Safari Series 2003

[jim]

Depends. He has not played many IL courses and would be playing them blind. You've played most of them. Opposite for Wisconsin. Depends on when and where you each play.

I am playing for the fun of it. Although I really hope to bring my game up a notch or three this year, I know my chances of winning Safari are slim. I just wanna play these courses together with you guys because it will be a hoot!

Besides, I think you're underestimating yourself, Dogg!  Remember that 5-down in the dark at Parkside?  You've been pretty hot for a while now.....

[jim]

Thanks for that back info, Brett.

But now I'm getting confused.  We talked about Safari at the past 2 or 3 meetings.  We went around and around about scoring.  Now less than a week before we start, we're re-thinking it all?  I've already posted and emailed tons of folks with our schedule.  That's why we started planning early.

Most people said they didn't want a points system for every type of event we play. People asked for straight scoring. Don't forget folks will be divided into Upper and Lower pools.

What isn't fair is changing the format/system a few days before the events; a bunch of players/members do not have internet access and therefore have no way to voice their opinions except at meetings. If I showed up to an event which was talked about at meetings, gave my suggestions, saw the schedule, and thought it was a done deal, then when its time to play the format or scoring is different, I'd say "screw it".

However, if people REALLY think the scoring system is more unfair than fair, tell us now.

[jim]

Bruce, I hope you make it!

Shawn, your suggestions DO NOT go unheard!  I just try to mix a little of what everyone wants, try to make it fair, and talk about it at meetings and other places.  I am open to ALL opinions and comments.

The reason we changed it was because so many people TOLD ME and SAID AT MEETINGS that last year's Safari was bogus - or at least needed an overhaul.  Some folks didn't like points because it was unfair. So I changed it.  I don't care if we keep points, keep total scores, or throw cowpoop at each other to see who wins.  I just want it to work and that everyone has fun.  To me, it is fun to play with my friends at different courses.  This Safari Series has so many variables that we'd be planning until 2008 if we wanted to totally level the playing field and make all players equal.  We can't do that because players aren't equal. Even if you gave me an extra stroke handicap per hole and let me throw from the baby tees, someone like Barry Schultz would still kick my butt.  The current format is just one if the best we can come up with.



What I am getting frustrated with is that 16 different people showed up to the last 3 meetings when all this was discussed at length.  AFTER the decisions were made at the year-end meeting, I specifically stopped everything and asked - TWICE - if there were ANY questions or concerns at all about ANY events.  It was my understanding that we all agreed that the schedule, events, etc., was fine - or at least would work - and that it was fair.

NOT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE COMPLETELY FAIR TO ANYONE.  What we have made is the best possible schedule to accommodate all levels of players.

[jim]

Hey man, it's all good.

I'd like to get Myk's input as well.



First issue: Jon is right about Joliet, duh. It really should be an 18-holer. I suggest either Tendick Park in Saukville, WI (about an 1.75 hours from Bevier) which is a new 18-hole FUN course in a huge park. Not too many long holes, but has lots of opportunities for righties and lefties. I add Manitowoc or Grafton as alternate courses. Options? Thanks, Jon!



Second issue: Scoring. Shawn, I've been thinking about what you wrote. I'm playing upper, going against the likes of you, Al, Mirth, Jojo, Brett, and others. I know that unless miracles happen, I can get 3rd at best. I still wanna play because I love to play when ANYONE is playing well. Yeah, it burns my nads when Brett makes 8 straight 40-foot putts, but man it is cool to witness it!  But still . . . at different courses, anyone may discover they have some advantage and win.



Anyway, I've been trying to figure out how to incorporate points and straight scoring, and nothing fits well. We'd have to do one or the other. Both ways have advantages and disadvantages. I say all club officers vote on it before tomorrow (Tuesday) night: either points or total scoring.

I vote for total scoring.

[jim]

We need Myk, Jay and Mirth to vote.

[jim]

Talked to Paul this morning already. He says keep it as scoring.

[jim]

Yep. You get a vote because you Webmaster is a Club Officer position.  However, if you hold 2 offices, like Jay, you may only vote once.



