So Who Gets In?

[Jim J]

Let's start with the fact that at the OLEs and now the GNO the registration window is getting very, very small. The old adage about 'just sign up early' doesn't hold up because now 'early' means 'yesterday'. Last year Qualifiers got a special chance to register but that system seems to have broken down.

So with a huge demand and limited supply, who should get in?


Is it only those people who stalk the various bulletin boards and can jump when the alarm goes off? (Given this audience, I'm guessing that this will OK to everyone).

Should members of the hosting clubs get an early entry into their own tournament?

Should the spots be up for bid on eBay? (This could raise some serious cash).

I guess my question is, does this market need some of regulation or do we like the wild west? I guess we've got all season to find out.

[all2common]

I would like to see some form of regulation. Last year's qualifiers first worked, I thought. That's only because I was a qualifier, so it definitely worked for me. I like the idea of club members getting early entry to their own tournament - might provoke people to join more clubs. Also, in some cases it might provoke a locals only type feel, which I'm saying is a bad thing...I like the tournaments where the geographical mix is at its greatest.

Maybe work party attendance can buy you some sort of early entry...

[Sean Phillips]

I think we need to split up the AM and PRO divisions. All the big tourneys of the year will have two weekends. An AM weekend and a PRO weekend.

I do like the work party attendance priority deal.

[Sam]

This year will be easy:

Sign up early or you miss out.

I think that next year this issue will need to be revisited.

[snap7times]

Make each tournament hugeeee... Either 27 holes or 2 courses... Adding 9 to Whistler's would be super badazzz *can think of 4 holes, 5 could be added to my imagination.*

[Magilla]

This year will be easy:

Sign up early or you miss out.

I think that next year this issue will need to be revisited.

The "Qualifier" reg'ing early was a nice thought, BUT people reg'd any way AND nothing was done to correct it.

I "visited" the Pro/Am option ALL last year............:whistler:

The MAIN issue with splitting weekends, from my "research" with the players, is the LOSS of the "Family" gathering. ALOT of PRO players travel with the AM players and like being able to do so.

IF the Series wants to GROW, it will need to happen. NOT all the events NEED to do this. BUT when there is only 1 course it sure would help.

AM sides would easily fill, Pro events would be "less stressed" and would most likely pull the top AMs as well. ONLY GNW & the Celebration are the events that COULD really benefit from this, being they are both played at 1 venue
The cost increase would be minimal (Seperate Sanctioning & Insurance)
AND Park fees where applicable (which could be significant in certain cases)

:cheers:

[Magilla]

Make each tournament hugeeee... Either 27 holes or 2 courses... Adding 9 to Whistler's would be super badazzz *can think of 4 holes, 5 could be added to my imagination.*

Would YOU want to only play 2 rd's of 27 for an event?

There is NO WAY that 3 rd's of 27 per day could be played........

The 2 course option would be to play Riverfront, BUT when in :whistler:, MOST want to play :whistler:

:cheers:

[Scott]

Standardized registration times would be a form of regulation that would help. For example, if it was well advertised that signups for each tournamnent in a series would start exactly 3 months prior to the date.

I know a lot of players don't like to check the online forums (and some TDs, too), and that's really a shame. As things get tight, communication is key. The web is an awesome tool for this.

Early sign-ups for club members is a great idea.

Early sign-ups for qualifiers is a great idea, and could easlly be enforced. Might take a while for the Oregon Series infrastructure to get back up to full strength.

IMO - seperate weekends are not a good idea and should only be considered as a last resort. I love tournaments that have that big "Festival" or "Family Reunion" feel. Even tournies that have multiple flights on multiple courses lose this feel a little bit because you will likely go the entire weekend without seeing anyone except those that are in your flight.

[TreeLove]

Make each tournament hugeeee... Either 27 holes or 2 courses... Adding 9 to Whistler's would be super badazzz *can think of 4 holes, 5 could be added to my imagination.*

I've played tourneys at Whistler's with as many as 30 holes, all good! :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

[Roller Bob]

Didn't the GNO in 2004 have two 18's for 36 separate holes? I know we played through the day use area and along the river, both upstream and downstream, and all over the top of the world.

I also remember the 2 rounds of 27 holes in the 100 degree heat in August years ago. I think it was one of the Lighting Open's. Yose? That Saturday nearly dropped me dead on the final tee. After dinner I heard the call for doubles and could barely muster a laugh.

[TreeLove]

I was wondering if there were 2 18s, I think there were, it burned me out so much I can't remember, except all the fun!

[Flash]

Well here is your warning for the Beaver State Fling.

