PDGA National Disc Golf Center [Archive]

terrycalhoun

Oct 23 2003, 02:18 PM

Bart, I am sure that Brian can correct me if I get something wrong here, but on both the funding and on some additional questions I have been asked directly:

(a) The DGA, Discraft, and Innova are each donating a course-worth of equipment for one of the first three courses. The hope is (not a plan, a hope) to have one in place by late spring in 2004. And, don't forget that Augusta already has a couple of nice courses in place!

(b) The PDGA office will probably move to the renovated ranger cabin, which is a pretty nice building, in January of 2004 - that's only a short time from now and depends on immigration stuff (mostly) relating to Brian and Lorrie moving there from Toronto.

(c) Some costs will come from the PDGA budget - inexpensive office furnitire and the like, for example.

(d) The big money is from a 1 percent sales tax that the State of Georgia allows regional governments to vote on themselves. (This is what would build a new building, etc.) There is a millage vote I think this spring, but maybe next fall, that asks the citizens of the county to renew that 1 percent sales tax. The parks folks don't have any concern about that millage because, as they told me, it passed the first time it came up 10 years ago by 68 percent and it passed again 5 years ago by 74 percent - it's pretty popular with the locals.

I am told that even though the funds will be received after that millage renewal, officially maybe in early 2006, there are various mechanisms for moving money around that might get some of the expensive stuff done sooner; and the park itself has budget lines that less expensive stuff, like finishing up the courses, can get done in sooner.

I am NOT the expert on all of the above!

Some side information I think a few would like to know:

- Right near the renovated ranger cabin, which is a few hundred yards from the east side of the long-term PDGA area, the park system is already doing intensive work clearing land to build a huge pavillion and boat ramps for a national bass fishing association. These folks are serious about bringing groups like us in.

- The lake is *huge* with like 1,300 miles of shoreline. The PDGA area includes maybe 2,000 feet of shoreline including at least one spot where a hole could force a drive over a cove.

- Home prices in the area are unreal. I saw one 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home on 10 acres with a pond advertised for $144k; I saw one 140 acre parcel of woods with a home on it advertised for like $196k.

- The park already has a couple of RV campsites and tent campsites. Until this year, they were open 9 months a year but they are opening 12 months a year for camping this year. I didn't inquire about the tent campiing costs but the sites look nice. The RV sites go for about $360/month, discount for seniors

- It is sort of in the middle of nowhere, there are no strip malls right outside the park, for example. It's 10-15 minutes to civilization, although there is one gas station (not open on Monday evening when we were there?) closer by. Counting the 20 minutes to drive to and from the course from our meeting room, the PDGA Board of Directors met that Monday from 8 am to nearly 10 pm with food being brought in and working through the meals. It was exhausting and I didn't get to play at all /msgboard/images/clipart/sad.gif

- I took a few pix, and so did others, and I am trying to find time to post and share them.

briangraham

Oct 23 2003, 03:28 PM

Thanks for all of the kind words. My hopes are that we (the disc golf community) will use this project as an opportunity to put aside any petty differences we may have and join together to do something really positive for the future of our sport. The NDGC belongs to all of us and everyone will have the opportunity to contribute in one way or another.

The Disc Golf Association (DGA), Discraft and Innova have all three stepped up in a big way and have each pledged to donate equipment for an 18 hole course to the project. The NDGC is planned to be not only a training and tournament facility, but also a place where people and companies can introduce new equipment, concepts and ideas to the sport. We hope that other manufacturers will also see the benefit and jump on board with contributions to the project. Tee pads, signs, benches and other course amenities will be paid for through various sponsorship programs that are currently being set up.

The PDGA's only expense will be the relocation of it's headquarters to Wildwood Park and monthly rent of $300 for the 1,300 sq. ft. headquarters building. This minimal cost will almost assuredly be recouped in usage fees, pro shop and food vending profits.

Columbia County will be responsible for land clearing and ongoing site maintenance.

Please feel free to send any ideas or concepts that you would like to possibly see incorporated into the Center to the NDGC committee at:
[email protected]

jackinkc

Oct 23 2003, 05:30 PM

You have done a great job, and I think that all of us are jealous. If there was an economy to support it, 10 acres at $144K is WHACK. Can we re-locate that closer to Atlanta where I could work for the same amount of cash?
/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

Excellent work so far, now lets make some dreams reality!

Oct 23 2003, 06:28 PM

Thanks for running down the numbers, Terry. It sounds like most everything was either donated or simply handed over to the PDGA for this project! Nice!

exczar

Oct 23 2003, 06:53 PM

Hey Keith,

Don't forget that I am wanting to get a program, too!

Anybody got an extra? I'll trade you a disc golf mini disc from 1984 for one!

I'll take a copy, if that's all I can get, but the bribery will be much less...

keithjohnson

Oct 24 2003, 12:59 AM

well bill if brian graham would just ask his printer to print more of them i already offered SEVERAL times to pay for them...........knowing the great bill burns /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif also wishes to have one might help push him to make the call to the printer(i'll even pay for the call /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif)
maybe bill if we pool our resources we can make our own program where you and i replace bell south as the title sponsor and are the ONLY sponsors /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

burns and johnson hall of fame classic has a nice ring to it!!!

Oct 24 2003, 01:28 AM

Is there an address available to send stuff to the disc golf Hall of Fame

keithjohnson

Oct 24 2003, 01:42 AM

they don't want your doll kevin /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif
.
.
.
.
OR DO THEY??????

briangraham

Oct 24 2003, 09:41 AM

Al "Speedy" Guerrero is the director of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and can be reached via e-mail at:
[email protected]

briangraham

Oct 24 2003, 10:48 AM

Does anyone know what happened to that Giant polehole that was displayed (I think) at the Pro worlds in Texas some years back?

Wouldn't the NDGC be a cool place to have that permanently on display?

Oct 24 2003, 10:52 AM

Is Reese going to step up and donate a few sets of flypads to use until concrete tees can be put in place?

exczar

Oct 24 2003, 03:15 PM

Keith,

Or should I say the great Keith /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

I wasn't going to ask Brian again, but YOU brought it up, so I didn't want to be forgotten.

Re: new event name. I guess it make sense to put my name first, although an event named, "Johnson Burns" would sure get some attention! /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif Maybe we could even get a pharmaceutical maker as a sponsor! /msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif

But, I will take a photocopy if that's all there is.

keithjohnson

Oct 24 2003, 04:24 PM

at this point bill i'm willing to take a crayon drawn "future world champ lorelei johnson #13697"
on a piece of cardboard....
i thought it would be great for her as she gets older to see all the stuff "she" sponsored as a young girl....after all if she does stay with the sport long enough she could one day be IN the hall of fame and it would be nice to have the inagural program to add to the disc with certificate i already have....a photo of her with that stuff at 6 years old could go next to her plaque at the hall of fame /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

i think the "johnson burns" hall of fame classic would PROBABLY SCARE OFF players instead of getting them to come out /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

reddman

Oct 25 2003, 12:12 AM

Keith said, "Come out." /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

flyboy

Oct 25 2003, 03:37 PM

NO !

Oct 25 2003, 04:53 PM

Brian, I beleive that giant basket was disassembled and pieces of it were given to different people. If you want you can search the world to find all the pieces and put it back together.../msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

I'll give you a starting point, I beleive Richard Algrim has a link of chain from it.....you are on your own now....lol

Here is a link to the giant basket http://www.davidestrada.com/PleasureIslandDiscGolf/giantbasket.jpg

Oct 26 2003, 09:09 AM

Perhaps I should move to Augusta! I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making this happen. This is amazing! I will at least be spending alot of weekends in Augusta from now on!

channelz

Oct 26 2003, 01:00 PM

Augusta will be a definate vacation destination for the Zandstra family. We will hit it on the way to and from Florida and maybe instead of going to Florida. KUDOS to all the hard working disc golfers that are making this a reality. How do I get a program? Are the AM and Pro Worlds to be played there in future years? That would make for easier planning I would think. Keep up the good work!!!
Bart, Du, Zack, and Tara

rhett

Oct 27 2003, 03:10 PM

Great picture.

Where is Dr. Fred and his 20-foot disc theory when you need him! /msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif

Moderator005

Oct 27 2003, 04:52 PM

I am very excited about this project, and look forward to someday making the pilgrimage.

It's too bad though that either the state or the local government renamed the lake which this facility sits on from Clarks Hill Lake to Strom Thurmond Lake. You may remember Strom Thurmond as the nation's longest-serving senator and whose 1948 presidential campaign was based on <BLINK>segregation.</BLINK>

briangraham

Oct 27 2003, 05:38 PM

Jeff,
Funny you mention that. Its still a bitter pill to swallow for many old timers around here. Most people in Georgia still call it Clarks Hill Lake while the South Carolinians on the opposite side of the lake prefer to call it Lake Thurmond.

http://www.janandpat.net/dams/acoe/chdam.htm

I met with a representative of the US Army Corps of Engineers this morning about installing a new disc golf course in their park located at the foot of the dam. They actually called me and asked me to come out and look at the area for them. Located just a few miles from the National Disc Golf Center, it could compliment our facility and vice-versa.

Moderator005

Oct 27 2003, 08:52 PM

Brian,

That sounds awesome! In Massachusetts there are now three courses at US Army Corps of Engineers dam sites. You may want to check out the following link and contact David Stiddem, who is the "Johnny Applseed" of these courses in Mass.

<a href="http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/bvl/bvldgolf.htm (http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/bvl/bvldgolf.htm)" target="_blank">http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/bvl/bvldgolf.htm</A></a>

briangraham

Oct 28 2003, 11:57 AM

National Disc Golf Center:
http://www.augustachronicle.com/stories/053003/oth_213-4791.000.shtml

Lake Thurmond:
http://www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=453

Columbia County Recreation:
http://www.co.columbia.ga.us/Community_Leisure/community_leisure1.html

haroldduvall

Oct 28 2003, 09:53 PM

I remember Senator Thurmond as an approachable senator dedicated to his constituents.

Take care,

Harold

Moderator005

Oct 28 2003, 11:04 PM

I remember him for what he said in the second paragraph at the following link:

<a href="http://www.naacp.org/work/washington_bureau/CapVisitorsCenter082003.shtml (http://www.naacp.org/work/washington_bureau/CapVisitorsCenter082003.shtml)" target="_blank">http://www.naacp.org/work/washington_bureau/CapVisitorsCenter082003.shtml</A></a>

-Jeff

briangraham

Oct 29 2003, 09:59 AM

I fail to see what a dead senator has to do with the National Disc Golf Center. This is a very important project. Please, lets keep this thread positive and on subject. Thanks!

Moderator005

Oct 29 2003, 10:44 AM

I agree, Brian.

As you saw in my earlier posts, I am very excited about this project and can't wait to see it come to fruition.

ck34

Oct 29 2003, 11:05 AM

Brian, what will the PDGA be required to do by the agreement in terms of hosting events at the NDGC? Last I heard, it was something like hosting Worlds there from 2006 thru 2008? Is that Am & Pro? Anything else in terms of events or requirements beyond 2008?

Oct 29 2003, 12:11 PM

I will tell you exactly what a dead senator has to do with this:
This is a perfect example of the main problem I see in this sport. People look backward with criticism rather than forward with a positive commitment to growth.
What Senator Thurmond said or did in 1948 is about as relavant today as whether or not so someone mumbled under their breath and caused someone else to miss a $50 putt in an A-Tier event in 1998.
The National Center will or should (under the right leadership) be an advocacy center for the sport.

Oct 29 2003, 01:38 PM

Brian, this is very exciting.

I'm coming into this whole thing kind of late though. When did the PDGA Board first put out the call for bids to host/build the NDGC and the PDGA HQ? How many other bidders were there? I can imagine there were lots of cities that put in strong efforts to make this happen once they knew it was a possibility. When were you finally awarded the win? Is there somewhere on pdga.com we can read about the whole process, as well as see your winning proposal?

Anyway, congratulations, I can't wait.

briangraham

Oct 29 2003, 02:43 PM

Chuck,
I cannot release terms of the contract yet as it has not officially been received by the PDGA. I can tell you that I purposely made an effort, in drafting the points of the contract, not to bind the PDGA to any agreement regarding specific events to be hosted at the Center or a timeframe for potential events. This will be an issue for the PDGA to decide and one I am confident will be made in the best interest of the organization and the events in question.

ck34

Oct 29 2003, 03:04 PM

No problem. I was writing an article for our club newsletter and wanted to be accurate at least about what had been agreed upon already and is known at this time. Thanks.

Oct 30 2003, 01:19 PM

Hey Brian, I'm not trying to be a bother, I just wondered if you'd have a chance to answer my questions. Thanks!

ck34

Oct 30 2003, 03:19 PM

David, not sure whether Brian approached Columbia County or the other way around. The PDGA never sent out a general call for bids to government entities that I'm aware of but several people have been looking for "Mecca" opportunities like this for several years since Stork floated the concept in the late 90s. This has been the only situation to surface where significant funding (~$1MM) was being offered to host our HQ complex. All efforts have been focused on seeing how and whether this option was doable, was appropriate and made sense in the long run. And that brief synopsis brings us to where we are today...close to signing the contract.

briangraham

Oct 30 2003, 03:25 PM

David,
There will be an in-depth article in an upcoming issue of DGWN. The NDGC Committee is still very busy working to hammer out all of the details of the project. Rick Rothstein suggested, and I agree, that we should wait until the dust settles before publishing an article so that a more complete and thorough picture can be presented.

briangraham

Oct 31 2003, 05:11 PM

The PDGA National Disc Golf Center is now official !

I just returned from the official contract signing for the PDGA National Disc Golf Center. The contract was signed by Chairman, Ron Cross, representing the Columbia County Commission and Pete May and myself as representatives of the PDGA. Columbia County Recreation Department head, Charlie Beale and Morris Communications CEO, William Morris (a member of Augusta National Golf Club), were also in attendance. Everyone agreed that this was an historical moment both for the sport of disc golf and Columbia County.
There will be a photo and feature article in tomorrows edition of the Augusta Chronicle.
http://augustachronicle.com

ck34

Oct 31 2003, 05:50 PM

Was Pete wearing polka dots in celebration? /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

idahojon

Oct 31 2003, 07:41 PM

Pete was probably wearing that purple suit. He says people cannot avoid paying attention to him when he wears that. And I've seen it in action. /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

briangraham

Nov 01 2003, 08:34 AM

Pete cleans up very nicely:

http://augustachronicle.com/stories/110103/met_079-4316.000.shtml

username: pdga
password: pdga

larrywhitson

Nov 01 2003, 10:25 AM

wow

briangraham

Nov 01 2003, 04:05 PM

Rick Rothstein e-mailed me to say he got a call from Jamie Barry, a player in KC, who reported that the PDGA's move from Toronto to Augusta appeared on the crawl at CNN.

