2008 Texas State Disc Golf Championships

Texas States 2008 - Overwhelming Success
5/1/2008

     The results are in, the scores have been tallied, the staff is getting sleep, the players are using their newly won plastic, and the Links are once again being played by casual players. The Links course is open to public play, just check in at the clubhouse or come out for our mini round at 3pm on Sunday or handicapped play at 5pm to 6pm flex start on Tuesdays. The neighborhood of Quail Valley showed amazing hospitality while we played in their backyards; take the time to stop and thank them when you see someone walking the links or watching from their yard. Until next year have a safe and exciting disc golfing season.

     From the response that I've gotten, a majority of players would like to see a tradition of the Texas States championships at Quail Valley. There are no promises to be made at this point, but there is much work to be done. We can all support the cause of disc golf at Quail Vailley by playing the Links regularly, being friendly and helpful with neighbors of the course, and by letting us know what you like and dislike about the courses. No promises, but there is promise in this setting for disc golf.

     Now that Texas States are over I have had a few weeks to reflect on what the event means to me. This is only the second TXSDGC for Tracy and myself, but it has already become a part the fabric which now defines us. Last year it was the first PDGA event we played in Texas and boy did we come out of that one scared. For those that weren't there; it was at Tom Bass park with the shotgun start occuring about an hour after tornado warnings and very heavy rain (well, the rain never actually stopped for long.) The entire park was covered in 6 inches to 3 feet of water. It was not an experience for the meek golfer and not one I was excited to repeat. Luckily this year we were on beautiful courses that drain well and to top it off the weather wound up being about as perfect as we could have ordered. Texas States has become my favorite event of the year (although I did not participate as a player this one) and I am looking forward to many more to come. Texas States is about friendship, competition, laughs, a few tears (bye bye disc), and lots of great times. We happened to get the pleasure of having the champion, Eric McCabe, and his friends Liz Lopez and Miles Seaborn stay with us this year. They added so much to our overflowing collection of memories; I haven't met many people that are nicer than this trio.

     We hope to see you all next year for the Texas State Disc Golf Championships, check this site periodically for updates on venues, schedules, and registration for 2009 TXSDGC.

	Photos of Texas States 2008 4/11/2008
	We have added a pictures page for you to view and share your memories from Texas States 2008 or you can go to here to See professional photos by Susan Sternberg or go here to view and upload player taken pictures.

A Word To Our Sister Tournament in Atlanta...
4/10/2008

The Disc Golf players of Texas and the TxSDGC would like to express our deepest sympathy over the tragic accident that occurred during the past weekend in Atlanta. Our condolences to all who were personally involved. Although we looked at the two events (A Tiers on the same weekend) as a bit of a sibling rivalry, we know that we are all involved in the same mission and are always supportive of any successes achieved at any time by any disc golf event or entity. -- Neal Dambra, 2008 TxSDGC TD

Results are in!
4/8/2008

Congratulations to all our winners! And thank you once again Neal...

Discraft's Eric McCabe took first place Open Men (local Jim Davidson tied Matt Orum for second and another local Dixon Jowers took fourth place.)
Des Reading took Open Women with Liz Lopez close behind and local Emily Lawrence in third.
Vinne Miller wrestled no alligators, but did take Open Masters
Skeeter Harrison out of the Dallas area won Grandmasters
Scott Coleman took Advanced Ams and along with Justin Jones, Austin Derrick, Jim Kelly, Casey Guthrie, Kevin Avila and Benjamin Avalos secured a spot in the 2008 US Am Nationals
Mark McCoin took Advanced Masters by 10
Nick Repar in Advanced Grandmasters
Wallace Hall won Intermediate Ams
Tracy Petre won Intermediate Am Women
John Gold won Recreational Men (in a 40 person field)
Tiffany Brogdon took home Recreational Women honors

Thanks to all the out of towners who showed up, especially Zach Walker from AZ who helped get the courses ready for play and Gregg Barsby (CA), Carla and Roger Dahlbersg (MN), Berkan Anarat (Turkey!) and anyone else that flew in or drove long distances to make this event the special occasion that it was. See you next year at Texas States 2009! And don't forget to thank all of our wonderful sponsors that made this event possible.

