Trinity Links<---Joliet(Lockport)

[airspuds]

gary says get out and play this course

[can't putt]

Had a chance to play a round with Steve-O yesterday.  He has spent his summer at Trinity as a labor of love.  He says he took out hundreds of tires, filed in ruts, planted grass, etc., etc., etc.,  Currently 14 baskets are back in the ground.  It should be sweet when complete.

[ChrisPUTTS]

Got out to Trinity today and it is really looking good.  I heard that by the end of this week the other baskets should be up.  I really liked some of the wooded holes.  I also didn't see a teepad for a long on hole two but you can see the path cut into the trees going over some of the swamp.  Thats going to be a cool shot.

[jack]

I played here yesterday afternoon. Steve O has done an amazing job. The tires and garbage have been removed, the fairways in the open have been mowed, the woods and rough have been trimmed, all the baskets have been reset, and fresh limestone has been placed on all of the white (short) tees. A few burn piles remain, but they are out of play. The pro tee for hole 2 isn't quite finished, but it shouldn't take more than an hour of work to complete. I'll post here when I find out the date of the next workday.

This was always my least favorite of the Joliet courses but working there over the summer and playing yesterday have really changed my opinion. The course looked beautiful yesterday afternoon. It's a perfect fall course: All of the trees are changing, the bugs are dead, and the ivy is dormant. If you get a chance to play this week, definately think about checking out this course!   

[skipache]

meybe the Midwest Open could return?

[SteveO]

Well...it's time to pick up where I left off last Fall.
After the basket theft (at least 6 OF THEM!!!), I'm
a little short on enthusiasm. I'm still fighting-off the
desire to walk away and tell the DG community to
shove it. I haven't been to Trinity since the series of
abominations took place last November. There needs
to be a shake-up in the DG community. It needs to
be grabbed by it's collective lapels and shaken into a
stupor. And kicked in it's collective a**es.

Trinity offered a $500 reward for arrest/prosecution
of offenders last Spring, prior to the most recent
thefts. I offered-up $100 of my own money to add to
the amount and found assurances of pledges to
add another $400 to bring the amount to $1,000.
I have now decided to PERSONALLY pledge $500
of my own money to help put these cretins in their
place. On top of what Trinity will pledge, and with
what I'm hoping the DG community can come up
with, I'd imagine we can get some serious numbers
together.

The baskets have characteristics that can
POSITIVELY identify their proper owner, Trinity
Services, and I will testify in court as to their
authenticity. They CAN NOT be hidden or changed.
They will serve as a "fingerprint" that will insure a
successful prosecution.  These additional holes
were used for the addition of hardened steel,
breakaway bolts to permanently affix the baskets
to the pipe until we could get a welder on the site
to permanently weld the baskets. The baskets were
stolen by cutting the pipe before the final step of
filling the pipe with concrete was completed.
(I was trying to tie-up loose ends due to the upcoming
tournament and put off the concrete fill. I apologize
to Trinity and the DG community for this oversight.)
These holes CAN NOT be hidden. They WILL be
used as evidence in court. All persons are encouraged
to call Thane Dykstra at Trinity Services if you discover
one of these baskets in someone's possession.
You can also contact me through the usual channels.
I don't want to post my email address or cellular number
here, but they can easily be found by contacting many
of the golfers in the area.

I am making a ONE TIME offer of amnesty to the
offender(s). If you contact me and return the baskets, I
assure you I will not seek prosecution. This is just an
offer from me. I don't represent Trinity's stand on the matter.
I am a man of my word. I will NOT seek your prosecution.
I will, however, seek your pennance. You will be required
to pay for your sins through hard work in support of the
sport we all love. Your pennance will be fair, but tough.
It will certainly be better than fines, probation or jail time.
You HAVE committed a FELONY, so the penalties can
be severe.

I'm in contact with the editor at Flying Disc Magazine
and am in the process of writing an article for the 3rd
issue that will publicize the thefts. A picture of the
unique markings will be included in the article. This will
put the baskets on the equivalent of the FBI "Ten Most
Wanted List". Golfers everywhere, including those who
buy things through Ebay, will be watching for the chance
to make an easy $1,000-$1,500. Those baskets are
starting to get a little hot to the touch, aren't they?