Nov 01 2003, 11:13 PM

that is AWESOME...but 90 acres cant hold all of that can it?

ck34

Nov 01 2003, 11:18 PM

Phase 1 is 90 acres where the first three courses go plus the HQ/museum building. Then, additional property will be made available for 2 more courses in Phase 2.

Nov 02 2003, 12:53 AM

It's true... I saw the crawl on CNN. Wow.

idahojon

Nov 02 2003, 01:10 AM

Great article, Brian and Pete. And a good picture. Glad you had Charlie there too. He's a class act...so willing to do whatever we need to make this a success.

I wouldn't doubt that MCC Events, the new marketing firm engaged by the current PDGA Board had something to do with getting that info to CNN.

briangraham

Nov 02 2003, 11:14 AM

MCC Events has and continues to provide me with excellent support and assistance on this project. I can sense that they are genuinely excited about disc golf and our future possibilities.

briangraham

Nov 02 2003, 11:47 AM

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=23430

http://augustachronicle.com/stories/110103/met_079-4316.000.shtml
username: pdga
password: pdga

Nov 02 2003, 03:54 PM

This is sooooo AMAZING !!! A huge thanks goes out to anyone who has assisted in making this a reality!! This is truely a day to mark as a milestone for the PDGA. Thank you to the city of Augusta for opening up your doors to house the National headquarters!! I cant wait to see what they come with for the first 3 courses!! See you in Augusta!

-m

Nov 02 2003, 05:57 PM

In light of the fact that a certain private club that has trademarked the name of the little invitation-only bolf tournament it holds every spring, will the PDGA be able to hold and advertise Masters events at the National Center? (he asked only half-facetiously.) /clipart/wink.gif

Nov 03 2003, 01:26 PM

Thanks Brian and Chuck for the response.

In hindsight, doesn't this look like something that should have been done publicly and with bids? As I said, I'm sure there are lots of clubs or entities that would have LOVED to have a shot at this. It seems like this sort of deal kind of perpetuates The Old Boy stereotype that plagues this organization. Like from the beginning, who did Stork 'float' the idea to? Was it communicated to the membership in any public fashion? Did other Clubs even have an inkling that it was even a possibility, and have a chance to approach their respective governments and landowners? Speaking of landowners, did various private individuals have any knowledge, as they might have had interest in hosting it on their own land? Or even an individual PURCHASING the land to make it happen?

Not trying to rag, just trying to help this organization make better decisions and to look better in the eyes of its membership. Things at the top level need to be handled more like a BUSINESS and less like a bunch of buddies on a fishing trip.

By the way, what does "National" have to do with anything? In addition to the fact that it is housing a WORLD governing body, what does America have to do with anything in this project, other than its location?

briangraham

Nov 03 2003, 03:38 PM

The concept, and my main inspiration, for creating the PDGA National Disc Golf Center was first introduced by Dan "Stork" Roddick in an article he penned, which appeared in DGWN in the early 90's. Here it is:

A Mecca for Disc Golf?

by Dan "Stork" Roddick
PDGA Director, Special Projects

A lot of us have been talking about it at one time or another for years.
Usually it�s at some post-event party with at least a little bit of party
cheer lubricating our imaginations. It usually starts something like,
"Wouldn�t it be great if we had a county club of our own..." It doesn�t
take long to be imagining the cool course that we�d have with exotic
hazards, elevated tees and all the creature comforts of the finest ball golf
country clubs. Soon we�re discussing the pro shop and the clubhouse.
"The bar looks out over the 18th fairway and also has a great view of
the tee off down the magnificent first hole. The driving range, putting
greens, they�re all a part of it."
"Hey, how about some ddc courts, a freestyle and kicking area with
jammin� music and lighting at night? While we�re at it. Let�s light the
whole course for night play."
"Back from a tough round? Jump into the soak tubs or the sauna before
you sit down to dinner with your buddies."
"Of course, we could host the big pro events every year and the teaching
pros would offer clinics for all of us to improve our play."
"Oh, and maybe the course area could be so varied and interesting that
people could come here to learn course design. There would be hundreds of
different competitive layouts."
"New course pros could come here for internships to learn the business
of course management and how to be teach and promote the game."
"It would be a great place for the PDGA headquarters; maybe other disc
associations too. We�d give the Hall of Fame a home upstairs and finally
have a museum for the history of the sport. It�d be a tourist attraction!
In fact, we could use part of the land for camping when people came to play.
Some cabins would be nice too. "Hey, you know some of us are getting
ready to retire soon. How about some building lots along the fairways so we
can have a home in a place we�ll really enjoy?"
"All that stuff brings in money to keep the place running and building
all those houses could make a great job for disc golfers in the trades."
At about this point in the conversation, somebody usually says,
"Sure, but we could never pull it off. You know what a place like that
would cost? You�re talkin� some serious money." The thought of all that
money usually splashes enough water on the flames to end the fantasy for
another time. But somehow, it keeps coming back. The most recent time for
me was near the end of the PDGA summit meetings here in L.A. I admit, I got
the thing going again. But somehow it was different this time. The more we
talked about it, the more I really began to believe that it could be done.
I started to think that we have been too timid about this. Just look
around. Other groups of people get this kind of thing done every day.
Drive down the street and you�ll pass much more daunting projects on nearly
every corner. What�s a church? A couple hundred people got together with a
vision and said, "We don�t have much now but we�re going to make this thing
happen." The vision is the key.
I started to think about the number of players who I thought might
respond to this vision and told the board that we really might be in
position to see something like this become a reality. Perhaps we�ve been
shortchanging ourselves and the game for quite a while now.
At this point in our development, we have an impressive number of
resources at our disposal. We have a lot of members who are doing well.
They are investing their money with companies that they don�t know anything
about. Maybe, with the right situation, they�ll invest in a Mecca for disc
golf. They�re buying summer homes at other resorts, why not at a disc golf
resort? Sure, there is a lot of specialized knowledge that is needed to do
something like this but there are a lot of talented and experienced people
who play disc golf these days and they may be excited to be part of
something like this. We�ve got lawyers, plumbers, real estate brokers,
contractors, gardeners, masons, management consultants, cooks, recreation
professionals, carpenters, tile setters, investment bankers, you name it.
It�s hard to believe that we couldn�t raise the money we�d need. "Hey,
we�re getting older, players may want to include a place like this in their
wills! Why give the money to a bunch of relatives who always thought you
were crazy anyway. Might as well prove it to them with a final act that
shows them where your priorities really lie."
Anyway, we really didn�t get to talk about it in much detail at the summit,
but I said that I would write up my thoughts and we�d see what might be the
next step. I think that next step is to see how the disc community responds
to this vision. One of the first things that interested readers can do is
tell us about what they see that�s out there. There are really many kinds
of sites that might work.
Do any of these sound familiar?

- That par three golf course that closed down in �92.
- The parcel of mountain land that Uncle Ted has been trying to sell for
years.
- The old Denlinger farm with all that woodland, the lake and stream on the
north forty.
- Dogwood Acres, that Mom and Pop campground out by the mountain.
- Camp Nawakwa that the YMCA is closing down.
And remember, there are some even wilder possibilities. Winthrop
University may want to give us a forty nine year lease on the clubhouse and
use of the course and fields in order to have the center of disc golf be on
their campus as a learning resource for their recreation students.
Obviously, each of these kinds of possibilities has its own advantages
and drawbacks. It�s probably useful at this point however to cast the net
as wide as we can. There are a few general considerations:
- Obviously, we need to find a bargain.
- Some useable buildings could be a good thing.
- It probably should have a climate that allows almost year-round play. You
(and your family) have to want to go there for you vacation.
- For course design reasons, it has to have topographical variety , mature
growth and some open space. A spectacular course potential is a must.
- Some flat land would be useful if we want to make some space for field
events and ultimate.
- If we want to pursue the camping/lodging/vacation home angle, there has to
be space to accommodate that development.
Is there any dream site that fits all of these needs? Probably. That�s
what�s exciting about the potential of our network. We may not find the
best place right away, but with a lot of people keeping their eyes
open...who knows?
So. Are we still dreaming? Is it still too soon to build ourselves
something like this? I don�t know. Much of that answer will depend on the
response that we get from the PDGA members. My hope would be to begin an
electronic discussion of interested players and then to have some open
forums and task force meetings at the Worlds in Cincinnati to see how things
look by then.
This is only a tentative first step, and we may stumble and even fall,
but I can assure you that if we are afraid to take this one step, we will
never, ever have that place of our dreams.

ck34

Nov 03 2003, 04:57 PM

> By the way, what does "National" have to do with anything? In addition to the fact that it is housing a WORLD governing body, what does America have to do with anything in this project, other than its location?

Not correct. The PDGA is essentially a North American organization with members from other countries opting to join, usually in addition to the disc golf governing bodies in their own countries (if they have one).

WFDF (World Flying Disc Federation) typically adopts any updates to the PDGA rules which become the "official" worldwide rules. But even that's not followed 100% (no 2-meter rule in Sweden for example). How disc golf wil be organized on a worldwide scale in the long run is part of ongoing discussions among the countries with active disc golf organizations.

ck34

Nov 03 2003, 06:13 PM

> I'm sure there are lots of clubs or entities that would have LOVED to have a shot at this.

That's a good one. Any clubs out there had to ponder any $million deals in the past 5 years? How about $100,000? $10,000? Well, maybe $10,000. There are some private entrepreneurs getting in on disc golf now.

In all seriousness Dave, the concept and progress on the Mecca project have been well publicized for the 6 years since Stork's article above was published. There were discussion sessions at Worlds and articles have been in various local club newsletters. While it's true a formal bid could have been floated, the key to this evolving success and many others in a growing sport like ours is a "champion" on the ground locally like Brian Graham. Money without commitment at the local level would likely have failed. Anyone else in the PDGA had ample time to try what Brian did to succeed... but they either didn't or came up short.

Regarding the fishing buddy remark, I checked and no one on the Board in 1997 is currently on the Board. Theo is the third Commissioner since then. Continuity in the PDGA in the past 8 years has not occurred via the Board (no buddy system). It has been via Guru as Administrator/Director, Stork-Consultant, and the long term, non-Board, committee people like Homburg, Howard, Smith and myself who are not even on the NDGC Committee. However, as far as being fishing buddies, I'm not sure we even know each other's birthdays (well, Guru might). We live hundreds or thousands of miles apart and I think Howard is the only real fisherman. And none of us has a Board vote...

keithjohnson

Nov 03 2003, 10:41 PM

By Brian Graham on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 07:14 am:
MCC Events has and continues to provide me with excellent support and assistance on this project. I can sense that they are genuinely excited about disc golf and our future possibilities.

can mcc provide you with programs for the hall of fame classic inagural event??????
/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

briangraham

Nov 03 2003, 11:01 PM

Notes to self:
1. Put Keith Johnson in charge of all tournament programs for the NDGC.
2. Take Guru and the PDGA Board fishing.
/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

exczar

Nov 04 2003, 02:56 PM

Notes to self:
1. Put Keith Johnson in charge of all tournament programs for the NDGC.

I guess that would make me the assistant chair, huh? :D

2. Take Guru and the PDGA Board fishing.

Let them fish for discs, it would be more productive, as well as humane, since I recently read that fish lips can feel pain

Nov 05 2003, 11:23 PM

Relating the thoughts of others...This is the most amazing accomplishment to our growing sport. Incredible thanks and praise to those putting in the time and effort. Thank you thank you...

...and to prove my thanks, I will offer my skills and effort to this development. I'm graduating from college in December and have nothing to do. I've been considering traveling abroad, or living somewhere crazy. I see no better way for me to apply myself to something I would apperciate my whole life. If shelter and minimal household expenses could be arranged, I would love to work on any aspect of this project. Will the park system be hiring more people to help out on this? Is it dependent on volunteers? Any other jobs available close by? How can I convince my parents that this would be a great experience in my life?

If anyone knows of someone I could contact, I would love to offer my resume and physical labor to seeing this thing happen. All I would ask is that I get to throw a disc every once and a while.

thanks again to everyone...

[email protected]

exczar

Nov 06 2003, 02:44 PM

Nez is a UM alum. Ask him if he has anything for ya.

briangraham

Nov 07 2003, 05:24 PM

PDGA National Disc Golf Center
Wildwood Park - Columbia County, GA

The National Disc Golf Center Committee takes great pride in announcing that course designers have been selected for the first three courses slated for development in Phase 1 of the PDGA National Disc Golf Center at Wildwood Park in Columbia County, GA.

- John Houck will serve as head of the course design team for the committee and will be designing the South Course. Targets for this course have been graciously donated by Innova.

- Jim Kenner has been selected as the designer of the East Course. The targets for this course have been graciously donated by Discraft, Inc.

- Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe have been selected as co-designers of the North Course, with Chuck serving as the lead designer for that team. Targets for this course have been graciously donated by the DGA.

- Harold Duvall will design an independent Skillshot course and has been selected as a course designer for a future course to be developed in Phase 2 of the project.

A course review panel has been formed made up of John Houck, Jim Kenner, Chuck Kennedy, Harold Duvall and Brian Graham. The primary focus of this panel will be to review the designs to help ensure quality and diversity in the courses. Additional designers may also be called upon by the panel to offer opinions.

Opinions, ideas and suggestions for all aspects of the project are welcome and may be e-mailed to:

[email protected]

NDGC Committee
Brian Graham, chairman
Pat Govang
Brian Hoeniger
John Houck
Pete May
Dan "Stork" Roddick

briangraham

Nov 08 2003, 01:16 AM

http://members.aol.com/bg5861/siteplan.jpg

tpozzy

Nov 08 2003, 02:03 AM

And they say a picture is worth a thousand words - an understatement in this case, if you ask me! As someone who has recently walked this property, it really is as good as it looks. I think this is going to be a big milestone in the history of disc golf.

discette

Nov 08 2003, 08:47 AM

Thanks to everyone who made the NDGC a reality. Wish there were more words to describe my appreciation for all of your efforts. The photo places a whole new perspective on this project.

I re-read the "Mecca" article by Stork. It put new ideas in my head. I want to retire in Augusta! Yeah, I think I like it. I have never been to Georgia, but now I have a reason to go. I can picture myself in that picture.

Is there any chance the courses will receive names other than North, South, etc.? Could they be named after HOFers?

When will the next event be held at the Center?

Nov 08 2003, 10:17 AM

Is there any chance the courses will receive names other than North, South, etc.? Could they be named after HOFers?

I like the idea of naming the courses rather than simply calling them "North," "South," and "East." I'm not sure about naming them after HOFers though because A) how does one decide which three (five) HOFers are most deserving of the honor, and B) it might that imply or create the peception that those so honored are a cut above the other HOFers.

