In disc golf related news, I managed to design another course in Fremont, Ca at the School for the Deaf Disc Golf Course. The school installed 9 baskets which only 8 still stand (I guess someone stole #2). The layout is fun, challenging, and has plenty of variety for the avid and the beginner. I played the first layout this past week and decided to make some changes with the help of some input from Mario Contreras and (the one and only) Ron Oberst. Thanks guys for your input.

I’m finalizing the design soon and it will be up on discgolfcorsereview.com very soon. Actually, it will be a link to this site where it will be displayed and available for download (a brother’s got to get exposure somehow). I am also excited to announce that the design will be showcased on youtube soon under the supervision of the local silicon valley camera crew, benfts. I’ll post again when that happens.

Moving on, I have to apologize for the long wait to see the ladies apparel for 2012. As I mentioned before, I am busy trying to do many things at once and it just keeps being pushed aside. I promise I will try to complete them as soon as I can. Sorry for the delay.

Lastly, we will be the main sponsor for the KC Wide Open for Play Fantasy Disc Golf. $120 in merch for first and $50 for second. So go to the site and give it a shot to win some Off Axis gear.

Till next time, stay away from those dreaded snowmen

Mondo

Lets start with the courses themselves. Condon Park located in Grass Valley, Ca has a real charm to it. It’s a course with many faces. It can play really short, technical, & fun or it can be long, and frustrating but always fair. If you miss, it was player error. Fairways are clearly defined with nice tee pads and multiple pin placements. I really enjoyed this course and would definitely return when in the area.

Moving on the Hanging Oaks in Peen Valley, Ca…. this was a different experience. Played longer than Condon and definitely much more difficult. Some holes didn’t have clearly defined fairways which made it unfair to the player in my view. I don’t like having to drive and pray it finds a way. That’s not good course design in my book. Lots of signature holes but overall a very frustrating experience. Good elevation, plenty of water, and sketchy pin placements is the name of the game.

The tournament itself was run very well. Big props to the TD, his staff, and all the volunteers for their efforts. They had some fun side games like CTP during breaks and one hand of 5 card poker during the second round. Very unique. With that, I do have some suggestions for next year. Being that I drove out from San Jose for the event it would have been nice to have the awards be held at the course rather than at some other venue. The last thing I want to do is sit waiting for hours just to get my bounty. Be courteous to traveling players and let them get there stuff and get on the road. It keeps them coming back next year. Or perhaps instead of 2 rounds, make it one round of 27 holes. They had plenty of room to do it. Just a thought.

To finish, the tourney was a success, I did get to go home soon there after (Thanks Marc and Sean!), I had fun (despite my poor play), and I will return next year barring any injures or life changes (hint hint to those who know). If you’re in the area I recommend playing this challenging event but just beware you might want to take Monday off if your traveling.

Some updates, I will be trying hard to finish the girls apparel. I’ve truly been busy with other stuff and disc golf has taken a back seat as of late. I decided to not play the Masters Cup or the Jelly Jam. Things come up and I have to accommodate. I’m hopeful to play The Silicon Valley Classic, The San Francisco Safari, The Gold Pan Open, and most of my club’s monthlies here on out. Fun is still to be had.

Till next time, drive safe & putt well

Mondo

After much discussion with myself I have decided to throw mostly Vibram. My drivers consist of 2 Ascents and one Trak with some special exceptions thrown in. Latitude 64 XXX for thumbers, a Sidewinder for rollers, and one Blizzard Destroyer for sidearms but that’s it! The field practice I have been recently doing is more than enough proof that I will be better off. The weird part is that I really don’t sacrifice any distance compared to the Destroyer. It’s a heck of a lot more straighter too. I don’t understand it but it works so until something proves better they are not coming out of my bag.

You might know from one of my earlier posts that all my putters are Vibram and all molds (except the Sole because it acts just like the VP for me) are represented. That will definitely not change. The only disc that won’t defy me is the Swedish made Core from Lat 64. This Punisher (that’s what I call it due to the stamp) is so pure that I’m actually waiting to try out the Ibex because I afraid it will replace it. I now that’s lame but there really isn’t anything wrong with it. I know that I will eventually give in and pick an Ibex up but … well … until then I recommend the Core if you want an easy, highly controllable midrange.

I do have some other discs like a couple of Firebirds, a Gator (so good), and a beat to hell Stingray for those tricky shots or short rollers. I would say for the past year I have been trying to condense my bag to the essentials and I think I made a huge leap forward in trying to achieve this. Well that’s it pretty much for my bag o’ tricks.

In other news, Triston Covington tied for second in Advanced at the “Lockdown at the Rock” in Arizona! Awesome job and keep up the great play TC! Another achievement came from from newly recruited Justin Weilacher with a 3rd place showing in the Intermediate Division at the Auburn Am Open. Awesome job and congrats on breaking the 900 mark! You can only go up from here my friend. Congrats to both!

Till next time, listen to Mr. Feldberg. He knows what he is talking about.