Peace!
SteveO

[CEValkyrie]

Steve,

    Thank you for the post. We appreciate all the work you have done at Trinity Links. I usually keep an eye on EBAY for baskets. I understand your frustration. This game is so frustrating at times. I've never seen a sport with so many A-Holes. This whole stolen basket thing is stupid. Most of them get yankend and just sit. Hopefully these guys are caught.

Thanks again!

[can't putt]

Damn, I was looking forward to get back to Trinity knowing all the effort that was put in.

SteveO -- I'll kick in $250.

Kurt

[SteveO]

Brett, Kurt...thanks for the support!
We'll have to schedule a round, or two, this Summer.

I ran into one of the Trinity staff golfing at New Lenox Saturday.
Thor is his name. Said a former staff member is looking into possibly
getting some baskets donated. Gary said he should be able to get
a couple of old baskets hammered into good enough shape to get in
the ground. The course will live another day.

I'd sure like to see the DG community come out in force in support
of the sport. I don't mean just coming out to play leagues or tournaments.
I don't mean just showing up for an hour of work at a work party.
I'd like to see a show of force with purpose and results. A weekend-long
event. A two day work party/BBQ/tournament. All money collected going
toward course repair/upkeep. Participants desiring to be "patrons of the art".
People going in with the expectation of leaving with empty pockets, sore
muscles and the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from contributing to the
sport. I'd like to see people line up for the chance, at a dollar-a-throw, to
put a disc into a basket with no expectation of winning anything but the
respect of their peers. The event could be a weekend of work interrupted
by BBQ and random-draw, team competition. The random draw aspect
will bring together players of all skill levels. People will get to know each
other a little more. Shot techniques can be shared and learned. The
course would be composed of various "stations" where a different shot
technique will be needed to hole-out and move on to the next station.
The tee shot will be eliminated. The competition will begin at the point
where an approach shot or putt would come into play. Every team starts
from the same "lie". Points are awarded to the team as each player
completes the station. A referee would be at each station to adjudicate
and, perhaps, demonstrate the technique needed to complete the station.
Examples: Hole 1, stuck in the right rough. Have to throw a cut roller to
get to the pin for a drop-in "deuce". Hole 2, low overhead, have to skip the
shot off the ground. Hole 3, eye-level opening requiring a turbo putt. Hole 4,
a wall of shrubs requiring a pancake shot. Hole 5, a tall, wall of shrubs
requiring a grenade shot. Hole 6, a tunnel shot. You get the idea. The real
art of disc golf comes into play. Everything but having to throw really, really
far in an open area. The player with greater skill on a team will have the
option of throwing first on each hole to demonstrate the technique to his/her
teammates. As each player's score contributes to the overall team score,
the skilled player stands to benefit by sharing his knowledge with teammates.
It won't be just a matter of one skilled player carrying the team in a best
shot format. It'll be all for one and one for all. A team, "Disc Golf Technique
Olympics".

So...whaddya think? Anyone up for the challenge? I think it would be a winner.
The DG community can demonstrate to the course owners a sense of pride
and caring. That we're not just a hole to throw money into. That we have a lot
of potential. That we desire to see the sport grow and gain some respect.

I think an event of this sort will be a big draw. People will come from all over
to learn technique. Competitive players will attend to learn the techniques
that will make them more comprtitive. Casual players will attend to gain an
advantage over their peers. People will line up for the chance to learn
something new. Ideally, some will attend as a show of support for the sport.
If we could get a couple of touring pros to attend and demonstrate technique,
and, perhaps, through an auction process, avail themselves as a partner to
the highest bidder, we'd raise even more funds. A team would be composed
of pros and ams. The first 2 draws would be for the ams on a team. The 3rd
would be for a pro. The 4th draw would be for the final pro. Prior to the 4th draw,
there will be the opportunity to "buy" a pro in an auction. If someone wants to
win at any cost, they'll have an opportunity to try. But it'll cost 'em.
Man...if we could get a "name brand" pro, we'd have to turn away players.
I'd bid 50 bucks to play with an "Avery Jenkins". I'd bid a hundred bucks to
play with a "Barry Schultz" or a "Climo".