Besides, I think they should be given names that reflect the playing experience, like "Bogeyland," "Two-putt," and "Circle Five."

briangraham

Nov 08 2003, 10:55 AM

The courses will definitely have names. North, South and East are simply geographic designations to aid in identifying the three individual tracts in the mean time. I suspect the courses will be named once they are completed and the true character and make up of each is revealed.

ck34

Nov 08 2003, 10:58 AM

The directional course names are just for easy reference during development. Can you guess the clever directional names of the two "future courses" on the map? (West, Northeast). There are some ideas floating around for the official course names but that naming process is further down the road. I'm sure the holes will also start with simple names like South 5 and eventually get more colorful names like maybe Georgia Pitch, Oregon Trail or Arizona Rocks!

keithjohnson

Nov 08 2003, 10:09 PM

Nov 08 2003, 11:37 PM

I'm sure the holes will also start with simple names like South 5 and eventually get more colorful names like maybe Georgia Pitch, Oregon Trail or Arizona Rocks!

I move that hole name commemorate memorable events that take place on them: kind of like the Road Bunker on #17 at St. Andrews was christened the "Sands of Nakajima" after Japanese golfer Tommy Nakajima took five shots to get out of it at the 1978 British Open. :eek:

Nov 10 2003, 12:47 PM

man....that pic makes me wish i was much closer to Georgia....

MECCA seems to be right on track, on how awesome this property will be....

:cool:

Moderator005

Nov 10 2003, 01:13 PM

Is that a canyon/river that bisects the south course and lower portion of the east course? Looks awesome! :)

-Jeff

briangraham

Nov 11 2003, 02:14 PM

Here is a topographic map showing the great terrain we have to work with. Each contour line represents a 2' change in elevation. The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the hill. The farther apart they are, the flatter the grade. Contour lines that form enclosed circles designate hill tops. The future HQ building site is 54' above the elevation of the lake. Note the rolling hills surrounding the creek basins and the logging roads which give us access to most areas of the tract. http://members.aol.com/bg5861/NDGCTOPO.jpg

Nov 11 2003, 02:27 PM

Im already considering pulling up the stakes, and moving there, STOP THAT!!!!!

;)

PS...keep up the great work!

briangraham

Nov 11 2003, 04:48 PM

Jeff posted:
Is that a canyon/river that bisects the south course and lower portion of the east course? No

There is an entrance road to the future National Center building site that bisects the south course and lower portion of the east course. Reference map above for topographic features.

briangraham

Nov 11 2003, 05:10 PM

Here is a floor plan of the interim headquarters building that was recently remodeled by the County for our use. The HQ bathroom will be for PDGA office use only. There is a free standing bathroom/shower building about 100' from the headquarters building that will also be remodeled.

http://members.aol.com/bg5861/clubhouse.jpg

idahojon

Nov 11 2003, 07:06 PM

Brian,
Could you edit the topo map above and put a 100' or 250' scale line on it? I've been lucky enough to see the property :) , but for others, that might give them a sense of scale to the overall property.

Thanks,

Jon Lyksett
PDGA Regional Director

ck34

Nov 11 2003, 08:55 PM

Jeff, the dark green lines like the one bisecting the East and South courses are old logging roads. Other than the HQ area and the clearing in the southwest corner, the logging roads are the only other areas not covered with trees. The ravine areas, which sometimes have water in them partway, extend south from each of the inlets off the lake.

Nov 20 2003, 08:53 AM

Brian or other ndgc committee memeber, is there a timeline for the courses and the other facilities?

If not a formal one, can you make a guess?

briangraham

Nov 20 2003, 10:35 AM

I am very close to completion of the Master Plan drawings for the National Disc Golf Center, which will fulfill the PDGA's first obligation under the contract with Columbia County. This plan will be presented to the Community & Emergency Services Committee on Dec. 4th. If they deem it acceptable, it will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners with the recommendation that it be approved at their December 16th meeting. Once the Master Plan is approved, we can officially begin course design. I suspect we will be underway by late December to early January.

Progress on the project has gone extremely smooth so far and we are currently a little ahead of schedule. Our goal is to try to have one of the courses open by spring but we will have U.S Army Corps of Engineers regulations and guidelines to deal with once we begin tree removal, which could potentially slow progress somewhat.

The Master Plan (http://members.aol.com/bg5861/siteplan.jpg) is very general and basically shows the County where we plan on locating the various components of the Center.

spartan

Nov 20 2003, 12:03 PM

*drooling*

I knew there was a reason to leave Texas. :D Can't wait!!

Nov 20 2003, 12:06 PM

*drooling*

I knew there was a reason to leave Texas. :D Can't wait!!

MEGA-DITTO'S!!!!!

man that place is gonna be SUH-WEET!!!!

briangraham

Dec 31 2003, 04:26 PM

Course design for the first 3 courses slated for phase 1 of the NDGC is set to begin this weekend. A project kick-off meeting will be held Saturday morning at Wildwood Park. Jim Kenner (Discraft), Harold Duvall (Innova), Tom Monroe (DGA), Chuck Kennedy (PDGA Course Design Committee), Pete May (PDGA Board of Directors) and Brian Graham (NDGC Committee Chairman) will be in attendance. John Houck will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but has already visited the site earlier this year. The course design team is expected to be in Augusta for several days working on their initial layouts.

Portable Skillshot targets have been graciously provided by Mike Holgate of Ching Discs for use by the designers in laying out the courses. Chuck Kennedy will be introducing a new inexpensive course mapping system to the group.

Members of the Augusta Disc Golf Association will be installing the first three baskets, donated by Innova, Discraft and the DGA to establish a practice putting green just outside the interim headquarters building.

Happy New Year......2004 is looking great!

briangraham

Jan 04 2004, 12:22 PM

Course design is underway! Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe have been working hard all weekend on the initial design of the North Course at the National Disc Golf Center. Equipment for this course will be furnished the DGA.

Jim Kenner is planning to visit the site Jan. 11-17 to begin his design of the East Course. Equipment for this course will be furnished by Discraft.

Yesterday, the first three practice baskets were installed by the Augusta Disc Golf Association. One target was installed on the putting green outside the headquarters building and the other two were installed at the training area. Special thanks goes out to Matt Gillis of the Ann Arbor Area Disc Golf Club for coming down with Chuck Kennedy to lend assistance on the project..

Augusta Disc Golf Association members brought portable baskets to the Center and a temporary 15 hole course was layed out on the peninsula near the headquarters building by Chuck Kennedy. 21 players competed in the first competitive round at the Center with Tom Monroe taking first place.

The editor of the Columbia County News Times stopped by the NDGC to get information for an upcoming article.

briangraham

Jan 06 2004, 03:05 PM

Here is a draft copy of Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe's initial design of the North Course at the National Disc Golf Center. Equipment and signage for this course will be furnished by the DGA.

http://members.aol.com/bg5861/northdraft.jpg

The North Course is comprised of roughly 27 acres of rolling terrain. Large mature trees, elevation changes and many water holes will challenge both the novice and expert player. The short course comes in over 5,000 feet while the long layout will be nearly 10,000 feet.

Jan 06 2004, 03:55 PM

Looks sweet.....

briangraham

Jan 07 2004, 12:17 PM

Here is a link to an article that appeared in this mornings edition of the Columbia County News Times.

Columbia County News Times (http://www.newstimesonline.com/stories/010704/spo_114-6278.shtml)

Try this username and password or create your own for free!
username: PDGA1
password: PDGA1

neonnoodle

Jan 07 2004, 12:50 PM

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but this stuck out:

CK

Phase 1 is 90 acres where the first three courses go plus the HQ/museum building.

3 courses on 90 acres!?! That's 30 acres each. So we should not expect courses with WCPs above 54 I'm guessing.

What is the expected WCP for your design Chuck?

Nick

Jan 07 2004, 01:05 PM

30 acres wont get you above WCP 54?

What sorta stuff are you smoking?

Remember, its not always about JUST the land, but whats on the land....

neonnoodle

Jan 07 2004, 01:10 PM

One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small,
and the one that Cong gives you doesn't do anything at all...

Go ask Chuck...

30 acres is tight. Sorry, that's my experience with courses. I did later read that they hope to make their course 10,000 feet long. I'll be interested to see how. If anyone can though, it'd be Chuck and Tom...

briangraham

Jan 07 2004, 03:07 PM

100 acres is merely an approximation of the area we will be using for the three courses in phase 1. There is nothing magical about this number and we are by no means limited to this. We have an almost unlimited amount of space at our disposal for development of our National Center. The park is almost 1,000 acres and only about 10% of it has been developed.

The proposed North Course layout, as designed by Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe, sits on approximately 27 acres. The short layout measures over 5,000 feet and the long layout is right around 10,000 feet in length. I have seen the design. 27 acres is plenty of land when you take into account other factors such as rolling topography, elevation changes, foliage and water, and this course has all of it.

The East Course, which Jim Kenner will be designing, will be on a 27 acre tract as well and also features rolling hills, a creek and lake frontage.

The South Course will be designed by John Houck and is planned to be the longest. The reserved area for this course is 40 acres. It has no lake frontage but does feature a large ravine, rolling hills and a creek.

Jan 07 2004, 03:09 PM

Johns will be the Most Evil, be assured of that......

Evil little Hobbitt he is!!!

dannyreeves

Jan 07 2004, 03:11 PM

John is DA MAN!

Jan 07 2004, 03:13 PM

Not disputing that......

Nor is my statements validity effected, by such truth.....

;)

ck34

Jan 07 2004, 10:48 PM

I suspect we'll be able to get the SSA over 60 in the maxed out positions even with a few Par 2s in there :)

We're using a few tricks like doglegs where you can't throw more than X amount before the sharp bend. This is one way to make a course scoring average higher per foot. There will be a fair amount of OB on the course with 5 water holes and two gully crossings near pins (think Warwick 14) which will likely be marked OB. Since the water level bounces up and down between July (high) and Jan (low), we'll mark OB with cable at the highwater mark. So, it will be deceptively harder than it looks at low water times because you can still land "dry" and be OB.

I think the shortest config from the Red tees could be down to even 4000' without any water crossings to make it more comfortable for beginners. But the terrain is still pretty steep in spots so you'll need to be in decent shape to traverse the whole course to even watch. The longest layout from the Blues I think will be closer to 8500' but we're not done yet. There are several improvements I have in mind to discuss with Tom now that I've had a chance to digest the layout, issues and GPS data. And we don't want to leave any of our 27 acres unused to provide Houck with any more than the 40 acres he already has for the potential boomer course. :)

discette

Jan 07 2004, 11:21 PM

Chuck says:

We're using a few tricks like doglegs where you can't throw more than X amount before the sharp bend.

Really, Chuck. :eek:(sarcasm on) I had no idea you would put a dogleg into the course you are designing for the National Disc golf Center.(sarcasm off)

That is pretty much a CK course design trademark isn't it? :cool:

ck34

Jan 08 2004, 12:09 AM

Stan The Man "popularized" doglegs at Hornet's Nest in 1997 before I did them at Oakwood though. I'm sure Monroe did them on some of his earlier courses that he's probably forgotten by now.

Moderator005

Jan 08 2004, 12:05 PM

Chuck,

Hole 8 looks very similar to hole 10 Blue-Blue at Warwick. You and I have had many discussions about the drawbacks to such "U-turn holes" with the possible neccessity of multiple sets of mandatories, which may be blind from the tee. Are we going down that road again?

ck34

Jan 08 2004, 01:09 PM

Are we going down that road again?

It could work here without the probs at Warwick. However, Tom and I have already revamped the map you've seen and 8 is no longer like that horseshoe. We'll keep posting map updates when we get them so people can see the evolution of the course design. The GPS unit I "got from Santa" has made a big difference to assist design in places like this where the foliage is so thick in spots, even in winter, that it's hard to know where you are during the process.

neonnoodle

Jan 08 2004, 02:08 PM

Any talk of having targets permanently in each pin position to allow people to play the course they want to play, at anytime?

ck34

Jan 08 2004, 02:22 PM

Any talk of having targets permanently in each pin position to allow people to play the course they want to play, at anytime?

Manufacturers donated 18 baskets. On the North course, we talked about having the peninsula basket for 5 & 15 be there permanently so it could be played from both directions for day-to-day play. But we would need additional donations to have baskets in all pin positions on all courses.

The North course hasn't been planned for two pin placements on each hole. The other two courses COULD be planned that way to allow for the potential to have a dual set of pins. The potentially super long South course might be the best place for that so the shorter pin set wouldn't be so long for day-to-day play.

neonnoodle

Jan 08 2004, 03:30 PM

Perhaps this is an opportunity to get some Dr. Freds directional targets out there. Was he approached about donating 18?

I know that Holgate was working on some permanent directional target designs too.

briangraham

Jan 08 2004, 06:16 PM

Dr. Fred was indeed contacted and has kindly agreed to donate 9 targets to the NDGC. Mike Holgate has already donated 3 Ching Skill-Shot portable targets for course design use and has also expressed interest in donating some directional targets. The committee is currently considering the creation of an experimental course where directional targets and other non-traditional targets would be featured. Dr. Fred and Mike Holgate have expressed interest in working together to help us with this concept.

In addition to the tournaments and training facilities, the NDGC is also planned to be the place where people and businesses can introduce new equipment and concepts to the sport. The experimental course and the putting park are both geared towards this.

neonnoodle

Jan 08 2004, 11:55 PM

Awesome!

Lyle O Ross

Jan 15 2004, 06:40 PM

Dumb question time.

Has anyone considered the notion of starting a museum at the NDGC? I see a lot of info about unique discs that represent a great history of the sport and was thinking it would be awsome if that information was represented at a location where future generations could have access.

ck34

Jan 15 2004, 08:35 PM

Has anyone considered the notion of starting a museum at the NDGC?

I believe the Steady Ed / Hall of Fame museum will be there.

Jan 16 2004, 09:25 AM

Has anyone considered the notion of starting a museum at the NDGC?

I believe the Steady Ed / Hall of Fame museum will be there.

Eggggggggcellent.......

;)

Jan 17 2004, 02:28 PM

From: "Tammy Stout"
To: "PaulDmt"
Subject: RE: Disc golf
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2003 08:37:47 -0500

We are glad to hear this. We have four great courses in the area now that have played host to quality national and international events. With the addition of the Wildwood Park center, we will have six at one location (3 first phase, 2004) and additional two will coming aboard in the next two years with other county park expansions. When you are prepared to take the trip our Convention & Visitors can mail a visitors packet. The number is 1-800-726-0243.

Enjoy.

Tammy Stout, Executive Director
Greater Augusta Sports Council
P.O. Box 1331 (30903), 1450 Greene St., (30901)
Augusta, GA
------------------------------------------------------------------
(My original letter, basically said It's great that this center is happening and I look forward to traveling down to visit and play)

Feb 11 2004, 12:30 PM

when will the ndgc be opening? I would like to make plans to go out there this spring. The thread hasn't been updated in a while what is teh current progress?

briangraham

Feb 11 2004, 05:47 PM

UPDATE:

Jim Kenner (Discraft) has been in Augusta since Sunday working on his design of the East Course at the National Disc Golf Center. The initial design of the North Course was completed last month by Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe.