Mondo

So now to the topic at hand. The Classic was a well thought-out and ran tournament. Tee times throughout the whole weekend makes for a very professional, classy, smooth tourney. I know most tourneys can’t do this but it really elevates the sport closer to our ball golf counter-part. I think this is where we should be moving towards. More thought needs to be placed into each tournament to boost its professional appearance. Here are some examples from this event:

- They were adamant in telling us about no drug use or alcohol use before, during, after, or on the property. I liked that even though people ignored the warning but its a step forward.

- Spotters on most of the blind/difficult OB holes. I have the deepest gratitude for all the volunteers during that weekend (all fact). Thank you so much! We need more people like that to make this sport grow.

- Maps with accurate OB lines and descriptions of every hole with footage. The map was a bit sketchy and some of the discussion between what was OB and what wasn’t was muddy but overall it was way better than not having one. Big thumbs up. Maybe next time I can do the map/hole illustrations (there’s a thought to contemplate).

Those 3 come to mind but I’m sure there were more. So big props to the Shady Oaks Crew and Final 9 Sports for putting on a awesome event. Can’t wait for the Gold Pan Open later this year and the 2013 St. Patrick’s Classic! Speaking of that, I will be attending the Motherlode Tournament in April and I’m trying to get a booth to sell some merchandise. So come check us out, perhaps you’ll walk away with a little something (hint).

Till next time, tantrums should be reserved for children not adults playing disc golf

Mondo

Day2: Moving Day: Unfortunately for me I didn’t take advantage on day two. I was up and down through what seemed like most of the round. I was playing very safe (which is rare for me). My putts kept arriving short which was holding me back up until I caught fire and birdied three straight on the temp section. Chained out on 15 for bird (I almost had it!). Almost aced the next hole, only to miss my birdie attempt. I was sitting nice at two down but hole 16 got the better of me. My drive was short just passed half way. I readied my simple, OPEN approach shot but something didn’t feel right. Stupidly, I chose to ignore it and my approach hyzered out to about 30 feet away. I should of changed discs but I didn’t. Ended up with a five, erasing everything I worked for. 17 I barely parred. 18 was a easy bird only to dink off the basket. Shot four better but felt the same as day 1.

Day 3: Sunday was only 18 holes rather than the 27 from the previous 2 days. I pretty much gave up on any hope of cashing but my good friends and family wouldn’t have any of that. Thanks to their support via Facebook and texts, I decided to play very aggressive since I had nothing to lose. I started with par with a near bird on 1 and 4. Hole 5 proved to be an interesting hole. Par is very easy to achieve (lay up, pitch in, drop in, walk away…. nothing to it) but I had to go for it even though my senses and caddy (Thanks Justin for caddying for me all weekend. I greatly appreciate it!) told me otherwise. I paid the price as it fell OB but I managed to get of there with a four. That was the last four I would see for the rest of the round (and hopefully forever!). Managed a turkey 7 through 9. Birdied 12 with a near tree ace and finished with an amazing +80 foot jump putt on 18. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Shooting even par for the tournament I achieved what I thought was out of my grasp… I cashed.

Moral of the story… it’s simple really, its not over till the last score card is tallied. People have the tendency to choke under pressure and that’s exactly what happened. I know you’ve heard it millions of times but it’s true. Never give up and always keep throwing punches. That’s what I learned this weekend and I will surely apply that every time I step onto a pad.

Next up for me is the Am Masters Cup at the world famous DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course in beautiful Santa Cruz, Ca (I sounded like a commercial didn’t I). That is going to be a good one especially since I get to go home after my round. Later this year perhaps the Frying Pan Open in June and definitely the Gold Pan Open in September. I hoping to catch one in the southern California and play (whenever it is) the Silicon Open here in my backyard.

Till next time, read paragraph four

Mondo

The 2012 Enduro Bowl definitely lived up to its name. 58 holes is nothing to shake a stick at, especially playing at Delaveaga. I was told it was going to play all in the shorts… someone lied. Yes some were (like I-5) but most were not. She really but a hurting on me. I’m not even going to mention the score (It’s not as bad as you think. I just have higher standards for myself). Lots and lots of mental mistakes, bad judgments, and missed opportunities. It also didn’t help that I worked 11 hour and 10 hour days prior to the tourney. I was beat! Still played though. It was fun and I’ll be out there again next year.

Now for The Memorial! Let’s start with Kimmy Jones. She placed 9th place, one spot away from cashing! She played great and I give her mad props for playing in those tremendous winds (20+ constant!) We hope this is a sign that she is ready for the 2012 season. Go get’em Kimmy!

Triston Covington also put on a show! He placed solo 13th in Advanced which is awesome! Great showing and (like Kimmy) we hope this is only the start for this young gun. He now sets his sights on Lockdown at the Rock in Tucson on the 24th and 25th. Way to play Triston. I gotta up my name next time we play.

Now I would like to officially welcome Justin Weilacher and honorary member Ron Oberst to the Off Axis Family! Justin reigns from Fair Oaks, California and is looking to put a hurting in the Intermediate division. He is a sidearm thrower but his backhand isn’t too shabby. He will be attending the Classic with me so look for him sporting some Off Axis gear. Ron is a very close friend on mine here in South Bay. He is an honorary member because his love from the game is truly great. He is a great ambassador for us and we welcome him (He also said he would caddy for me! Yeah!). More to come on their behalf soon.

