Participants Brave the Cold at New Winter Disc Golf Tournament hosted by Parks & Recreation
By: Orange County Communications Department
Jack Frost, mythical master of midwinter mischief and tournament mascot, was a bit overzealous in the weeks leading up to Parks & Recreation ’ s new Winter One - Disc - Erland Disc Golf Tournament. Staff were forced to postpone the tournament by two weeks due to a thick layer of ice over much of the course. In fact, as the weather date approached, staff were once again concerned about potential inclement weather. Thankfully, Mr. Frost must have realized he was interfering with his own tournament; and rain was the only precipitation prior to the new date. For the event itself, the conditions were sunny with shifting winds, perfect for an event pushing players to adapt on the fly.
Staff have heard many times that the course is excellent; but due to its shorter distances, skilled players can finish it using only a midrange disc. With that in mind, they developed a tournament concept for players to “ prove it ” using only a single midrange disc provided at the event. The exact make and model of the disc was kept strictly secret, only revealed as each Innova DX Wombat3 was handed out to players heading to their starting tee. Despite being kept in the dark, the event attracted twenty - seven (27) participants eager to compete. This turnout nearly doubled the participation at the last singles tournament, the 2021 Spring Fling, and fully packed the parking lot.
Players were divided into two flights based on their scores, with the top thirteen (13) plus any ties moving into flight one (1), and the remainder staying in flight two (2). Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place in each flight. While the discs may have been a surprise, the tournament grand champion wasn ’ t too shocking. Regular participant and perennial contender, Caleb Roberts, was crowned victorious thanks to a three (3) throw lead over second place, earned by his brother Tyler. Ties for third place in flight one and first place in flight two led to “ throw - offs ” from the eighteenth basket to the practice basket at the course entrance. This unofficial hole is often used by players to have extra fun following the completion of a round, so organizers decided to use it for tie - breaking with a simple closest - to - the - pin challenge. Ties now
broken, Mark Brooking took third place in flight one (1) and Charlie Tupitza took first place in flight two (2), followed by Dan- iel Lopez and Jeremy Butterfield. The Orange County Disc Golf Course plans to host the Spring Fling tournament (coming soon), a summer league, and the legendary Turkey Toss in the fall. However, it is open to play year - round and is completely free! Orange County Parks & Recreation even offers loaner discs so you can try disc golf without buying your own set. Call (540) 672 - 5435 for more information.
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