The next step in the process will be for the course review panel (John Houck, Harold Duvall, Brian Graham, Jim Kenner, Chuck Kennedy, Tom Monroe) to review these designs and make any comments or suggestions regarding the initial designs.

Following this review process, the US Army Corps of Engineers will be called upon to perform environmental, endandered species and cultural resources studies on the impacted areas. Once they give us their approval, the County will be permitted to begin tree removal and land clearing. A timetable for these activities is not available.

Our goal is to have a course open by this summer but that may be over optimistic. It all depends upon the amount of time it will take the Corps of Engineers and the County to do their work.

Look for a new PDGA National Disc Golf Center section on PDGA.com in the near future to help keep everyone updated on the progress of the project.

briangraham

Feb 11 2004, 05:54 PM

http://members.aol.com/pdgareg8/ndgclogo.jpg

exczar

Feb 12 2004, 04:14 PM

prairie_dawg

Feb 12 2004, 04:38 PM

Feb 12 2004, 06:59 PM

i always thought it looked like kenny climo. but i dunno.

keithjohnson

Feb 12 2004, 07:16 PM

Feb 12 2004, 09:00 PM

also i think bill and i should get lifetime FREE passes to the golf center(including airfare) to make up for the pain and suffering of not getting OUR PAID FOR sponsorship programs :D

Keith, can't help you on the free passes to the golf center, but I can hook you up with airline tickets on any Braniff International flight you want. :p

briangraham

Feb 12 2004, 10:16 PM

Actually Keith you are mistaken! You paid for an inaugural CE Hall of Fame Classic disc and a frameable certificate, which you received. :p

Here is a link to the new baskets we will be using at the National Disc Golf Center. Make sure you have your speakers on so you can hear the unique sound they make.
New NDGC Baskets (http://veepers01.budlight.com/service/RetrieveCard?id=0EC4D35E-5DB4-11D8-B789-E3635E514682)

Feb 12 2004, 10:19 PM

Sounds like it's going to be a tough course. :D

Feb 12 2004, 10:39 PM

acid anyone???

rob

Feb 12 2004, 11:38 PM

I thought I was the only one to hear the voices :eek:

Feb 12 2004, 11:45 PM

thanks alot brian. like i needed more crap to waste my time. (http://veepers01.budlight.com/service/RetrieveCard?id=4D437478-5DD2-11D8-863E-E3635E514682) :)

Feb 12 2004, 11:48 PM

So yeah, I feel very lucky to have visited the National Disc Golf Center Site...Following is the first part of a review I've been working on. Please enjoy and feel free to give constructive criticism. Brian, sorry it's taken so long to get this together...I had a truly great time in Augusta. Thanks again for your hard work.

A First Pilgrimage to the National Disc Golf Center
By Matthew J. Gillis

The whole thing began easy enough. Finishing school work, I found my mind and web browser detoured onto the progress of the National Disc Golf Center. I posted a simple yet firm resolve to volunteer myself to any aspect of this project, and lo and behold, a response. So I began exchanging emails with a Mr. Chuck Kennedy. Apparently, he�s a big-wig course designer, but to me at this point, just another crazy disc golfer who displayed as much enthusiasm as I did for this project. Little did I know what I would learn from his experiences, and realize the wealth of knowledge he has dedicated to this game.

As the fates allowed, Mr. Kennedy would be leaving from Toledo, just a short poke down US-23 from Ann Arbor. We exchanged information and made plans to meet up and head down to Augusta, Georgia towards the end of the year. My heart and stomach filled with anticipation as circumstances began to fall into place. I would finally get a chance to make a difference in the sport that I love and see for myself the future of the Professional Disc Golf Association.

As we began our long journey into the South, Mr. Kennedy and I exchanged our experiences with disc golf. On my side, I had only few years on which to draw. Began in 1997, goofing off with my friends, I�ve played a few tournaments recently, and finally beginning to take it seriously. On the other hand, Mr. Kennedy had been involved with the design of around fifty courses as well as many years as a player. In addition to becoming an accomplished golfer, Mr. Kennedy has been on the forefront of creating some ingenious programs for analyzing player�s abilities and ways to use these numbers on the courses. He discussed applying these creations in course design. I have to be honest, at first I thought he was nuts, but that was before I saw the practical applications of these calculations. Keep on the lookout for Mr. Kennedy�s dice game based on the world class par and the results of the Pro Worlds in Minnesota; it�s one of the coolest products I�ve seen in disc golf in recent history.

So we continue our travels, talking enthusiastically about the possibilities in Disc Golf, course design, and life in general. We even managed to work in a game in Chillicothe, Ohio. It�s a nice little course. The first eight holes weave through a foreboding forest, allegedly inhabited by Woolly Mammoths long ago. The back nine were well-planned out holes that relieved our disappointment with the difficulty of �pin-ball� lanes through the forest. We even met up with some locals, taught them a few throws and spread some of that good disc golf Karma. That�s what a disc golf trip is all about, right?

Well, yeah, kind of. Another thing a disc golf trip is all about is car trouble. While we were leaving a Kingsport, Tennessee Shoney�s, we realized that the smoke pouring from the exhaust was never that white and thick and turned out to be a busted head gasket. We were delayed in town with no transportation to play golf, yet walking distance to the movies. So we just bummed around the city, frequenting the mall and watched movies, pretended as though it was an expected delay, and we made the best of it. I caught a glimpse of what some of these touring pros are going through. I now have utmost respect for those frustrations expressed in the tour diaries a la Todd Branch, and Leslie Herndon. Keep pushing through; you guys are living the dream. Help out these folks as much possible.

The delay wasn�t a total waste; Mr. Kennedy taught me how to use a GPS device for determining paths and distances from satellites. Cool little device, which I would come to know and love swashbuckling through the brush of northern Georgia. We got to see some entertaining flicks and the all beautiful sights that downtown Kingsport had to offer. But as soon as I began feeling as though we would never escape the city, the car was ready, and we were off. We made swift time leaving Kingsport and the anticipation of finally reaching our destination once again struck up my stomach.

As we neared the South Carolina border the temperature began to rise, and I saw my first palm tree. Crossing into Georgia seemed like entering paradise; 80-100 foot pines, lush vegetation, and definitely no snow. Even the gospel music was coming loud and clear through the speakers; we had arrived in golf holy country.

The next morning we awoke and traveled to the office of the Chairman of the National Disc Golf Center, Brian Graham. Mr. Graham�s office was piled with hundreds of topographic maps, and excellent computer drawings of some Augusta area disc golf courses. Mr. Graham allowed me some insight into getting Disc Golf exposed to a wider audience, and working within the bureaucracy of parks departments. Basically, he volunteered with the parks department board, petitioned local civic clubs and city business leaders. Made friends and connections, and worked hard to display the advantages of disc golf. His selfless effort and excellent networking created a buzz in the city and soon parks were leaping at the chance of a disc golf course.

One of the groups which expressed interest in this venture was a little park by the name of Wildwood, just outside of Augusta, in Columbia County. When Mr. Graham surveyed this park, his wildest dreams found a permanent home. He mentioned that immediately, John Houck�s article �Disc Golf Mecca� came to mind. If you have an opportunity to read this article do so, it�s great. Basically he outlines every disc golfer�s ideal paradise; a place to bring the family, with camping and other activities, and of course, some amazing disc golf courses. Enticed by Mr. Graham�s enthusiasm, I was excited to view this locale first hand, and soon, Mr. Kennedy and I were off.

Leaving Augusta, we traveled approximately 20 minutes to Wildwood Park. Upon entering, I was amazed by the continuance of the aforementioned 80-100 pine trees towering above us, and beautiful trails and vegetation around us. Driving through the park, I soon realized that Columbia County really has some grand plans for making this park an attraction second to none. They are working hard to install a system of horse trails and mountain biking throughout the park, in addition to drawing professional bass fishing tournaments. As we approached the site, a large sign welcomed us: �The future home of the National Disc Golf Association�. Ok, so not exactly perfect on the signage, but a home nonetheless.

The entrance to the Disc Golf area is incredible as well. We drove through a winding dirt road surrounded by pines, and the possibilities of flowers or magnolia trees following this drive couldn�t be better. A short drive down this road displayed the first glimpses of some beautiful alleys and trails which immediately stood out as better than perfect raw materials for some world class Disc Golf courses. We drew closer to the sight of the Center, and all my hopes were affirmed.

A beautiful cleared valley stands out in the middle of these gigantic trees. A decent sized pavilion in located centrally, and in the future, will provide an excellent venue for tournaments and instruction. If this was not enough to fully convince someone of the perfection of this sight for Disc Golf, a short walk in the woods would do the rest.

Leaping from the car, I felt like running through the woods, screaming, and throwing discs wherever I could. It had been a long trip, and now we had finally arrived. As Mr. Kennedy began preparing the �official� tools of course design, (flags, paints, GPS mapping system) I could not help throwing some drives. We began our first work on the course as all should do, with a careful walk through the site. Mr. Kennedy had already been through the area and had even drawn up some preliminary ideas. For me, I was seeing this area for the first time, and it was amazing. Aside from the towering trees, there is an abundance of rolling terrain, gently, and sometimes drastically, sloping towards the lake. Among these smaller elevation changes, large groupings of prehistoric rocks are interspersed throughout the land. Making for natural tee and pin placements, (of which Mr. Kennedy used gracefully). I finally began to gain an understanding of Mr. Graham�s enthusiasm when he first saw this site, it�s truly perfect for Disc Golf.

Look for the exciting conclusion of this epic tale to follow shortly.....

briangraham

Feb 13 2004, 10:02 AM

Matt,

Thanks for the kind words. I am sure everyone will be as excited as we are once they have had the opportunity to see Wildwood Park in person. The funny thing is that you saw it in January, when all of the plant life is dormant. Just wait until spring and summer when the park is really beautiful.

A small correction to your nice article. Dan "Stork" Roddick wrote the article, "A Mecca for Disc Golf", which was and is my main inspiration for creating the National Disc Golf Center. John Houck is the lead course designer and is lending his time and expertise to the project.

Thans for all of your help during your recent visit with Chuck Kennedy. We look forward to seeing you in Augusta again real soon.

Feb 13 2004, 01:16 PM

Brian and all,

I just wanted to comment on the relationship between the PDGA survey and the endless possibilities for the National Center.
Promotional efforts in our sport often go unnoticed and underappreciated.
Many of the questions on the survey give you an opportunity to provide evidence to potential sponsors about the economic impact of disc golf in terms of both merchandise and sponsorship.
Please fill out these surveys!

The more information the PDGA has when they attempt to create positive changes (such as developing a true national center or organizing a national pro tour) the more evidence they can provide to communities and businesses about our sport.
I know that the hard work of BG and others here in Augusta over the last fourteen+ years has paid off because the community has finally embraced disc golf.
Just this week Augusta State University contacted me about teaching disc golf in their continuing education department.
I have worked for them for the past six years and the reason they contacted me about disc golf is they saw an article in the paper about the national center and wanted to know how they can bring disc golf to their college program!
I appreciate this opportunity and do think there is a definite link between how you spread the word about the sport in the community and how much they are willing to give back once people become aware of what the PDGA is really about.

exczar

Feb 13 2004, 04:28 PM

Nice logo!

Good time for an informal poll:

Who do you think resembles the silhouette of the man putting? I'll hold off on my answer, but only oldtimers may recognize the name (one hint: it's not Steve Slazor or Slate Paul /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

Also, I hope that the curse of not sending a program to an "Inaugural Sponsor" doesn't delay the opening of the NDGC. It already killed the 2004 HOF Classic! :D

who says it a man....looks to me like anni kremel

also i think bill and i should get lifetime FREE passes to the golf center(including airfare) to make up for the pain and suffering of not getting OUR PAID FOR sponsorship programs :D

Keith!

I figgered my post would get a rise out of you, since you are in a similar position.

Brian is right though, we weren't promised a tourney program, but it would have been a nice touch to include it with the certif. and disc.

We're just not going to let it drop are we? Must be something to do with seeing your name in print /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

But Bri really should send us one, unless he has no fear of the CURSE...

BTW, I think the silhouette of the DGer putting is a dead ringer for Nick Hart!

keithjohnson

Feb 15 2004, 12:54 AM

Actually Keith you are mistaken! You paid for an inaugural CE Hall of Fame Classic disc and a frameable certificate, which you received. :p

don't make me look up the discussions we had on the thread and emails we sent about getting the program WITH lorelei's disc and lovely certificate...you also said in person when you handed me the disc and certificate almost a year ago in the parking lot at fountain hills at the memorial that i would get a program with lorelei's name in it WHEN they were printed......
but if you want to forget that you said that and claim i'm making all this up....that's ok....i'll make the time to find the written words :D

i don't agree with bill's curse idea....i really would just like to get a program....keith

briangraham

Feb 15 2004, 11:16 AM

gnduke

Feb 15 2004, 12:15 PM

Sorry Brian,

The discussion board is no place for rational explanations nor realistic expectations. You have explained the situation, just ignore the comments which are usually guaranteed to follow and everything will be back to normal.

Feb 16 2004, 10:16 AM

brain, you know how them old guys can be, when they are convinced they are right.

Send Keith and Bill the address of the landfill they were likely taken to, so they can go dig theirs up!!!

:cool:

exczar

Feb 16 2004, 01:14 PM

Hey, youse guys;

Go back and reread my posts. Definitely tongue in cheek.

I never claimed I was due a program.

I know if Brian had any programs left, he would have sent me (and Keith) one.

Sorry for unintended thread drift, Brian. I just threw it out as a joke, not as a troll for Keith to bite on. I will try to never bring it up again. The certificate looks very nice in its frame at the "Bill Burns Disc Golf Shrine", aka my garage wall, and I will have to be content with that.

Good fortune with HOF 2005!

exczar

Feb 16 2004, 01:15 PM

brain, you know how them old guys can be, when they are convinced they are right.

Send Keith and Bill the address of the landfill they were likely taken to, so they can go dig theirs up!!!

:cool:

lol :D

I'd rather know the section of Meadowlands Stadium that lies on top of Jimmy Hoffa :D

gnduke

Feb 16 2004, 01:24 PM

Well, that takes all of the fun out of it....

keithjohnson

Feb 16 2004, 03:33 PM

Keith,

As I have told both you and Bill both, at least ten times , an overzealous tournament volunteer threw out the remaining Hall of Fame Classic programs when we were cleaning up after the event. I do not recall promising to mail you a program at the Memorial but if you say I did, then I will take your word for it. However, that does not change the fact that.... Here goes number eleven, the remaining programs were thrown out by a tournament volunteer when we were cleaning up after the event.

