Disc golf shouldn’t seek to become a more intense version of miniature golf – duh.
And as I see it, what Innova does each year at Winthrop Gold for the United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC) hardly qualifies. There’s no volcano, windmill or clown’s mouth. That’s not to say Rock Hill doesn’t come with its fair share of eccentricities, though …
Because it does:
- Issue No. 1 – Baseball fields? Yes, please.
- Issue No. 2 – There’s artificial OB – like, everywhere.
- Issue No. 3 – The teepad for the 18th hole floats in water.
- Issue No. 4 – Curbs, sidewalks and parking lots all play a role.
- Issue No. 5 – If you’ve ever wanted to putt on sand, you’re in luck.
I’m not all that bothered by the above, though …
You’ll find one (or more) of them on most amateur- and elite-level courses. And the fact that they come together to host one of the most prestigious events of the year is kind of kitschy.
But the SECOND you insert four or five “mozzarella sticks” around a basket?
All h*ck breaks loose.
Personally, I don’t have an issue with artificial obstacles – even if they’re goofy-looking.
And given time, the majority of disc golf fans won’t, either.
For example, take the tiki-type gate that guards the seventh green at Winthrop Gold. It’s a permanent structure that’s been around since Ken Climo was taking home USDGC titles. The very same people losing their minds over a few wood poles don’t bat an eye at the mandatory.
Time normalizes (and endears) the abnormal.
For further proof of this, check out the bunkers at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Home of The Open Championship, it’s not only one of the oldest golf courses on Mother Earth, but it lays claim to this monstrosity – it’s like chipping over the Great Wall of China:
Ball golf is the epitome of prim and proper …
And even THESE cats can get behind a course-specific abnormality.
Tradition, right?
Listen, disc golf is in need of respect. And going all-in on “corny” probably isn’t the best way to make it happen. But outside of Rock Hill, you don’t see many mozzarella-stick imposters …
Let Innova have this.
Grab a cup of marinara. Enjoy the show.
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