DO NOT Enter Water or Private Yard During Play To Retrieve a Disc
4/2/2008

If you throw a disc in a private yard, fenced or unfenced, please DO NOT go into the private property to retrieve the disc. Also, do not go into any body of water to retrieve a disc during play. If retrievable, TxSDGC staff will get these discs promptly and return to you immediately upon retrieval. You MAY retrieve any disc that is reachable without bodily entering into the private yard or body of water. Thank you for your cooperation.

	The 2 Meter Rule Is NOT in Effect For 2008 Texas States 4/2/2008
	The 2 Meter Rule has always been controversial because it is subjective. It can be argued equally for or against, and it makes more sense on some courses and not others. That is one of the reasons why the PDGA left it up to the TDs to decide. I have decided to make it NOT in effect. Anyone who would like to discuss the merits of the decision with me please do so AFTER the event. - ND

	Cart Paths and Sidewalks are NOT OB On Any of the 54 Holes 4/2/2008
	Contrary to previous published plans involving a couple sections of cart paths, we have decided that sidewalks and cart paths will NOT be OB. You are safe on or beyond all cart paths and sidewalks unless, of course, you pas into another type of OB (white stakes, water, street).

Saturday Night Buffet at QVCC
4/2/2008

Saturday evening at the Country Club we will have a buffet dinner before the party. It will include meat carving station, bacon wrapped shrimp, stuffed mushroom caps, quesadillas, and eggrolls. It will be $20 per person including tax and gratuity. Please email Susan Macaluso (susan.macaluso@proforma.com) as soon as possible if you will join us. There are locker rooms with showers at the Country Club, so after play Saturday you might find it convenient to clean up, hit the buffet, and hang out for results and the party. Bring you own towels.

	"Dutch" Hits First Ever Ace On The LINKS 3/31/2008
	The LINKS was ACED for the first time March 30. Mark "Dutch" Olden hit #8 (an unlikely hole to be the first), witnessed by Matt Stillwagon and several other Spring Valley crew. It's only fitting that a course with ten lakes and canals would be first Aced by a guy named "Dutch". Congratualions Mark...we will see you at States.

Registration update - 3/30 2:30pm
3/30/2008

We have shut down DiscNation for all Amateur entries. Pros still can signup online through Wednesday (if spaces remain available for that long). For Ams: This doesn't mean all divisions are full. Other than MA3, there maybe be spots still available. Please check with the TD Neal Dambra (ndambra@ndambra.com, 281-851-8872) or Registrar Tony Bender (txsdgc.reg@gmail.com, 713-320-4762) to get up-to-date availability.

	Friday Night Steak Out – 6-9 pm 3/29/2008
	After Friday doubles, or your practice rounds, stick around for a great steak dinner from the outside grill on the QVCC patio. 8 oz Tenderloin $14.95 10 oz Tenderloin $17.95 12 oz Rib Eye $14.95 16 oz Rib Eye $17.95 No reservation needed, just show up hungry! All of these prices include the steak, vegetables, a baked potato bar, and rolls. Prices do not reflect tax or gratuity.

	QVCC Locker Room Usage – Bring Your Own Towels 3/29/2008
	The Country Club has Men’s and Women’s locker rooms including large anterior sitting areas and showers. Players are welcome to use these facilities during States weekend. If you plan on taking a shower there be sure to bring your own towels as QVCC does not supply towels.