Anyway...it's 1:30 AM and time to hit the rack. I think I've run out of creative
juices. I've thrown down the gauntlet. I can only hope there are those who
will pick it up. If disc golf is to move to the next level, we have to take an
active part to insure it will.

SteveO

[SteveO]

Test. 1st post as a member. An un-guest.

[can't putt]

SteveO, I think your idea is intriguing.  I, for one, would be excited to participate.  To be successful, it would have to be organized to the nth degree including camping/lodging details, on-site sanitation, food and fluids, etc.  Quite an undertaking.  Your comment on throwing down the gauntlet could be read as disparaging to some of the highly active people and clubs with which Northern Illinois is blessed.  Counless hours are spent in course maintenance and disc golf ambassadorship by Brett and other Discontinuum members.  The nascent Fox Valley Metro club seems to be finding its legs and is doing a bang-up job in Oswego, not just with the course at Eagle Ridge but with educating and involving the local community.  In addition, they have already run two charity tournaments and have a third on the way.  Of course you are well aware of individual and small group efforts at Anna Page, Channahon, and Parkside.

The event you propose, if well done, would only add to the momentum.  Perhaps this is what is needed to help push the local Forest Preserve Districts into dedicating some land for disc golf.  Are you willing to chair a committee dedicated to organizing such an event?

[airspuds]

make it pay to play
members only
members pay membership fee ( 1/2 goes to  owners 1/2 goes toward course improvement fund)
sat and sun tee times
tues  thurs glow rounds
wed  ladies doubles

mon closed
friday - group outings  clinics

its private land right ?
would the owner be willing to lease the land ?

[SteveO]

I think I could dig down and find the strength to chair something, Kurt.
I've pondered the idea a bit.
The success of such an event would be directly proportional to the celebrity of
the pro contingent and the amount of publicity. Ya gotta have a "draw" and ya gotta
promote the event. Sponsors are a must. Good food is a draw. Clinics and a chance
to implement what's learned in a friendly competition is a draw. The chance to be
randomly placed on a team with a celebrity is a draw. Some look for the chance to
get out and get dirty to support a favorite activity. For those without the time or,
perhaps, the ability to get out and get dirty, monetary support is the way to go.
For those who might not have as much to throw in the tambourine as they'd like,
there's a sweat-equity option. I envision a weekend where people can stop by for
just a few hours and check out some seminars. In the late afternoon, some
competition. The day ends with a BBQ around the fire pit. Come early and work
on the course. Course work brings about a proportional reduction in the cost of
activities. Good workers get good eats. Everyone else has to chip in. My use
of the term tambourine was not by accident. I'm proposing an enjoyable way to
shake the tambourine in the revival tent. Come out for as much as you can stand.
One day or both. Work, then play. Can't work? Pay, then play. Just come out
and watch if you choose. A two day, disc golf Burning Man. A disc golf "happening".
Spiff-up the course. Learn some technique. Get a disc signed by "someone".
A weekend pledge drive.  Does anybody know somebody that knows Barry Schultz?
Does Climo need appearance money? I know someone who used to bunk with Ron
Russell.

By throw down the gauntlet, I mean a response to the basket thieves and vandals.
To show that the vast majority of golfers find the conduct distasteful and are ready to
rally 'round the flag. An Amish barn raising. Hard work followed by food and revelry.
A show of force in response to at least 20 baskets having been stolen over the years.
Undoubtedly, Trinity has been stoic throughout. They bought the original 18 baskets
to build the course. They've easily bought another 10 or 12 replacements. Gary has
filled in the rest of the gaps with hand-me-down baskets gleaned from other course
upgrades. Trinity could easily throw in the towel if they decided they've had enough.

