Greater Milwaukee Open

[shawn]

Does anyone know if dretzka is in the ground yet?

From PDGA site from Mark P.

Hopefully next Wed or so.Both courses are pretty wet still.There are alot of branches and trees that need to be cleaned up or picked up at both courses. I think I got the county to do some woodchipping at Brown Deer. There is a huge tree blocking the fairway on # 1. Until that gets cut up, that hole will be hard.The county will put the baskets in at Brown Deer,mid next week. I will put baskets in at Dretzka either next Tuesday or Wed in to tourny pin placements. Shark

Of course if it is too wet, he will wait a few days for Dreska.

[discglfr]

If I had to guess - I would say the baskets will likely go back in the ground on Wednesday, May 7th.  Again, that's just a guess though.  When they do - they will be put right into tourney positions.

[discglfr]

I'm going to offer a NOVICE (AM4) division at the GMO!   I see that there is some demand for such a division and I want to do the best I can for the most amount of golfers.  It will be the same amount as the REC division and it is obviously offered for anyone that's eligible.  I believe that PDGA cutoff is below 850 right?

The player's packs will be CUSTOM STAMPED DISCS and also TEE SHIRTS.  With only a $20 entry fee that means there won't be gobs and gobs of payouts but there will still be something besides sweet trophies.  Currently we are planning on having TOM HOLSTEN style trophies.  Those alone are worth coming to compete for.

We are also going to have a raffle for a TOM HOLSTEN CUSTOM BASKET as well as other games, CTPs, and other basket give-aways.

Please get signed up online or via snail mail immediately.

Registration fees go up by $10 on Thursday, May 15th at 6pm

[DiscGolfSchodt]

Terry I sent you a PM. I attempted to send an email but it got sent back as undeliverable

[discglfr]

I've shifted everyone around now and you can see that we actually have 5 people signed up for NOVICE and no one in REC.  I also wanted to point out that we have a very diverse set of registrations already signed up including 4 INT WOM, 4 ADV GRANDMASTERS, and 3 ADV MASTERS. 

I know people like to make their decisions based on the idea if there will be enough to make a division.  Well, this looks like a great chance to come and play in some of those divisions that aren't normally well-attended. 

Please get signed up asap.  Next week there will be a mad rush and then someone will get shut out.  Don't be 'that guy'.

Thanks!

I'm going to offer a NOVICE (AM4) division at the GMO!   I see that there is some demand for such a division and I want to do the best I can for the most amount of golfers.  It will be the same amount as the REC division and it is obviously offered for anyone that's eligible.  I believe that PDGA cutoff is below 850 right?

The player's packs will be CUSTOM STAMPED DISCS and also TEE SHIRTS.  With only a $20 entry fee that means there won't be gobs and gobs of payouts but there will still be something besides sweet trophies.  Currently we are planning on having TOM HOLSTEN style trophies.  Those alone are worth coming to compete for.

We are also going to have a raffle for a TOM HOLSTEN CUSTOM BASKET as well as other games, CTPs, and other basket give-aways.

Please get signed up online or via snail mail immediately.

Registration fees go up by $10 on Thursday, May 15th at 6pm

[pickax]

Even though the sample set is small, the pre-reg at the GMO is an interesting commentary on the new divisions. I'm not sure what conclusions to draw, but the INT division is currently filled with 5 rec rated players, 2 non-rated, and 2 that belong in INT. Of the 5 rec rated players, 3 are in the range for 2007-int, the other two played int at their previous tournaments. Is this a function of a) insufficient communication from the PDGA regarding the new division breakdown b) ego where one does not want to be called a Rec. c) yearlong series aspirations, d) local tournaments not generally offering the lower divisions, e) where their friends are, f) larger entry fee/payout or g) something else completely.

The Novice players all know where they stand, and aren't afraid to take moniker of MA4.

I think I will take a look at the pre-reg again next week to see what the breakdown is closer to tourney time.

[discglfr]

Krupicka - this isn't directed at you but it's a response in general:

I have spewed my thoughts about this stuff for years so I won't do it again but it sure seems funny that about once per week I hear the following, "Why in the world are there so many divisions?  Maybe we should go back to having 1 pro and 1 am division". 

Now, I don't necessarily think it's that simple but I do know that many people play up from where their rating 'puts' them.  I do know that everyone wants to be a winner every single time they step into a tournament setting.  One that that has crossed my mind is to give out 'participation awards' at tournaments.  That way everyone has something to take home and put on their fridge.  Heck, people that don't tank their rounds just so they don't count against their precious ratings would be affected but then again - someone is always unhappy with something right?