I'm sorry that the inaugural CE disc and the nice certificate were not good enough for you and that somehow you feel ripped off. All of the other sponsors seemed happy with the disc and certificate they received for supporting the Hall of Fame and the event. I'll gladly refund both of your sponsorship fees if you would like because quite frankly $25 is not worth the time and the headache of having to explain it to you over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over......... :mad:

Now, if we can just get this thread back on topic!

Sincerely,

obviously brian has lost ALL sense of humor since my last posting :(.....
i'll have to go play with harassing nick again i guess :D

i'm VERY THRILLED to have a disc and certificate....ask chris himimng about how i will buy stuff and not even take it it not that i really give a schit i just like to toy on here but some people take it as life and death constantly....changing their sense of humor to fit the mood :(

back on topic....i hope the golf center works out nicely for all involved as i would definately love to play it when i'm visiting the east coast during the future years as lorelei's career blossoms....

ck34

Feb 16 2004, 11:02 PM

C'mon Big Discin. I'm on the edge of my seat for the rest of your story... :)

Feb 17 2004, 04:20 PM

As a serious volunteer at the HOF, I resent the implication that anything "killed it"
You guys should drop it and focus on what this thread is really about.
You are starting to sound like the President explaining his alleged military career....

Feb 17 2004, 05:31 PM

Chuck, you saw how long it took me to get that first part down, and that was the section that I took few to no notes for. Trying to summarize all those great personalities I interacted with down there will take a little more effort, but it's coming...

...no critiques yet?

ck34

Feb 17 2004, 05:54 PM

...no critiques yet?

Using 'Chuck' is fine. I don't know who that 'Mr. Kennedy' is, maybe my Dad...

briangraham

Feb 17 2004, 07:10 PM

I think most everyone knows that the Hall of Fame Classic will not be held in 2004 due to a large construction project that will have Lake Olmstead Park in disrepair most of the year.

My post to Keith and Bill was a mistake on my part, but was a result of their insistance on bringing up an issue which I felt had been resolved 8 months ago. Frankly, I was afraid that their constant comments (even though I know they were just joking) might be misunderstood by some readers, that the event did not give sponsors what they paid for. I did not want this incorrect perception to negatively affect my future sponsorship efforts for the event. The Hall of Fame Classic will return to the tour next year and I can promise you that it will be bigger and better than last year.

Bill and Keith are both good people and were kind enough to sponsor the inaugural HOF Classic. I know they are joking and I am sorry I over reacted. If I had it to do over, I would send them a private e-mail regarding my concerns. This however does not change the fact that they have both been banned for life from the National Disc Golf Center.

Just joking :) .... See Keith, I do have a sense of humor after all !

keithjohnson

Feb 17 2004, 07:41 PM

i know you do...now you just have to work on sue's :D

by the way when the center does open(or before hand) i would like to see what sponsorship opportunities there are for sale...as you know i would/will sponsor in some way!!

(if you promise to take a picture of my sponsorship since i'm banned from visiting :D)

hope to see you soon brian....keith

exczar

Feb 18 2004, 03:29 PM

i know you do...now you just have to work on sue's :D

LOL! :D

Brian, I had forgotten about constr. proj. being cause for no 2004. I am still looking forward to playing in HOF2005! Please reconsider my ban!!! (or if you must, ban my shanks from the course!)

Aside: How may inaug. sponsors did you have?

I am looking forward to meeting you in person (if only so you can kick my @$$ :D )

briangraham

Feb 22 2004, 10:50 AM

Pete May and I had the opportunity to meet with Jim Kenner yesterday to review his proposed design of the East Course at the PDGA National Disc Golf Center. All I can say is Wow! Jim did an excellent job using the rolling terrain, lake, ravine and other natural features to design what I think is going to be a great course.

The front nine features some really cool holes and tighter fairways on a fairly flat grade. The back nine holes are a little longer and make great use of the rolling hills on that portion of the tract. A couple of holes bring the lake directly into play, while many others offer the creek and ravine as obstacles to overcome. The course tends to get better and better as you make your way through it. I can't wait to play this layout. Hole 18 is awesome. A 500+ foot hole where you tee from a ridge down a hill towards the ravine and then back up another hill to a green near the training area.

On behalf of the PDGA, the NDGC Committee and the Augusta Disc Golf Association, I would like to thank Jim and Discraft for their generous support of our National Disc Golf Center.

Mar 23 2004, 04:36 PM

things are staring to warm up in the south. could we get a march update?

adam

ck34

Mar 23 2004, 04:43 PM

Wait until around April 3-5 to get a full update. Several meetings, designing and course reviews going on there next week with Monroe, Houck, Duvall, Graham, May, Hoeniger and myself and I'm sure Brian will update everyone on progress after we're done.

Mar 23 2004, 06:11 PM

Awesome.....

nicholson5150

Mar 24 2004, 10:59 PM

briangraham

Mar 25 2004, 11:23 AM

As Chuck mentioned in his post above, I will be meeting with John Houck, Harold Duvall, Chuck Kennedy, Tom Monroe, Brian Hoeniger and Pete May at Wildwood Park on March 30-April 1st. The purpose of this gathering is to review the proposed layouts of Jim Kenner's, East course design and Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe's, North course design. Once these designs have been approved, the US Army Corps of Engineers can begin their required environmental studies of the impacted areas.

Telephone lines have been installed and the interim headquarters building is ready for the PDGA office. The PDGA staff are still in the midst of their lengthy immigration process to relocate to Georgia.

Spring has sprung and the Augusta Disc Golf Association will soon begin work to landscape the area outside the headquarters building as well as some other work on the practice putting greens at the Center.

Mar 25 2004, 09:32 PM

What's to review? If Jim Kenner did it, its bound to be QUALITY! :)

That's a prestigious list of designers there, Brian. If you guys need any help on laying out dangerous birdie holes next to water, I'd like to offer my services.

Well, at least I can pour margaritas real well. :)

gnduke

Mar 25 2004, 11:28 PM

So you really mean laying out watering holes beside swimming pools or beaches ?

widiscgolf

Mar 29 2004, 01:26 AM

Sounds Sweet Brian. Wasn't there a drawing done on how the center would look? If so, is there a link to look online publicly?

briangraham

Apr 09 2004, 11:45 AM

Here is a link to a sports illustrated article on Augusta that mentions the PDGA.

Sports Illustrated Article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/features/si50/states/georgia/story/)

crusher

Apr 11 2004, 09:51 AM

That's a great write up, thanx for the link. I'm sure it was worth Pat's estimated $3,000!

briangraham

May 24 2004, 01:06 PM

Course designers John Houck, Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe will be in Augusta this week working on the designs of the North and South Courses. Harold Duvall will be arriving on Wednesday to design and stake out the SkillShot course and to deliver the nine Innova DisCatchers that will be used on this training area. Augusta Disc Golf Association members will schedule a work day in the near future to install the equipment.

Look for a daily diary of John Houck's course design work at the NDGC to appear on PDGA.com soon.

ck34

Jun 04 2004, 09:58 PM

Here's the latest version of the North Course being designed by Tom Monroe and myself with excellent input from advisors. The length from the Blue tees will range from 6200'-8000' with dual tees and pins on most holes. However, the maxed layout will rarely be used since it doesn't include at least four Par 3 holes. At least one hole with two pins will have one in the A position making the true max length closer to 7900' but still with a par over 60.

The course has two sets of three holes with routes over the lake (some it's optional and none if desired playing from Red tees). Holes 4-6 are righty hyzer biased and 12-14 are lefty hyzer biased. Holes 1 and 3 long pins flirt with water and holes 8 & 17 have routes over creek beds that are sometimes wet but might be mostly marked OB regardless of water.

http://hometown.aol.com/ck34/images/north%20course%20update.jpg

Jun 04 2004, 11:56 PM

Wow, looks like its gonna be a tough SOB....

briangraham

Oct 22 2004, 03:03 PM

Sorry for the long delay in posting an update on the progress of the National Disc Golf Center project. I wanted to wait until after the PDGA Board Summit here in Augusta before posting the exciting news. Here is the latest:

Columbia County has made the NDGC a Tier-1 SPLOST project. This means that we are a top priority project for the county this year and will be receiving substantial funding from the recently extended Special Local Option Sales Tax. The county has budgeted $300,000 to construct a new headquarters building at the site to house the PDGA/NDGC and Disc Golf Foundation offices as well as the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and Ed Headrick Frisbee Museums. This money will be bonded by the county, which means we will begin construction on the building much sooner than originally anticipated. Construction could begin as early as the fall of 2005.

The US Army Corps of Engineers has received a copy of the recently completed Wildwood Park Master Plan from Columbia County. The submission of this important document along with our proposed course designs should help speed up the approval process for our courses. We hope to begin clearing of the first 3 course this winter.

The PDGA has hired two new employees to work at the interim headquarters building at Wildwood Park. Dave Gentry will serve as the PDGA's new Tour Manager and will be relocating to the Augusta area sometime next month from North Dakota. Matt Gills will serve as the new PDGA/NDGC office assistant and is already at work here in Augusta preparing for the opening of the new office. Dave and Matt will be travelling to Toronto at the end of this month for training. the NDGC office will open at Wildwood Park sometime in early November.

Brian Hoeniger and Lorrie Gibson will soon be meeting with US Immigration officials at the border to discuss their Visa application. Everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Harold Duvall will be bringing new Innova DisCatcher's to the NDGC for installation on the SkillShot course. The new SkillShot course should be installed and ready for play before the end of the year.

Designers for the last of the future courses to be installed in phase 2 of the project have been chosen. The team of David Greenwell, Ken Climo and Stan McDaniel will work together to design a layout. All three of these gentlemen are former World Champions and all are members of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame. We are very fortunate to have such a qualified team working on our behalf.

Look for PDGA National Disc Golf Center branded merchandise to go on sale early next year at PDGAstore.com. All proceeds from sales will benefit the NDGC project.

Thats all for now. 2005 is going to be a great year for us!

moeknapp

Oct 22 2004, 07:09 PM

Thanks for the update! It is nice to have truly dedicated members working so hard! I look forward to visiting in the future. :)

briangraham

Oct 25 2004, 10:18 AM

Moving this thread back to the top due to the late Friday afternoon post. See NDGC update above.

briangraham

Nov 09 2004, 12:01 PM

Columbia County News Times article (http://newstimesonline.com/cgi-bin/smart_search/cqcgi/@ccnt_stories.env?CQ_SESSION_KEY=HBUXMNCEMXJW&CQ_QUERY_HANDLE=193404&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=9&CQ_DTF_DOC_TEXT=YES)

Nov 20 2004, 03:38 AM

AWESOME BRIAN!!!

Thanks for the Update.....

flynvegas

Nov 22 2004, 09:57 PM

When will Steady Ed's collection be ready to view? Thx

widiscgolf

Nov 22 2004, 10:15 PM

Gotta love those Green Bay Packers!!!

Dec 02 2004, 04:05 PM

Living in Augusta has definitely never been this cool... having grown up here it is hard to fully appreciate what Brian started and what has blossomed here. It's not enough to have four awesome courses in town, but soon we'll have five of the best courses in the world a nice 20 minute drive away.
I have a suggestion for down the road after all this is in place... there could be a boat dock for the disc golfers who will invariably move into lakefront property to pull up directly to the NDGC via the lake.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this develop right under our noses.

Jeremy

Dec 08 2004, 05:22 PM

Brian Graham wrote:
"The team of David Greenwell, Ken Climo and Stan McDaniel will work together to design a layout. All three of these gentlemen are former World Champions and all are members of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame."

Was this design team inspired by the new Champion's Retreat Golf Club design team of Nicklaus, Palmer, and Player? www.championsretreat.net (http://www.championsretreat.net) This new club is about 15 minutes from the NDGC - if anyone is intersted in joining it is only $18,500, plus $3000 per year. I for one am glad you don't have to be rich to play disc golf.

nix

Dec 09 2004, 11:39 AM

It should be an interesting course...

I too am glad that disc golf fits my budget...

Can't wait to get to Georgia!

briangraham

Dec 10 2004, 03:29 PM

This article appeared in todays edition of the Augusta Chronicle:

NDGC Article (http://augustachronicle.com/stories/121004/met_2789879.shtml)

If you should be prompted for a username and password:
username: pdga
password: pdga

Regards,
Brian Graham

briangraham

Dec 16 2004, 01:47 AM

http://members.aol.com/pdgareg8/Postcard.jpg

Dec 21 2004, 12:13 AM

i know its asking a lot, but i would really enjoy some more pictures of the park area. such as pics of possible signature holes and things like that just to get a better idea of what this place is gonna be like, as i know i will be making at least one trip there in the next several years.thanks for all you guys are doing for the sport

ck34

Dec 21 2004, 12:18 AM

Here's the link to the NDGC tour video I did last spring. Everything is still woods so you can't really see much of the holes, just potential.

http://www.pdga.com/video/NDGCPreviewTour.wmv

MTL21676

Dec 21 2004, 12:26 AM

wow the potentional is amazing - I can't wait.

Thanks for taking to the time to do that Chuck

ck34

Dec 21 2004, 12:29 AM

The NC players will feel right at home. I haven't played Buckhorn but I think some of the holes along the shoreline on the North course might be like some there.

MTL21676

Dec 21 2004, 12:45 AM

Nice - those holes are sweeeet at Buckhorn.

Big hyzers out over the water with the baskets 15 feet from water - makes for sweet golf and sweet pictures and sweet strokes picked up from people who splash!

vinnie

Dec 21 2004, 12:27 PM

Wow this look marvelousss.
If I would of know about all this when I was in school (high school a 100 years ago).
I live down the street from the Masters and went to school at Evans High. I would have had to reconsider moving back to heaven.... Texas that is

briangraham

Jan 24 2005, 05:07 PM

I just returned from a very encouraging meeting with Columbia County Recreation Department officials, US Army Corps of Engineer officials, a representative of the Georgia Forestry Commission and PDGA employees Matt Gillis and Dave Gentry. Based upon recent developments and information exchanged at this meeting, here is a tentative schedule for the development of the PDGA National Disc Golf Center.

- The Cultural resources study of the impacted areas has been completed and there are no conflicts with our preliminary course designs.

Mar. 2005 - Innova Skill-Shot Course to be installed.

Apr. 2005 - Endangered species study of the impacted areas. (1 week)

May 2005 - Tree thinning and course clearing. (1 month)

July 2005 - Course equipment installation to begin.

Nov. 2005 - Construction of our new PDGA/NDGC Headquarters building to begin. (3-4 months) This $300,000 building will be an ADA accessible log cabin approximately 2,500 to 3,000 square feet in size. It will house PDGA headquarters, Disc Golf Foundation offices, a pro shop, snack bar, meeting room, clubhouse, and the Hall of Fame and Ed Headrick museums.

2005 is going to be a banner year for the PDGA and the development of our National Disc Golf Center! We will have courses playable by the end of this year and our new National Disc Golf Center building will be completed early next year. We optimistically expect programs and tournaments to begin at the Center beginning in early 2006.

