Right now I'm thinking about a new name for a mid-Range between the Element and Warrior and could use some advice,,, would recycling the old Name Scout work?
Is it COOL enough??
We may recycle the other 2 names as well one day ( I always liked the names Apache & Chief).
Since we discontinued these names over 4 years ago would it be a good or bad idea to use them for NEW discs?
Also forgot too mention,,, we ran some flexible "S" Elements and Warriors for Ice bowl this year. If you're club is not running and Ice bowl this year ,,, it's not too late.
you can go to the website www.icebowlhq.com or contact rick Rothstein at rick@discgolfworld.com
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Retooled discs and NEW CLEAR Evolution
Ok,,, It's been a while since I had a chance to blog.
It's not like I didn't have anything to write as there have been many changes to existing models, we are running a NEW CLEAR E polymer and there were some great performances out of Nikko and John E towards the end of the year.
I'll start with some of the mold changes and try and get something written each day to get everyone caught up and informed about new projects.
We retooled the dimples off the Speed Demon making the wing LESS concave,,therefore LESS overstable, more gyroscopic and a little faster.
We also left some texture on the wing to reduce the drag, but it is not noticeable in the hand.
Right now we have the CLEAR E in the retooled Speed Demon but may experiment with some of the older E blends at some point.
The Spirit and Speed Demon are much closer now than before with the speed demons nose ( leading edge) being a little smaller. Combined this with the textured wing and less concave wing,,,,and it makes it fly faster and a little less over stable than the spirit.
We also retooled the top used for the BLURR, Blast and Rage to make them less overstable as well,,, but have not ran it in anything but the light weight "S" polymers. ( available at Marshal street)
We will be working the NEW CLEAR E into these models as well as the Sabre and Blaze soon!
Thanks to everyone for all the support this past year and we look forward to providing the players with cool new products in 2009.
BTW,,,,,
Players who are interested in our "MIXED BAG SPONSORSHIP" programs for 2009 should contact me by email for more information.
david@gdstour.com
It's not like I didn't have anything to write as there have been many changes to existing models, we are running a NEW CLEAR E polymer and there were some great performances out of Nikko and John E towards the end of the year.
I'll start with some of the mold changes and try and get something written each day to get everyone caught up and informed about new projects.
We retooled the dimples off the Speed Demon making the wing LESS concave,,therefore LESS overstable, more gyroscopic and a little faster.
We also left some texture on the wing to reduce the drag, but it is not noticeable in the hand.
Right now we have the CLEAR E in the retooled Speed Demon but may experiment with some of the older E blends at some point.
The Spirit and Speed Demon are much closer now than before with the speed demons nose ( leading edge) being a little smaller. Combined this with the textured wing and less concave wing,,,,and it makes it fly faster and a little less over stable than the spirit.
We also retooled the top used for the BLURR, Blast and Rage to make them less overstable as well,,, but have not ran it in anything but the light weight "S" polymers. ( available at Marshal street)
We will be working the NEW CLEAR E into these models as well as the Sabre and Blaze soon!
Thanks to everyone for all the support this past year and we look forward to providing the players with cool new products in 2009.
BTW,,,,,
Players who are interested in our "MIXED BAG SPONSORSHIP" programs for 2009 should contact me by email for more information.
david@gdstour.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
Ozark courses are coming togther for the fall Harvest
Well we are 2 weeks away from the 2008 Ozark Fall Harvest.
we spent about 10 hours their on Thursday mowing the fields and trimming up some greens.
This year the courses will be looking better than ever with a few subtle changes.
I mover the tee on 1 ( Ozark) 15 feet to the right making it a little "S" shot instead of a hyzer, which should really bring the lake into play for those going for a birdie.
The Ob lake is also going to be a bit larger diameter.
Hole 5 usually has 2 options, donw the tunnel or out a hole up to the right.
The hole out to the right is basically grown over too much forcing all players down the middle.
We removed several trees on hole 6 and cut away any hanging limbs and moved the basket back and to the right so that it can now be seen from the tee. It looks like a ace run, but I'm guessing its much harder to play than it looks.
Trimmed a lot of overhanging limbs on 7 and really cleaned up the green on 8, removing just about all limbs head height and lower once you are over the lake.
also took down 2 huge branches that kept people from getting down to the green that were right on the waters edge often knocking discs in the water before they crossed over land!
the tree foliage will be perfect as the the leaves were just starting to turn this week.
registration is coming in with a HUGE contingency from Iowa.
theres plenty of room for players and even for those that just want to come down to camp and party!!
we spent about 10 hours their on Thursday mowing the fields and trimming up some greens.
This year the courses will be looking better than ever with a few subtle changes.
I mover the tee on 1 ( Ozark) 15 feet to the right making it a little "S" shot instead of a hyzer, which should really bring the lake into play for those going for a birdie.
The Ob lake is also going to be a bit larger diameter.
Hole 5 usually has 2 options, donw the tunnel or out a hole up to the right.
The hole out to the right is basically grown over too much forcing all players down the middle.
We removed several trees on hole 6 and cut away any hanging limbs and moved the basket back and to the right so that it can now be seen from the tee. It looks like a ace run, but I'm guessing its much harder to play than it looks.
Trimmed a lot of overhanging limbs on 7 and really cleaned up the green on 8, removing just about all limbs head height and lower once you are over the lake.
also took down 2 huge branches that kept people from getting down to the green that were right on the waters edge often knocking discs in the water before they crossed over land!
the tree foliage will be perfect as the the leaves were just starting to turn this week.
registration is coming in with a HUGE contingency from Iowa.
theres plenty of room for players and even for those that just want to come down to camp and party!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Voodoo and Warrior prototypes
We finally got around to running he small bead putter, the Voodoo today.
The nose is a complete radius ( the wing is the exact same as the top) and there is a very small bead.
Initial testing went pretty well.
We ran a batch of blue in a soft/SS and a red in soft/medium.
I could barley tell the difference in flight between the two but of course one was more flexible than the other.
I found the Voodoo to be similar in stability to the Wizard when putting with the subtle fall off of hyzer at the very end of 30 and 40 foot putts.
When thrown harder ( 60- 80 foot) the stability was closer to the Warlock with just the right amount of predictable fade
The biggest surprise was when I really threw them hard.
They seemed to have just as much resistance to turn as a Wizard, but definitely FASTER and the fade was about a ZERO.
I threw some shots of about 250-280 feet on dead ropes and the disc barely mover 2 feet one way or another the whole way.
The disc feels really comfortable in the hand as the small bead is almost unnoticeable and seems to conform to your hand,,, I think "ergonomic grip" would fit quite well!
I guess I was hoping for more of a turnover disc than the Magic, but all in all I would have to say I am very Happy with the testing.
We will be releasing the Voodoo in about a week on our AUTO SHIP PROGRAM.
To get signed up for the first runs, please contact david@gdstour.com or have your club or favorite store call the shop 314 487 5204 or email office@gdstour.com.
BTW,
We are discontinuing the Element-X completely and retooled the mold to be a slightly slower more controllable mid-range and will be renaming it the Warrior.
It will still be similar to the element in wing length and rim depth but with a more buzzzzzish blunt in the nose!
I know,,,,, I know, we already used Warrior name years ago for the old E blaze, but stopped using the name over 4 years ago.
I really like the name Warrior and Element X just couldn't separate itself from the Element to gain and sales momentum, plus warrior just fits the discs purpose!
Yesterday we ran about 150 of them in 3 different formulas and they were a just bit too over-stable for what we were looking for. Kind of a cross between a demon and Gator which wont do much good in a beginners hands.
We are already retooling the mold,,,, looking to get a little turn in the middle of the flight before hyzering back, by adding a more rounded nose again think buzzzzish!!!
The nose is a complete radius ( the wing is the exact same as the top) and there is a very small bead.
Initial testing went pretty well.
We ran a batch of blue in a soft/SS and a red in soft/medium.
I could barley tell the difference in flight between the two but of course one was more flexible than the other.
I found the Voodoo to be similar in stability to the Wizard when putting with the subtle fall off of hyzer at the very end of 30 and 40 foot putts.
When thrown harder ( 60- 80 foot) the stability was closer to the Warlock with just the right amount of predictable fade
The biggest surprise was when I really threw them hard.
They seemed to have just as much resistance to turn as a Wizard, but definitely FASTER and the fade was about a ZERO.
I threw some shots of about 250-280 feet on dead ropes and the disc barely mover 2 feet one way or another the whole way.
The disc feels really comfortable in the hand as the small bead is almost unnoticeable and seems to conform to your hand,,, I think "ergonomic grip" would fit quite well!
I guess I was hoping for more of a turnover disc than the Magic, but all in all I would have to say I am very Happy with the testing.
We will be releasing the Voodoo in about a week on our AUTO SHIP PROGRAM.
To get signed up for the first runs, please contact david@gdstour.com or have your club or favorite store call the shop 314 487 5204 or email office@gdstour.com.