Ter

Even though the sample set is small, the pre-reg at the GMO is an interesting commentary on the new divisions. I'm not sure what conclusions to draw, but the INT division is currently filled with 5 rec rated players, 2 non-rated, and 2 that belong in INT. Of the 5 rec rated players, 3 are in the range for 2007-int, the other two played int at their previous tournaments. Is this a function of a) insufficient communication from the PDGA regarding the new division breakdown b) ego where one does not want to be called a Rec. c) yearlong series aspirations, d) local tournaments not generally offering the lower divisions, e) where their friends are, f) larger entry fee/payout or g) something else completely.

The Novice players all know where they stand, and aren't afraid to take moniker of MA4.

I think I will take a look at the pre-reg again next week to see what the breakdown is closer to tourney time.

[can't putt]

For me, it's ego.  I am rated towards the high end of rec.  Last year I was rated in the middle of int., and played 15 tourneys in that division.  If I were to register for a non-age protected division at Sinnissippi or the GMO I would register in intermediate as I think this is the level of competition that offers realistic challenge.  Were I to finish high in rec. I wound not think it much of an accomplishment because my rating shows I should finish high in rec.  A good finish in intermediate, on the other hand, will leave me feeling good at the end of the day.  As I improve and approach the int/adv threshold I'm sure I'll be more inclined to play adv than int.  I assume this is the same for the several int rated players that regularly play advanced.

As for participation awards, Terry, don't you normally provide tourney stamped discs in your player packs?  I consider this my "participation award".  I don't need a piece of paper patting me on the back for showing up.  My reward is just being there and having a good time.  I would like a trophy if I win, though, but only if I win. And I would like to receive the trophy at the event, not months after.  This is not an issue with you, as you consistently offer unique trophies specific to the event and have them ready to go.  Nice job.

[discglfr]

Hey Kurt,

I do try to provide something custom stamped for most of the larger events that I run (most of the time those are in fact discs).  I LOVE how you view that as a 'participation award' because I truly feel like you are dead on with that correlation.  I'll admit I was being a tad facetious when I made that comment about everyone getting a ribbon or participation award.  I was really just saying that it seems like we keep having more and more divisions which generates more winners.  Winning is fun but as you said - you want to feel like you really earned it.  Then again, some don't.  If they beat just one other person but have a trophy that says first then they are ok with that.  I guess this is all deeply rooted in everyone's own mind of what being a "winner" really is.

|| Side note:  The 2008 GMO will be offering your choice of 2 custom DX Discs or 1 Custom Star Disc as well as a custom tee shirt. Even the pros are getting something special and that will be announced later.||

As for participation awards, Terry, don't you normally provide tourney stamped discs in your player packs?  I consider this my "participation award".  I don't need a piece of paper patting me on the back for showing up.  My reward is just being there and having a good time.  I would like a trophy if I win, though, but only if I win. And I would like to receive the trophy at the event, not months after.  This is not an issue with you, as you consistently offer unique trophies specific to the event and have them ready to go.  Nice job.

[Chainmeister]

Terry

I think Krupicka was just noting that with the new ratings breakdowns lots of folks still do not know where they are "supposed" to be and rely on the old division names.  I think he was just being obervational as he is a bit of a data freak. I do not think he was really implying anything about you or GMO.  That being said, I agree that the AYSO mentality that all good little children are winners is kind of silly. We are all adults.  I compete against myself- and rarely win. I had sent you an e-mail when I noticed that some players appeared to be in different divisions but really have about the same game.  Also, they are good guys and I like playing with them. You moved some around and it makes sense.  I appreciate Kurt's feeling that he would be essentially bagging in rec.  To me its just a name. With smaller ratings breaks some of us will be at the bottom of the group and expected to lose and some of us will be near the top of the group and expected to win.  890 ish players should clean up in rec at least theoretically.  If I play like crap it doesn't mean anything to me if I win.  If I play well, I don't care if I am DFL.  I expect that to occur when I play IOS #2 as I will play GM on Sunday for scheduling reasons.  I expect to be DFL and expect to play well above my rating.  If that comes to pass I will know it was a good day. 

