want a dogleg right pick a hole that would support that, want a long hole, pick it, want a short tight wooded hole, pick what works best for you and what you'd be excited to build.

[ThePatrick]

I love all types of holes. (laugh at that one DGJesus) I just want to get a piece of property nailed down. I am willing to help with as much work on a course close to my house as I can. I will get chainsaws, trucks to haul away, cement mixer for tee's. If it's on my side of town I would feel resposnible to treat it like the best course in the city. I love going down to Mo City because there is a ton of courses there. NW...well we are in the middle of everything, but don't have a championhip caliber course in our area. I want to get better as a player, and some sick/challenging courses would definitely help that. If I have to spend a few months/weekends, whatever to get to have a course that will help me do that, then the answer is easy. Give me a target and I'll start firing.

[ThePatrick]

Just to prove it, my Eagle scout project 10 years ago was to build an outdoor chapel. Clearing land, placing an altar, making the trails to it, hauling away all the cut trees, do you see my point? I have done this for many other outdoor things, I would love to turn experience towards something that I am passionate about now.

[ERicJ]

If I meet with say, the youth pastor at the church and the director of the YMCA and get a signed agreement from each allowing the construction of the course, would there be 17 members (minimum) here willing to get positively involved?

I can't promise them a course with only 2 commitments and there's no point in approaching either without at least 9 commitments, which is what I've asked for.

So have you even talked to the property owners about installing a course?

Tarazarr, have you met with the property owners yet?

[tarazarr]

Tarazarr, have you met with the property owners yet?


Hey Eric,
I'm looking for 9 commitments to move forward, right now we have 7. I've been trying my hardest to get people on board as I'm sure everyone can tell, I believe it can be done, I don't give up easily (obviously huh). If there's something I'm trying to make happen, I usually can find a way (my band members would be the first to tell you) once I set a goal, I find a way to achieve it and succeed.

This may not be just a walk in the park and I'm prepared for that. Law of averages will say 1-2 people may have to drop out...just because life happens and no fault of their own really, so I really would like to see 9 verbal commitments from those who believe as well, because I fully expect the church to agree to it and when they do I want to have a group that can back it up and make it happen without it stalling and dragging on.

There's got to be a few more on the north side willing to take a chance


1. tarazarr
2. Birdshot
3. Mr. Blue
4. Suemac
5. Chinglizard
6. ThePatrick
7. ThePatrick
8. ???????
9. ??????

[tarazarr]

If it took you ten minutes to get PIAS to get on board why don't you try other places as well?
.

The idea behind the whole thing is everyone takes complete responsibility for one hole.

In a perfect world everyone would be helping everyone, but more times then not when one person goes above and beyond some of the others will start to slack off and pretty soon you got 1 or 2 people carrying the load for everyone. I don't really want to do that and get bogged down in having to build a course on my own.

Although if this first course happens I have no problem going out and finding a basket sponsor for the next course or the one after that.

But I'm actually working on fabricating my own baskets (to PDGA specs) to see exactly what it will cost me in materials to produce them and who knows at some point I may send one off to Pheonix along with 350.00 to have the PDGA approve it, might be a future business venture, we'll see...I love to weld :)

[discmagnet]

I love to weld, too. Gotta have the tools though.

[LOU18132]

Welding is easy, fabrication is where talent comes in. Have we been doing our math lately?

[tarazarr]

Welding is easy, fabrication is where talent comes in. Have we been doing our math lately?

yes we have, based on a discatcher pro basket this is the amount of material you need per basket, then multiply by either 9 or 18

4" steel band top rim = 5.76 feet
15/16 cold rolled steel round stock = 62 feet
collar pipe = 8"
pole pipe = 6.5 feet
chain = 52 feet

[derek]

please tell me you are not putting that steel band around the top, the last thing we need is another course with those stupid things, it should be banned by the PDGA

[LOU18132]

Strokesaver or Mach 5 is less material, and don't forget the sleeve.

[derek]

http://discraft.com/prod_chainstar.html

[ERicJ]

please tell me you are not putting that steel band around the top, the last thing we need is another course with those stupid things, it should be banned by the PDGA
While it can be mentally frustrating for some to putt into the top metal band, the bright yellow band on the DISCatcher (http://innovadiscs.com/discatcher/pro.html) serves its purpose of added visibility and is a valuable asset for players hunting baskets their first time on a course. It's definitely a trade-off.

ERic

[LOU18132]

Chainstar, you mean Spitstar. The way the chains are configured on those things leaves gaps to the pole. Gateway has the fairest catching baskets on the market, Discatcher baskets catch well but that darn belt just gets in your head.

[derek]

sure, as long as that damn metal band isnt on there, anything is better

[tarazarr]

those were just mathmatic calculations for required material. I agree with leafy, I personally don't like the distraction of the upper deck, although honestly if you hit it, it probably saved your disc from sailing another 10" past the basket.