Last, (as you now) I will be attending the St. Patrick’s Classic this weekend. I have been practicing heavily these past couple of days. Lots of field practice (no rounds!) Putting as well. I’m trying to get myself mentally ready for this one, not just physically. These next few days I will be resting and putting only to refresh my body. Work has been pushing overtime status and its pretty heavy on my back and knees. Hopefully I’ll be rested up before the weekend arrives.

Till next time, move up people! It’s the only way you’ll get better.

Mondo

On the disc golf front, we are looking into expanding our roster and pick up some new talent. If you are interested please drop me a message on Facebook so we can talk (you can find a link at the bottom of the page). On that note, our current team is ready to start the year off strong. Kimmy Jones will be attending The Gentlemen’s Club Challenge in Sin City, The Memorial in Arizona (which she won last year by the way!), & The Glass Blown Open (lucky!). I just recently got notice that Triston Covington will also be at The Memorial and he look forward to his new year. Personally, I will be attending the Enduro at DeLaveaga next week as well as (hopefully) The St. Patrick’s Classic in Orangevale & the Masters Cup back at DeLa. The year is looking to be a good one.

Well till next time, we’ll see you at the course

Mondo

Below are some pictures of my first design for the course I laid out in La Quinta Park. I find it very calming doing this kind of work. Check them out and tell me what you think below in the Facebook link:

This course isn’t built but it serves as a temp course several times a year. Usually put on by Helix disc golf and the city of La Quinta during the holidays.

In more news Off Axis will be getting new apparel designs by the new of the month. The current stock is now up of the website and the new designs can be viewed on the Off Axis Facebook page. Let me know what you think.

Till next time keep practicing those 30 footers… they’ll get ya!

Mondo

You Like? Let us know at the bottom through our brand spanking new Facebook link (Yeah I know. It took forever to get that on here). I’ll post new images as they are finalized to get more feedback from you all.

In other news, Kim Jones will be holding it down for us at the Ice Bowl in Paradise this coming weekend. Hopefully she’ll bring home the first Off Axis win. Next month, I will be showcasing my skills at the Mariner Open in Aptos, Ca on February 4, as well as, the Enduro Ice Bowl at the famous DeLaveaga disc golf course on February 25. 54 continuous holes of golf! Sounds like a fun Saturday to me (and a tiring one as well).

Last, make sure to visit the Off Axis calendar at offaxisdiscgolf.com. I painstakingly went through and displayed all the tournaments in California up in till now. I will update it every few weeks. I’m sure I will be missing some local tournaments but I at least have all the PDGA & Ice Bowls. I find that using the PDGA site is slow and clumsy so I decided to make it easier for you all. Shoot me a message if you have a tourney you would like me to showcase.

Again please ‘like’ us below. It’s an easy, simple, cost free way to help us get our name out. We highly appreciate all the help we can get.

Till next time, it’s all in the hips

mondo

Lets start with Pinto Lake. This thing is a beast to say the least. Tight fairways, booming distances, and plenty of elevation. It even managed to eat my dear ole Valk that I found many years ago (I guess it was time for someone else to have her for a while). Playing the course before and after the improvements made a real difference on how I approached certain holes. Obviously the fairways are wider and less tense with foliage but with that added distance. Holes 3 is still just as hard and the nearly 1300 foot eleventh is just insane especially with the OB lining both sides. The mixture out there is smart and challenging to say the least. I highly recommend the course but beware because it will take a while. This time around I managed the course better but I was still over par.

Next, lets move to Ryan Ranch. This course again is not in the Worlds layout but it still serves a challenging array of shots. Hole 3 is still beautiful, the 7^th & 8^th are still grueling (if you play the Par 4 format) and the 5^th was a nice surprise to an otherwise open course. The last time I was here the thing was brutal. Everything was overgrown and the poison oak was abundant. The local club has done a magnificent job upgrading and maintaining the gorgeous grounds. Again bring water and food because there is nothing out there and it will take a while. I shot one over, which wasn’t too bad (the wind can get you when you don’t expect it).

Last, the Oaks course. Now this thing is definitely still in the Worlds format and my score showed it. Now I will say that I played it after I finished Ryan Ranch so I was plenty tired and didn’t pack nearly enough food and water. The course again is stunning and very different. Lots of gimmicky holes (if you know what I mean). Pins at the edge of a cliff, some strange OB, several island holes, and some lackluster holes as well. Mostly for big throwers but some technical shots. By the end I was toast and was just glad to be done. I guess that’s why the pros didn’t play two courses in one day. 54 holes that day.

To sum up, I would have to rate them very high on my scale. I definitely have to return to the Oaks fresh. Maybe then I can compare them equally and decide which one is the toughest. In other news, I signed up for December Doubles at Waller park in Santa Maria the 17^th and 18^th. Throwing with my good friend Rick and we plan to play in the intermediate division which will probably be my last amateur tournament.

Till next time, stay classy people. Nobody likes a whiner.

Mondo