Queue the complaints about Winthrop Gold in three, two, one …

The United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC) starts on Thursday.

Like every year, it’ll take place at Winthrop Gold in Rock Hill, S.C.

More on the course later …

But for now, a quick story.

I took World Literature in college. I remember it most for a story my professor told one day. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but the lesson it taught me is one I haven’t since forgotten.

The story was about one of those filthy rich, trust-fund kids most of us can’t stand. Though he was only 12-ish years old, thanks to his parents’ capital, he could go anywhere and do anything.

Money was no issue.

One day, his mom and dad decided to take him to the Louvre in Paris. Amongst other things, the main purpose of the trip was to catch a real-life glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

After a transatlantic flight, last-minute hotel booking, nauseating, high-speed taxi trip and wading through concourses of eager art fans, there he was – he’d arrived at the masterpiece.

The result?

Letdown.

“That’s it?” he groaned.

“It’s an awfully small painting. She’s not even smiling. On top of that, there are cracks all over it. Surely somebody could’ve taken better care of this thing. And where are her eyebrows?”

Furious about the time and money his family had wasted on the trip, complained the boy, “I can’t see why a sane person would exert any amount of energy to see this stupid painting in-person.”

Having witnessed the scene, a nearby security guard leaned over and whispered to the boy:

“Yes, but don’t you wish you could?”

Let me bring this full circle …

THIS is how I feel about Winthrop Gold.

The issues with the track are obvious. And if you haven’t yet picked up on ‘em, the week of USDGC, spend five minutes on social media – the incessant complaints should fill you in.

And with good reason …

It’s a well-fueled fire.

Winthrop Gold plays around the Winthrop University campus. As such, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise when fake rocks, sandy greens, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, parking lots and walking-path teepads are featured heavily (and intentionally) throughout the course’s layout.

That’s not the extent of it, though.

Admittedly, USDGC directors get a bit mini-golf with things with tiki-themed triple-mados, endless areas of roped OB, massive, man-made “mozzarella sticks” and Halloween decorations.

Not to mention the horror that is the 17th island green, as well.

Still, in a sport as new as disc golf, having been a PDGA Major since 1999, “historic” is the best word to describe the madness that is Rock Hill. The game’s all-time greats have made Winthrop Gold their personal playground: Ken Climo, Barry Schultz, Will Schusterick, Paul McBeth, etc.

Yes, it’s quirky. But without a doubt, Winthrop Gold is one of disc golf’s most hallowed grounds. You see this in other sports, too. Boston’s Fenway Park is (literally) falling apart. And if you’ve been there, you know the Big Apple’s Madison Square Garden smells like a giant urinal cake.

You wouldn’t turn your nose up at tickets to either of those venues.

Why?

They’re historic; they’re beautifully flawed.

THAT is Winthrop Gold.

Winthrop University is just that – a university. It’s a place of higher education. It’s growing, and it will continue to grow. To account for it, buildings will expand, new parking lots will need planting and athletic fields, stadiums and training grounds will require constant upgrades.

My take on the matter?

USDGC in Rock Hill isn’t a permanent thing …

Enjoy it while it lasts.

So, if you feel the need to complain this week about Winthrop’s oddities, remember …

Most Pro Tour fanatics “see” the awesome that is USDGC at Winthrop Gold.

It’d be cool if you could, too.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Gripe No. 45: Disc golf teepads with any kind of drop-off
• 5 reasons disc golf carts are the laughingstock of the game’s gear
• The DGPT Championship announces record-shattering pro purse

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