BTW,
We are discontinuing the Element-X completely and retooled the mold to be a slightly slower more controllable mid-range and will be renaming it the Warrior.
It will still be similar to the element in wing length and rim depth but with a more buzzzzzish blunt in the nose!
I know,,,,, I know, we already used Warrior name years ago for the old E blaze, but stopped using the name over 4 years ago.
I really like the name Warrior and Element X just couldn't separate itself from the Element to gain and sales momentum, plus warrior just fits the discs purpose!
Yesterday we ran about 150 of them in 3 different formulas and they were a just bit too over-stable for what we were looking for. Kind of a cross between a demon and Gator which wont do much good in a beginners hands.
We are already retooling the mold,,,, looking to get a little turn in the middle of the flight before hyzering back, by adding a more rounded nose again think buzzzzish!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
John E McCray Finishes 3rd at USDGC
Well It's been one heck of a roller coaster ride for Tampa Native John E McCray over the last few years.
A while back John was diagnosed with Lime disease after improperly being diagnosed with gout. Special diets were given to help cure gout which accelerated the lime disease and nearly cost him his life!!
Anyone who knows John E knows what a fighter he is on the course and from what I hear, fought long and hard to get his health back. His 4 solid rounds and a 3rd place Finish at this years USDGC puts and exclamation mark on this comeback.
John E is the 6th ranked player in the world and If I know him, he's thinking about moving up in that ranking soon.
He has plans for going on tour in 2009 or at least making all NT's and Majors.
John E and Jen ( John E's wife) have been such a great addition to Gateway and loyal supporters from the first day we started Sponsoring him many years ago.
Their ongoing efforts to bring disc golf to Central Florida and the gold coast include; running leagues, clinics, tournaments, giving lessons and teaching new players the sport of discs golf.
They, with the help of others, installed one of the coolest courses I've ever played In Brandon Florida.
I have been proud to be a friend and sponsor to the McCrays and their loyal support never goes unnoticed. My admiration for their perseverance and commitment to the sport and our company is something that I know comes from the heart.
Most people would have know idea how much they have had to go through, not only with the health issues, but in promoting a company other than Innova in Florida.
John E and Jen just LOVE disc golf and it has brought much joy and happiness to their family over the years.
My congratulation's and appreciation goes out to John E and Jen for all the hard work that has taken place in order to be in Charlotte this week to compete for the championship and to represent Gateway Disc Sports as a professional disc golfer.
I'm sure John E is looking back at a stroke here and a shot there, a putt, a drive or a decision that would have made him the winner, but in my eyes he has already won something greater than any title or monetary amount will ever add up to!
WAY to go John E!!!!!!!!!!
Pics of John E and Brandon!
John E Nikko and Justin on our trip to Florida Christmas of 2003.
I think it was about 60 degrees that day, John E was freezing :)
A while back John was diagnosed with Lime disease after improperly being diagnosed with gout. Special diets were given to help cure gout which accelerated the lime disease and nearly cost him his life!!
Anyone who knows John E knows what a fighter he is on the course and from what I hear, fought long and hard to get his health back. His 4 solid rounds and a 3rd place Finish at this years USDGC puts and exclamation mark on this comeback.
John E is the 6th ranked player in the world and If I know him, he's thinking about moving up in that ranking soon.
He has plans for going on tour in 2009 or at least making all NT's and Majors.
John E and Jen ( John E's wife) have been such a great addition to Gateway and loyal supporters from the first day we started Sponsoring him many years ago.
Their ongoing efforts to bring disc golf to Central Florida and the gold coast include; running leagues, clinics, tournaments, giving lessons and teaching new players the sport of discs golf.
They, with the help of others, installed one of the coolest courses I've ever played In Brandon Florida.
I have been proud to be a friend and sponsor to the McCrays and their loyal support never goes unnoticed. My admiration for their perseverance and commitment to the sport and our company is something that I know comes from the heart.
Most people would have know idea how much they have had to go through, not only with the health issues, but in promoting a company other than Innova in Florida.
John E and Jen just LOVE disc golf and it has brought much joy and happiness to their family over the years.
My congratulation's and appreciation goes out to John E and Jen for all the hard work that has taken place in order to be in Charlotte this week to compete for the championship and to represent Gateway Disc Sports as a professional disc golfer.
I'm sure John E is looking back at a stroke here and a shot there, a putt, a drive or a decision that would have made him the winner, but in my eyes he has already won something greater than any title or monetary amount will ever add up to!
WAY to go John E!!!!!!!!!!
Pics of John E and Brandon!
John E Nikko and Justin on our trip to Florida Christmas of 2003.
I think it was about 60 degrees that day, John E was freezing :)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Gateway Players at USDGC
so after 2 rounds we have a few guys gunning for the BIG prize of over $10,000.00 at the the USDGC in Rock Hill South Carolina.
JOhn E McCray is in 2nd place at -17 with 2 stellar rounds of 61 and 59 and Nikko is sitting in 6th with a 60 ( leading score after round 1) and 63, -14.
In the lead is 2 time PDGA world champion Nate Doss with an Amazing score of 55!
needless to say they have their word cut out for them but theres still 2 more rounds and from what I hear you can have a 4 stroke swing on just about any number of holes out there!
Leader card is Nate, John E, Avery and Schultz:
Second card is quite interesting with 12 Time pro worlds winner & 5 time USDGC winner Ken Climo Chaperoning 3 young guns Nikko, Paul Macbeth and Greg Barsby,,, should be a lot of fun to watch!
George "go big or go hom" Smith is in 12th with 2 solid 64's and -8!
JOhn E McCray is in 2nd place at -17 with 2 stellar rounds of 61 and 59 and Nikko is sitting in 6th with a 60 ( leading score after round 1) and 63, -14.
In the lead is 2 time PDGA world champion Nate Doss with an Amazing score of 55!
needless to say they have their word cut out for them but theres still 2 more rounds and from what I hear you can have a 4 stroke swing on just about any number of holes out there!
Leader card is Nate, John E, Avery and Schultz:
Second card is quite interesting with 12 Time pro worlds winner & 5 time USDGC winner Ken Climo Chaperoning 3 young guns Nikko, Paul Macbeth and Greg Barsby,,, should be a lot of fun to watch!
George "go big or go hom" Smith is in 12th with 2 solid 64's and -8!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
CHALKY____ BLack_____ Magics
Today we ran some Chalky Black Magics for the 1st time since we released the disc.
This run is right between soft and Medium about a 8 on our scale!
The look and feel awesome, there are about 250 of them.
I'm going to try and run some Chalky Wizards tomorrow hoping for something close to SS for the cold weather!
We also ran Some chalky 150 class Magics and are starting to sell quite a few 150 discs this fall. They are so easy to throw and GREAT for new players.
The 150 Illusions have a little H in them and are LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!
This run is right between soft and Medium about a 8 on our scale!
The look and feel awesome, there are about 250 of them.
I'm going to try and run some Chalky Wizards tomorrow hoping for something close to SS for the cold weather!
We also ran Some chalky 150 class Magics and are starting to sell quite a few 150 discs this fall. They are so easy to throw and GREAT for new players.
The 150 Illusions have a little H in them and are LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Niiko article in the kalamazoo paper.
Ok lets try this again:
here is the link to the article in the Kalamazoo paper.
comment-blog.advance.net/cgi-bin/mte/mt-search.cgi?tag=michigan%20disc%20golf&blog_id=1637
by the way Just talked to Nikko and he said he came in 2nd winning $600.00 this weekend at the A tier in Cable Wisconsin. coming up just short for a back to back A tier wins, Nikko finished 1 stroke behind Cale Laveiska, 7 strokes ahead of 3rd place Paul Mcbeth and 9 in front of Innova's Golden Boy Avery Jenkins.
he said he had a spit out ace on the 3rd to last hole in front of a decent sized Gallery at the telmark Ski resort.
Next stop is 2 one day events in Illinois than off to Usdgc and a shot at the $10,000.00 plus 1st place prize money!
After that I am working on a tour for Nikko and John E McCray that will run from usdgc until players cup, anyone interested in sponsoring these 2 guys for a late season tour can contact me by email david@gdstour.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Light Weight discs--- 150 class
we are in the process of releasing a few discs in 150 class.
we have Illusions, Elements and Magics,,, with more models soon to come.
Lighter weight discs are very helpful in developing good technique and are really great for new players and those with less upper body strength and armspeed.
Also we just ran some Organic Magic ( OG ) that are pretty sweet and should be available at your favorite retailer soon!
dont forget to check out for coll stencil dyes and our new disc golf bag " the Ozark Back Pack"
www.gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com">www.gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com
we have Illusions, Elements and Magics,,, with more models soon to come.
Lighter weight discs are very helpful in developing good technique and are really great for new players and those with less upper body strength and armspeed.
Also we just ran some Organic Magic ( OG ) that are pretty sweet and should be available at your favorite retailer soon!
dont forget to check out for coll stencil dyes and our new disc golf bag " the Ozark Back Pack"
www.gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com">www.gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com
video link to centralia
here is a video link with some footage of centralia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC31OctXuUc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC31OctXuUc
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Nikko's On Fire!