And you know, the more I think about this, the more frustrated I am becoming.  I cannot figure out why some folks think that going by score is bad when you only count 7 events.  WHY? I don't see that reasoning at all.  I also found in my notes that Brett, Jojo, Brent, Al G., and others were the ones who wanted to change from points to something else. Now, after months of discussion and meetings, you changed your mind?  We all voted on it.  Why hold meetings if nobody is paying attention?  Why vote on it only to change it in this arena that not everyone has access to (Board & internet)?  THAT is not fair to other club members who showed up to meetings and thought it was a done deal.  They got a voice then, but might not now.

Say, by chance, we actually get 2 or 3 non-members to show up.  Suddenly, the format is changed.  They might not check the website or Board.  Oh well?  Too bad?  Like it or lump it? That's not the kind of club I was trying to form. And it makes us look confused.

Many people wanted to get acurate handicaps via the Safari (can't be done by points). People wanted to go head-to-head against other players (instead of best shot doubles) to see how they'd fare.  Gee, going by score seems pretty clear.  Using 2 groups, upper and lower, evens this out furrther.

The points for showing up is bogus.  that's one reason we are doing 7 of 12, in case players go on vacation, or coach sports and can't make it sometimes, or want to play other tourneys on some weekends.  It gives you more opportunity to choose the courses you might do better at.



These are all reasons why we changed it to total scoring. So, before you vote, remember all the bitching that was done during last year's Safari Series and why.

[jim]

Please forgive my venting/rantings. I know everyone is just trying to make these events the best they can be. That's what is making our club better every year.

And yes, after we choose another course in place of Joliet, all will be 18-holers.

[jim]

Glad to hear you're up and running, Jojo! Sweet dyes, baby!



Well, from what I hear on this board and from speaking to Jon and Paul again, POINTS is how we will score our Safari Series. Let's use a set point structure as I believe Brett and Jay suggested, like last year. Although we may have more players this year, let's keep:

1st = 10 points

2nd = 9 points

3rd = 8 points

4th = 7 points

5th = 6 points

6th = 5 points

7th = 4 points

8th = 3 points

9th = 2 points

10th = 1 point

11th = 1 point

12th = 1 point

and so on



If we raise it to 15 pts for 1st, it may allow the best players to create an insurmountable lead after a few rounds. If we lower it, and we get a few strong turnouts, too many players will be garnering only 1 point.  10 is good, yes?



Also, should we keep Joliet on the schedule since we're playing for points?  It really will not make a difference - at least no more of a difference in courses than Bevier to Token Creek.



OK?  Are we good to go?

BTW, all this stuff is good stuff. Things may not always turn out the way we want them, but they always turn out. Thanks for all the input.

NOW GET OUT and BRING YOUR GAME!

[jim]

OK, so now that a lot of the icky administrative stuff is solid, WHO IS PLAYING THIS SATURDAY AT OUR 1st SAFARI???  Who is gonna be brought down by the mighty hand of the Scooterzilla?  Come on down and bring it on!

It's gonna suck a little for me this year; since I'm going to be making more PDGA events around the Midwest, I'll be missing some of the summer Safari dates.  Standing Rocks (not clear whether Ams or Pros weekend) is the same date as our Madison/Token Creek date.  Still, I'm ready for all y'all!

[jim]

We will be playing Holes 1-18.



At the end of any round of 18 and there is a tie, the two+ players tied will go back to Hole #1 and play full holes until the tie is broken.

If there is a tie at the end of the entire series, a 9-hole final playoff will be played from Bevier's 19-27 Holes one week after the December Safari date.

[jim]

Since you claim he is your puppet, I wouldn't think of breaking you up. Besides, he's driving like, what, 4 hours, to play with us?  I think that appropriate groupings will fall into place.......



Which hole would you like the CTP prize donated for?  May I suggest a really hard one, like #7?  Whatever is fine with me.

[jim]

Oooohh boy . . . .

Tomorrow, the first Safari Series date, is at Bevier.  The temp is supposed to drop to between 10-20 degrees, with 10-15 mph winds, making it feel like below zero. Oh yeah, and possible light flurries.