Regards,
Brian Graham
NDGC Committee Chairman

Jan 24 2005, 05:42 PM

NDGC Course Development Meeting 1.24.2005

A major meeting took place this morning amongst representatives of the three major governing bodies for the National Disc Golf Center site. Attending the meeting were representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, Columbia County Parks, and the Professional Disc Golf Association. The primary purpose for this meeting was the discussion of required forestry and environmental impact surveys.

Ian Jones, the Army Corps of Engineers Forestry Manager, discussed the process for the removal of trees, and the general grounds maintenance required under federal guidelines. The Army Corps are fully behind this project and their commitment was reinforced this morning. Among the developments to take place is a major tree thinning project which will run concurrent with the removal of specific trees designated by course designers.

The goal of the tree thinning is threefold. First, the primary reason to thin these forests is protection from forest fires. The Corps usually performs this maintenance approximately every 10-15 years to ensure the sustainability and safety of their forests. Secondly, the Corp will be looking for diseased, cankered, and pioneer species of trees (such as the omnipresent Southern Pines, and Sweetgum). This group is impeding the growth of trees in the surrounding areas and preventing the establishment of successional species such as the larger hardwoods, like Oak and Hickory. The last and most important reason for doing the tree thinning at this point is to allow the NDGC site to remain free from further regulations and government impositions for the foreseeable future. All of these reasons are a huge benefit for the NDGC, and will contribute to the overall enjoyment and future development of these courses.

The only minor setback was with regard to the environmental impact surveys concerning endangered and threatened species. Due to the fact that the Army Corps of Engineer�s Biologist will be looking for a couple of endangered plants, this evaluation will not be able to progress until the spring, when �leaf-out� occurs. This endangered species study appears to be a formality, with no known endangered species within the general vicinity. The good news in regards to this study is that it takes a very short time, (1-2 days generally) and will not interfere with the planning of the tree removal. As soon as this study takes place, we will be able to begin removing trees. The tree removal process takes approximately one month and will set the timeline to begin course installation sometime in June, 2005.

So what does all this mean?

First and foremost, this meeting illustrated the dedication and fluid communication between various separate governmental entities. These groups can be quickly being de-railed through the process of bureaucratic miscommunication. The careful planning of the NDGC Committee chaired by Brian Graham has led to these groups doing anything within their power to proceed on this project. By taking the required steps, we will ensure that these courses are to their utmost quality, as well as preventing future complications.

Secondly, this major tree thinning project will ease the only possible downside to the NDGC site, too many trees. Through the course of this project, approximately half of the trees in the surrounding area will be removed, leaving the NDGC courses with more picturesque, park-like settings. The course designers will be kept in constant communication throughout this process, allowing for some fairly specific course alterations that will only compliment their pre-designed ideas.

Third, by tackling these required evaluations all at once, we will have the ability to progress on all three courses at once, rather than individually. Not only will we be able to begin installing these courses this summer, but we will also be able to move on the construction of our clubhouse which could possibly be finished by the end of 2005.

In conclusion, please understand that I am just as excited as many of our members for the completion and play of the National Disc Golf Center courses. They are going to be amazing. By following closely with these various bodies, we are taking some time to ensure that everything is done correctly, and with the utmost thought and consideration for the future of disc golf in Wildwood Park. So please bear with us, and we will ensure that the National Disc Golf Center meets and exceeds all of our expectations.

Thank you for your patience,

Matthew J. Gillis

NDGC/PDGA Office Assistant

(706) 261-NDGC Office

National Disc Golf Center
3841 Dogwood Lane
Appling, GA 30802

Jan 27 2005, 03:51 AM

I commissioned our most excellend PDGA office assistant Matt Gillis to show me around the courses at Wildwood Park, and must say that pictures and the great footage that Chuck Kennedy took do not do justice to this incredible place. Without any foliage on the trees it is possible to see through the woods and envision what it will all look like with the courses installed and thousands of happy golfers hucking plastic up and down hills, over the lake, through valleys with winding ravines. It is truly a beautiful place that I believe will make disc golfers proud for many generations to come.
Chuck and John, I am blown away by the incredible job you guys have done, and I think your courses are true masterpieces. I can't wait to be among the first to play them and go for the course record (If I could brew it the first day it opens I could bag a course low before all the good golfers move to town). Thanks so much.

Jeremy

briangraham

Feb 16 2005, 12:31 PM

The following article appeared on the front page of the Metro section of today's edition of the Augusta Chronicle:

Disc Golf officials clear visa hurdles (http://augustachronicle.com/stories/021605/met_3376678.shtml)

username: pdga
password: pdga

discgolfga

Mar 03 2005, 06:16 PM

For those interested in this project, I found this awesome link...

Check out the master plan, Cabins right next to the disc golf course!!

http://www.co.columbia.ga.us/community_leisure/Recreation/ww_masterplan.html

Luke Butch

Mar 03 2005, 07:03 PM

Looks awesome!

briangraham

Mar 09 2005, 09:52 PM

Here is an aerial photograph of Wildwood Park. Use the zoom feature to pan out to see how big the lake is. (largest man made Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi). Lots of water sports to enjoy while at the NDGC. Boat and Jet ski rentals are available at the Marina just down the road from the park.

Epicenter will be designing and installing another 18-hole course this summer at the park located at the base of the Dam.

http://www.terraserver.microsoft.com/addressimage.aspx?t=1&s=13&lon=-82.2854082525&lat=33.6411805633333&alon=-82.28277700&alat=33.646847&w=3&opt=0&qs=3841+dogwood+lane%7cappling%7cga%7c&addr=3841+Dogwood+Ln%2c+Appling%2c+GA+30802

Fossil

Mar 10 2005, 09:20 AM

Here is an aerial photograph of Wildwood Park. Use the zoom feature to pan out to see how big the lake is. (largest man made Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi).

J Strom Thurman Lake

What a powerhouse of separatist politics that man was!
He became the only 100-year-old senator in the Republic's history. He's also
the only American to have been elected to national office by a write-in campaign.
And the only senator to have spoken for 24 hours and 18 minutes continuously, back in 1957
when he filibustered
the civil rights bill and had an aide standing with a bucket in the adjoining cloakroom
so he could relieve himself while keeping one foot on the Senate floor and still speaking.
And he's the only circuit court judge in South Carolina history to have made love to a condemned
murderess as she was being transferred from the women's prison to Death Row.

This was Sue Logue, the only woman in the state ever to be sent to the chair,
but not before she'd been sent to the back seat of Strom's car for a lively final ride.

Thurmond's fervid pursuit of women, which once prompted Sen. John Tower
to make the famous remark-often attributed to Thurmond himself-that
'When he dies, they'll have to beat his {------} down with a baseball bat
in order to close the coffin lid'."

{------} starts with 'P' and rhymes with wrecker.

(Maybe that's why the lake is so big?)

briangraham

Mar 10 2005, 11:11 AM

You're not the first person to incorrectly assume that the people in this area happily named the lake in honor of Strom Thurmond. I am constantly amazed at the level of ignorance people from outside our area have about us. I guess watching too many re-runs of the Dukes of Hazzard will do that to you. :(

The renaming of the lake is still a very sore subject for most people in the Augusta area and in fact, the lake is still called by its original name, Clarks Hill, by almost everyone. The lake was officially renamed to Lake Thurmond in 1988 by politicians in Washington but that name has never, and will never be accepted by locals. In fact, a petiton containing the signatures of well over 20,000 local residents, including myself, was submitted to try to keep the lake from being renamed but the U.S. Congress chose to ignore it's citizens and rename the lake to honor one of their own. To this day, the lake is still referred to as Clarks Hill lake by everyone in this area with the exception of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who manage the lake.

Fossil

Mar 10 2005, 02:49 PM

I didn't assume anything about the naming.
I only noted his powerhouse status. Both in SC and Washington.
Nothing in my post assumed anything about how the locals feel about the name.
Your speculation about my ignorance is insulting,
however I have been considered a yankee because I was born North of Macon!
I am from Atlanta! Still consider that my home.
I also have fished for bass in Clark Hill numerous times growing up.
.
I would have signed the same petition as you if given the chance.
I had to suffer through Lester Maddox as Georgia Governor, even went to the first
Peach Bowl and had to watch him ride his bicycle, facing backwards
around Grant Field. The irony was not lost on me, even as a child.

That being said, I knew that using his name might be interesting.
Pushed a few buttons? I don�t blame you for being sensitive.
I would have been outraged.

Be careful what you assume.

Fossil

Mar 10 2005, 03:08 PM

Brian
By the way, thanks for all the updates.
Looking forward to meeting you & touring the facility during
the Hall Of Fame event.

haroldduvall

Mar 11 2005, 09:55 AM

Senator Thurmond was also one not to let age define him nor was he too puffed up to chew the fat and shake hands with folks at a Rock Hill High School football game. I reckon disc golf is going to flourish just fine on the shores of Clarks Hill.

Take care,
Harold

Moderator005

Mar 11 2005, 10:57 AM

Oh no, not again! :(

If you looked on the first page of this thread, we already went through this. While imo there's no defending Thurmond's shameful legacy, it's all long in the past.

Let's all look to the future, where the most important disc golf facility in the world is being built. It will be the advocacy center for the sport. I can't wait!

Fossil

Mar 11 2005, 11:02 AM

I bet he could tell stories around a bottle of bourbon
that would make us both laugh & wince.

Certainly a man of the people, certain people at certain times anyway.

Harold, I too "reckon the facility will
flourish just fine on the shores of Clarks Hill".

I also reckon you know the difference between a Yankee
and a **** Yankee? ...
The Yankees went home!.

I reckon we'll put up with Californians though.
:o
See ya at the HOF Harold.

briangraham

Mar 25 2005, 12:52 PM

There will be a radio story on Augusta Disc Golf and the PDGA National Disc Golf Center today (Friday, Mar. 25) at 3:00pm EST and Easter Sunday (Mar. 27) at 10:00am EST on Georgia Public Radio. You can listen to it live online at
http://www.gpb.org/public/radio/index.jsp?pcode=streaming

Susanna Capelouto, is a producer for Georgia Public Radio. She came to a local club tournament a while back and interviewed several disc golfers. She also came to the PDGA center at the lake last weekend during the ESPN fishing tournament and did a couple more interviews.

briangraham

Mar 31 2005, 08:45 PM

Here is a link to the Georgia Public radio story on the National Disc Golf Center:

http://www.gpb.org/public/streaming/smedia_pop.jsp?smid=8176

briangraham

Apr 08 2005, 03:37 PM

This article on the National Disc Golf Center appeared in this weeks edition of the Columbia County News Times. The appearance of the article in this weeks paper is huge because there are literally thousands of media folks in town from all over the world to cover the Masters Golf Tournament.

<font color="blue">"Disc golf comes to Wildwood"
By Valerie Rowell
Staff Writer

Golf with a little white ball isn't the only game in town.

Columbia County is now the international headquarters for people who play golf with little round discs.

Wildwood Park in northern Columbia County recently became the international headquarters of the Professional Disc Golf Association, which moved from Toronto. By May 2006, the National Disc Golf Center at the park will be home to the PDGA headquarters; the Disc Golf Hall of Fame, now in Atlanta; the Headrick Memorial Frisbee Museum; three championship disc golf courses; and a pro shop.

"This is the first time our sport has ever had one place where we could consolidate all of our resources and really concentrate on promoting the sport better," said Brian Graham, the center's committee chairman and the founder of the Augusta Disc Golf Association. "We hope to bring in large international events to our area including the professional world championships and the amateur world championships."

After resolving nearly a year of visa problems to enter the United States from Canada, Graham said, he expects Brian Hoeniger, the association's executive director and the PDGA's membership manager, to arrive next week, after the Masters Tournament.

Construction on the three courses will begin as soon as the Department of Natural Resources completes necessary environmental studies.

"We hope to have equipment installed and some courses playable by the middle to the end of the summer," Graham said. "Disc golf, unlike ball golf, you don't have to have meticulously manicured fairways and greens.''

Graham expects many of the nearly 26,000 PDGA members and other disc golf enthusiasts to visit the center and attend the various regional, national and international events held there.

"(Residents) are going to be really surprised at how big it is and how many people will come to this area from around the world just to see this facility and compete and train here," Graham said, adding that he hopes the large events will make an economic impact on the area. The last world championship event attracted players from 11 countries and throughout the United States.

Graham said construction on the 2,700-square-foot building will begin later this year and be complete by May 2006.

Graham said he expects the Headrick Memorial Frisbee Museum to be a large attraction, especially to disc collectors.

"It will be the largest Frisbee museum in the world," Graham said, adding that the inventor of the modern-day frisbee, Ed Headrick, who also is considered the father of disc golf, died in 2002 and had his ashes converted into collectors discs to be sold to benefit the building.

But Graham said the center will not be just for professionals.

"It's kind of an education center for our sport, too, where we can reach out to the public," said Graham, who also is a board member of the Greater Augusta Sports Council.

"The county is going to benefit from the economic impact of the huge events we are going to bring here, And the county residents are going to have a very affordable sport that they can participate in."

Graham said the courses designed for the world's best players can be adapted to less experienced players. The center also will play host to summer camps and clinics for youths and will allow church, youth or corporate groups to rent the facility.

"This is an opportunity to combine doing something good for the sport that I like and doing something good for the community through the sports council," Graham said.

For more information, call the PDGA temporary headquarters building at Wildwood Park at 261-6342. </font>

ck34

Jun 10 2005, 01:05 PM

Here's the latest map draft of the North course designed by Monroe and myself:

http://hometown.aol.com/ck34/images/north%20map%20june%202005%20web.jpg

ck34

Jun 10 2005, 01:11 PM

Here is some estimated info for the North course. Two sets of tees for Blue and Red level players. Pars are based on Blue level players (950 rating avg.)