Well I just heard from Nikko and he said he had a really good time up in Rockford this weekend.
Took took 1st place in the A tier with a 9 throw margin of victory over George Smith and Avery Jenkins. I Think he said Chris Sprague was playing really well but fell off the last round.
This is Nikko's First A tier Victory and he looking forward to Centralia next week and a trip back to Tel-mark Wisconsin the following week for an event on a ski slope.
I wanted to post this following email that was sent to me from a player that was in Rockford this weekend:
Hey Dave-
I really just wanted to say how pleasantly surprised I was to see, talk to and watch Nikko this weekend @ the Illinois Open in Rockford. I've seen comments about Nikko, and heard people not speaking that kindly of him, and I completely disagree. This weekend he showed why he is representing Gateway on and off the course. He played very well, as he has been all year, but more impressively, he was very approachable and nice, all why being a very good ambassador of the sport and of your company. By the way, he never stops! He was putting for hours before the rounds, and quite a while after them as well. I didn't get a chance to tell him good job, but I imagine if I did that he would have been a nice person to talk to. He's one of the best young guns on the tour and the way he played and acted this weekend will make people take a longer look at Gateway and know you guys are for real. Thanks for all you've done for the sport, all you do for the sport, and all you'll be doing for years to come.
Thanks Dave!(and thanks Nikko)
Tony
Its letters like this that make what we do at Gateway WORTH it!!!
Took took 1st place in the A tier with a 9 throw margin of victory over George Smith and Avery Jenkins. I Think he said Chris Sprague was playing really well but fell off the last round.
This is Nikko's First A tier Victory and he looking forward to Centralia next week and a trip back to Tel-mark Wisconsin the following week for an event on a ski slope.
I wanted to post this following email that was sent to me from a player that was in Rockford this weekend:
Hey Dave-
I really just wanted to say how pleasantly surprised I was to see, talk to and watch Nikko this weekend @ the Illinois Open in Rockford. I've seen comments about Nikko, and heard people not speaking that kindly of him, and I completely disagree. This weekend he showed why he is representing Gateway on and off the course. He played very well, as he has been all year, but more impressively, he was very approachable and nice, all why being a very good ambassador of the sport and of your company. By the way, he never stops! He was putting for hours before the rounds, and quite a while after them as well. I didn't get a chance to tell him good job, but I imagine if I did that he would have been a nice person to talk to. He's one of the best young guns on the tour and the way he played and acted this weekend will make people take a longer look at Gateway and know you guys are for real. Thanks for all you've done for the sport, all you do for the sport, and all you'll be doing for years to come.
Thanks Dave!(and thanks Nikko)
Tony
Its letters like this that make what we do at Gateway WORTH it!!!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Gateway Sponsorship of Ultimate team <><><><><>"One Trick Pony"
Gateway is proud to announce a newly formed relationship with a Local up and coming Ultimate Team called,,,,,,,, One Trick Pony!
[P]
The team is in their second full season together and from what I hear really starting to gel together. Last year they finished 5th at Regionals and the top 2 teams qualify on for Nationals, the 16 best teams in the country. This year Nationals is the #1 goal and they have been training together since April under the leadership of Abby Doriani, Howie Place, and James McKenzie. This season the Ponies traveled to Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to test Their skills against some of the best teams in the country. Still on our plate this year are upcoming tournaments in Chicago (September 6-7) against some heavy competition, then the qualifying series begins in Iowa City with Sectionals September 20-21, Regionals in Milwaukee October 11-12, and Nationals in Sarasota, Florida October 30- November 2.
Most of the team is made up of College students from Wash U and SLU with a few "older" experienced players on the roster making for a well rounded and very competitive TEAM.
Plans are in the works to organize an event here in St Louis sometime in the near future.
anyone interested in sending a team to St Louis should contact Britt Caldwell ( the one in the pink Shorts and hat going up for the disc!!) for more information contact [britt.caldwell@gmail.com]
Good luck guys and girls This weekend in Chicago!!
On a side note we are in development of a 2 part ultimate style disc that should be available within a few months!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Mixed bag???
So Rich Givens from flying disc magazine caught me on Tape right after Wednesdays rounds were complete at this years worlds. With Nikko up by 3 strokes I was pretty amped up and let a nice message fly out.
The Idea that players having to throw discs from one company exclusively has never really been that comfortable for me.
Even though I really love the loyalty that our sponsored players have shown, Its just doesn't seem like the best way to grow disc golf.
Everyone likes a nice rivalry and of course its not that big of deal to hear Cubs Suck or Chevy sucks or whatever,,,, those guys all make millions of dollars whether people think they suck or not!
Its not helping our small time sport so much and doesn't help our image to non competitive disc golfers.
I received a tip years ago about contracting " never cut down other roofing or construction companies as it only establishes and reinforces distrust about the industry as a whole. I used this information wisely and always refrained from talking bad about other companies to customers.
Check out this video to here and see some of my thoughts.
href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYfytPTs5qU">
The Idea that players having to throw discs from one company exclusively has never really been that comfortable for me.
Even though I really love the loyalty that our sponsored players have shown, Its just doesn't seem like the best way to grow disc golf.
Everyone likes a nice rivalry and of course its not that big of deal to hear Cubs Suck or Chevy sucks or whatever,,,, those guys all make millions of dollars whether people think they suck or not!
Its not helping our small time sport so much and doesn't help our image to non competitive disc golfers.
I received a tip years ago about contracting " never cut down other roofing or construction companies as it only establishes and reinforces distrust about the industry as a whole. I used this information wisely and always refrained from talking bad about other companies to customers.
Check out this video to here and see some of my thoughts.
href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYfytPTs5qU">
Friday, August 22, 2008
2008 Gateway Open
This years 2008 Gateway open will be played on September 13th and 14th at Foundation Park in Centralia IL.
Here is a flyer for the event.
17th annual Gateway Open
P.D.G.A. Sanctioned “B Tier” Tournament
@ Foundation Park Disc Golf Course
Centralia, Illinois
There are 2 disc golf course located in the same park. The par 72, 18-hole championship course is one of the most challenging and scenic courses in the world & very few courses will wet your disc golf appetite like this one!
Saturday & Sunday September 13th & 14th 2008
HOSTED BY: GATEWAY DISC SPORTS
Quest-AT, STL Disc Golf & the City of Centralia
Everyone is welcome to come and play 2 rounds of 18 holes on the par 72 Championship course and 2 rounds of 18 on the par 54 course. Each player will receive 2 golf discs in the player’s package.
3 baskets will be given away and a 1st place trophy for each division.
Payout to top 1/3rd with CTP and ring of fire prizes all weekend.
Check gdstour.com for hotel information ( less than $50 a night)
_____________________________________________________________
Saturday Registration 8:00-9:30 9:45 Players Meeting
Round 1 tee time 10:00 (all additional tee times to be announced)
OPEN MEN/WOMEN (pro) = $60.00
PRO & ADV MASTERS = $40.00
ADVANCED MEN (am 1) = $40.00
AMATEUR MEN (AM2) = $30.00
RECREATIONAL MEN (AM3) = $30.00
JR Boys & Girls (16 and under) = $20.00
ALL AM WOMEN ARE FREE and receive 2 discs!!!!
There will be a $10 fee for non-pdga members
Directions:
From Hwy 64 go 1 hour east of downtown St Louis to Hwy 51 north. Take 51 north for about 10 miles to Noleman (hwy 161), go right (east) for about 1 mile to pleasant avenue go left and make 1st right into park. Stay on main RD for about 1/3 mile to sentinel shelter. Championship course is on the left and recreational course is on the right!
To pre-register call 314-487-5204 or email david@gdstour.com
Please check the website for hotel and lodging information:
www.gdstour.com
Here is a flyer for the event.
17th annual Gateway Open
P.D.G.A. Sanctioned “B Tier” Tournament
@ Foundation Park Disc Golf Course
Centralia, Illinois
There are 2 disc golf course located in the same park. The par 72, 18-hole championship course is one of the most challenging and scenic courses in the world & very few courses will wet your disc golf appetite like this one!
Saturday & Sunday September 13th & 14th 2008
HOSTED BY: GATEWAY DISC SPORTS
Quest-AT, STL Disc Golf & the City of Centralia
Everyone is welcome to come and play 2 rounds of 18 holes on the par 72 Championship course and 2 rounds of 18 on the par 54 course. Each player will receive 2 golf discs in the player’s package.
3 baskets will be given away and a 1st place trophy for each division.
Payout to top 1/3rd with CTP and ring of fire prizes all weekend.