Registration Update & Waitlist Policy
3/28/2008

DiscNation extension: DiscNation will stop taking entries at noon on Wednesday (4/2)! After then, the only ways to enter will be by mail to TD Neal Dambra or in person at QVCC on 4/4 (pending availability). Mailed-in entries will be sorted by postmark and those who are determined to have entered for filled divisions will be notified and offered to be put onto the waitlist. Those not accepting the waitlist will be refunded 100%. Waitlist: Players can submit their entry fee and go onto the waitlist for filled divisions or pools. Openings will be filled first by division (ie, MA1 replacing an MA1), then by pool (ie, MA2 replacing an MA1). Any waitlist players that do not get in will be refunded 100%.

	Registration Update - MA1 is full - DiscNation signups extended to 4/2 3/28/2008
	A pool is 50% full. B pool is almost full. MA1 is full. A few spots remain in FW1 and MA2. C pool is filling. A few spots remain in all divisions. And we've extended online signups through Wednesday (4/2) noon! Thanks Damon and DiscNation!

King Quail In Pictures
3/24/2008

Here's a look at King Quail, the site of the Birdshot event last January.
Holes 4 and 7 are new. Holes 14-18 will be part of the Pro Final 9 "show".The course here (see photos) is uncut but is in the process of being mowed at this posting. Holes 1, 6, 9: Must cross creek from Blue Tee or go to Drop Zone. Hole 4: Suggest bail out left unless you have a gun. Bunker directly in front of Hole 8 basket is OB. Hole 9 basket very steep drop-off behind basket. Hole 13: You may want to stay right the whole way. Hole 14: Bail out right or lay up if you're not sure about crossing the lake. Hole 18: Okay to avoid trees left but will lessen birdie opportunity. Thanks again to Christian Goddard for putting this reel together, and to Franco Dambra for running the basket around.

Playing The LINKS and Wet Disc Recovery
3/23/2008

There has been a lot of conversation about the LINKS Course and the number of discs that have been thrown into the ponds. It is a very different kind of course with the only thing in the way being your mind. The LINKS has 15 holes of water but almost every hole has birdie potential. A 44 (Matt “Odie” Odenwelder) has already been shot on the course. Matt made 12 birdies and lost two discs during that round. Granted, Matt is a very good player, but the point is it’s not an extremely difficult course. If the average player throws conservatively s/he can still finish around par and not lose a disc. If you decide to challenge every hole you will probably lose some discs and may blow up your score. All three of our courses have some holes that require serious risk-reward decision making. We recommend unless you’re sure, lay-up or bail out to a safe area.

Another part of decision making is using a substitute disc in place of “prize plastic” for some shots. Pack extra discs that you are not too worried about losing and you will probably make a better throw because you won’t be as stressed over losing your disc. Also, you may want to get a few floating discs and practice with them. They work and are stress free.

We will have as many spotters as possible with water retrieval tools and doing a major disc retrieval effort starting immediately after States. The retrieval effort will be multi-faceted and will include some combination of scuba, raking, dredging, and wading. A list of found discs will be published and we will arrange to get them back to the owners. In addition, some key areas will be pre-netted to provide instance retrieval.

But remember, it's not the course that throws the disc. Think before you throw. A good lay up is part of golf strategy.

TxSDGC Withdrawal Policy
3/23/2008

Refund policy: Must contact TD, Neal Dambra (281 851 8872 ndambra@comcast.net) or Registrar, Tony Bender, (713 320 4762 txsdgc.reg@gmail.com) by 10 pm Thursday, April 3 for a full refund (minus online charges). Cancellations after that time will receive a 75% refund if event does not fill (216 players). There will be no refund if event fills and the spot goes unplayed because of the player’s late cancellation (after 10 pm Thursday, April 3). If spot is filled by a waitlist player (same division) the 75% refund policy will be in effect.