<table border="1"><tr><td> Item</td><td>Tee</td><td>Pin</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>Out</td><td>10</td><td>11</td><td>12</td><td>13</td><td>14</td><td>15</td><td>16</td><td>17</td><td>18</td><td>IN</td><td>Total
</td></tr><tr><td>Measured</td><td>Blue</td><td>A</td><td>340</td><td>255</td><td>290</td><td>315</td><td>355</td><td>225</td><td>430</td><td>205</td><td>460</td><td>2875</td><td>305</td><td>235</td><td>300</td><td>390</td><td>215</td><td>565</td><td>175</td><td>290</td><td>380</td><td>2855</td><td>5730
</td></tr><tr><td>Lengths</td><td>Blue</td><td>B</td><td>625</td><td>370</td><td>460</td><td>410</td><td>455</td><td>225</td><td>515</td><td>265</td><td>630</td><td>3955</td><td>490</td><td>475</td><td>390</td><td>575</td><td>215</td><td>705</td><td>355</td><td>365</td><td>430</td><td>4000</td><td>7955
</td></tr><tr><td>(estimate)</td><td>Red</td><td>A</td><td>250</td><td>180</td><td>185</td><td>230</td><td>325</td><td>185</td><td>365</td><td>140</td><td>345</td><td>2205</td><td>175</td><td>235</td><td>165</td><td>250</td><td>130</td><td>295</td><td>175</td><td>230</td><td>280</td><td>1935</td><td>4140
</td></tr><tr><td>.</td><td>Red</td><td>B</td><td>535</td><td>295</td><td>355</td><td>325</td><td>425</td><td>185</td><td>450</td><td>200</td><td>515</td><td>3285</td><td>360</td><td>475</td><td>300</td><td>485</td><td>130</td><td>435</td><td>355</td><td>305</td><td>330</td><td>3175</td><td>6460
</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td>Elevation</td><td>Blue</td><td>A</td><td>-20</td><td>15</td><td>-20</td><td>28</td><td>-30</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>20</td><td>10</td><td>-12</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>25</td><td>0</td><td>-3</td><td>25</td><td>38</td><td>48
</td></tr><tr><td>Change</td><td>Blue</td><td>B</td><td>-50</td><td>30</td><td>-40</td><td>40</td><td>-30</td><td>7</td><td>-3</td><td>12</td><td>25</td><td>-9</td><td>-21</td><td>-20</td><td>0</td><td>10</td><td>0</td><td>28</td><td>0</td><td>12</td><td>18</td><td>27</td><td>18
</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td>Adjusted</td><td>Blue</td><td>A</td><td>280</td><td>300</td><td>230</td><td>439</td><td>345</td><td>246</td><td>469</td><td>226</td><td>595</td><td>3130</td><td>269</td><td>264</td><td>300</td><td>390</td><td>215</td><td>640</td><td>175</td><td>281</td><td>455</td><td>2989</td><td>6119
</td></tr><tr><td>Lengths</td><td>Blue</td><td>B</td><td>475</td><td>460</td><td>380</td><td>570</td><td>445</td><td>246</td><td>536</td><td>301</td><td>780</td><td>4193</td><td>427</td><td>435</td><td>445</td><td>655</td><td>215</td><td>789</td><td>390</td><td>401</td><td>484</td><td>4241</td><td>8434
</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td>Estimated</td><td>Blue</td><td>A</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>29</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>29</td><td>58
</td></tr><tr><td>Par</td><td>Blue</td><td>B</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>33</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>34</td><td>67
</td></tr><tr><td> </tr></td></table>

briangraham

Aug 30 2005, 12:51 PM

It's been quite awhile since I posted an update on the National Disc Golf Center project so here is the latest news:

- Tree removal on our first three courses has now been completed. Read Matt Gillis's article on the front page of PDGA.com for more detailed information. Another crew will soon begin removing additional trees in areas that were inaccessible to the heavy equipment. Once tree removal has been completed, a massive cleanup will be required to remove stumps and downed tree limbs from our fairways. This debris will be chipped and piled for our use later in mulching fairways, walkways and other high traffic areas.

- All of the phase-1 course designers have been invited to attend the Fall Summit on September 22-23, preceeding the Augusta Classic . This visit will give the designers the opportunity to inspect their courses in order to make adjustments and recommendations before the final layouts are staked out in preparation for equipment installation this Fall.

- Due to the recent increases in the price of fuel and lumber, the cost of construction is on the rise. As of last week, the size of our future headquarters building had been reduced from it's original 2,700 sq.ft. layout down to 2,000 sq.ft. in order to meet the County's budget of $300,000. Yesterday, (Monday, August 29th), Pete May, Brian Hoeniger, Dave Gentry and I met with Columbia County Commissioner, Tommy Mercer to plead our case for a larger building. Commissioner Mercer listened to us for about two minutes and without hesitating, appropriated an additional $60,000 from his discretionary fund to our project. This move was huge and reaffirms Columbia County's committment to the NDGC. The $360,000 building in addition to the high value of our lakefront property, the cost of tree removal and other site improvements, puts the value of Columbia County's investment in our project at well over 1 million dollars.

- Plans for the design and construction of the NDGC headquarters building are proceeding. The current schedule would give us a completion date of July 2006 and would meet our goal of hosting the grand opening and ribbon cutting during the Pro World Championships here in Augusta next year.

- Tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 31) we will meet with the project architect and site engineer at Wildwood Park to select the location of the building.

Regards,
Brian Graham
NDGC Committee Chairman

briangraham

Nov 21 2005, 01:14 PM

The first of many volunteer work days was scheduled this past weekend at the PDGA National Disc Golf Center. NDGC North course designer, Chuck Kennedy, was assisted by members of the Augusta Disc Golf Association, Epicenter Disc Golf Services and the PDGA office staff in tree removal and fairway clearing. Following the work, Chuck Kennedy gave the group a tour of the course layout, which is going to be spectacular, judging by what we saw. Hole 5 sent chills down my spine as I stood on the tee box and looked down the hill and over a water inlet that protects the green. This will probably be the signature hole on this course. Absolutely beautiful! (See Chuck's course map above)

I will make announcements on this thread prior to all future work days at the NDGC. We invite all PDGA members to join us in the ongoing development of these courses.

Regards,
Brian Graham

iheartdiscgolf

Nov 21 2005, 02:27 PM

Count me in! I'll be watching this thread!! I can't wait!! :D

briangraham

Nov 21 2005, 03:55 PM

Moderator005

Nov 21 2005, 04:00 PM

Here is a Chuck Kennedy photo of Hole 5 on the North Course at the National Disc Golf Center. Bite off as much as you want using the heroic route over the water (right fairway) or play the safe route (left fairway) across the creek at the bottom of the hill and then along the waters edge to the basket.

http://members.aol.com/pdgareg8/NorthHole5.jpg

That looks awesome!

One question: how wide are the fairways? I can't tell from the picture whether the spaces between the trees are six feet or fifteen feet wide.

briangraham

Nov 21 2005, 04:13 PM

The fairway widths vary around the course but the ones in the photo of hole 5 above are roughly 15 to 20' wide. The photo also distorts the elevation and makes the hole look flat when in reality the tee sits much higher than the water and the basket locations.

tbender

Nov 21 2005, 04:14 PM

That would be a lefty hole. :)

DweLLeR

Nov 21 2005, 04:41 PM

Lefty......pish posh.........Ill spike that bad daddy right out over the water and come right into the bank under the basket. There are no such things as lefty holes only holes that righties dont have the shot in their bag.

ck34

Nov 21 2005, 04:49 PM

adogg187420

Nov 21 2005, 05:20 PM

Any more pictures?

ck34

Nov 21 2005, 05:23 PM

I'm working on an article that Matt can post on the PDGA home page with about 8-10 more pix.

DweLLeR

Nov 21 2005, 05:26 PM

FYI- The hole is 395 to the A pin and 480 to the B pin over the water. The elevation drop is around 25 feet.

I can't think of any intended fairways that are less than 12 feet on the whole course. Of course, there are dozens of unintended routes that are less than 10 feet wide. :D

So what is the math used to determine the actual length a disc must fly to get to the pin with that elevation? My guess would be about 340 and 400 respectively?

DweLLeR

Nov 21 2005, 05:26 PM

Oh!! and yes, any more pictures?!?

DweLLeR

Nov 21 2005, 05:28 PM

I'm working on an article that Matt can post on the PDGA home page with about 8-10 more pix.

Toooooo Bad!!!!!!!

ck34

Nov 21 2005, 05:44 PM

For slope angles that most players can walk (under 15%), using 3 feet for every 1 foot of elevation difference seems to work well. So a 25 ft elevation drop makes the hole about 75 feet shorter.

DweLLeR

Nov 21 2005, 06:02 PM

For slope angles that most players can walk (under 15%), using 3 feet for every 1 foot of elevation difference seems to work well. So a 25 ft elevation drop makes the hole about 75 feet shorter.

Now that I see that, I believe Ive seen that before on another post. I knew youd have the answer Chuck!

So parkage to A and B is possible over the water! Nice! When does this course open up?

ck34

Nov 21 2005, 06:26 PM

No dates on opening yet but people passing thru the neighborhood can now throw about 12 holes without baskets (like we did Saturday) if they're willing to step over lots of downed logs (or even help move some to the burn piles). Print out the map above to find the tee and pin flags because there are no signs.

briangraham

Nov 22 2005, 03:51 PM

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the National Disc Golf Center will take place next August during the 2006 PDGA Pro World Championships in Augusta. Visitors will have the opportunity to see both the Ed Headrick Memorial Frisbee Museum and the Disc Golf Hall of Fame.

http://pdga.com/images/NDGC/NDGCsiteplan.jpg

Construction of our new 2,700 square foot headquarters building is scheduled to begin in February with a completion date sometime in July. The North course will be used in the mixed doubles World Championship. Barring any unforseen setbacks, we expect to have the North course open and playable by this spring.

Please take a moment to look at the NDGC Endowment program brochure and consider making a donation to this very worthwhile cause.

NDGC Endowment Program (http://pdga.com/documents/NDGCendowment.pdf)

briangraham

Dec 06 2005, 10:36 AM

Dear PDGA Members,

We will be having a work day at the PDGA National Disc Golf Center at Wildwood Park north of Augusta this Saturday (Dec. 10th) at 9:00am. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time and see the NDGC is encouraged to attend. Augusta Disc Golf Association members will be on hand with chainsaws and a Bobcat so we should be able to get a lot of work done. This is a good opportunity for you to give back to the sport and contribute to the future success of our NDGC .

We will once again be working on the DGA North Course, designed by Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe, in preparation for installing baskets at the end of this month. Course designer, Chuck Kennedy will be in town from December 31 to January 6th to oversee the beginning of equipment installation. We will schedule another work day during that time.

Please spread the word and we hope to see you and your buddies at Wildwood Park this Saturday! If you need directions, please call me at (706) 373-6256.

Regards,
Brian Graham
NDGC Committee Chairman

ck34

Dec 06 2005, 03:20 PM

Check out the article and pictures on the latest clearing efforts on the North Course available on the PDGA Home page as a downloadable PDF. The estimated lengths, pars, elevation and water impact for each hole are indicated at the end of the article. Almost every hole has some elevation except for hole 12 which is essentially just above lake level. Even holes where it looks like it's level with zero elevation between tee and pin, either has a dip or hump. In fact hole 16 is like an 'S' on its side with a dip from tee to A pin then a hump between the A & B pins.

The course is not designed to ever (or rarely) be played with all pins long. Only three holes would be twoable in this configuration. Even the monster Winthrop Gold course has seven realistic twos. That's why the last configuration shown called North Max is the longest layout that would be balanced and interesting to play in an event, even though all pins are not in the B position.

Moderator005

Dec 06 2005, 04:10 PM

The course is not designed to ever (or rarely) be played with all pins long. Only three holes would be twoable in this configuration. Even the monster Winthrop Gold course has seven realistic twos. That's why the last configuration shown called North Max is the longest layout that would be balanced and interesting to play in an event, even though all pins are not in the B position.

Consider that there may be a number of disc golfers out there who would desire to play the longest layout possible more than just rarely. This may be the case even though the difference between North Max layout (7660', par 66) and the Theoretical Max (8090', par 67) is small.

While the focus should surely be getting all the courses in the ground and available for play, perhaps at a later time the possibility could be examined of having a 'Warwick' type setup with permanent poleholes in both pin positions, allowing for such play. Of course, at the North course, there would only be one polehole on holes 6 and 14.

ck34

Dec 06 2005, 04:22 PM

Of the three courses designed so far, the North course is the only one that has shorter recreational (Red) tees defined. This course will likely be kept in shorter rather than longer configurations for daily play. As you can see, the course is 4300 from the Reds even when all pins are in the A position. I can see where maybe different groupings of up to four pins might go into the B positions on some kind of rotation scheme but all this will need to be worked out.

ck34

Jan 08 2006, 12:40 AM

The work day last Monday was a washout but we did get some more work done on the North Course last week. Co-designer Tom Monroe showed up on Tuesday with chainsaw in hand and we got to work. By the end of the week, we had cleared the remaining routes to be opened up. Every hole can now be thrown but there are still piles of downed logs and brush on many holes. Matt Gillis will be working to coordinate the next step to get anchor holes drilled and the DGA anchors cemented. Baskets will perhaps get installed in February if the debris can get cleared by then.

drdisc

Jan 19 2006, 12:43 AM

The North Course, aka the Headrick, is looking good. you can actually figure out where some of the fairways are located. You can even throw some of them without bashing up your plastic. If Matt and the Augusta boys could get it going, that course could be playable by Spring Break.

briangraham

Apr 17 2006, 12:25 PM

Here is a link to a story on the International Disc Golf Center that appeared in todays edition of the Augusta Chronicle, including an artists rendering of the clubhouse building.
International Disc Golf Center (http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/041706/met_77805.shtml)

username: pdga
password: pdga

discette

Apr 17 2006, 12:38 PM

Wow-

$435,532 for a 2,700 square foot buliding ($161 per square foot) and this doesn't include the cost of the land.

Seems pricey to me. Is Columbia County paying for the building? Will they charge the PDGA to rent the building?

Apr 17 2006, 01:07 PM

discette

Apr 17 2006, 02:50 PM

I knew the fact the bid was being done for government would mean it would cost more. Thanks for the info.

Apr 21 2006, 05:06 PM

As posted above, in the PDGA Announcements section:

New Name, New Look

The PDGA Board of Directors has voted to change the name of the National Disc Golf Center to the International Disc Golf Center, in order to reflect the growing international trends of our sport, and to include non-US disc golfers in the development of this project. In order to reflect these changes, we have decided to develop a new logo for the Center. We are looking for aspiring graphic artists to create sample logos and submit them to PDGA Headquarters for review. The winning artist will receive credit and recognition for a $500 donation-in-kind to the IDGC Endowment Fund. Good Luck!

Submissions should be sent to Matt Gillis at [email protected]

memphisdiscgolf

May 01 2006, 06:05 PM

Brian Graham I am trying to get a hold of you. Please E-mail me back when you get the chance.

Memphisdiscgolf-AT-aol-DOT.com

ck34

May 04 2006, 10:02 PM

Tom Monroe and I just left the (Inter)National Center after a few successful work days. All but 5 of the 34 anchors were installed on the North course. The five were not installed pending a little more clearing by Pat Farrell on 10, 11 & 12. Matt Gillis was our cement slinger with Pat providing support for all of us with his bobcat. Tom and I positioned and dug the holes along with doing some additional chainsaw clearing. Cement tee pads for the Blue (long) tees are coming in a week or so. I know you want to know when you can play it but no official forecast yet.

briangraham

Aug 30 2006, 07:22 PM

Ebay Alert - USDGC INNcolor CE Roc

I just put my most prized disc up for auction. Bid early and bid often. A chunk of the proceeds will be donated to the International Disc Golf Center endowment fund.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140024332189

Regards,
Brian Graham

Lyle O Ross

Aug 31 2006, 12:00 PM

Discette

The building is funded through a GA state sales tax mechanism called SPLOST, with top up from Columbia County Commissioners slush fund to meet budget based on (revised) low bid. The cost / sq ft in part reflects fact that County construction projects involve a lot more cost in terms of architects and related than most construction, based on government protocol/process requirements. There will be a reasonable amount of monthly rent charged to PDGA. The 110 acres of land covering the 3 courses do not come with any purchase/rent costs to PDGA, but they do come with a ton of work to do and associated costs in terms of developing the courses, as is unfolding. That plus furnishing the building = the projects endowment fund, support for which from the membership is less than we had hoped but still growing steadily.