The challenge i have is to design something better than what's out there, but not so radical that it wouldn't be accepted. Mine will have all rows of chains staggered equally, but I was thinking about using twice as many middle rows of chain (24 rows, 2 rows between each outer row possibly) and going with a lighter chain for that middle row and maybe an even lighter chain for the row closest to the pole...to kind of suck the disc in without rejecting it back out, and hey it'll have more tonal characteristics than your normal basket because of the different chain gauges....I'll call it "The Maestro"

Any comments?

[tarazarr]

Strokesaver or Mach 5 is less material, and don't forget the sleeve.
I don't really understand the sleeve, seems it would make it inviting to come out with a pair of bolt cutters, cut the lock, unscrew the target and walk off with it. Looks more like a marketing thing to me, I'd say if you want to steal my basket, be prepared to dig deep and carry off a big chunk of concrete....cause it ain't gonna unscrew from the concrete:D

[hfds006]

4" steel band top rim = 5.76 feet
15/16 cold rolled steel round stock = 62 feet
collar pipe = 8"
pole pipe = 6.5 feet
chain = 52 feet


15/16? That's going to be one hell-for-stout basket.

[ChingLizard]

Chainstar, you mean Spitstar. The way the chains are configured on those things leaves gaps to the pole. Gateway has the fairest catching baskets on the market, Discatcher baskets catch well but that darn belt just gets in your head.


Louis - I love my Chainstar portable!!! No open routes to the pole on them. I think that you must be thinking about the Mach-5 DGA baskets like what were installed at Oak Meadow. Those baskets have 4 wide-open paths all the way to the pole without a chain being in the way! Even the Mach-3's were better baskets than the Mach-5's.

[LOU18132]

The sleeve just give you an option for alternate pin locations which is always a good thing if you don't want to put in alt. tee boxes. and they are alot cheaper than tee boxes. We made sleeves and they cost us about $2.00 each retail. And if you don't think the basket thieves won't dig one up or pull one up, think again. Moffit, Mozola, Macgregor, I can go onand on because I replaced many of the stolen baskets. There is no fool proof way to stop them, sleeves just give you more options. Any course that you can get a vehicle to the pin doesn't have a chance if they want it, gone in 30 seconds.

[LOU18132]

No, I was refering to Chainstar. Just don't like the baskets at all.

[LOU18132]

I don't really understand the sleeve, seems it would make it inviting to come out with a pair of bolt cutters, cut the lock, unscrew the target and walk off with it. Looks more like a marketing thing to me, I'd say if you want to steal my basket, be prepared to dig deep and carry off a big chunk of concrete....cause it ain't gonna unscrew from the concrete:D

They don't unscrew.

[tarazarr]

15/16? That's going to be one hell-for-stout basket.

Sorry that was a typo should be 5/16

[Miller]

So what's the latest on this course. I live in NW Harris county, would be very interested in helping get a new course added to my area, and I go to the church you're talkig about. :)

A little extra info. The church owns all the property. The rent to the YMCA so while you could ask the YMCA for help, it would be the church's decision (as far as I know). I think they have around 40 acres. I could help with contact info. I know the senior staff pretty well and the youth pastor really well.

As for course design, while I like the idea of people helping create their own unique hole, I think you could sell the idea better by saying that you have the funding to bring in Andi (or someone else) to design a course with all the materials needed. I think the church would want a uniform look throughout the course (with signage, baskets, etc). I think Andi (or another professional course desginer) would bring a level of comfort that might be needed for the sell job. I'm totally on board though and I have a half-dozen friends who all go to the church who would also be on-board.

I think another good idea would be to show them Crosspoint and River Pointe and so they could see how other churches have incorporated discgolf onto their campus.

[Miller]

Ok so I just started talking to the staff at the church about adding a course and they seemed very positive about it. Except for the cost of the baskets/signage/teeboxes I didn't get any hesitations. In other words I think they are open to it as long as I can come up with the money and the expertise to lay out a course. Anyone willing to come aboard and help out with this one?

[tarazarr]

There's a page not too far back where some people said they would build a hole. Never got all 9 so let it die...

However: As always I will take the responsibility for one hole...

Andi lives right around the corner from the church, Jake said if he had to he'd drive all the way up from Galveston and lay something out, there are others here who have design experience as well.

The piece of property is pretty limmited....I mean basically you can design around the outter perimeter...I don't think it's going to require a rocket scientist - but there are some good people here who have great level of experience when it comes to disc golf design.

[frisbeeguy]

You'll have no problem finding a designer - there are quite a few experienced players that have done courses that live in the area.
If approved, I'll buy a hole.

[Miller]

Yea, I remember the list. I just didn't know if people were still good for it. Just to let everyone know, it will probably be more a finacially sponsoring a hole rather than giving you complete control over the hole. The church will probably won't someone to lay out the course, uniform baskets/teeboxes/signage, etc. They are looking into the possibility of having a welder custom make the baskets though.. depends on what kind of rates/volunteering they can secure and if it will save them much in the cost of the baskets.

[frisbeeguy]

It'll be too expensive to custom make baskets...have you had a look at all the bends & welds on a good basket?