QVCC - Dress Code, Hours, Location, and Practice Rounds
3/20/2008

QVCC is open Tuesday-Sunday until dark for TxSDGC practice on all 3 courses.
Quail Valley Country Club
2880 La Quinta Dr.
Missouri City TX 77459
281-437-8277 (Golf Shop)
59 S / Murphy Rd. S / L Cartwright / R on La Quinta
There are currently permanent baskets only on The LINKS course, but all other Courses are marked with flags on the tees and a PVC flagged stake at the basket position. Be sure to look at the Player Info Pack for details about: Cart Rentals / Greens Fees / Course Maps, etc.

Dress code:
"Proper attire is required for all players. Shirts or blouses with collars, golf or walking shorts and slacks and skirts (for women) are considered proper attire. Mock collared t-shirts are allowed but the collar must be at least one inch high which is obviously (and noticeably) higher than a regular t-shirt (nice or otherwise). Not permitted: Regular T-shirts (nice or otherwise), tank tops, bluejeans, cutoffs, jams, or other athletic shorts and bathing suits are not permitted."

Thanks for cooperation and support of the traditions of QVCC.

Cleats Are O.K. -- TxSDGC Golf Courses Are No Longer Used For Ball Golf
3/20/2008

We keep getting this question: Are we playing around the ball golfers? No. QVCC formerly had a total of 54 holes of ball golf. They are only maintaining 18 holes (one course) of ball golf at the current time. The areas we are using will be nicely mowed but are no longer used for ball golf. There is absolutely no presence of ball golfers and no necessity to be overly cautious about the “greens”. In fact, a few of our baskets are set right in the middle of the old greens. Any kind of shoes are allowed and cleats can be helpful if it rains (but it NEVER rains at States!). And, obviously, you should change out of your cleats or golf shoes when you enter the indoor areas — so bring something casual to throw on.

TxSDGC Friday Doubles at the LINKS - Flex Time
3/19/2008

On Friday April 4, flex Doubles will be held at the LINKS course (not King Quail as originally published). Flex Time 2 pm – 4:30 pm. It is $20 per team with all entry $$ going back as prize money (this is an unsanctioned competition). We will have a Pro division, an AM Division A (Rtg. 915+), and an Am Division B (Rtg. -915). Am teams are placed in their division by the team’s highest rated partner. All teams will play from the long tees. Check-in at the LINKS clubhouse and see Danny Berry from 2 pm – 4:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to play the LINKS before singles competition begins and “take a chance” on some of the scarier holes. There are NO QVCC greens fees on Friday, April 4. Parking is available at the LINKS. You do not need to be registered for TXSDGC to play in the doubles competition.

	Added Pro Cash Passes $4000! 3/18/2008
	Texas States is always one of the best payout events in the world (look it up!). With sponsorship collected and pledged over $4000, and 100% pro payout (this means your ENTIRE entry fee goes into payout) TxSDGC will again maintain this player-directed tradition of great payouts. And the AM payout will again be enormous with a large selection of discs and DG related merch.

Southern Star Brewing Company On Board with The Suds
3/18/2008

The area’s newest brewery, Southern Star, will have their grand opening on April 5, our first day of play. Southern Star partner (and disc golfer), Jeff Vogel, will provide TxSDGC with at least four kegs to help us celebrate their birthday and our State Championships! Southern Star will be having an opening day party April 5 at their location so Jeff won’t be at QVCC until Sunday...but the kegs will be at TxSDGC both days! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks Jeff -- and Andi for putting us in contact with Jeff.

You Want Measurements, We Got Measurements!
3/10/2008

Wow! Eric Jubin went nuts with the laser and did a truly professional job on our measurements. With water in play on 26 of the 54 holes (15 on the LINKS) this is a good reference to have in your bag. You can access the measurements list here and print for the tournament.

Remember the old saying, "Discretion is the Better Part of Valor"...in other words, there's nothing wrong with laying up if you're not sure, and this guide will really help you make those decisions.