We will announce the date that registration will open at least 4 days ahead of time via every forum that we know, through phone calls and emails and casual rounds of golf. Because we will be opening registration for both events on the same day we don't expect to be able to deal with series qualifiers from last year. We will be holding a certain number of entries for snail mail entrants but majority of sign ups will be taken through the PDGA online sign up. I am guessing the majority of mailed in forms will be actually handed in to either Jeff or I without the aid of the Post Office.

[Dave Pittman]

Didn't the GNO in 2004 have two 18's for 36 separate holes? I know we played through the day use area and along the river, both upstream and downstream, and all over the top of the world.

As I recall when Tom and the EDGC brought the GNO back to :whistler: in 07they tried to get permission to set up a second 18 similar to the one that was used by Dave for the GNO in 04. However Douglas County Parks denied their request for using the temporary 18.

[discgolforegon]

well now that riverfront has a full set of baskets you could run the gno at 2 courses... and unfortunetly that would mean ams 2 rounds of riverfront 1 round of whistlers, and pros vice versa.

This would really kind of mirror what we played at the Memorial. ams played fountain hills twice and shelly sharpe once.

I myself have recently played a 24 hole layout at Whistlers and it was awesome, but some of the holes used the lower campgrounds, which cannot happen if there are a ton of campers. Imagine this using the lower #14 teepad to shoot back up the hill, then the pro tee to shoot down... good stuff.

either way i agree that disc golf is exploding in this area, and there always seems to be someone that cannot get in to a tourney.

[the flogging putter]

As I recall when Tom and the EDGC brought the GNO back to :whistler: in 07they tried to get permission to set up a second 18 similar to the one that was used by Dave for the GNO in 04. However Douglas County Parks denied their request for using the temporary 18.

Question who was the TD for the 04 GNO( or was it the whistling disc open). I do not remember it was my 1st tournament and it was all one:chug: big :chug:kick ass:chug: blur. Nothing like a whistlers tournament in late summer. Was this the summer that you could see Saturn like it was a big ass star, anybody remember fair way of #18 and about 500 glow sticks what a trip!!!

[Roller Bob]

The GNO 04 was TD'd by Dave Feldberg, with help from the Oregon Series crew, EDGC, and many others that brought baskets and helped set up the course. One hole along the river threw across a channel and onto a island in the river. I always wondered how he got permission to play that hole or some of the others along the river. River banks are sacred ground in Oregon. Sacred or not it was still a lot of fun.

[Bluedisc]

Would YOU want to only play 2 rd's of 27 for an event?

There is NO WAY that 3 rd's of 27 per day could be played........

The 2 course option would be to play Riverfront, BUT when in :whistler:, MOST want to play :whistler:

:cheers:

I just got back from the St. Patrick's Classic in O'vale, CA--that was three rounds of 27. :dancing: The thought of 27 holes at :whistler:'s causes involuntary drooling in 9 out of 10 discers...:drool:

[Sam]

Yes... but didn't you play for three days? :seeya:

[Magilla]

Yes... but didn't you play for three days? :seeya:


YES, They did....

:cheers:

[Bluedisc]

Oh, someone doesn't like the idea of a three day tourney--eh? :rolleyes2:
More holes, more days, more people play...and pay, by the way.:wink2:

[TreeLove]

3-day tournaments just don't fly for most working folk...

I've always thought disc golf should be split into 2 associations, the EDGA, and the UDGA...

[Sam]

I LOVE three day tourneys. My employer - who doesn't know what those are - would NOT love three day tourneys. I imagine that I am not alone in saying that a three day tournament is appealing for the golf but a lot harder to commit to for a ton of reasons.

So... sticking with the topic of two day tourneys, 81 holes could not be played in one day - especially early and later in the seasons. We have had a hard time fitting in 54 in some cases.

[all2common]

I played two days, 27 holes, at Hyzer Pines...didn't care much for it. It completely lacked the social scene that most tournaments offer, because groups played in opposite shifts.

[JMan]

Although Sam, I did 5 rounds (90) in a twenty-four hour period. But it did include a glo round ... and prescription drugs.

[Leftybagger]

Although Sam, I did 5 rounds (90) in a twenty-four hour period. But it did include a glo round ... and prescription drugs.

Was this tournament play?? I did 7 rounds at Adair in one day, 9 rounds at Willamette in one day... Ahhh the days when I could golf all the time!!

[Sam]

I played four rounds last Monday in Sylmar. Had it been tournament play, however, those 72 holes would have taken about 12 hours if not more.

[bvdisc]

Playing casual rounds is very different from tournament rounds, both in terms of time and energy.