Check gdstour.com for hotel information ( less than $50 a night)
_____________________________________________________________
Saturday Registration 8:00-9:30 9:45 Players Meeting
Round 1 tee time 10:00 (all additional tee times to be announced)
OPEN MEN/WOMEN (pro) = $60.00
PRO & ADV MASTERS = $40.00
ADVANCED MEN (am 1) = $40.00
AMATEUR MEN (AM2) = $30.00
RECREATIONAL MEN (AM3) = $30.00
JR Boys & Girls (16 and under) = $20.00
ALL AM WOMEN ARE FREE and receive 2 discs!!!!
There will be a $10 fee for non-pdga members
Directions:
From Hwy 64 go 1 hour east of downtown St Louis to Hwy 51 north. Take 51 north for about 10 miles to Noleman (hwy 161), go right (east) for about 1 mile to pleasant avenue go left and make 1st right into park. Stay on main RD for about 1/3 mile to sentinel shelter. Championship course is on the left and recreational course is on the right!
To pre-register call 314-487-5204 or email david@gdstour.com
Please check the website for hotel and lodging information:
www.gdstour.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
Feature story on Nikko in Kzoo newspaper
Well Nikko didn't finish as well as he started at this year PDGA worlds In Kalamazoo Mi. Leading by as much as 4 strokes after the 1/2 way point in the event, Nikko wound up in 10th place, when it was all said and done.
I'm sure its not what he expected after having the lead but its a great accomplishment and learning experience, plus he's got years and years ahead of him,,,,, this wont be his last chance at a big title!!!!
I watched him play rounds 3-8 in the lead group, everyone with the eventual winner and 2008 pdga mens open world Champion, Dave Feldberg.
While Nikko was playing well everything seemed fine, but once he started throwing bad shots the wheels just seemed to come off.
His drives were not getting close on some easy holes and his putting game seemed to slip away. He still made several big putts but missed some really makable ones too!
Here is a link to the feature article the Kzoo Newspaper did on Nikko!
href="http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/08/nikko_locastro_is_the_man_with.html ">">">href="http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/08/nikko_locastro_is_the_man_with.html ">
I'm sure its not what he expected after having the lead but its a great accomplishment and learning experience, plus he's got years and years ahead of him,,,,, this wont be his last chance at a big title!!!!
I watched him play rounds 3-8 in the lead group, everyone with the eventual winner and 2008 pdga mens open world Champion, Dave Feldberg.
While Nikko was playing well everything seemed fine, but once he started throwing bad shots the wheels just seemed to come off.
His drives were not getting close on some easy holes and his putting game seemed to slip away. He still made several big putts but missed some really makable ones too!
Here is a link to the feature article the Kzoo Newspaper did on Nikko!
href="http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/08/nikko_locastro_is_the_man_with.html ">">">href="http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/08/nikko_locastro_is_the_man_with.html ">
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Nikko's looking good so far1
Well 5 rounds are down so far at this years PDGA world championship in Central Michigan and 19 year old Nikko Locastro ( my nephew) is leading by 3 over this tough and experinced field. Ive watched him play quite a few holes and he seems as poised as anyone atthis event.
Nikko says he really likes the courses and feels they suit his game well.
On the leader card for tomorrow will be Nikko, at -51, Dave Feldberg at-48, Geoff Bennett at -42 and climbing his way to the leader card for the first time is Ken Climo 10 back at -41.
Those of you pulling for Nikko feel free to post a comment giving him support and encouragement.
I have a ton of pictures and a few videos but dont have my cable to upload them, maybe tomorrow.
Nikko says he really likes the courses and feels they suit his game well.
On the leader card for tomorrow will be Nikko, at -51, Dave Feldberg at-48, Geoff Bennett at -42 and climbing his way to the leader card for the first time is Ken Climo 10 back at -41.
Those of you pulling for Nikko feel free to post a comment giving him support and encouragement.
I have a ton of pictures and a few videos but dont have my cable to upload them, maybe tomorrow.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Nikkos practice ace at worlds.
Apparently Nikko aced hole#10 at Victory Park in practice.
From Greg Hosfeld's blog: http://www.onegranddiscgolftour.com/
Quote:
We got a late start on our way to Albion’s Victory Park (#908) This is a pristine park with a river slowly meandering through. Complete with a dam waterfall and some ponds that come into play in the middle of the track.
When we reached hole 10, Nikko anhyzered his putter exactly 327’ over the river and directly into the chains for a very smooooth ace! The mower, who had been stopping to allow us to drive (even the mowers observe the rules of etiquette!) drove up and congratulated Nikko, saying he’d never seen anyone ace the hole. Chances are he won’t again for a while.
There are some big shots on this course but most of the holes are birdie-able according to par. There’s a 990 footer but also a little finesse 167 footer over the stream for balance. Victory park should see some good score movement during next week’s disc golf marathon.
Shown here is Nikko at the basket with two guys on the tee to the left
From Greg Hosfeld's blog: http://www.onegranddiscgolftour.com/
Quote:
We got a late start on our way to Albion’s Victory Park (#908) This is a pristine park with a river slowly meandering through. Complete with a dam waterfall and some ponds that come into play in the middle of the track.
When we reached hole 10, Nikko anhyzered his putter exactly 327’ over the river and directly into the chains for a very smooooth ace! The mower, who had been stopping to allow us to drive (even the mowers observe the rules of etiquette!) drove up and congratulated Nikko, saying he’d never seen anyone ace the hole. Chances are he won’t again for a while.
There are some big shots on this course but most of the holes are birdie-able according to par. There’s a 990 footer but also a little finesse 167 footer over the stream for balance. Victory park should see some good score movement during next week’s disc golf marathon.
Shown here is Nikko at the basket with two guys on the tee to the left
2008 Pro and Am pdga worlds almost under way!
2008 Pro and Am pdga worlds almost under way!
I heard a rumor that Nikko Aced a 335 foot Island hole with a Wizard.
There are supposed to be some pics somewhere, I will find them and post here!
Check out PDGA Radio for information on this years PDGA world championships!
http://www.pdga.com/pdgaradio/index.php
I heard a rumor that Nikko Aced a 335 foot Island hole with a Wizard.
There are supposed to be some pics somewhere, I will find them and post here!
Check out PDGA Radio for information on this years PDGA world championships!
http://www.pdga.com/pdgaradio/index.php
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
cool stencil dyes and Tye dyed shirts!
we are uploading many new cool items on our e-bay store.
stop by and check it out at www.Gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com
stop by and check it out at www.Gatewaydiscgolfdirect.com
Friday, August 1, 2008
Nikko' s High School Graduation Party
This Saturday is Nikko's High School Graduation party and then He's off to the Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Anyone that knows Nikko, is invited to the party!
The directions are the same as to Endicott park except as you turn and get all the eay past Qucktrip make a left on Renz and the address is 8523 Renz!
I-170 to St.Charles Rock Rd. Go west on St. Charles Rock Rd. and make the first right past the Quik Trip. Keep to the right winding behind Quik Trip until it turns into Endicott Rd. Go 1 mile and the park is on the right.
Feel free to stop by even if it's just for a minute!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
GroovyTuesday in St Louis
After working all day uploading Items to our new retail Store ,I decided to meet up with a couple I had met at the park a few weeks ago around 6:00
Greg and Trudy were in town from Oslo, Norway visiting his parents and wanted to get a few Gateway discs, a Bag and to play a disc golf course.
We took the 30 minute ride from Endicott to Woodland Park in Collinsville, IL..
This is a great park with every shot as picturesque as the last. There's a creek a lake, some woods, some hills, it was a really fun time,
Greg who was born in the states and moved to Europe at age 11 is a masters age player who has played many courses and has won a few European championships in his day had this to say about the course. " Wow,,, this has to be in my top 5 courses of all time!, I really like the terrain and the variety of shots".
The proximity of the baskets to the water seemed to spark his interest and from what I can tell, he really liked the challenge.
Early in the round both of our discs wound up in a dingle berry patch, but we both came out smiling and saved par :)
Trudy, who is new to the disc golf scene, seemed to be in need of a lesson.
Giving lessons to new players is up their on my list of things I like to do in my spare time. She was quite responsive to the instructions and before long was throwing about twice as far as she was on the first few holes and getting pretty accurate on the lay- ups. Her putting from 20 and in was solid, she said it was her best time ever playing disc golf, which made me feel pretty good.
On the ride out and back we discussed a lot of different topics including political parties, gas prices and what others in Norway and the rest of Europe feel about America:
What I learned was gas is $16 a gallon ( needless to say theres not much joy riding or cruising for chicks).
There are 4 main political parties that get to vote and a dozen others that can have there voices heard in certain situations.
contrary to what the media might want us to believe, It seems Europeans still LOVE America, even if it's just to visit!
He says disc golf in Norway ( and most of Europe) is really only Played as a serious sport and there are not many who will head to the course with a 12 pack and just one disc.
So we stopped by the shop on the way back where they were in disc golf heaven checking out the tye dyed shirts and discs and cool pictures everywhere. The grand finally at the shop was when we turned off the lights to check out all the glow discs in the shop!! seeing about 1000 discs and glow stickers all over the shop when the lights went off had them oowing and aaahing like kids at a fireworks display.