Southern Nationals Qualifier at Pleasure Island March 29
3/10/2008

We are unclear at this point if TxSDGC will be a Southern National qualifier, but for those of you interested in Southern Nationals qualification, you can attend the upcoming event with our neighbors to the east. The 6th Annual Pleasure Island Classic / "Berry's Treasure" / Port Arthur, TX / March 29, 2008 / A 2008 Southern Nationals Qualifier hosted by: Golden Triangle Disc Golf / 409-718-8188 or dgalmo@hotmail.com / www.gtdiscgolf.com

3000 Households Invited To The Finals
3/6/2008

All the disc golf activity around the neighborhood, and the LINKS baskets going in, has gotten us some attention. So the Quail Valley Home Owners Association put an article about States in their latest newsletter going to over 3000 households. The article invites residents, many within walking distance, to come out Sunday at 2:30 pm to watch the Pros on the last 5 holes of their Final 9. See article. The public is invited to meet up with the players at King Quail Hole 14. During the final 9 this hole will have a lengthened Tee for MPO only. This will be the only Tee of all tournament holes with a Black tee marker...all other tees are Blue or Red. The player will have to get over a lake about 360 Ft or lay-up 70 Ft to the front of the lake and then go over. Should be interesting! The flow from there brings everyone back to the Country Club where QVCC will be serving on the patio. If there is substantial public attendance we may do a brief ceremonial trophy presentation immediately upon the last group finishing for the Women’s and Men’s Open Pro champions. A regular Awards ceremony will follow as soon as possible including presentation to the MPO and FPO champs.

Key Staff In Place / Stimpy Officiating / More Spotters Always Welcome
3/6/2008

Jeff "Stimpy" Moore has volunteered to ride with the A Pool for the first three rounds freeing up TD, Neal Dambra to loaf around. Thanks Stimpy! Please Contact Neal at ndambra@comcast.net if you can spot for one or both days...free lunch and a shirt!

Each Pool will have an Official traveling with them at all times and each Course will have a dedicated Course Manager. Here is our current staff. PDGA Officials: A Pool: Jeff "Stimpy" Moore / B Pool: Chuck Conaway / C Pool: Matt Petre
Course Managers: Valley Classic: Jerry Crumpton / King Quail: Jack Camp / The LINKS: Danny Berry.
TD: Neal Dambra - Assistant TD: Chuck Conaway - TD Consulting: Dave Nesbitt - Web Site: Matt Petre - Shuttle Coordinator: Christian Goddard - Communications: Mike Brockmyre - Registration / PDGA Posting: Tony Bender - Scoring / Reporting: Conrad Joe - Course Review: Don Wilchek - Course Prep / Stringing: Jack Camp - Baskets Coordinator: Lyle Ross - Art and Sponsorship Packet: Neal - Sound System: Billy Gilbert - Facility Coordination (meals/party/fly mart): Susan Macaluso - Mobile Storage Unit: Darrell Higgins - Merch. Sales / Cashier: Mr. Ed Morgan

Private Yard OB Marked With White Stakes
3/5/2008

In the case of unstrung White Stakes, a disc is only OB if it is entirely on the YARD SIDE of the White stakes. Any disc perceived to be overlapping the imaginary line between the yard side of any two white stakes is NOT OB. Jack Camp has added numerous white stakes on all three courses where needed to create identifiable visual lines distinguishing yards (OB) from the course. We will also string the white stakes near greens and predicted high traffic OB areas as necessary. Unstrung lines defined only by the white stakes should rarely come into play because of there proximity but for those occurrences of total yankage we will depend on the entire PDGA Rule 803.1 and specifically: “D. (1) When a group cannot reach a majority decision regarding a ruling, the benefit of the doubt shall be given to the thrower. However, any player may seek the ruling of an official, and the official’s ruling shall supersede the group’s ruling. Any player desiring an appeal of the group’s decision shall promptly and clearly express that desire to the group.” It is recommended that all players read the entire rule.

