Flight Crew flies south to the Disco Ball

I rolled in to bend around 3pm and went straight to the Pine Nursery to get some practice holes in and check the new layout for this years event. The course consist of a permanate 9 holes and the tournament layout adds another 18 holes for a grueling 27 hole round. That day the weather was beautiful with temps in the low 60's and hardly any clouds. ideal golf weather. During my warm up I met up with Next Adventure flight crew member Ryan Gwillim and his wife. We finished our practice holes and decided to end the day with food and beers at the 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

I found this little blurb in the Source (bend's free weekly paper)

After some great grub and delicious brew I met up with a friend who graciously let me crash on his couch for the weekend. There happened to be a spring festival going on. So off we went and caught a free concert and watched Larry And His Flask rock real hard. Every time I visit it seems like there's always something fun going down in bend and it's usually free!

Day one of the competition I awoke to high gusts and temps in the low 30's, but in usual bend style the sun shined down and warmed up to almost 40, just warm enough to keep the arm loose. What makes this event unique and one of my favorites is the format of one 27 hole round per day. It takes an extra bit of focus and concentration to play 27 holes straight through. Another cool thing is that the golf tournament coincides with a Ultimate Frisbee tournament. There's around 300 ultimate players in the middle of the park playing game after game while disc golfers play around the park in and out of the trees. It's quite the spectacle.

I wish i had more pics of people bundled up because it was freezing and the wind didn't quit all day. I was all layered up with lots of hot-hand packets, a facemask and knit hat with only my eyes exposed With harsh conditions like this it definitely adds to the challenge. When the winds blows that hard, say good bye to easy putts and break out the most over-stable driver in your bag.

Canyon shot over the road

Bend offers a unique landscape for disc golf. Lots of jagged rocks, boulders, sage, and dust cover the ground making roller shots out of the question most of the time. Also you better be throwing some durable premium plastic because your discs are gonna get abused. The juniper trees thick needles will grab your disc right out of the air and hold on to it, a major bummer when the 2-meter rule is in effect. Another thing to consider for the non-locals is that discs fly faster and more stable at higher elevations. you'll definitely notice a difference coming from Portland and playing in the valley. Just make an adjustment and watch it go!

I managed to play the wind like a master on day 1 and shot a 81, -3 down. That secured me a spot for 3rd in my division, only 3 strokes off the lead. I was stoked on my play considering conditions and a tough field of competitors.

The Man the Myth the Legend TD Ryan Lane

That night Frisbee lovers of all kind joined together to partake in ritual IPA drinking, Texas hold-em, and dance floor mayhem. It was a blast! I wish every Tournament did this!

JD Platt and his amazing K-9 kings dog show. This is seriously amazing!

Round 2 the winds died down and were less of an issue. It did snow at one point, but thankfully did not rain. I shot an 82 ( -2) which was enough for me to keep my 3rd place, but not enough to jump any positions. I'm stoked about my finish especially because it was the first event of the year and i played solid in adverse conditions. Congrats the Steve Signs for taking down Am. and World Champion Nate Doss (Who is now a Bend local ) for winning Open.

Thanks to all the Bend folks who come together to make the Disco Ball happen. All the Rebel members i get to see and play with. Next Adventure for there continuing support of disc golf and my disc addiction. And the Mt. Bachelor gods who smiled upon me and my friends giving us a pow day on April 14th! A dang perfect weekend! The Next Adventure for myself and the rest of the crew will be the Aloha Sushi Classic on the 4th -5th of may. Until then you can find me over at Pier Park getting ready for the Rose City Open or at the NA pro shop. So come say Hi! and check out all the sweet new plastic we got!

Backside of Summit lift Mt. Bachelor