Regards

PDGAHQ

Governments never cease to amaze me. My wife and I live in West University, a small city within the boundries of Houston. It keeps it's independence because of the money in the neighborhood, basically, a majority of the doctors that work in the Texas Medical Center live there (my wife is a doctor). We are building a new home there and if you build the same home in Houston proper the cost is X. Our cost in West U is X + $100,000, I kid you not. All that extra money is used to cover licencing and fees charged by the City of West University. What do we get in return? Well, instead of it taking 1 month for the City of Houston to review our building permit, it's taking 5 months with two rewrites. :D

So, it no longer surprises me that a 2,700 sq. foot building that has government involvement costs $500,000 (trust me the cost will go up).

briangraham

Aug 31 2006, 12:40 PM

Because the IDGC Headquarters building is a public facility, it must meet much higher building standards than a non-public building like a house. These higher standards equate to a higher cost and must include handicap accessability, increased floor load, a sprinkler system and emergency lighting among many other things. The fact that it is a municipal project also increases the cost due to legal requirements like the bidding process and the the hiring of an architect to manage the project. The costs also include extending utilities for quite a distance to the building site and improvements to the parking area and entrance road. The project also includes a large deck on the rear of the building.

Once you take into account all of these factors, the cost of the building doesn't seem out of line at all. The PDGA or any otheR small organization like ours would have a very hard time funding a project like this on their own. The lakeside property alone would be in excess of a million dollars.This is the reason we have partnered with Columbia County to create the IDGC.

Lyle O Ross

Aug 31 2006, 01:05 PM

briangraham

Sep 25 2006, 03:42 PM

An architectural rendering of the International Disc Golf Center headquarters building and overview plan of the IDGC course complex have been posted on the front page of EpicenterDiscGolf.com (http://epicenterdiscgolf.com).

The building is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. Look for the grand opening and official ribbon cutting to take place in April 2007 in conjunction with the Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic NT Event. The tournament will be contested on the new "Steady" Ed Headrick Memorial Disc Golf Course at the IDGC and weekend festivities will include the opening of the new PDGA offices as well as the Hall of Fame and Headrick Memorial Frisbee museums.

It's an exciting time to be a PDGA member. You can support the IDGC by making a tax deductible contibution to the IDGC Endowment Fund (http://pdga.com/documents/NDGCendowment.pdf).

Regards,
Brian Graham
IDGC Committee Chairman

briangraham

Sep 26 2006, 12:26 PM

The following is a summary of the IDGC update I gave to the PDGA Board at the summit last week:

International Disc Golf Center
Project Update

Construction of our new IDGC Headquarters building is currently underway. The scheduled completion date is December 23, 2006 but weather related construction delays will probably push the completion back to January, 2007.
(An architectural rendering of the building can be seen here (http://epicenterdiscgolf.com).)

Columbia County has kindly offered to demolish the existing covered picnic pavilion at the course complex and construct a new one adjacent to the our new headquarters building at no cost to the Association. The estimated cost of this is additional amenity is $80,000. This multi-purpose structure can be used as a picnic area, an outdoor classroom and a tournament headquarters for events at the facility.

Columbia County has a $1.5 Million capital improvements bond referendum coming up before voters in November to make improvements to the roads and utilities at Wildwood Park.

Columbia County has promised to commit extra personnel and equipment to speed up the clearing of the remaining courses beginning later this fall. A meeting and course walk-through with County officials last week was very encouraging.

Columbia County has appropriated an additional $15,000 to be used for stump removal on the IDGC courses.

The IDGC Grand Opening and ribbon cutting is tentatively being planned to coincide with the Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic NT/SuperTour Event in April 2007.

Recent IDGC Donations

The 2006 Augusta Pro Worlds will be donating $10,000 to the IDGC Endowment fund. This money is due in part to the overwhelming success of the Innova CFR Wraith program, basket donations by the DGA and the silent auction that was held in conjunction with the event.

The Mini Disc Golf Federation (Donnie Brooks, Linc Morgan) and Jim Webber have each donated 9 mini baskets to create a future 18-hole mini disc golf course at the IDGC. These donations were negotiated through the Pro Worlds.

Gateway Disc Sports has offered to donate a new Titan Basket to the IDGC.

Jon Lyksett and his wife have commissioned Steve Brinster to create a disc golf sculpture for the IDGC heaquarters building.

Beck Zallek has commissioned an artist to create a disc golf painting for the new IDGC Headquarters building.

The following logo was selected by the PDGA Board from the 30 plus submissions and is now the official logo of the IDGC.

http://members.aol.com/epicenterdg/IDGC-PDGA.jpg

briangraham

Dec 13 2006, 01:10 PM

IDGC Update - 12/13/06

A recent photo of the IDGC Headquarters building has been posted on the front page of PDGA.com. As you can see, the building now has a finished roof, doors and windows. The log walls, front porch, wheelchair ramp and rear deck are slated next for the exterior. The installations of the mechanical and electrical systems are nearly complete inside the building so sheetrock and the architectural finishes will be going up soon.

Site grading has also begun around the building and on the entrance road leading to the building. Trees were removed on both sides of the existing road to allow for widening and other improvements. The new gravel road and parking lot will allow us to adequately handle bigger events.

The $30,000 contract for stump removal was approved at the last County Commission meeting so that project will begin on January 2, 2007. This will entail the removal of well over 2,300 stumps from the three courses, as well as some additional course clearing.

Demolition of the existing picnic shelter will begin soon to make way for construction of a new covered pavilion adjacent to the building. The pavilion was an unexpected amenity that Columbia County kindly offered to build for us at no charge, and its $80,000 estimated cost reconfirms their level of dedication to the project and confidence in the future success of the IDGC.

Course clearing continues on the three courses. The Headrick Memorial (North) course is now open for play with concrete tee pads, footbridges and custom painted DGA baskets. The Innova/Houck (South) course is scheduled to be open next and this course is getting the majority of attention at this time. Both of these courses will be used in the Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic NT Event, which will coincide with the IDGC grand opening on the weekend of April 20-22, 2007. The Discraft/Kenner (East) course is scheduled for completion later in 2007.

The IDGC Museum committee is very busy planning the details of the Headrick Memorial Museum. The museum will be the home of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and the official dedication will take place durng the IDGC grand opening in April. The museum is being funded by the Steady Ed Memorial ash disc sets, available for purchase from the DGA and at PDGAstore.com.

SUPPORT THE IDGC! Make a tax deductible contribution today.

briangraham

Jan 15 2007, 12:20 PM

IDGC Update:

Construction of the IDGC headquarters building continues with completion expected sometime at the end of February. All of the interior walls have now been sheetrocked and construction has begun on the front porch, wheelchair ramp and rear deck. The exterior finish of the building was changed by the architect from a log veneer to wooden lapboard. This money saving change was necessary in order for the building to remain at its originally designed size (2,700 sq. ft.) and for the rear deck to be constructed as part of the bulding contract.

Demolition of the existing covered picnic pavilion is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks. Construction of the new pavilion will begin immediately and will be completed at the same time as the headquarters building. The new pavilion will have electricity, lighting and water and the shingled roof will match the headquarters building.

Removal of stumps and additional clearing of the courses continues. The contractor has completed the Headrick Course and is currently working on the Innova South Course, before he moves on to the Discraft East Course. His work entails the removal of well over 2,000 stumps from the three courses, as well as some additional clearing and debris removal.

The PDGA and IDGC Committee have submitted a fee schedule to Columbia County officials for approval. The proposed fees are very reasonable with discounted rates for PDGA members and Columbia County residents.

I have been in contact with the Columbia County Emergency Services Department in regards to the funding and installation of a severe weather warning system at the IDGC. The proposed system would emit a loud audible horn to warn disc golfers on the courses of approaching severe weather and lightning.

We are currently appealing to PDGA members for disc related artwork, sculptures, etc. that they would like to donate to the IDGC building.

The grand opening and dedication of the IDGC will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2007, in conjunction with the Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic NT/SuperTour Event. We urge all disc golfers to make plans now to attend this historical event.

Here are a few recent articles from the Augusta Chronicle on the International Disc Golf Center:

username: pdga, password: pdga

"Wildwood Disc Golf Course Now Open" (http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/011307/met_112388.shtml)

"Recreation Sports" (http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/123006/com_109671.shtml)

"Columbia County" (http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/123006/com_110506.shtml)

Regards,
Brian Graham
IDGC Committee Chairman

Jeff_LaG

Jan 15 2007, 12:38 PM

Nice update! Thanks, Brian. Here's some cool pictures from those articles:

Lookin' pure http://i.spotted.augusta.com/user/1/gallery/191902.jpg

You can reach back farther than that, Guru. :Dhttp://i.spotted.augusta.com/user/1/gallery/191903.jpg

[i]U.S. Air offers fares to Augusta starting at just $129 each way! :cool:http://i.spotted.augusta.com/user/1/gallery/191904.jpg

xterramatt

Jan 15 2007, 12:42 PM

Cool, about the weather warning system. That should be set up in every park in the country, regardless of sport.

briangraham

Mar 01 2007, 12:24 PM

In preparation for the grand opening and building dedication of the PDGA International disc Golf Center, to be held in conjunction with the Hall of Fame Classic NT/SuperTour on April 20-22, the Augusta Disc Golf Association will be scheduling work days at Wildwood Park every Saturday beginning at 9:00am. We are kindly requesting that PDGA members and clubs consider assisting us in readying the facility. Lunch will be served to all volunteers and we usually play a round of golf following the work.

Last week, 3 members of the Mid Ohio Organized Disc Golf Club drove to Georgia to spend 4 days volunteering their time to assist in the work. On Sunday, March 11, the Upstate Disc Golf Club (Greenville, SC) is planning a club visit to the IDGC to work on the courses.

The majority of the work left to be done consists of minor trimming and throwing sticks and logs off of the fairways, as most of the major tree clearing has been completed.

The IDGC has limitless potential, but will only be as good as the members make it. We hope to see you and/or your club at a work day soon. You may contact PDGA administrative assistant, Addie Isbell, (706) 261-6342 for additional information and details.

Thanks and we hope to see you at the IDGC!

Regards,
Brian Graham

briangraham

Mar 20 2007, 05:43 PM

- The IDGC headquarters building is nearing completion and will be turned over to the PDGA in about a week.

- IDGC superintendant, Matt Gillis, and John Chamness have begun landscaping around the building.

- Lavone Wolfe will be visiting the IDGC this weekend to begin installation of the display cases for the Ed Headrick Memorial Museum, home of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame.

- A Diamond level sposorship of the IDGC, in the amount of $25,000 was made possible by Jay Townsend, in honor of his grandfather. The south course, presented by Innova Discs and designed by John Houck has been named the W.R. Jackson Memorial Disc Golf Course.

- The first set of concrete tee pads were installed on the W.R. Jackson Memorial Course last week. The Innova DisCatcher baskets have been received by the IDGC and installation of those targets will take place sometime in the next 2 weeks.

- The Upstate Disc Golf Club (Greenville, SC) volunteered a day at the IDGC assisting with the final clearing of the first two courses.

- The Augusta Disc Golf Association has work days scheduled every Saturday at 9:00am at the IDGC to fine tune the courses. PDGA members and clubs are invited to join the work crews.

- ADGA Club president, Jimmy Padgett, is constructing several large bridges, suitable for driving a golf cart across, on the courses.

- The lake level is now at full pool for the first time in 2 years. The water holes are now more challenging than ever.

Here is what the building looked like as of today (3/20/07):

http://members.aol.com/pdgareg8/IDGCFront.jpg
IDGC Headquarters Building - Front View

http://members.aol.com/pdgareg8/IDGCRear.jpg
IDGC Headquarters Building - Rear View

We hope to see you at the IDGC Grand Opening on April 20!

Regards,
Brian Graham

wander

Mar 21 2007, 10:16 AM

Its surely sounds like this initiative is coming together nicely. I was particularly impressed that a 25K patron has signed on. The IDGC is tangible and well-earned eidence of the progress our sport and the PDGA has made in the past few years.

Kudos to the whole team in GA. You folks should all rest assured that most of us rank and file members fully support your actions and efforts. Please don't get down on yourselves when you have to spend minutes or even hours responding to nitwits who can't find a more productive way to be disc golfers than crapping on the PDGA on this message board. Even a dog won't poop where it sleeps, but these few guys don't even rise to that level. I'm all for dissent and discussion, but a little decorum goes a long way, too.

I hope someone down in GA can get some video of the course and facilities as things ramp up in the next few weeks. I'd be more than happy to edit something up for my show, and share it with DGTV and DG Monthly so we can all do our bit to help spread the word about this great project.

Again, Woot Woot! Nicely done.

Joe

Mar 22 2007, 11:44 AM

I hear ya, Joe. It would be great to get some video footage of the work, but it's tough to film and work at the same time. I'm photo documenting as much as time allows.

Speaking of which, here's a couple pics of the course work that was accomplished this last weekend by the Augusta Club. We had 12-15 people attend making these workdays fun and productive. Thanks to everyone who has made an effort to help out.

Hole One on the W.R. Jackson Course (aka The South Course) is a big par four. Here's the shot from the landing zone to the basket:

http://www.pdga.com/images/07IDGC/1South32007.jpg

This course has been designed with "returning 9's" so that you can play the front and take a little break (you'll need it) before tackling the back. Here's hole 9 working back to the clubhouse:

http://www.pdga.com/images/07IDGC/9South32007.jpg

The Jackson Course has 11 holes that play along a huge ravine with some light water running through. Here's the 12th hole playing towards the beginning of the ravine. The basket is just over the rise.

http://www.pdga.com/images/07IDGC/12South32007.jpg

Like all course work, it's those unexpected problems that can throw a wrench into a seemingly perfect plan. Hole 11 is a little par three that throws to a basket perched precariously on an embankment before the ravine. While clearing this course with some heavy equipment, we found a large drainage area that swallowed a tractor. John Chamness from Huntsville, AL assisted greatly by digging a drainage ditch to solve this problem:

http://www.pdga.com/images/07IDGC/11South32007.jpg

We're working hard 6 days a week to prepare these courses for the upcoming NT. We hope to see all of you here for this historic event.

Stay tuned for some further updates.