The Player's pack is really a participation award but its better. Rather than a silly ribbon to sit on a shelf and a year later to sit in a box and a year after that to sit in the can in the alley we get an award we can throw or wear.  Cool!

[discglfr]

It's all good David,

I wasn't really taking ANY offense to Krupicka's post what so ever.  As you said, he was just pointing out some very keen observations.  I'm not above observations or criticism (which I get plenty of) and I hope others don't take offense to my feelings or observations just the same.

Anyway - I'm glad some chimmed in on this topic - it's always an interesting one.  At the end of the day I'm here to promote disc golf.  Whether that's for the 500 rated junior boy under 10 or to the advanced senior grandmaster women with a 1000 rating.  Either way, I just like to throw pieces of plastic at some chain baskets and hope others like it half as much as I do.

Back to your regularly scheduled thread about how much fun the Greater Milwaukee Open is going to be next weekend and how everyone should pre-register (in whatever division they deem appropriate and are eligible to compete in) and come and have an awesome time at one of Wisconsin's BEST courses.  More and more are taking advantage of the "Tarzan" offer which will award special prizes and incentives for those that compete both days.

Ter

[Bruce Brakel]

So that's what Tarzan is about!  Since you're going back on topic, which courses are you using?  If it was posted previously, my apologies.  Feel free to curtly cut and paste.  We have end of the school year plays and dance recitals for the next couple of weekends so we'll be keeping it local.  I'm playing a sanctioned tournament on my home course this weekend.  Have I ever done that this millenium?  Should be fun. 

[tacimala]

Terry what about the poor people like me that want to play both days but don't have the option to? 

[discglfr]

Hey Bruce,

We are just using Dretzka for this event.  It will be 2 rounds of 27 holes. It will be the permanent 27 hole course that was set to the tourney positions just yesterday (May 6th).  That means the regular 18 hole course plus the 9 across the street that have concrete tee pads.  The course is set up in a somewhat 'longer' fashion so as the slogan states, "Welcome to the Jungle".  No one will be able to complain about a lack of challenge this year.

I do hope to host something at Brown Deer this year.  In fact, it will probably double up as the WI State Qualifying event but more on that to come later. 

Tarzan incentive includes extra stuff just for coming both days as well as a special bonus for at least the top finisher for the two days. 

Breakdown for tees include:

All pros play 2 rounds from the longs.
Advanced Men play 1 round from the shorts and 1 round from the longs (not sure about the order)
All other divisions (which are the Sunday players) will play 2 rounds from the shorts (but the pins will still be pretty long).

I hope this helps!

Ter

Taylor - sorry but I don't know how to help you out buddy.  Umm, come and caddy for someone on Sunday?

So that's what Tarzan is about!  Since you're going back on topic, which courses are you using?  If it was posted previously, my apologies.  Feel free to curtly cut and paste.  We have end of the school year plays and dance recitals for the next couple of weekends so we'll be keeping it local.  I'm playing a sanctioned tournament on my home course this weekend.  Have I ever done that this millenium?  Should be fun. 

[damonshort]

More and more are taking advantage of the "Tarzan" offer which will award special prizes and incentives for those that compete both days.

Ter

If McManus shows up in a loincloth I'm gonna want my money back.... 

[SERG]

Sent in registration yesterday...via snail mail

[discglfr]

Registrations are pouring in left and right.  I'm taking them at leagues, at my house, via snail mail, and online registration.  I'm waiting for a carrier pigeon at some point. 

I was working with a buddy this weekend and we might even be able to do some 10 meter lines at the course for the event.  Also, Tom Holsten had a family trip he had to make to AZ so it doesn't look like we'll have Holsten quality trophies but we'll still have a Tom Holsten basket available to WIN!!!  More details coming on that soon.

Thanks to everyone that is pre-registering.  Soon I'll have a final map and scorecards available for everyone to check things out ahead of time.  Pins are still in the tourney positions and will be until the event. 

Ter

[discglfr]

There was a significant spike in registrations today.  Check out the updated PDGA lists:


Saturday's List

Sunday's List

Registration fees go up by $10 at 6pm on Thursday night!

[reg-waters]

More and more are taking advantage of the "Tarzan" offer which will award special prizes and incentives for those that compete both days.

Ter

If McManus shows up in a loincloth I'm gonna want my money back.... 

i will do that one better if anyone shows up in a loincloth i want my money back and theres  jk

[damonshort]

Terry:

I know this is a longshot, but any chance there will be food vendors there on Sunday?