It was getting a little late for most over 40, but I asked them anyway about getting some food and maybe a drink.
After a quick call to his parents, we were on our way to a cool little restaurant in Soulard called Joannies pizzeria, for some ST Louis style THIN crust and Provel cheese. They complimented the appetizers of Toasted ravioli and Stuffed mushrooms, but Gres was not to thrilled with our local micro brews, ( even though they still seemed to go down pretty fast :)). The Barbecue pizza with cilantro, red onions, black beans and chicken had their taste buds in a different place then they have ever been before.
Down the street a Grateful dead cover band called the shwag was playing to a packed house of 300 dancing hippies with another 100 outside that were just dancing in the streets like it was Haight Asbury in the 60's.
The bad rocked a Zeppelin song and a Jimmy Hendricks song between 30 minute jam sessions of a wide array of dead covers.
Ive seen the Shwag quite a few times as the lead guitarist from the Naked Groove Tim Moody (the band featured on our upcoming Ozark Mountain DVD used to play with them for the last 3 years).
The new lead guitar player wasn't too bad but IMHO he's not Tim!
We all had a really good time good time and when it was over and I was dropping them back at their car, Greg said " thanks for the groovy Tuesday" Trudy Gave me a big hug and said thanks for a wonderful time.
My Thanks go out To Greg and Judy for getting me out on the town with my newly made friends, courtesy of the disc golf world! The pleasure was all mine!
Despite the many hurdles Gateway has had to jump through to get where we are today, Its this part of the disc golf community that I enjoy the most and what keeps me going, week in, week out!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Super-Slow Motion Video
Here is a link to a really cool video of Barry Schultz, Nikko, Justin and George.
Its from Hole 18 at Jefferson Barracks:
This link is a video clip from the upcoming 2008 St Louis Open DVD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9vsnxcTAyk
The split screen slow-motion that shows all 4 players different techniques for the same 350 controlled turnover is pretty slick and comes on in the final minute.
Its from Hole 18 at Jefferson Barracks:
This link is a video clip from the upcoming 2008 St Louis Open DVD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9vsnxcTAyk
The split screen slow-motion that shows all 4 players different techniques for the same 350 controlled turnover is pretty slick and comes on in the final minute.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
How to advertise and promote a gdstour event
GDS tour events are great for helping new clubs getting started.
NO up front money is required for these events which are geared towards Amateur dic golf players.
We would rather gdstour events be for AMATEURS ONLY but are pretty flexible in format.
ALL women and ALL players 15 and under are allowed to play in gdstour events and will receive 2 discs in the players package, regardless of which level event is held.
This is a great way for a club with limited resources to generate some revenue to help get their club off the ground.
Information on how to run one can be found on our website.
href="http://www.gdstour.com/amateur_disc_golf_tournaments.php">">
Here are a few ideas on how to advertise market and promote and event.
A good clean flyer with all of the pertinent information handed out to players as well as placed at regional courses helps get the message out about the event.
Making posts on club discussion boards about the event is a good thing and is where you can answer questions that can not be answered from the information on the flyer.
Doubles events usually draw rather well! (Some gdstour events are held during the week in place of a weekly doubles)
Having an event on the most popular course is a plus.
Hosting one at a new course has been proven successful.
Having the local club host a gdstour event helps in building relationships for Gateway.
3 disc players packs for a $25 fee is another great draw.
A custom stamp from a local retail business that sells discs can be one of the discs and this usually gains momentum and hels create the triangle we are looking for..
A 1 disc event that costs the player $10 is another option.
NO up front money is required for these events which are geared towards Amateur dic golf players.
We would rather gdstour events be for AMATEURS ONLY but are pretty flexible in format.
ALL women and ALL players 15 and under are allowed to play in gdstour events and will receive 2 discs in the players package, regardless of which level event is held.
This is a great way for a club with limited resources to generate some revenue to help get their club off the ground.
Information on how to run one can be found on our website.
href="http://www.gdstour.com/amateur_disc_golf_tournaments.php">">
Here are a few ideas on how to advertise market and promote and event.
A good clean flyer with all of the pertinent information handed out to players as well as placed at regional courses helps get the message out about the event.
Making posts on club discussion boards about the event is a good thing and is where you can answer questions that can not be answered from the information on the flyer.
Doubles events usually draw rather well! (Some gdstour events are held during the week in place of a weekly doubles)
Having an event on the most popular course is a plus.
Hosting one at a new course has been proven successful.
Having the local club host a gdstour event helps in building relationships for Gateway.
3 disc players packs for a $25 fee is another great draw.
A custom stamp from a local retail business that sells discs can be one of the discs and this usually gains momentum and hels create the triangle we are looking for..
A 1 disc event that costs the player $10 is another option.
El Shaddia Ranch
We designed and installed a really sweet course about a year ago at a Christian Ranch in Moscow mills about 30 minutes from the St Louis Airport:
I have been waiting for the approval of the land owner before doing much advertising or marketing for the course.
It seems word of mouth from the few players I have showed the course is already getting the course a lot of play.
This course has a great mix of holes with woods, hills and a lake.
There are open holes and really tight wooded holes and the grass is always cut.
primitive and cabin camping is available please contact the Craig at http://www.stlchristianranch.com/about.html for ore information on the course and the facility
Here are directions and a few pictures:
Take interstate 70 west from St Louis to HWY 79:
go 11.3 miles to HWY C:
Go left on C 4.5 miles to Ethlyn Rd and make a right:
Go 2.5 miles on Ethlyn to Deer Run Rd ( there will be a huge sign for El Shaddai Ranch, go right on deer run 1/2 mile to course.
1st hole tee off is over creek to the right of the 1st basket.
The 1st 3 holes are not so easy, but after that the course is really recreational.
DO NOT DRIVE or PARK OVER CREEK!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The back flipping Kid!
Here is a video of Nikko's little brother, 6 year old Jeremiah ( Baby J).
Once he gets through his back filliping stage, I'm guessing he might start playing some disc golf. Right now he says Skateboarding and back flipping are much more fun.
Once he gets through his back filliping stage, I'm guessing he might start playing some disc golf. Right now he says Skateboarding and back flipping are much more fun.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Portland Disc Golf-Stumptown Magics
Here is a link to a news clip from a Portland TV station.
BTW the Stumptown logoed discs are the Gateway Magics
http://portlandscw.trb.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=2703840
BTW the Stumptown logoed discs are the Gateway Magics
http://portlandscw.trb.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=2703840
Monday, July 21, 2008
E Magics
we are getting back into running the E again,
We now have E magic's that feel really sweet and fly a little more under stable than the first run prototype E magics when thrown hard.
they are still extremely straight for shots under 120 feet!
they are flexible and grippy!
I have a lot of pics from this weekends Extreme Disc Golf event.
I am going to go through the pics and post the best ones soon!
We now have E magic's that feel really sweet and fly a little more under stable than the first run prototype E magics when thrown hard.
they are still extremely straight for shots under 120 feet!
they are flexible and grippy!
I have a lot of pics from this weekends Extreme Disc Golf event.
I am going to go through the pics and post the best ones soon!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Directions to jackson falls in better format
Several players were asking for direction to the EXTREME disc golf event at Jackson Falls this weekend.
So here they are,, you can also check out some pics of the place on my blog.
DIRECTIONS to Jackson Falls:
Take 64 east ( towards Louisville) from St Louis to 57 south ( towards Memphis at MT vernon) turn right on HWY 24 East (Towards Nashville):
once on 24 Go east (left) on 1st exit at Goreville/Tunnel Hill exit.
go 10 or 15 miles to state rd 45 ( which is at a stop sign)make a left:
travel for about 10 minutes to Ozark General Store and make a RIGHT on Ozark RD:
across from general store.
travel 10 minutes on Ozark Rd( about 8 miles) go past Trig Observation Site:
turn on right on Street rd (Big White House), proceed down this road, it will change to a gravel road,, follow this past main campground on Right over creek bed:
disc golfers camping is 1/2 mile down on lEFT!
please bring your own food and water and pack it in and pack it out!
Even if you cant make it down to play in the event, you should try and come for one day or the other to see this Majestic place in the Shawnee National Park.
We will be Hiking 18 baskets down into a canyon for this once in a lifetime event.
The camping is wide open with some of the coolest camp sites I have ever seen.
Sorry for such a late notice, but if you can make the trip, It will be well worth the time.
So here they are,, you can also check out some pics of the place on my blog.
DIRECTIONS to Jackson Falls:
Take 64 east ( towards Louisville) from St Louis to 57 south ( towards Memphis at MT vernon) turn right on HWY 24 East (Towards Nashville):
once on 24 Go east (left) on 1st exit at Goreville/Tunnel Hill exit.
go 10 or 15 miles to state rd 45 ( which is at a stop sign)make a left:
travel for about 10 minutes to Ozark General Store and make a RIGHT on Ozark RD:
across from general store.
travel 10 minutes on Ozark Rd( about 8 miles) go past Trig Observation Site:
turn on right on Street rd (Big White House), proceed down this road, it will change to a gravel road,, follow this past main campground on Right over creek bed:
disc golfers camping is 1/2 mile down on lEFT!
please bring your own food and water and pack it in and pack it out!