I'm personally a fan of the separate weekends plan. I know that it would be a total bummer for some couples. But the advantages I see are several fold:

1. More people could play since there is the potential to host twice field size.
2. Players could play two weekends in a row if they were willing to play pro for one.
3. Enlarged pro field (from having a ~142 cap and advanced players choosing to play twice).
4. More draw for pros from surrounding states due to enlarged pro fields (only further growing the division).
5. Pro weekends wouldn't require any sales or scrip management (making for an easier and faster weekend).
6. If divisions don't fill with the enlarged cap it would be easy to play four rounds of 18 during a weekend (2 on each day).
7. Courses can be tweaked between weekends to match a more or less experienced division leading to a better course for all players.


The down sides:
1. Not everyone will be on the course the same weekend (which is often true anyway when more then 1 course is used. For me personally, most of the players I play with these days are either pro or advanced players who would come out to play the pro weekends.)
2. Not all players can compare their scores to pro scores.
3. TDs need to run two separate events. (Pros could handle the first weekend and Ams could handle the other. The pro weekend would also be super easy with no merchandise or scrip to handle.)

Anyway, I could add to both lists but I would be super excited to see our events grow into two weekends.

[Scott]

I've twice played 110 holes in one day...But that would have taken about a week if they were tournament rounds.

[Sam]

More courses. More courses means we can continue to have these weekends where we all play two courses.

So... Yose, if you could build us a Whistler's West by the fourth weekend of April, that would be fantastic. Rebecca, we'll need a Dexter West by September. Both of you please keep in mind... you've set the bar with the courses you have so you will need to improve on all of that so you don't get any complaints. Ready... GO! :cheers:

["Over the Hill" Bob]

Here's an idea.............$1 from all ORS entry fees goes to purchasing powerball tickets. When we win, we buy a mongo section of land, build three Milo size courses on OUR piece of land, and problem solved. :rockon:

Bob :cool:

[Sausage Fingers]

Make each tournament hugeeee... Either 27 holes or 2 courses... Adding 9 to Whistler's would be super badazzz *can think of 4 holes, 5 could be added to my imagination.*

But that's how you get stuck with "30 BAM!":waaah::pirate:

[mine all mine]

I'm all for Bob's idea!!

[snap7times]

Would YOU want to only play 2 rd's of 27 for an event?

There is NO WAY that 3 rd's of 27 per day could be played........

The 2 course option would be to play Riverfront, BUT when in :whistler:, MOST want to play :whistler:

:cheers:

I just completed the St. Patrick's Classic which had 27 holes, but it is much shorter. But can always do less, like 21-24 holes etc... More holes means more players... Just brainstorming.. Sun rises like 7AM. Start first round at 730... Sunset dosent set till 8...
Another idea... no procrassination between 1st flight, 2nd flight, 3rd flight... like handing off a baton between flights heh... *nyquil setting in*

[Flatroc]

Here's a scary ol scenario.... which could happen. :eek:
An event (that offers pro and amateur in the same pool) opens up online.
Let's say the TD's cap the "pools" at 80 entrants.
The second registration opens.......
75 amateurs have signed up before anyone else.
So, now you have 5 spots for the pro players.
I hope this never happens as it would be a BIG BUMMER.
This reminds me of the "Capped Divisions" versus the first come first serve discussion from a while ago.:chinscratch:
Good luck to all TD's if this scenario happens. :cheerleader:

[TreeLove]

THAT would teach those pros to sign up earlier!

[Scott]

Here's a scary ol scenario.... which could happen. :eek:
An event (that offers pro and amateur in the same pool) opens up online.
Let's say the TD's cap the "pools" at 80 entrants.
The second registration opens.......
75 amateurs have signed up before anyone else.
So, now you have 5 spots for the pro players.
I hope this never happens as it would be a BIG BUMMER.


Why is this scary? Why would it be a BIG BUMMER? It would be great for the AMs.

[Magilla]

I played two days, 27 holes, at Hyzer Pines...didn't care much for it. It completely lacked the social scene that most tournaments offer, because groups played in opposite shifts.

Which is the MAJOR reason we are not playing there this year and decided to go to HooDoo (Mid-Summers Glide)

We will have Camping, Showers, Fresh Water, Lift Access, etc...:yay:

AND everyone can stay in the same place...ALL weekend

:cheers:

[Jonny Roc]

Here's an idea.............$1 from all ORS entry fees goes to purchasing powerball tickets. When we win, we buy a mongo section of land, build three Milo size courses on OUR piece of land, and problem solved. :rockon:

Bob :cool:

:jumpspin::biggrin2::chug::yay::cheers::explode:

