For those who haven’t had the chance to read it here is how the game is played. The game utilizes the use of mulligans (or gilly’s as they call them) and changing the par of certain holes to even out the playing field when playing against a more challenging opponent. The score is kept in relation to the par of the course. So for example, if you score a bogey on hole one (as I often do…), instead of marking a four you write down +1 on hole one. If hole two is a bird, then you would write a 0 (zero) on hole two because you are now even in relation to the par of the course. Get it? Let’s move on.

Here is the meat of it. When you go over par you accrue mulligans that you can use on the holes there after. So to continue with the example above let’s say you are 1 over after hole one. On hole two you shank the drive (like I often do…) so you can use the mulligan gained by the bogey on hole one to re-drive and get that bird to return to even. NOW, if you park hole 2 without using the mulligan and return to even, you LOSE the mulligan because you are no longer over par. Get it? That’s pretty much the gist of it. It allows less consistent players to “catch up” to better players.

Lastly, if a player keeps losing strokes and finds himself over par on a certain hole, you add one additional stroke to the par on that hole in order to facilitate a quicker comeback. Confused?! Let me explain. Let say you are 4 over par and the next hole is a par 3 then that hole alone becomes a par 4 for that player only. He can still utilize the mulligans as well. So in essence he could score a birdie on that hole and gain two strokes because it was a par 4 for him. His score would be +2.

Hopefully that makes sense. I’m always interested in playing different formats when golfing. Single play is fun but I prefer it during tournaments. If I’m just out there to practice and have fun, why not change it up? If practice is what you need then this would be a good way to do it. I’m going to give it a try one of these weekends and let you know how it goes. Just remember, please be aware of other people as this form of play WILL TAKE LONGER. Don’t be that guy holding up everyone else. Let them play through. (Hint Hint: Check out JW’s blog for more on this topic – Here)

Next time I promise to post the video. I just had to talk about this one first before I forgot about it. BTW, this could also be used for ball golf though it would REALLY slow things down.

Till next time, quiet on the tee

Mondo

First off we would like to congratulate the members of team Off Axis for continuing to play solid the first half of the year. (Starting with the ladies) Kim Jones has had a tremendous half by placing in the top ten 5 out of the 6 tournaments she has entered (That I know of). You might be thinking, “Yeah but she is playing with the girls and there are only a few of them each tournament.” On the contrary, she is playing with the men (so take that) and if she did play with the women, she was in the Open division. By the way, she took home the goods at the Vegas 100 Holes From Hell in June. Way to go Kim and keep up the good solid play! Good luck at the Santa Maria Open!

Next comes the phenom Triston C who has simply been on a tear. 5 top 10 finishes with a 3rd place at the Conocido Conquest, 2nd at Lockdown at the Rock, and a 1st place finish at the Windwalkers High Desert Open! He is pretty much unstoppable and we have high hopes for the rest of the year. Good luck at the Worlds TC!

Justin W has unfortunately been on the side lines with an injury but he has taken this opportunity to start a informational blog highlighting some issues that this sport is facing from really rising to prime time. With two posts already online and more to come, check out his thoughts here: Justin’s Disc Golf Blog. I will be posting a link to his site every time a new post comes online.

In the next post I will update the Off Axis schedule for (hopefully) the rest of the year, and the continuation of the disc golf video seen in the last post. As for myself, team member Ron and I have stayed busy playing on the weekends and trying to better our skills & consistency. Kind of hard to do so only being able to play once a week but we manage. Being that I’m headed for fatherhood my posts will slowly move towards focusing on how disc golf can still fit into a busy baby schedule and how it can be a positive activity for yourself, the family, & the little one.

Till next time, where has the time gone

Mondo

Till next time, never lay up! Unless there’s OB or a cliff behind the basket

Mondo

I do want to point some things out though. When playing please be aware of other golfers and non-golfers. It’s never busy really but just saying it. Some fairways do play along, over, across each other as well as near other tee pads. I will not be held responsible for injures that may occur from irate throws or miss communication. I did my best to avoid these problems but some of the pin placements are just too close together. Yes, I could have taken another angle at the pins but the variety and the difficulty would have suffered so I decided that a little awareness is better than having to play simple, dumb holes. The OB’s are suggestions only to add a bit of difficulty. Play them if you like. So with that said enjoy!

Not sure if I can get this course design approved by the school but I will definitely give it a try. For now let it stand as the official unofficial course layout brought to you by a member of the Silicon Valley Disc Golf Club.

In other news, I finished uploading the 2012 girl designs that I promised several months ago. So sorry for the long delay but there up. Enjoy.

Till next time, go play Fremont

Mondo

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).

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