Even if you cant make it down to play in the event, you should try and come for one day or the other to see this Majestic place in the Shawnee National Park.
We will be Hiking 18 baskets down into a canyon for this once in a lifetime event.
The camping is wide open with some of the coolest camp sites I have ever seen.
Sorry for such a late notice, but if you can make the trip, It will be well worth the time.
MOre pics of Jackson Falls!
After climbing up a 50 foot wall face I was really tired and wondering if I had the strength to get back down. Luckily repelling doesn't takes as much strength, but it still requires concentration.
If your into Rock climbing or bouldering you will be in love with this place.
just a few more pics, I hope this isn't boring,, its a really cool place
EXTREME DISC GOLF Jackson Falls, IL
DIRECTIONS to Jackson Falls:
Take 64 east ( towards Louisville) from St Louis to 57 south ( towards Memphis at MT vernon) GO on HWY 24 East (Towards Nashville):
once on 24 Go east (left) on 1st exit at Goreville/Tunnel Hill exit.
go 10 or 15 miles to state rd 45 ( which is a stop sign)make a left:
travel for about 10 minutes to Ozark General Store and make a RIGHT on Ozark RD:
across from general store.
travel 10 minutes on Ozark Rd( about 8 miles) go past Trig Observation Site:
turn on right on Street rd (Big White House), proceed down this road, it will change to a gravel road,, follow this past main campground on Right over creek bed:
disc golfers camping is 1/2 mile down on lEFT!
please bring your own food and water and pack it in and pack it out!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
disc golf philosophy 101-4 ( putting)
When I teach a new player to putt (RHBH), it's usually 3/4 straddle right foot pointing towards the basket, pushing off with the left foot, throw or flick nose up hyzer from a cocked wrist creating a fair amount of spin, aiming a bit above the target, allowing for the disc to fall and fade a little left.
This trajectory gives the disc the most chance of hitting chains and or falling into the basket.
I also suggest using a firmer putter than most players would think they need for putting,,, and of course it should be a Wizard, Warlock or Magic!
I'm pretty sure 1/2 of putting is how it feels in your hand! Different players have different oils or dryness in their hands, which is why we make so many different surface complexions on our putters not just flexibilities!
Even though we only label our putters SSS (2), SS (4) soft (7) and medium (9) there are variations of runs as well as discs that fall between these numbers that will surely match just what you are looking for in a putter.
I wouldn't get so hung up on thinking you have to have max weight for your putter, as a 168 gram putter is plenty heavy enough, even for windy days and will stay up in the air longer too!!!
Ever wonder why you keep putting low?
Maybe your disc is too heavy!!
I'm willing to bet most players miss more putts low than left right or high combined???
The trick to becoming a good putter is to make sure all of your practice and game time putters are close to the same weight (within 2-3 grams).Its better to have different models than different weights when practicing, espcially if you using Gateway putters as the difference between the 3 is not that much from 30 feet and in!
Anyone that wants to get 5 practice putters all the same weight for $40 or 10 for $70 (that dont mind X outs or missed stamps) can email me for information on this special "dave deal" ,,,,,,,,david@gdstour.com
peace out, and check out the Ozark DVD trailer below!
This trajectory gives the disc the most chance of hitting chains and or falling into the basket.
I also suggest using a firmer putter than most players would think they need for putting,,, and of course it should be a Wizard, Warlock or Magic!
I'm pretty sure 1/2 of putting is how it feels in your hand! Different players have different oils or dryness in their hands, which is why we make so many different surface complexions on our putters not just flexibilities!
Even though we only label our putters SSS (2), SS (4) soft (7) and medium (9) there are variations of runs as well as discs that fall between these numbers that will surely match just what you are looking for in a putter.
I wouldn't get so hung up on thinking you have to have max weight for your putter, as a 168 gram putter is plenty heavy enough, even for windy days and will stay up in the air longer too!!!
Ever wonder why you keep putting low?
Maybe your disc is too heavy!!
I'm willing to bet most players miss more putts low than left right or high combined???
The trick to becoming a good putter is to make sure all of your practice and game time putters are close to the same weight (within 2-3 grams).Its better to have different models than different weights when practicing, espcially if you using Gateway putters as the difference between the 3 is not that much from 30 feet and in!
Anyone that wants to get 5 practice putters all the same weight for $40 or 10 for $70 (that dont mind X outs or missed stamps) can email me for information on this special "dave deal" ,,,,,,,,david@gdstour.com
peace out, and check out the Ozark DVD trailer below!
Disc golf on Network TV ( show me St Louis)
On Monday we met Courtney and the Camera crew out at JB to film an episode of "show Me ST Louis".
We did a similar one on Disc Golf about 3 years ago That aired about 8 or 10 times.
Heres the link!
http://www.ksdk.com/life/programming/local/showme/story.aspx?storyid=150079&catid=78
We did a similar one on Disc Golf about 3 years ago That aired about 8 or 10 times.
Heres the link!
http://www.ksdk.com/life/programming/local/showme/story.aspx?storyid=150079&catid=78
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ozark Mountain open disc golf DVD Trailer
check out some links to our upcoming new DVD from the Ozark Mountain open disc golf event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr6sV92ZgHc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCZ-hVuR1t8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr6sV92ZgHc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCZ-hVuR1t8
Saturday, July 12, 2008
disc golf philosophy 101-3
Ok while I'm waiting to head for Jackson Falls to help design a temp course for an event in Southern Illinois next weekend, I thought I would talk about the past present and future of disc golf.
When I first started traveling and playing in disc golf events back in 1983-84, I was asking the same questions as todays up and coming pro's.
" what do we need to do in order to play for more money"
I always heard people say, "corporate sponsorship", "getting it on TV", later in the mid 90's I heard "we need ESPN, ESPN 2 out hear filming and reporting" and such.
Well we had 26 episodes of Disc TV on the empire network for a season a 4 or 5 years back and then it was syndicated on Mav TV last year. It seems this created a lot of exposure to people who had never heard of disc golf, as we received many calls from people who saw our companies advertising on the show.
We were contacted by Dupont who helped us create our Evolution line of polymers which is the exact same thing as star, it came from the technology used on golf ball covers!
We received calls from parks, private land owners, players who started playing after seeing an episode or 2. I was very excited about this new found business that was coming from the show, but I had limited amounts of cash flow to spend on advertising.
I needed to grow the company with machines, warehouse space, I only had so much to spend on advertising!!
The thing about this show was the 2 or 3 leading disc golf companies never advertise on the show at all,,, I wonder why not??
It couldn't have been because it was too expensive, after all I was rubbing nickels together hoping for a dime and still doing a little advertising on the show.
I'm not sure how much the pdga spent with the networks, but it would have seemed like money well spent!!
Since the producers of the show and network needed advertisers to keep the show going and the companies inside the game didn't see the value or had other reason for not advertising, the show quietly went off the air.
Keeping this show running was a big opportunity that literally slipped through the disc golf communities fingers.
Well disc golf in general never took a hit, only the opportunity for growing the sport through the fast lane of network television and developing the money needed to support a professional tour.
Disc Golf is currently growing like wildfire at the recreational level, mostly because of word of mouth, but at the Professional level, we are really leveling off and even on the decline in some areas. I went to an event in Louisville in 1986 that had 105 pro men, this past year I think there were only 25 in the mens pro division there.
All in all, neither the game of disc golf or the existing manufacturing companies need Disc Golf on Television and I have heard some say they don't even WANT it on TV.
I wonder why not,,, well not really!
Some players liken it to bands like REM ( "once they went mainstream, they were never the same"), some players like the ability to play without tee times and the mostly non-conformist anti-establishment disc golfers of the past 25 years, like their ability to be one of the " guys in the know" and their revenue from disc selling at the course or through a club or few local accounts.
The death grip on the grass routes of disc golf needs to let go in order for disc golf to get a little more mainstream.
I have seen a physical change in the look of the everyday disc golfer, its younger and more athletic every year and it will keep heading that way!
There's a sense of "out with the old in with the new" attitude all the way up from local clubs to the board of the PDGA!! to quote Bob Dylan ( I think) "Times are a changin"
I am not here to blame anyone for holding back the game of disc golf!
Its obvious its not really being held back at all, especially when it comes to new courses, new players, new equipment and even new companies. The only place its really not growing is in the pro Division, which really only effects around 1000 players in the world, which is like 1/10th of 1% of the people who play the game/sport!
It was great that disc golf was on TV for 26 Episodes and then an attempt to show the reruns was made, but the reality is, it was way ahead of its time.
In order for a disc golf TV show to be successful without support from those with a vested interest in advertising during the show, we are going to need a lot more recreational players than we have right now,,,,like 100,000 times more players.