Pay to play? airspuds has picked up a vibe. I'd be all for it. I submitted a piece for
publication in the first FDM issue. They sought pro and con positions regarding
pay to play. I was pro. I don't mean everywhere. I would, however, certainly enjoy
having some options when it comes to playing in a limited access setting. I haven't
hit a dimpled ball with a club in nearly 40 years, so I can't speak from recent, first hand
experience, but I've certainly seen my share of public golf courses over the years.
The infrastructure of even the lowest-tier courses would certainly translate to some
mighty fine disc golf courses. My FDM submission, although edited a bit, and written
a tad short to fit their requirements, certainly offers a few observations/dreams.

Trinity's initial plan was to develop disc golf into an activity for their clients. Clients is
the term they use for the mentally challenged adults who are availed Trinity's services.
Gary spoke of the garage by the #1 tee as having been envisioned as a pro shop
staffed by clients. This is the same garage that was rebuilt just last year. It had been
gutted by a fire a few years earlier. I believe it was intentionally set.

Here's some cut-and-pastes from an email I sent to Thane, over at Trinity:

The facility has such an incredible potential to
become something out-of-the-ordinary.
...a refuge where staff or family will be able to partake of
a variety of activities, with, and benefitting the clients. ... a
clean pond, that doesn't emit a foul odor, surrounded by benches
where staff can counsel clients. ...family and clients can
interact and reflect. ... fish for bluegills.
...crushed limestone path, winding about the property,
where clients can walk, or ride a bicycle, with staff or family....
small picnic groves along the way...
The garage could make
an ideal base of operations for so many activities.

I've often referred to Trinity as a diamond-in-the-rough.
Gary and I discovered we felt the same way while having a "course confab"
in the Trinity garage one evening.

We have a rare resource. A private course with a public spirit.
If I had carte blanche, I'd encircle the property with an 8 foot chain link fence
and develop the heck outta it.

I'm currently specing-out an idea to build an office in the garage for a staff
member to oversee a disc golf program. A small office in the corner and the balance
of the garage for a pro shop. Wall-mounted racks and glass display cases.
A vending machine, or two. It's an unsolicited exercise I'd certainly enjoy implementing.

There ya go. I've worn my heart on my sleeve. My six months of work at Trinity last year
was driven by the desire to see disc golf become a theraputic activity for the clients.
Wouldn't it be way cool? Look at Lamb's Farm, up in Libertyville(?). Quite a beneficial
operation. I'd certainly pay $5/day to golf at Trinity. I'd buy a wrist band from a client in the pro
shop. Free golf for the day if you buy a disc. $7/weekend. $50/season.
$XXX /patron sponsorship for (special events?).

Darn it!! It's 1AM again. Getting sleepy...very sleepy.

Ole

[CEValkyrie]

I would be willing to help out with some lessons or running of the event if im avaliable.

[D1sasterouz]

I hate people who steal baskets. I remember a few years ago someone stole  #18 at Shorewood and everyone who I was playing with was pissed about it. Im only 2.44 miles from Trinity Links. I had no idea it was so close. Your event idea sounds like a great idea and I am sure if you received more baskets there would be plenty of disc golfers willing to lend a hand. Being 18 and casually playing disc golf I know I could use some lessons.

[can't putt]

SteveO, check your private messages.  I sent you one a week ago. 

[airspuds]

wed night best shot here next wed
according to jolietdiscgolf.com

bring baskets

ill be at sox/yankees

i still think we should make the course members only

how much  ?

[airspuds]

as of JUNE 1 , 2011

course played soggy but we have had some rain

18  has new t not installed yet
laying down

17  new basket spot on top of hill, water behind

15   wow   new island basket spot  bring water disc

course spotless >  I usually have bags of garbage after playing this course

keep it up

still thinking private  course  here if ever put up for lease or sale

new chuch going in across the street  , traffic issues for sure

[Thor]

I started working on this course with Steve o and have since taken it over.  I was handed the course by Trinity and told I could do whatever I wish to the course as long as I take care of the course.  I have since changed a lot of holes up and have been cleaning and clearing non stop with the help of my buddies.  The course now has a hanging basket and has all cement tee pads.  I have never really had a problem navigating the course but a few holes you have to back track or walk a little ways to get to the next hole.  It is worth the walk though because the course is sick.  the ponds still need some work but now with the trenching the water problems are getting better and better... if you have not checked this course out I would and play the point series to help raise money to continue improving the course.