	Commando Mini North Spring Valley Raises $1000 for TxSDGC —CM South Begun! 2/26/2008
	Thank You Spring Valley Commando players and General Kruse for the 1k! Now choose your most convenient Commando Mini - North or South. Commando Mini North will continue at Spring Valley and Commando Mini South has begun at the LINKS each Sunday at 9 am. Larry Kruse will be running the South show through States. And look for leagues coming in the spring.

The LINKS at Quail Valley Installed and Playing — See the Photos!
2/26/2008

Thanks to the hard work of a number of HFDS/TxSDGC volunteers and financial contribution from over a dozen individual basket sponsors, the LINKS at Quail Valley, has been installed. A huge thanks to DISCRAFT for making the purchase possible in such a short time frame and to Quail Valley Country club for the use of their property.

See photos of the course (thanks to Christian Goddard) at this link Photos

The LINKS features ten small lakes involving 15 of the 18 holes. With most of the baskets on mounds near water the course provides constant risk-reward decision making and precision shot placement. The other two States courses, King Quail and Valley Classic, will be basketed-up Thursday or Friday morning before States. They are both completely flagged and marked for practice. To play any of the courses check-in at the QVCC Golf Pro shop.

FINAL Golf Cart and PULL Cart Policy
2/21/2008

First of all, thanks to David Gentry and the PDGA Rules Committee for addressing your questions. Here are the rulings. If you need more details about these rulings, as per his request, contact David Gentry, PDGA Tour Manager directly at tourmgr@pdga.com / (706) 261-6342.
May a player rent a cart individually: No
May a caddy drive a cart: No
May an entire Division use carts if the other divisions don't: No
May I or my bag sit in a cart rented by a spectator while it is not moving: Yes
What is the penalty for being (or a bag) in a cart while it is moving: (1) Courtesy Warning (2) DQ
Can staff use shuttle carts in the final 9 as long as an entire division has same shuttle: Yes
What about a medical exemption: Any players requesting a medical exemption will need to contact the PDGA Tour Manager directly and present supporting evidence from a certified medical professional.

Pull carts are not allowed for ball golfers or disc golfers at any time. This is a 37 year tradition/policy at QVCC and there will not be an exception made in time for States. While ball golfers have the option of a motorized golf cart, we do not because the PDGA will not allow us to use motorized carts by players or caddies unless everyone has equal access. This is practically not possible due to cost and supply. Please plan on carrying at TxSDGC this year. Thanks for your upcoming sacrifice (bag carrying), and your continued support and participation at TxSDGC.

	REGISTRATION Now Open 2/3/2008
	To register for the 2008 Texas State Disc Golf Championships go to www.discnation.com or click here to download a printable Entry Form for mailing. Review the entry form and this Announcements box for additional details. Please address any Registration questions to txsdgc.reg@gmail.com and/or ndambra@comcast.net. We're looking forward to seeing you in April!

	Lost & Found Disc Lists 1/26/2008
	Thanks to Jennifer Beazley for going through the lost and found discs and identifying as many as she can. Click LF Texas States 2007 or LF Quail Valley Classic I to see a complete list. The Quail Valley I list will be update regularly until Texas States 2008.

	Practice Pays 1/26/2008
	Congratulations to all the winners of the Quail Valley Classic I ! Open winner Dixon Jowers and Pro Masters winner Jim Hudson both put in a few practice rounds on King Quail in the weeks leading up to the event...with no baskets! Hey, you can putt in your backyard. Learn the courses. It pays off!

	Keep Your QVCC Receipts For Raffle Tics 1/7/2008
	Anytime you practice or eat at QVCC prior to TxSDGC, be sure to keep your receipt. Each $5 is worth a Raffle tic at the States party.

	Texas States 2008 Info Pack 1/3/2008
	Contents (updated as items become available): Overview Map / Course Maps / QVCC Contact Info / Practice Rounds Greens Fees / Dress Code / Format / Schedule / Cart Policy / Entry Form / Menu / Lodging / Etc.