[Miller]

I have. So you think the labor will cost too much or the parts?

[tarazarr]

Miller.... I've priced out the raw stock metal required to build a PDGA approved equivilant basket... raw material are right at 100.00, that does not include approx. 50' of chain required.

If the labor were donated - it would cost about as much as it would if you could get a "Supplier" to sell you factory baskets "At Cost".

Good luck with either of those routes.

[mattman]

Miller.... I've priced out the raw stock metal required to build a PDGA approved equivilant basket... raw material are right at 100.00, that does not include approx. 50' of chain required.

If the labor were donated - it would cost about as much as it would if you could get a "Supplier" to sell you factory baskets "At Cost".

Good luck with either of those routes.

turned out quite nice, was too cold to putt though.

I hear from a co-worker that his neighborhood is getting a discgolf course. He lives off of Longenbaugh and hw6 area.

[Miller]

turned out quite nice, was too cold to putt though.

I hear from a co-worker that his neighborhood is getting a discgolf course. He lives off of Longenbaugh and hw6 area.
Actually this was not about the Windwood course. This location never took off.

What neighborhood are you talking about though? Is there a park, causeway? What are they using?

[mattman]

Actually this was not about the Windwood course. This location never took off.

What neighborhood are you talking about though? Is there a park, causeway? What are they using?

I was referring to the basket. I am not sure, busy morning I will get more info later today.

[tarazarr]

Ok now that I have your attention.....
I've been reading the message board for the last few days and it seems like a great medium to promote the Houston disc golf scene, unfortunately (the majority of) what I've been reading amounts to little more than trivial squabbling and complaining....

So here's a chance to come together (with involvement, not rhetoric) as a group to do something very positive for the scene. It's no doubt agreed that Houston could use a few more, well thought out courses (like the private course at Oak Meadows, designed and built by players, for players.

Here's my proposal and yes I am willing to be positively involved in making this happen.

There is a church and YMCA next to each other on the West side of HWY 249, about 5 miles north of Beltway 8, that has very adeqaute property to host 18 holes (9 on each piece of property). If I meet with say, the youth pastor at the church and the director of the YMCA and get a signed agreement from each allowing the construction of the course, would there be 17 members (minimum) here willing to get positively involved?

This is what would be asked of you as a designing/building participant.
1. A meeting (on site) to roughly lay out the course, then
2. each participating member would take ownership of, be in charge of, and have complete control over designing and building (their) 1 hole along the roughly laid out course flow.
3. The participating member (having ownership of their hole), would either look for sponsorship from a local buisiness to pay for the PDGA approved basket and aquire it, or would be free to get very creative in the original design, building and sponsoring of a basket (PDGA premium, 24 chain, spec target of course) as long as it doesn't detract from the beauty of the property.
3. We could improve the houston Disc gold scene one new (player designed and built) course at a time. Creating exposure to thousands of new potential disc golfers everywhere we get a new course in by hosting tournaments there. By creating the goodwill, increasing the exposure to the sport and giving back to the sport you love and are so passionate about, those tournament pots would get bigger and bigger.

The scene gets better, if we make it better. Would you rather unite as brothers and sisters and do something positive, or would you rather waste this great resource (message board and "community") and reduce it to not much more then a place to vent over trivial things.

Peace
and hoping to see 17 positive people step up.

no that location never took off....nor would 17 people step up and commit.

So I just gave up......NOT:D

Where there is a will, there IS a way.... refuse to take no for an answer and do 1 thing each day to make your dream a reality.. The journey of a million steps begins with the first one....:cool: stop talking....start walking....one step a day is all it takes

and Matchu was commenting on the custom made basket "The Receptor"

[tarazarr]

the receptor

[Smokin' Joe]

Nice piece of work! I miss green grass and blue skies!

[tarazarr]

my son Spencer gets ALL the credit.....he built it in his high school welding class... It went to the Texas state welding competition where it won second place... Afterwards he paid his Instructor for the raw metal and gave the basket to his dad....Great kid!!! and a pretty good welder too.

[tarazarr]

Spencer...with second place ribbon:cool:

[srm_520]

no that location never took off....nor would 17 people step up and commit.

So I just gave up......NOT:D

Where there is a will, there IS a way.... refuse to take no for an answer and do 1 thing each day to make your dream a reality.. The journey of a million steps begins with the first one....:cool: stop talking....start walking....one step a day is all it takes

and Matchu was commenting on the custom made basket "The Receptor"


Actually, David worked pretty hard at getting that course working with the church, meeting with church officials, and him and I even laid out a 9 hole course for the church property itself. (nice little design given the terrain and trees) Problem was security issues, so the idea is dead for now - but rest assured it will be brought back to life at a later date when the church is more ready to reevaluate the idea.

Anyhoo - 17 people don't need to commit nor would it have mattered. The matters was timing and it just wasn't there at that point.

I will say this though - given the soccer fields, and the YMCA usage, this piece of land is much more limited than Windwood, and is at best a varied flat 9-holer. We tried squeezing in 18 and there were too many conflicts in the space.