So dress warm, don't leave your discs in the car tonight, and prepare to do battle!

The prize discs for tomorrow just got here. First place prize for Upper: 173(?) Beast with  rainbow Sun King logo (our sponsor).

First place prize for Lower: 173 Beast with green Sun King logo.

CTP for Hole #7:  Jon/Bruce Brakel providing.

CTP for Hole #8 Upper: Elite X Talon.

CTP for Hole #8 Lower: Elite X Talon.

These Talons are SWEET and feel like the old floppy Cyclone or Typhoon plastic.

So, if you have been undecided about showing up in the frigid weather, come out to play!  Hopefully these discs will be incentive!

[jim]

Excellent!  The Doctor is IN! Jiggy!

Bruce, will we have to THROW the stump or throw TO the stump? Can we opt to throw the stump? At another player? (Before the 2-minute warning, of course.)  I have a feeling that your stump has Brett's name written on it..........

[jim]

Any aces during any of the 12 events will receive one disc each (max value $15).  If anyone wants to do a side/casual Ace Pool, that's fine.

[jim]

In the car.....

I once had a Tracer which I left in my car overnight (well, over 2 weeks in the winter). The first tree I hit split the disc in 2 halves.

[jim]

That, unfortunately, was ANOTHER time. And BTW, thanks for reminding me. ;-p

The first time was at Adler in about '95 on what is now Hole #4. Alex Bingman was my partner; he didn't stop laughing for 3 holes. Loudly.

Boy, this memory lane stuff is sure . . . fun . . .

[jim]

WOOOOO-HOOOOO!

Now that my face has thawed . . . .

Yeah, what a great turnout! Thanks to everyone who showed up & thanks to Bruce Brakel for driving 6 hours from Michigan to play with us, donating a disc and a FABULOUS handmade trophy, and becoming a member! Thanks also to Steve Cohn and Damon Short for beoming members. I'm glad Brett made it in time - and Shawn who drove straight from Dayton, Ohio (after driving from North Carolina) to play!  Man you guys are committed!!  Or should be....

The temp was officially down to 11 degrees. With a gusty 10+ mph wind, it felt like 5 below zero!

Shawn Comstock took the day with a -2!

Congrats to all!

[jim]

Welcome, Steve!  I'll email you tonight!

Also, we have some conflicts in our schedule.

Our 5th Safari Series in Madison conflicts with the Wisconsin Tour's Standing Rocks Open.

Also, the Widdershins conflicts with Parkside's Prairie Open PDGA event.  Put on your thinking caps......  I'll post on this again after work.........

[jim]

Here's the skinny:



May 3-4:  Pickle Open, Sheboygan, PDGA B-Tier

May 3-4: Standing Rocks Open, AM weekend,

              Stevens Point

May 3-4: Michiana Open, South Bend PDGA A-Tier

May 10-11: Safari Series #5 Token Creek, Madison

May 10-11: Standing Rocks, PRO weekend,

                Stevens Point

May 11th: MOTHERS DAY!  UG!

May 11: Homie's Spring Fling, Indiana, PDGA B-Tier

May 11: Spring Best Shot League wk 8, Bevier

May 17-18: Fox Valley Open, Appleton,

                  PDGA B-Tier

May 24-25: Open except for Spring Best Shot

                 League wk 10 (end)

May 31-June 1: Parkside's Prairie Open PDGA event

June 1: Widdershins Open

June 7-8: Peoria Open, PDGA Supertour

June 7-8: Baraboo Open, PDGA B or C-Tier

June 7-8: Bevier's Annual Fishing Derby (I think) - disc golf course is closed for the day

June 14: Junior League start

June 14: Safari Series #6 in Rockford



Soooooo......

I propose to move the May Safari (#5 - at Token Creek in Madison) to Saturday, April 26th

 - and (this is gonna the hard one in regards to WPD) -

move the Widdershins Open to Saturday, May 24th



This allows players the time to play more events with much less conflict. Whatever we decide, we'll ahve to post the changes on the board, the website, and at as many courses as possible. I've gotten a few emails from players in WI, IL and MI who want to play at least one Safari event, so lets cover all bases.