We are going to need 25,000 more disc golf courses to to get 10,000,000 players, thats 4,000 new players per new course.
If we get 25,000 new courses and 10,000,000 new players, we will also get 50 new disc golf manufactures.
ok,,,, thats 25 years of work ahead of us, but you get the point, even if we put in 2,500 new courses, doubling the current amount, maybe we could have 10 new disc golf manufacturing companies who would want to advertise on a disc golf show to get market share,,,, wait,,,,, Do I want to have to compete with 10 new companies for shelf space, custom stamp jobs for events?,,,,,Hmmmmm,,, what am I thinking??
Why do I want this? who would want this??
I'm doing OK for an under-capitalized small company and the future is looking bright, do I really want more disc golf companies to compete with for that (getting ever so scarce) disposable income???
Well,,, the answer is of course YES, I do, but does anyone else that makes disc golf equipment?
I think more manufacturing companies will only produce more advertising and marketing of disc golf, not JUST for their own disc golf equipment, but for the game of disc golf in general. It's really hard to advertise, market and promote disc golf products without helping do the same for the game!
I am under the impression that our company will continue to get a slightly larger piece of the pie each year.
With that assumption wouldn't I want the entire pie to grow as well?
Who wouldn't??? Maybe I shouldn't??
When I first started traveling and playing in disc golf events back in 1983-84, I was asking the same questions as todays up and coming pro's.
" what do we need to do in order to play for more money"
I always heard people say, "corporate sponsorship", "getting it on TV", later in the mid 90's I heard "we need ESPN, ESPN 2 out hear filming and reporting" and such.
Well we had 26 episodes of Disc TV on the empire network for a season a 4 or 5 years back and then it was syndicated on Mav TV last year. It seems this created a lot of exposure to people who had never heard of disc golf, as we received many calls from people who saw our companies advertising on the show.
We were contacted by Dupont who helped us create our Evolution line of polymers which is the exact same thing as star, it came from the technology used on golf ball covers!
We received calls from parks, private land owners, players who started playing after seeing an episode or 2. I was very excited about this new found business that was coming from the show, but I had limited amounts of cash flow to spend on advertising.
I needed to grow the company with machines, warehouse space, I only had so much to spend on advertising!!
The thing about this show was the 2 or 3 leading disc golf companies never advertise on the show at all,,, I wonder why not??
It couldn't have been because it was too expensive, after all I was rubbing nickels together hoping for a dime and still doing a little advertising on the show.
I'm not sure how much the pdga spent with the networks, but it would have seemed like money well spent!!
Since the producers of the show and network needed advertisers to keep the show going and the companies inside the game didn't see the value or had other reason for not advertising, the show quietly went off the air.
Keeping this show running was a big opportunity that literally slipped through the disc golf communities fingers.
Well disc golf in general never took a hit, only the opportunity for growing the sport through the fast lane of network television and developing the money needed to support a professional tour.
Disc Golf is currently growing like wildfire at the recreational level, mostly because of word of mouth, but at the Professional level, we are really leveling off and even on the decline in some areas. I went to an event in Louisville in 1986 that had 105 pro men, this past year I think there were only 25 in the mens pro division there.
All in all, neither the game of disc golf or the existing manufacturing companies need Disc Golf on Television and I have heard some say they don't even WANT it on TV.
I wonder why not,,, well not really!
Some players liken it to bands like REM ( "once they went mainstream, they were never the same"), some players like the ability to play without tee times and the mostly non-conformist anti-establishment disc golfers of the past 25 years, like their ability to be one of the " guys in the know" and their revenue from disc selling at the course or through a club or few local accounts.
The death grip on the grass routes of disc golf needs to let go in order for disc golf to get a little more mainstream.
I have seen a physical change in the look of the everyday disc golfer, its younger and more athletic every year and it will keep heading that way!
There's a sense of "out with the old in with the new" attitude all the way up from local clubs to the board of the PDGA!! to quote Bob Dylan ( I think) "Times are a changin"
I am not here to blame anyone for holding back the game of disc golf!
Its obvious its not really being held back at all, especially when it comes to new courses, new players, new equipment and even new companies. The only place its really not growing is in the pro Division, which really only effects around 1000 players in the world, which is like 1/10th of 1% of the people who play the game/sport!
It was great that disc golf was on TV for 26 Episodes and then an attempt to show the reruns was made, but the reality is, it was way ahead of its time.
In order for a disc golf TV show to be successful without support from those with a vested interest in advertising during the show, we are going to need a lot more recreational players than we have right now,,,,like 100,000 times more players.
We are going to need 25,000 more disc golf courses to to get 10,000,000 players, thats 4,000 new players per new course.
If we get 25,000 new courses and 10,000,000 new players, we will also get 50 new disc golf manufactures.
ok,,,, thats 25 years of work ahead of us, but you get the point, even if we put in 2,500 new courses, doubling the current amount, maybe we could have 10 new disc golf manufacturing companies who would want to advertise on a disc golf show to get market share,,,, wait,,,,, Do I want to have to compete with 10 new companies for shelf space, custom stamp jobs for events?,,,,,Hmmmmm,,, what am I thinking??
Why do I want this? who would want this??
I'm doing OK for an under-capitalized small company and the future is looking bright, do I really want more disc golf companies to compete with for that (getting ever so scarce) disposable income???
Well,,, the answer is of course YES, I do, but does anyone else that makes disc golf equipment?
I think more manufacturing companies will only produce more advertising and marketing of disc golf, not JUST for their own disc golf equipment, but for the game of disc golf in general. It's really hard to advertise, market and promote disc golf products without helping do the same for the game!
I am under the impression that our company will continue to get a slightly larger piece of the pie each year.
With that assumption wouldn't I want the entire pie to grow as well?
Who wouldn't??? Maybe I shouldn't??
Friday, July 11, 2008
Ozark Mountain disc golf pictures
Here are some cool pics of the land we are scouting out for a 3rd course at Ozark!!
Ozark Mountain DVD
So we are nearing completion of the Ozark Mountain Open DVD.
Last night we spent a few hours matching the music to a few scenes and I started working on voice over script for the competition scene. ( actually looking for a good play by play voice so I can just do the color!
There are so many great shots of the course showing the elevation, water and wooded holes. Its going to be a very entertaining Disc Golf DVD with lots of cool scenery, discs flying and players having fun.
We have an instructional portion of the DVD with Justin thats really good.
Also looking to get some putting techniques in there too with Nikko, George or Boro maybe even some instruction for beginners as well.
Monday, July 7, 2008
disc golf philosophy 101-2
Ok let's see what high horse am I on this week?
Lets talk about sponsorship.
We are getting an overwhelming amount of requests for Sponsorship from players of all skill levels and from all over the country.
This is a huge compliment to me and our company as we are always looking for new players to help us advertise, market and promote our products.
I want to shed a little light on what we are looking for from players,,,, maybe you might just fit the bill and don't even know it!
While we sponsor some of the best players in the world and always seem to have a young gun or 2 knocking on the pro door, we also sponsor some players that don't travel much or play many pdga events at all!
I'll give a list of what we expect and don't expect from our sponsored players.
Expect:
1) to represent our company Gateway Disc Sports in a positive light.
2) to know our product lines and be able to answer questions from other players. this includes our flexibility documents and technical information on our disc designs!
3) to help us set up new customers through stores, clubs, leagues, wherever.
Like custom stamp jobs and gdstour events.
4)to try their best when competing and to not give up during events.
to act like a professional even though they are just playing in leagues or weeklies.
this doesn't mean to not have fun, just don't effect someone else's game too much having yours.
5) to help grow the sport of disc golf at all levels, especially towards recreational players and am players! get leads for new course design and installation.
6) be a part of their disc golf community through local disc golf club involvement and part of work crews and work days at their home courses.
7) to let other players (both new and experienced) know that not all holes are par 3 :) and if there is a safety issue on one of their courses to bring it too someones attention.
8) to feel like they are part of our company and that they can approach us with ideas and suggestions.
9) to be supportive of new players and help them learn the rules and etiquettes. help teach players how to grip and throw discs correctly.
10) to frequent discussion boards ( nationally and locally) and answer questions about Gateway and our products. also to ask us questions about things they don't understand!
Don't expect:
1) players to throw all Gateway
2) players to spend there money traveling to disc golf events out of town
3) players to push Gateway discs on other players.
4) players to feel any pressure about performance
5) players to bring us the scalp of at least 2 Innova sponsored players.
Ok thats enough for now, I'm heading back down to the factory to set up the midnight shift, I have been meaning to run another prototype run of E magics and might give it a shot tonight!
Thanks for reading and feel free to make comments or send topic ideas to david@gdstour.com
Lets talk about sponsorship.
We are getting an overwhelming amount of requests for Sponsorship from players of all skill levels and from all over the country.
This is a huge compliment to me and our company as we are always looking for new players to help us advertise, market and promote our products.
I want to shed a little light on what we are looking for from players,,,, maybe you might just fit the bill and don't even know it!
While we sponsor some of the best players in the world and always seem to have a young gun or 2 knocking on the pro door, we also sponsor some players that don't travel much or play many pdga events at all!
I'll give a list of what we expect and don't expect from our sponsored players.
Expect:
1) to represent our company Gateway Disc Sports in a positive light.
2) to know our product lines and be able to answer questions from other players. this includes our flexibility documents and technical information on our disc designs!
3) to help us set up new customers through stores, clubs, leagues, wherever.
Like custom stamp jobs and gdstour events.
4)to try their best when competing and to not give up during events.
to act like a professional even though they are just playing in leagues or weeklies.
this doesn't mean to not have fun, just don't effect someone else's game too much having yours.
5) to help grow the sport of disc golf at all levels, especially towards recreational players and am players! get leads for new course design and installation.
6) be a part of their disc golf community through local disc golf club involvement and part of work crews and work days at their home courses.
7) to let other players (both new and experienced) know that not all holes are par 3 :) and if there is a safety issue on one of their courses to bring it too someones attention.
8) to feel like they are part of our company and that they can approach us with ideas and suggestions.
9) to be supportive of new players and help them learn the rules and etiquettes. help teach players how to grip and throw discs correctly.
10) to frequent discussion boards ( nationally and locally) and answer questions about Gateway and our products. also to ask us questions about things they don't understand!
Don't expect:
1) players to throw all Gateway
2) players to spend there money traveling to disc golf events out of town
3) players to push Gateway discs on other players.
4) players to feel any pressure about performance
5) players to bring us the scalp of at least 2 Innova sponsored players.
Ok thats enough for now, I'm heading back down to the factory to set up the midnight shift, I have been meaning to run another prototype run of E magics and might give it a shot tonight!
Thanks for reading and feel free to make comments or send topic ideas to david@gdstour.com
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Playing "Catch" helps your disc golf game!
Rarely a week goes by when I am not asked to help someone out with their disc golf game. One of my first questions is always "how much catch have you played?"
Most players that have started playing Disc golf in the last 10 years or so, rarely played catch before picking up the game. Typically these players will often lack the necessary touch needed for those 60-200 foot shots. This distances is where a lot of players lose strokes while playing. Most really good players will seldom lose a stroke from this distance and lot of that has to do with touch.
Most old school players had to learn the game with catch like discs, where HYZER flip up were the only way to keep a FRISBEE(tm) flying straight.
This is exactly how you throw touch shots, nose up hyzer where you are in control of the speed and fade!!
Training tip for the week:
Get a friend and play some catch. Try using a catch Frisbee like an Ultimate disc or freestyle disc. Each players can get 200-300 throws in an hour.
Its great use of your time if you are trying to improve on your game and confidence ( not to mention it will help keep you in shape and is also good for stretching before you lay)
Start out at about 30 feet away from each other and slowly move back to as far back as you can go. From time to time you can pick up a soft Putter and play catch with it too, just to keep you in the DISC GOLF frame of mind!
About a month ago,I started giving a lesson to a girl that has a great Side arm but couldn't even throw backhand 50 feet and when she did it wobbled pretty bad.
At the end of the 3rd lessons and after she had about 1000 passes with a catch disc, (her and her husband now play catch all the time) her and I were playing catch with an ultimate disc from well over 250'. She could throw Hyzer all the way, Hyzer-flip and even reverse all the way.
She says she has been playing complete rounds with just the backhand, I am anxious to see how she is progressing and looking forward to moving into more experienced techniques like Rolling, spike Hyzers and developing more power.
Most players that have started playing Disc golf in the last 10 years or so, rarely played catch before picking up the game. Typically these players will often lack the necessary touch needed for those 60-200 foot shots. This distances is where a lot of players lose strokes while playing. Most really good players will seldom lose a stroke from this distance and lot of that has to do with touch.
Most old school players had to learn the game with catch like discs, where HYZER flip up were the only way to keep a FRISBEE(tm) flying straight.
This is exactly how you throw touch shots, nose up hyzer where you are in control of the speed and fade!!
Training tip for the week:
Get a friend and play some catch. Try using a catch Frisbee like an Ultimate disc or freestyle disc. Each players can get 200-300 throws in an hour.
Its great use of your time if you are trying to improve on your game and confidence ( not to mention it will help keep you in shape and is also good for stretching before you lay)
Start out at about 30 feet away from each other and slowly move back to as far back as you can go. From time to time you can pick up a soft Putter and play catch with it too, just to keep you in the DISC GOLF frame of mind!
About a month ago,I started giving a lesson to a girl that has a great Side arm but couldn't even throw backhand 50 feet and when she did it wobbled pretty bad.
At the end of the 3rd lessons and after she had about 1000 passes with a catch disc, (her and her husband now play catch all the time) her and I were playing catch with an ultimate disc from well over 250'. She could throw Hyzer all the way, Hyzer-flip and even reverse all the way.
She says she has been playing complete rounds with just the backhand, I am anxious to see how she is progressing and looking forward to moving into more experienced techniques like Rolling, spike Hyzers and developing more power.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Disc Golf Technique Email Lesson - Luke, Part II
Luke,
On a different note, after watching your video all the way through, I noticed your thumb way to close to the rim for what I would call a good solid power grip. This can also affect the nose of the disc on release causing nose up or nose known releases because the disc is moving in your hand as you pull it through.
Try moving your thumb off the rim about and 1" or so, this will also automatically cock your wrist a bit more giving you some more rotation of the hand which can result in added spin.
On a different note, after watching your video all the way through, I noticed your thumb way to close to the rim for what I would call a good solid power grip. This can also affect the nose of the disc on release causing nose up or nose known releases because the disc is moving in your hand as you pull it through.
Try moving your thumb off the rim about and 1" or so, this will also automatically cock your wrist a bit more giving you some more rotation of the hand which can result in added spin.
Disc Golf Technique Email Lesson - Luke, Part I
David -
If you're willing to do so, I'd like to have you watch this video http://youtube.com/watch?v=smAmqLRUvrY from last year of me, particularly around 1:35, to see if you can identify the cause of my knee pain. I feel like my right knee - the pivot knee - is getting torn up and after a round lately it stiffens up and I have trouble opening the join completely or closing it completely.
Any input is appreciated.
Luke
Luke,
I really like the looks of the technique including the reach back and follow through. Everything looks really good up until “after your release” which could mean there is a slight problem right before the release. The only thing I really see is what appears to be a slightly larger-than-needed stride, causing a hesitation in your weight transfer before your hips come all the way through.
It's like you are planting and stomping, which looks to be absorbing too much of the upper body weight. This split-second stopping is interfering with what should be a smooth and fluid follow through upon release. In several of the shots your right foot jumps off the ground as it starts to rotate.
I can give you a few recommendations:
-First, you could of course shorten up the last stride a bit to see if this helps with the jarring of the leg.
-Another thing you could try would be to try and point your right foot in a slightly different direction, either more towards the target or more away from the target.
Both of these adjustments could work against your ability to throw accurate shots at first, but are worth the effort if they help keep wear and tear off you body.
There is always the possibility that you are using a shoe with TOO MUCH traction or grip. Sometimes its shorter spikes or a different pattern. Not all shoes tread patterns are meant for rotating, round spikes without larger rectangular ones on the perimeter of the front of the shoe are usually best.
Can you send me a picture of the bottom of your shoes?
If you're willing to do so, I'd like to have you watch this video http://youtube.com/watch?v=smAmqLRUvrY from last year of me, particularly around 1:35, to see if you can identify the cause of my knee pain. I feel like my right knee - the pivot knee - is getting torn up and after a round lately it stiffens up and I have trouble opening the join completely or closing it completely.
Any input is appreciated.
Luke
Luke,
I really like the looks of the technique including the reach back and follow through. Everything looks really good up until “after your release” which could mean there is a slight problem right before the release. The only thing I really see is what appears to be a slightly larger-than-needed stride, causing a hesitation in your weight transfer before your hips come all the way through.
It's like you are planting and stomping, which looks to be absorbing too much of the upper body weight. This split-second stopping is interfering with what should be a smooth and fluid follow through upon release. In several of the shots your right foot jumps off the ground as it starts to rotate.
I can give you a few recommendations:
-First, you could of course shorten up the last stride a bit to see if this helps with the jarring of the leg.
-Another thing you could try would be to try and point your right foot in a slightly different direction, either more towards the target or more away from the target.
Both of these adjustments could work against your ability to throw accurate shots at first, but are worth the effort if they help keep wear and tear off you body.
There is always the possibility that you are using a shoe with TOO MUCH traction or grip. Sometimes its shorter spikes or a different pattern. Not all shoes tread patterns are meant for rotating, round spikes without larger rectangular ones on the perimeter of the front of the shoe are usually best.
Can you send me a picture of the bottom of your shoes?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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About David
- GatewayDiscs
- St. Louis, MO, United States
- I own and operate Gateway Disc Sports, a disc manufacturing and course design and installation company.