[SMOKIN JOE]

it seems to me that people want to have a social gathering instead of a pdga golf tournament
a pdga golf tournament: at least 36 holes played on at least a 18 hole course for rating purposes, to determine the best golfer at the that time
all the other stuff that goes along with it are great if it works out
it seems to me that the first and formost objective would be to allow for as many players as possible under pdga giudelines
if you have a venue that sells out regularly in just days it's obviously time for a change
i've been very lucky to always be in the show
it must really suck to look foward to something and have no real shot to get in unless your online 24-7
i just wish all wanting to attend get a fair shot of attending,, and for these big events that we go through this everytime,, need to have atleast 36 holes ,,and even then like the fling that isn't always enough,,
i still like the idea of qualifing tournaments, or a three or four day with cuts so nobody gets left out
the biggest pga event of the year is the us open,everybody is eligble,they have qualifing tournaments everywhere for that,thousands of golfers get a chance to get in
i just really feel for those who can't get in that really want to go there to compete for a victory,show their the best golfer that weekend,for those who live for the competition,the fire to be the best
not just a fun weekend where i'll get a shirt ,disc,party with my friends:cool2:

[Flatroc]

Why is this scary? Why would it be a BIG BUMMER? It would be great for the AMs.

Darn.... you're right it wouldn't be a big bummer for ALL the players, only the ones who for whatever reasons,whatever divisions didn't sign up. :slapface:
Alrighty then..........
Scott, Gawain, what if it were the other way around? :chinscratch:
Or does it really matter?
Shucks, there I go thinking about all the players instead of just myself or MY division. :headbang:
Hopefully next year more thought will be given to separate weekends for the gigs with limited holes.
As far as the GNO next year, just so's you know, there are plenty of Umpqua golfers who can and will step up and run this 2 weekend event. We actually offered last year.
Growing pains can be tough...... but in most cases..... worth it.
:whistler:'s ROCS

["Over the Hill" Bob]

Professional Disc Golf Assoc. #4438
International Flying Disc Collectors Assoc. #085
Umpqua Disc Assoc. #001
Oregon Disc Golf Assoc. #037
Eugene Disc Golf Club #010
Medford Disc Golf Assoc. #004
Oregon Deaf Disc Golf Assoc. #010
South Umpqua Disc Society # 001


Ummmmmmmmmmm It seems Stumptown is missing from your list Yose! :chinscratch: How can we rectify that?

Bob:rockon:

[bvdisc]

it seems to me that people want to have a social gathering instead of a pdga golf tournament
a pdga golf tournament: at least 36 holes played on at least a 18 hole course for rating purposes, to determine the best golfer at the that time
all the other stuff that goes along with it are great if it works out
it seems to me that the first and formost objective would be to allow for as many players as possible under pdga giudelines
if you have a venue that sells out regularly in just days it's obviously time for a change
i've been very lucky to always be in the show
it must really suck to look foward to something and have no real shot to get in unless your online 24-7
i just wish all wanting to attend get a fair shot of attending,, and for these big events that we go through this everytime,, need to have atleast 36 holes ,,and even then like the fling that isn't always enough,,
i still like the idea of qualifing tournaments, or a three or four day with cuts so nobody gets left out
the biggest pga event of the year is the us open,everybody is eligble,they have qualifing tournaments everywhere for that,thousands of golfers get a chance to get in
i just really feel for those who can't get in that really want to go there to compete for a victory,show their the best golfer that weekend,for those who live for the competition,the fire to be the best
not just a fun weekend where i'll get a shirt ,disc,party with my friends:cool2:

I wouldn't say that everyone just wants a social gathering. The social aspect is a big reason that I show up but I'm definitely there for the competition. I play tournaments when I'm out of town and don't know a single soul at the competition because I want to go there and compete. I've never gone to a tournament that I wasn't there to kick some ass and take some names (even if was my ass and name that got kicked/taken).

Second, the biggest tournaments in DG also have qualifiers. USDGC requires that you get a bid from another tournament or your state coordinator (I know there are a couple of other ways but lets keep it simple). Worlds requires you to have a certain number of points (yes you can sign up late if you don't but still there is priority registration).

[SMOKIN JOE]

i didn't say everyone is there for a social gathering,i'm saying that the first and formost thing should be to accomodate as many players as possible even if that means less non golf activities ,the point is that everyone should get a fair chance to be there,
i know you like the comp. or you wouldn't have came down for a practice round,speaking of i'm still down for a warmup round sometime,:cool2:

[Flatroc]

What if you took a percentage of the ways to register and accepted so many per method?
Say for example you open registration to:
50% online
50% snail,locals,events,etc.

This idea was brought up at our last gig meeting except we are offering snail mail before online if needed.
With a field of 192, I'm certain there will be online reg. for WBDS, I'm just not sure when.
And then again you may not want to wait.
Buy a stamp today.:biggrin2: