Devens Disc Golf

That's it for the Devens blog

2011-12-04T14:12:00.001-05:00

Because I moved to Georgia and opened Killer B Disc Golf down here, I really have no idea what is going on with my course at Devens anymore. So, it's time to close the book on the Devens disc golf blog.

I'm not sure what the guys have in mind for a new website or blog, but it'll be over on devensdiscgolf.com.

Hope you enjoyed the past six years of posts and pics. It was a lot of fun to write and I love seeing all the changes, improvements, events, and faces that have helped make our course what it is today!

Hill Yeah, Devens!

- John Borelli

PS. If you still need a Borelli bloggin' fix, head over to my store website and the Killer B blog.

New items added to the store.

2011-11-27T21:48:00.001-05:00

Visit Killer B Disc Golf's new online store. Grab some old Devens shirts and a lot of new Killer B stuff.

Killer B Facebook fans get good deals on Monday!

Chuck getting downtown crazy

Killer B minis, Aviars, Vulcans, Teebirds, Sidewinders

First run Vibram Ibex

First run Innova Star TeeDevil

Killer throws at the Hill require Killer discs

2011-11-18T15:02:00.001-05:00

Check out Killer B's new online store featuring the latest batch of Killer B discs, shirts, and Vibram discs!

Go shopping at the Hive!

Support one of the guys who brought you Devens Disc Golf course. He'd like that. And pick up some trash the next time you play a round too. Everyone would like that.

We'll be adding more stuff like shirts soon. I even have a few leftover Devens "Hill Yeah" long-sleeve shirts that should make it up on the site.

It's Bag Tag Bonanza time!

2011-10-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

It's our end-of-year Devens tag league finale!

Sunday, November 6
Two rounds of singles
Sign in by 9:15am
Tee off at 9:30am
Entry Fee -$5 for 2011 Devens tagholders
A & B pool divisions

If you are not a Devens 2011 tagholder, you can still come to play IF you attended a 2011 league. You are only eligible to win the payout for the day, the CTP prizes, or the money contributed to the ace pot on the day of the event.

Registration - Post here or let Luke A. know if you intend to come.
Lunch - BYO
CTPs - There will be a few, but bring some if you won anything this year, please.
Ace Pot - If no one hits an ace at league between now and the end of the bonanza tag holders, will throw off for half of the ace pot paying out the closest 3 throws. Only tag holders will be able to participate in this throw off. The other half will go to the course.

More new tee pads for you!

2011-10-16T11:37:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the dedicated volunteer crew who showed up for the workday on Saturday, all holes now have boxed-in rubber teepads, including this awesome launch pad on hole 8. Wow!

We have an awesome course and even awesomer volunteers! Yep, I said awesomer.

Even Vikings need help sometime

2011-10-13T18:03:00.000-04:00

We need a few experienced disc golfers to help run this event and teach the newbs. Email Donnie P for more information and if you can help.

Hey Devens league members -- come on out and play and get ready for the Bag Tag Bonanza!

Workday – Saturday, October 15

2011-10-07T23:23:00.001-04:00

We will be running a workday at Devens on Saturday, October 15 to install tee pads on the remaining holes (14 & 17) and to build a tee box on hole 8 which will also get a tee pad.

We also need to spruce up some of the pads already laid down and maybe do a little general course cleanup as well.

Starts at 9am.

Helpful tools to bring:

Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Rake
Tamper
Saw
Hammer
Screwgun
Loppers
Chainsaw
A pick up truck (for hauling material around the course)

Please attend if you have enjoyed Devens and have some spare time that morning.

If enough people come to help we can get through these projects quickly and can get some lunch (pizza courtesy of Devens) and then play some random doubles!

Donnie Disc Golf dominates Rindge!

2011-09-26T12:44:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to local hero Donnie Disc Golf Phillips for taking home the Advanced title at Hunts Mean 18 this weekend in Rindge, NH. Donnie shot an incredible 48 in round 2 and hit hole 8 for an ace! Yeah boy!

Congrats also to Ken Gary for taking down Pro Grandmasters and the rest of the Devens crew who once again spanked Rindge. Hill Yeah!

Course damaged by Irene

2011-08-29T14:03:00.001-04:00

Hurricane Irene left her mark on the course this weekend. The biggest hit was on hole 14 where a large tree snapped and took out two other trees and landed on the tee pad and path. The sign and tee pad did not suffer any damage.

Hole 10 has a large branch down to the right of the basket and a tree fell across fairway 18. There are downed smaller branches throughout the course.

Be a good golfer and toss any branches deep off the fairway and help us clean up the course.

Hole 10

Hole 18

Hole 14

The path to hole 14

The best disc golfers in the world are coming to MA this week!

2011-08-29T00:25:00.000-04:00

Do yourself a favor and get your butt to Leicester, MA this week to watch the best disc golfers in the world compete in the Vibram Open at Maple Hill disc golf course.

Last year's Open winner, Nikko Locastro

Look in your bag and pull out a disc with a signature on it. Chances are good that that person will be at this event! Newly-crowned world champions Nate Doss and Page Pierce will be there, as well as former champs Nikko Locastro, Eric McCabe, Avery Jenkins, Valerie Jenkins, Dave Feldberg, and Barry Schultz.

The festivities start Thursday with Match Play and the Five Spot Tournament. The actual tournament starts Friday and runs through Sunday. Admission is free and there are all sorts of fun things to watch, especially the long distance contest. Bring a blank disc and a Sharpie and get some autographs too!

There will also be a special screening of the disc golf documentary Chains on Wed. night at 8:30. If you can't make it to the tournament, you'll be able to watch it live on DiscGolfPlanet.TV and keep up with live scoring and the blog which I'll be doing for the third year in a row. I'll post the link once everything is ready to go.

And who knows, maybe we'll get some pros to come to league the following week. We snagged Val, Avery, and Nate last year but it may be tough this year since I am moving away on Wed. but you never know!

We surprised our league members with a free pro clinic by Val, Avery, and Nate!

666 was fun. Thank you!

2011-08-22T23:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who came to the 666 Dubs Farewell and Fundraiser. It was great seeing everyone and best of all we raised close to $1100 for the James family! Disc golfers are awesome!

Luke and Donnie did a great job TDing their first event too. Maybe the King of the Hill will live on after all...

Here's a recap from TD Luke:

Devil Went Down to Georgia Tournament was a big success! Even the weather cooperated nicely until the very end of play and awards.

Thank you to every single one of the 58 players that came out yesterday in honor of Devens creator and mastermind John Borelli. We will all benefit from his hard work and dedication to the course for years to come. We know there were several events to chose from yesterday, two of which were PDGA events and one was a NEFA points event which speaks volumes to John's popularity around here. So, one last time, thank you for everything John. The Devens crew will miss you as a golfer and a friend! We wish you the best of luck down in Georgia.

Thank you as well to all those who donated to the James Family fund. We raised an amazing $1,077 yesterday for a wonderful local family that needed our help.

Donations went as follows:

$290 from entry fees
$125 from lunch
$40 from Patriots preseason game raffle
$72 from 50/50 ace pot
$550 from various donations
$1,077 total

CTP prize on hole 17 was a toy couch potato that farted donated by John Borelli and also won by John. I think he deferred to the 2nd place CTP winner, haha!

Ace Pot was not hit however I heard that youngster Kindred Atwood chained out on hole 11 and then his partner (his dad, Joe Atwood) chained out on the same hole right after him. Jon Gordon also chained out on hole 10 and there were a few other close calls as well. Bro team Andy and Matt Duquette won first and second for the CTP throw off for the ace pot.

Pro Open (paid out top 2 spots):

1 - John Borelli/Donnie Phillips - 52, 55 - 107
2 - Derek Brazauskas/Dave Richardson - 55, 53 - 108
3 - Jim Bobka/Ken Gary - 54, 56 - 110
4 - Jon Gordon/Keith Burtt - 62, 55 - 117

Century (paid out top spot):

1 - T.M. Dyer/Bob DeCosta - 64, 60 - 124
2 - Rob Walker/Steve Walker - 65, 70 - 135

Mixed (paid out top spot):

1 - Joe Atwood/Kindred Atwood - 64, 60 - 124
2 - Dave James/Carly James - 65, 75 - 140
3 - Nick Roy/Sarah Kelley - 89, 85 - 174

AM1 (paid out top 3 spots):

1 - Alex Gula/Sam Heller - 58, 53 - 111
2 - Taylor Maslowski/Kevin Cline - 57, 55 - 112
3 - Andy Duquette/Matt Duquette - 61, 56 - 117
4 - Pete Nevius/John Rodenhizer - 61, 58 - 119
5 - Matt LaDrodga/Mark Holt - 63, 61 - 124
6 - Chris Brodeur/Micah Peach - 68, 67 - 135

AM2 (paid out top 7 spots):

1 - Justin Vosteen/Jon Meadows - 64, 55 - 119
T2 - John Williams/Rick MacDonald - 60, 61 - 121
T2 - Nate Spear/Glenn Margeson - 63, 58 - 121
4 - Josh St. Denis/Brian St. Denis - 65, 57 - 122
T5 - Bob Kulchuk/Bill Bertero - 63, 60 - 123
T5 - John Buansanto/Adam Stander - 66, 57 - 123
7 - Joseph Collins/Patrick Johnson - 61, 65 - 126
T8 - Dean Onners/Dave Mullet - 64, 66 - 130
T8 - John Veltsos/Brian Austin - 65, 65 - 130
T8 - Bill Coor/Alex Graves - 66, 64 - 130
T8 - Jim Robinson/Erik Lindgren - 68, 62 - 130
12 - Alex Lee/Chuck Tammaro - 71, 66 - 137
13 - Jason Coppola/Tyler Saunders - 72, 68 -140
14 - Bob Buckley/Gian Gioia - 68, 73 - 141

666 Devil Went Down to Georgia Tourney - Aug 21

2011-08-01T12:08:00.002-04:00

It's a going-away tournament for John!

Here's the info from Luke:

*****
Donnie Phillips and Luke Adolph are co-TDing a tourney with a joint purpose. We would like to send Devens LEGEND John Borelli down to Georgia in style while raising some money for Dave James & his family.

Many of you know the Borelli story but here it is regardless! Marcy took a new job at PDGA headquarters in Appling, GA back in April and John has stayed behind in Massachusetts to tie up all the loose ends here. Well, the day is coming soon that John will rejoin his distant love in Georgia and leave us all behind.

John hinted a few times that we should throw him a going away tourney but I think we would have done it anyway even without his persistence! In all honesty, John has been an integral part of the Devens course and to the local disc golf scene and he will be missed by all of us.

We also thought that while we are all getting together to see John off to Georgia why not try and help a local disc golfer family at the same time! A couple of years ago John ran a tournament to raise money for Meg James, the daughter of Dave and Kari James. Meg had been diagnosed with Leukemia and we raised a decent amount of money which assisted the family with the obviously staggering bills and expenses.

Meg finished her treatment in May only to relapse in June. She is back in treatment now receiving chemo. Soon she will receive radiation and then a bone marrow transplant. The family is being as hopeful as possible but they could really use our support and positive thoughts.

Along with half of the money from the low entry fees going directly to the family we will also have a donation jar at the registration table. Please bring what you can to support them and consider donating any winnings.

Please join us on August 21st!

Devil Went Down to Georgia Tourney

Sunday, August 21st
Devens Disc Golf Course - Devens, MA
TDs: Donnie Phillips & Luke Adolph
Two rounds of 666 doubles, 36 teams max, 72 golfers

8:15 - Sign in
9:15 - Players meeting
9:30 - Shotgun start
Complete info here

Entry Fees

$20 per doubles team, all divisions
Pro, AM1, AM2, Rec., Mixed & Century divisions offered
Day of registrations will be $25.00 per team with the additional $5.00 going directly to the James family.

Registration

Registration starts now. You can mail your payment to Luke or hand it to him or Donnie at Devens league on Wednesdays.

If mailing payment please include names of both team members & division (Check Payable to Luke Adolph):

Luke Adolph
3 Connell Drive
Tyngsboro, MA 01879

And now a word from our sponsor....

2011-07-28T22:02:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone, if you have a friend looking for a house, let them know about mine.

It just hit the market and is on a great piece of property in Pepperell, MA. I have great neighbors and room for 18 disc golf holes!

Two Disc Dilemma results

2011-07-10T23:40:00.000-04:00

Congrats to winners Daniel Marcus (Pro), Donnie Phillips (AM1), John Williams (AM2), and Jonny Meadows (Rec)!

Daniel shot the hot round of the day with a 49! Lots of good scores out there and many personal bests.

More results and pix later.

2 discs of choice

2011-07-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

Here are the discs the people who signed up online for the Two Disc Dilemma on Sunday are going to use. What about you?

#1 Hyzer, Classic Roc
1) Money or Honey Rhyno 2) Buzz or Stalker
150 TeeBird, Buzzzzz
Bolt and Fuse.
buzz and wizard

Buzz and Wolverine
buzz, wizard
Buzzz, Wizard
Champion Firebird, Buzz unless I lose one before the tourney
Classic Roc, Star Destroyer

Comet/Voodoo
Discraft Predator ESP FLX and my ol' trusty Gateway Supersoft Wizard
Don't know yet brah.
I know I will be using the boss and the spider.
I'm thinking Buzzz and Summit

Lattitude Spike & Discraft Buzzz
Leopard, Wiz
midrange & putter
Monarch and Shark
MS Aurora, Leopard

Orc and aviar
pro orc and frisbeedisc mid range
roc and a wizard
Sidewinder and a Roc
star dart, champion orc

striker, ridge
Vibram Ascent & VP
wizard buzz
Wraith And Roc

Ace!

2011-07-07T09:40:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Donnie Disc Golf Phillips for hitting hole 9 last night at league for $135! My group was about to tee off on 15 and was lucky enough to hear the ka-ching and Donnie's whooping after it.

Twenty minutes earlier when we were on hole 9, I was telling my group that league was due for another ace because it had been over 6 weeks from the last one. Spooky.

Nice job, Donnie!

PS. The course will be closed Sunday for the Two Disc Dilemma.

Course closed Sunday

2011-07-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

Heads up! The course will be closed Sunday, July 10 until 6:00 PM for the Two Disc Dilemma. There are a few spots left, so stop by the store and sign up or risk it and pay $5 more on Sunday morning.

Thanks and pick up some trash for better golfing.

Moving sale

2011-06-30T16:38:00.000-04:00

I'm moving and have lots of great stuff for sale. Email or call if you are interested in anything.

Pickup in Pepperell or Ayer at the store. Local delivery available.

PS. The course will be closed Sunday, July 10 for the Two Disc Dilemma tournament.

Donnie Disc Golf -- Newspaper star

2011-06-27T22:39:00.000-04:00

I was flipping through Sunday's Lowell Sun this evening and look who I saw. Local Devens speed round legend, Donnie Disc Golf Phillips. He's the serious-looking grown-up in the tie.

Have you signed up for the Two Disc Dilemma yet?

2011-06-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

The Devens Two Disc Dilemma is just under a month away. About 20 golfers have signed up and have already spent countless hours thinking about which two discs to use.

Going from the sign-up form, the disc of choice so far is the Buzzz. Can't say I disagree with that!

New old benches donated

2011-06-03T15:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks goes out to an anonymous donor who dropped off four old benches for the course yesterday. This makes six total that he has donated so far, with more on the way. Thank you Donor X!

The big question is how long they will last without some loser writing on them? Bob was here and Amanda loves Pete. Who cares? I know it's real tough, but try to show some respect, people.

Now, who can help get these out on the course? Stop by the store if you can help.

Note: The store will be closed most of next week.

Hail Yeah

2011-06-02T10:11:00.000-04:00

League went on last night as the storms moved south of Devens. Hail did fall for about two minutes as we waited for the last card. I filmed this from inside the car while the other idiots stood out in it.

Let's hope our disc golf friends around the region made it through these horrible tornadoes as well.

2 Disc Dilemma registration open to all

2011-06-01T10:17:00.000-04:00

Head over to the Events page and sign up now!

This is a great event for first-timers or newer players. Low stress, high fun!

Stop by the store if you have any questions!

Early registration for Facebook fans opens now!

2011-06-01T09:42:00.002-04:00

If you are a fan of Killer B Disc Golf on Facebook, you can sign up now for the 2 Disc Dilemma! Go now, my son!

Tournament alert! Two Disc Dilemma

2011-05-31T10:41:00.000-04:00

Leave your bag at home!

Devens Two Disc Dilemma
sponsored by Killer B Disc Golf & Devens Disc Golf

Sunday, July 10
Devens, MA
TD: John Borelli

Two rounds of singles, 72 golfers max
8:30 - Sign in
9:00 - Players meeting
9:30 - Shotgun start

Entry Fees

$20 Pro
$10 AM1, AM2
$5 Rec

Add $2 for online reg.
Add $5 for day-of registration.
Cash payout for all divisions. No players pack.

BYO Lunch

2 Disc Dilemma Rules

Only two discs are allowed each round.
You can use different discs in round 2.
If you lose a disc during the round, you can only use your remaining disc.
If you lose both discs hopefully a competitor will let you borrow one to finish the round. If not your score for each remaining hole will be par plus four.

Registration

Registration starts Wed. June 1 at 10 AM at Killer B Disc Golf.com. Save $2 and register at league or pay with cash at the store.
You can pay with a credit card or use a PayPal account for online reg.

Waitlist
To get on the waitlist, you must still register. Emails, phone calls, and posts here will not save you a spot. If you don't make it in, we will refund your money after the event minus any PayPal fee.

Questions?
Contact John Borelli at 978-433-6133 or email me.

Ace!

2011-05-27T15:25:00.000-04:00

Aaron Kaczowka is the latest member of the Ace Club. He drilled hole 11 today with a Star Boss flick up the middle. He was pretty happy about it and couldn't stop smiling. It is his third career ace. Nice job, Aaron!

Disc golfers who litter should be ________.

2011-05-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

Trash like beer cans, water bottles, food wrappers, bottle caps, and cigarette butts have increased dramatically at the course and that is really pissing me off. Especially the cigarette butts.

Please help keep our FREE course clean by doing one or both of these incredibly difficult things:

Don't litter. Pack out what you bring in. So simple.
Be a good human and pick up butts and trash.

I've read several online reviews of the course over the years and one of the things that makes me happy is when I see comments like "the place is spotless!"

Let's not let the inconsiderate assholes out there ruin our course with their filth. If you are one of the inconsiderate assholes leaving behind your beer cans, bottles, and butts, please go play somewhere else.

Seeing 3-4 butts on the ground may be no big deal to most of you, but when you have invested so much time, energy, and love into the land like I have, it is a big deal. If you like the course show it some love, help keep it clean, and earn some good karma along the way.

I'm not saying pick up every bit you see, but a little goes a long way. Thank you.

Please stay off the soccer fields

2011-05-09T12:25:00.000-04:00

Devens Rec has received complaints about golfers using the soccer fields to warm up. That is not allowed. Please stay off and let others know.

From Devens Rec: "... at no time are the field(s) to be used for practice or games. These field(s) are paid for by clients."

Yes, this stinks but Devens is very protective of their fields and we must respect that. They could always pull our lease and we'd end up with no course, so please find some other field to warm up in. Thank you.

Lost and found updated!

2011-05-07T15:51:00.001-04:00

Every disc that has been turned into me or Killer B Disc Golf has been cataloged. If your disc is listed, email me or stop by the store to be reunited.

Go here for the most recent list.

If you don't want your disc back, let me know that too and I will give it to a new player. Thanks.

Del Yeah!

2011-05-05T15:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a variation on our course slogan. Mr. X stopped in at the store last week. Del Yeah!

Hill Yeah!

2011-04-22T16:45:00.000-04:00

Check out this great going-away present Jim Bobka made for Marcy. Hill Yeah!

Finally, an ace on 18!

2011-04-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

Alan "Four Loko" MacLean aced hole 18 last night during league! Crazy. Here's how it happened in his words:

"Thanks. I RHBH'd my beat, beat DX Beast. Hyzer flipped the crap out of it. Over the ridge it was falling hard on it's right edge and at the rate it was falling it was looking like it would land early. When we walked over the ridge it was there. No one was around to tell how it hit. I wanted to know if it was a pure (unlikely), a bounce, or some crazy skip. Looking at the edge of the disc, there's a pretty big gash so I'm thinking I got a bounce off a rock right before the basket.

I'm so glad to finally get #2 under the belt. Some dismissed my other (#1 @ Pelham) because it was open, short, and so RHBH friendly. This one should be harder to dismiss... especially for a righty who can't flick. :) "

King of the Hill3 wrap-up

2011-04-18T15:02:00.001-04:00

Well, that's another successful King of the Hill in the books. And if this does turn out to be the last one we run, what a way to go out. We had 3 aces yesterday! John Hart and Andy Allen hit hole 9 (Andy's first-ever ace) and Billy Dunne hit hole 2. There were also two deuces on hole 18. Wow!

Final results

It felt more like November than April out there with the wind and chilly temps, but at least the rain stayed away, right? Our streak continues

Good and Bad
I saw one golfer suffer two of the most evil roll-aways I've ever seen at Devens. No, it wasn't on hole 18, but 4 surprisingly. The poor guy went from a 3 to a 7, but kept on smiling. :)

Counteracting that badness, I saw another golfer throw a horrible drive off hole 16 that flipped early into the woods on the left but then somehow fought its way through the woods, caught an edge and rolled all the way down to within 10 ft of the basket. Crazy.

We had two golfers simply walk off the course and not finish Rd 2. Didn't even tell us they were leaving. I don't understand that...

Thank you sponsors!
Thank you to our event sponsors and hole sponsors. You're generosity helped us keep entry fees low and provide another great players pack including a custom Z-plastic disc, hat, shirt, stickers, reusable scorecard, and King size candy bar.

Volunteers kicks ass!
Thank you Sue Phillips (3x volunteer), John Rodenhizer, Jarod Carr, Patrick Johnson, and Joe Collins. You guys definitely made this the smoothest running KOH yet! Thank you Sam Misuraca and Tony Bennett for prepping the course this week. The fairways and putting greens have never looked better!

Lots of prizes were given away. Roger Gagnon was the big prize winner this year, taking home several. Here's who else won stuff:

Mini Long Distance

Roger Gagnon - 250 ft
Billy Dunne - 225 ft

Vibram Trek Prototype Flip-Off

Ken Gary
Andy Duquette

Charlie Sheen CTP Throw-off

Travis Reed
Roger Gagnon
Frank Strauss
Nyles Johnson

Other prizes

CTT - Josh Connell
Sponsor Raffle - Pete Nevius
Volunteer Award - Jarod Carr

CTPs

Paul Rashaw
Tim Seiger (2)
John Hart
Tim Dyer
Pete Charron
Brittainy Brougham (2)
Shaun LaForce
Dan Goderre (2)
Matt Grayum
Jason Johnson
Chuck Gerbrands
Brad Harris
Frank Strauss
Ken Gary
Roger Gagnon
Shaun LaForce
Andy Duquette

That's about it. Hope everyone had fun and thanks for coming to the event. Let us know if we could have done anything different and better. We're always trying to improve. Thanks!

Photos
Click below for over 170 photos.

King of the Hill 3

KOH winners

2011-04-17T11:31:00.000-04:00

Most of them, anyway!

Dunne repeats!

2011-04-16T19:55:00.000-04:00

Billy Dunne won Pro Open for the second year in a row whiile local Luke Adolph won his first AM1 title. Congrats to all and more stories and photos later. Until then, here are the results.

Click to enlarge.

KOH update

2011-04-16T13:28:00.001-04:00

AM1 Luke Adolph leads all golfers with a smoking 53.

Alex G, Derek B, and Jason J are in pursuit.

Luke starts rd 2 with a great deuce on 15.

Ace!

2011-04-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

Got our first ace of the tourney! John Hart hits hole 9!

Alex Gula hit chains right before and John said, "This is how you do it" and then did it!

Rd 1 cards posted

2011-04-14T22:39:00.000-04:00

Are you guys ready?!!

Here are the groupings for round 1. Some people may be moved around, so double-check after the players meeting.

We will be leafblowing a few fairways on Friday starting at 9:00 if you'd like to earn some pre-tourney good karma.
Those on the waitlist will get an email if you somehow make it in. If you are on the list, you might want to come during check-in on Saturday to see if there are any no shows.

Long live the King!

Click the photo for a larger version.

A few changes for the better I think you'll like

2011-04-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

I worked on the course today with my team of squirrels and hawks. It was great being out there again, bow saw in hand, cutting, cleaning, and making a few overall improvements.

I built a low-tech, low wall behind basket 18 to help with rollaways (or possibly launch them up and over). Time will tell if this is a good thing.

Will this basic wall help stop your rollaway?

I also cut probably the most controversial tree on the course off the teepad on hole 7. Will the illusion of extra space make you throw a better shot? Again, time will tell.

What's missing from this picture?

I'd also like to thank whoever cleaned up the putting green on hole 16! It looks impressive, especially from the top of the hill. I really appreciate your help, Mr. Mystery Groundskeeper.

Hole 16's new look!

Could this be the last KOH?

2011-04-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

It's official! Devens' own Queen of the Hill (and King of the Hill tournament director), Marcy Borelli, is off to GA to be the new office manager for the PDGA at the International Disc Golf Hall of Fame.

Yahooo! What's to become of the King of the Hill? Could this be the last one ever? Aren't you glad you registered for it? :-)

Official PDGA announcement

One week to go - Course closed Sat. April 16

2011-04-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

Just one week to go until the King of the Hill! If we have a day half as nice as yesterday or today, it's going to be great.

Player's packs have been finalized and man, are we setting you AMs up. How's a bag stuffed with over $45 worth of merchandise sound? Not bad for a $15 entry fee, eh? Pros will even get a little something too.

Join us for league this Wednesday at 5:00 for your last chance at a competitive round before Saturday. Until then, practice your putting and pray to the Tree Gods.

Reminder: The course will be closed all day Saturday, April 16 for the tournament.

Less than 2 weeks until King of the Hill!

2011-04-04T12:44:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to be crowned King of the Hill? Well, you've got less than two weeks to prepare your victory speech, so get with it!

As a reminder, the course will be closed all day on Saturday, April 16 for our tournament.

KOH update & shirts

2011-03-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

With one day left before reserved spots expire, there's just one left unclaimed and I'm betting it will stay that way. John Hart it looks good for you getting in.

Your competition

Dress code
Because we are a B-tier, we are asking all competitors to follow the PDGA dress code and try to look halfway decent. That means everyone must wear a shirt! Tank tops aren't allowed for men.

AMs are allowed to wear t-shirts, but we'd love to see everyone class up the Hill with a collared or dryfit shirt. I know all Pros will be looking sharp because well, they're Pros and know better.

Click for more rules info.

The best drive ever?

2011-03-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

Luke Adolph sent me this photo yesterday of 14 year old Phelan Lyman's drive on hole 6 during the Sunday Social. Wow! What a throw. Dead center too.

Luke said Phelan just threw it straight up the gut backhand. He and his Dad, Guy, birdied the hole. Incredible job, Phelan!

I've only seen two drives on hole 6 that have really impressed me. A few years ago, I think it was Jason Dore who torched one up the road and after a big skip his driver landed in putting range for the deuce. Then last year before our Pro Clinic, Nate Doss casually threw a Buzzz up the road and landed just past the path to hole 7. I'm happy when I can get a Valkyrie up over the hump near the short tee, but when you crush one past the path with a midrange? Crazy.

Join us for league

2011-03-25T15:45:00.000-04:00

League starts with a bang!

2011-03-24T08:35:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Sam Misuraca for hitting his first career ace last night at the Wednesday Weekly! Sam collected a cool $46 for his efforts and becomes the earliest Ace Pot winner in league history. It only took two weeks to clean us out!

Sam nailed hole 9 with a Gator. Nice job, Sam!

Join us next week at 4:30 and try to be like Sam.

Vibram DG donates a boatload of discs to the KOH

2011-03-20T18:06:00.001-04:00

Thank you Steve Dodge and Vibram Disc Golf for donating a bunch of VPs, Ridges, Ascents, and two prototypes of their just-approved driver, the Trek, to the King of the Hill!

The granite Trek is one of only six made and our tournament is getting one because as Steve said, "(We're) a special snowflake." Awww.

So, get out there and practice so you'll have a chance at winning one of these discs! The King of the Hill is just one month away! Whuh?!!!!

Wednesday Weekly starts next week!

2011-03-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

The Wednesday Weekly returns next Wednesday, March 16. Come get your 2011 bag tag and be ready to go at 4:15.

Jim Bobka has created the first 25 tags and I think maybe his design was inspired by our sponsor, Killer B Disc Golf. Each tagholder gets a Killer B mini and sticker and his stats tracked on DiscGolfScene.

We use league as our primary fundraiser to help pay our yearly insurance bill. We make it fun for all, so don't worry that you have to be an all-star to have a good time. We group players into two groups based on skill, so you'll always be competing with someone about as good as you. I think everyone won something last year, be it a cash payout, a CTP, the ace pot, or one of the fabulous Less Than A Dollar prizes for the end-of-night skills contests.

Basics

Two player pools (Pro/AM1 and AM2/Rec), a weekly cash payout, a cash CTP for each pool, and an ace pot. The night ends with a Skills Challenge.
Buying a tag saves you $2/week. Visiting non-taggers can still play and get in on the cash payout but can't compete for a tag.
Wednesdays, starting March 16
Be ready to go at 4:15. Time will move according to sunset.
Initial cost: $20 for 2011 tag and a Killer B mini and sticker

Weekly cost

Tagholder: $5 (2 payout, 1 CTP, 1 ace pot, 1 course)
Non-tagholder: $7 (2 payout, 1 CTP, 1 ace pot, 3 course)

Details

No handicaps. Players grouped by Pro/AM1 and AM2/Rec.
One round of singles
If you forget your tag, you must pay $7 and cannot compete for a tag that week.
If you leave before tags are redistributed, get someone to grab it for you or risk us losing it.
Tags are in play for casual rounds and tournaments. Higher tag can challenge a lower tag and under most circumstances, lower tag must accept.
Ace pot rolls over each week. If there are no aces for 2011, half goes to the course maintenance/insurance fund and half goes to the 2012 WW ace pot.
There will be a year-end Bag Tag Bonanza to end the season.

Tags can be purchased before league starts or at Killer B Disc Golf store next to the course at 210 W. Main St., Ayer.

Get active!

2011-03-09T15:46:00.007-05:00

We're now listed on PDGA.com. If you have a red X next to your name that means you are not an active PDGA member and you need to renew or join.

King of the Hill registered players

If you joined recently, let me know when you get your PDGA number and I'll link you in. Also check that you are linked to the correct person.

I'd love to see all green checkmarks by April and see you taking advantage of this being a B-tier.

Prizes start to roll in

2011-03-09T08:22:00.000-05:00

Jim Bobka has signed on to sponsor the Mini Long Distance Contest and has donated $40! Awesome! You'll be throwing these special Zing minis at lunch. They actually fly pretty far, so it should be a good time.

I'd also like to thank Jaxon and Chris for donating some cool prizes. As you know, we love giving away unique prizes and these fit the bill! Thanks guys.

Jaxon Sheehy - a new Pye Brook disc golf bag tag.
Chris Mergemekes - two CDs of his self-produced disc golfer-friendly music. Find him on Amazon.

If you'd like to get your product in front of over 72 golfers, let me know and you can become an official sponsor of the King of the Hill.

King of the Hill is full. Get on the waitlist.

2011-03-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Even though the event has filled, you can still get on the wait list by registering online. If you do not make it in, we will refund your money.

Thanks for helping us sellout in less than 12 hours!

One spot left!

2011-03-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a day. Including reserved spots for last year's winners, there is only one spot left for KOH3!

Registration opened promptly at 9 this morning with a flurry of registrations pouring in. We had 29 people sign up in the first 20 minutes and were up to 50 by noon.

Registered players

So, if you still want to play, my advice is to sign up now and get on the wait list. Chances are some of the reserved spots won't be taken and a handful of people will drop out over the next month. It always happens.

Registration is now open for KOH3!

2011-03-05T09:00:00.017-05:00

** Sign up here! **

Devens King of the Hill 3
Presented by Killer B Disc Golf and sponsored by Devens Disc Golf, Devens Grill, and Bill Dunne

Saturday, April 16
Devens, MA
NEFA, PDGA B-tier
TD: Marcy Borelli & John Borelli

Two rounds of singles, 72 golfers max
8:00 - Sign in
9:00 - Players meeting
9:30 - Shotgun start

We have stepped it up again this year and are a PDGA B-tier event as well as a NEFA points event. You do not have to be a PDGA or NEFA member to play. Last year we sold out in 48 hrs, so register now!

Entry Fees and Divisions

PDGA members receive a $10 discount. You must be a current PDGA member by April 16 to receive the discounted rate.
NEFA members receive a $1 discount at check-in when you show your NEFA tag.
Entry fee includes $3 PDGA, $1 NEFA, and $2 admin fees
Divisional winners from KOH2 have until Wed. March 31 to claim and pay for their reserved spot. Unclaimed spots go to people on the waitlist if there is one.

$45 Pros - Open, Women, Masters, Grandmasters
$25 AMs - Advanced, Advanced Women, Adv Masters, Intermediate, Intermediate Women, Rec
$2 ace pot (optional)
Add $5 for day-of registration

Players Packs

All AMs get some nice Killer B schwag and a bag of goodies worth more than your entry fee.
All Pros get a bag of goodies.

Prizes

There will be several CTPs. Donations welcome.
All Pros are playing for close to 100% cash payout minus fees.
All AMs are playing for a sweet custom first place KOH trophy. There will be no funny money but this may change if the sponsors keep rolling in. You're getting a great players pack and other stuff worth more than your entry fee.

Sponsor a Hole, Win a Killer B Prize Pack ($40 value)
We're giving away a Killer B disc, hat, mini, and sticker to a very appreciated sponsor. You can even name the hole after your favorite all-time King or give us a king-related quote!

$10 - Get one entry in the sponsor-only drawing.

Lunch
Tournament sponsor the Devens Grill will be taking lunch orders during check-in. Please thank them for supporting disc golf on Devens by ordering lunch.

Other Fun Stuff

Expect some free pre- and post-tourney food if we get enough sponsors. And Borelli Brownies of course!
Long distance mini throwing contest at halftime. Everybody gets one free throw and then it is $1/throw thereafter. (Update: Jim Bobka is sponsoring this and has pitched in $40! Yahoo!)
Kite flying demo by Kites Over New England all day.

Lodging

We plan on reserving a block of rooms at course sponsor Marriott Suites that is two minutes away. (Update: they are sold out)
Ayer Motor Inn is 3 minutes away. Nothing too fancy.
There is a KOA campground about 5 miles away on Rt 110/2A in Littleton, but they may not be open yet.
We can probably find you a sofa to crash on at a local's house.

Refunds

If you can't make it, let us know on or before April 9 and you'll get everything but $3 back.
If you let us know after April 13, you'll get 50% back minus $3 if there is no one from the wait list to take your spot.
If you do not show on game day, you won't get anything back or get a players pack (even if you send an email or call that morning). Thank you for sponsoring the KOH!

Registration

Registration starts Sat. Mar 5 at 9:00 AM at killerbdiscgolf.com
Registration is online only.
You can pay with a credit card or use a PayPal account.

Waitlist
To get on the waitlist, you must still register online. Emails, phone calls, and posts here will not save you a spot. If you don't make it in, we will refund your money after the event minus any PayPal fee.

Questions?
Email John.

And we are a B tier!

2011-03-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! Bill Dunne has helped make the King of the Hill a "Killer B Tier event" (his creative words) by joining us as a sponsor. Thanks Bill!

So it is official. We are now a B-tier event and will be listed on the PDGA website shortly.

Spread the word! Registration opens tomorrow, 9 AM.

Devens Grill jumps on the sponsorship wagon!

2011-03-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

The Devens Grill has joined Killer B Disc Golf and Devens Disc Golf Club as an official sponsor of the KOH for the second year in a row. Thank you Elaine and John! They will also be our lunch vendor.

Now all we need is one or two more sponsors and we will be able to bump up to a B tier! Who wants to earn some major karma? $150-200 is all we need.

Maybe a group of you could pool your spare change together and become one major sponsor.... Let me know!

KOH registration opens Sat @ 9 AM

2011-03-02T13:14:00.002-05:00

Online registration opens this Saturday, March 5, at 9:00 AM EST for Devens King of the Hill 3.

I will post the link on Killerbdiscgolf.com, Devensdiscgolf.com, and facebook.com/killerbdiscgolf. Only online registration will be accepted.

Some highlights for KOH 3

Divisional winners from KOH2 have until Wed. March 31 to claim and pay for their reserved spot. Unclaimed spots go to people on the waitlist if there is one.
If the event fills before I have a chance to close registration and you are one of the last to register, you may end up on the waitlist.
This is a trophy-only, NEFA points, and PDGA ratings event for AMs. Pros play for cash and trophy.
Entry fees are cheap and AM player packs are worth more than your entry fee. Pros are $45, AMs are $25. PDGA members receive a $10 discount. NEFA members receive a $1 discount at check-in when you show your NEFA tag.
There will be a fun event at halftime using something from your players pack.
Hole sponsors have a chance at winning a Killer B prize pack.

We are looking for official tournament sponsors to help defray costs. Cash is good, but so is stuff for the players pack. Contact me if you can help.

In case you forgot if you won last year, here's the list of winners:

Pro Open - Billy Dunne 104
Pro Master - Doug DeSalvo 120
Pro GM - Ken Gary 111
AM1 - Derek Brazauskas 110
Adv Master - James Beaulieu 115
Adv Women - Rachael Hudson 131
AM2 - Leo Lacwasan 114
Rec - Jeff Cooper 134

KOH sponsorship opportunities available

2011-03-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

We're looking for companies and individuals who would like to help out with this year's King of the Hill tournament and make it the best one yet.

Monetary sponsorship would be great, but we're also looking for products, services, and other doo-dads you'd like to get in front of at least 72 dedicated disc golfers.

Don't own your own company? Ask your boss or marketing department if they would like to sponsor or if they have any leftover schwag they want to get rid of. You never know! Players love getting free stuff in their players pack, so most anything works.

Maybe you're a massage therapist, restaurant owner, mechanic, local farmer, tax guy, or baker with a great product or service you want to get out in front of the masses. Let me know and we'll come up with a way for you to help!

Thanks and see you on April 16. Who will be this year's King of the Hill?

King of the Hill 3 is coming!

2011-02-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

King of the Hill 3, our biggest and best tournament of the year is Saturday, April 16. It's a PDGA and NEFA sanctioned event, so don't miss it. We sold out in less than 48 hrs last year!

This year Killer B Disc Golf is the presenting sponsor, so expect some cool stuff in your players pack. We've decided to keep this one inexpensive like we did for the Bare Bones Barre Open. Players pack will be worth more than your entry fee and like last year, this will be a trophy-only event for AMs. If you want to play for money, play Pro.

Some new things this year:

Current NEFA members receive a discounted entry fee, so join NEFA now. I'm the MA rep for NEFA, so feel free to ask me any questions. Non-PDGA members still have to pay an extra $10, per PDGA rules, however.
Last year's divisional winners receive a reserved spot, but still have to claim them on time.
A new fun contest at halftime.

I'll announce the opening of registration ahead of time. Last year we sold out in less than two days, so be ready.

One-of-a-kind hat and 242 pounds of food

2011-02-22T10:01:00.000-05:00

Check this out over at Killer B Disc Golf. It's the only hat like this in existence. Your head deserves to feel special, doesn't it? Go bid on it!

In other news, I'll be dropping off the Ice Cube Open donations today. The Loaves and Fishes always seem to be closed whenever I go there! In all, we collected 242 lb of food! Wow!!!

Found!

2011-02-19T14:08:00.000-05:00

Patrick Johnson and Joe Collins just turned in 10 discs they found while playing holes 1-12, all from the Ice Cube Open. How many more are they going to find on holes 13-18?!

The discs, along with all Devens lost & found discs, are at Killer B Disc Golf waiting for their happy golfers.

Frank Strauss
Alex Gula (2)
Rob Tatro (2)
Marco Iannello
Jason Ballard
Travis Reed
Chad Hall
Sheppard

$1550 raised for Loaves and Fishes!

2011-02-09T12:42:00.001-05:00

Okay, here are the final numbers for the ICO. Great job!

64 golfers
17-24 inch of snow
20 degrees
Hundreds of cans of food (242 lbs)

$640 from entry fees
$240.94 from additional donations before the event
$51 from ace pot
$40 from Disc Grab Bag
$109 from silent auction
$468 from payout donations and general collection jar

That equals $1548.94 for the Devens Loaves and Fishes! Thank you everyone. We broke our record and surpassed our goal!

Now, it's time to get ready for King of the Hill!

ICO scores and prize winners

2011-02-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

Scores have been posted on DGS. If you have a DiscGolfScene profile and your scores are not appearing in your profile, send me your email address you use there.

We'll announce totals for money and food donations soon. Stay tuned.

2011 Ice Cube Open Ice Bowl results:

Pro

Rob Tatro, Billy Dunne
Jason Southwick, Rick Belhumeur
David Hoey, Nick Connell

AM1

Roger Gagnon, John Giampapa
Frank Strauss, Alex Gula
David James, Donnie Phillips
John Ladroga, Rich Benoit
Chad Hall, Andrew Gardner
John Borelli, TM Dyer
Marco Iannello, Chris Barden
Rob Walker, John Rodenhizer
Andrew Duquette, Jason Thurlow
Jim Bobka, Mike Donovan
Luke Adolph, Robert Burdett
Chuck Gerbrands, Pete Violet

AM2

Stephen Economos, Nick Economos
Pete Nevius, Doug Callaghan
Peter Bean, Travis Reed
Troy Dietrich, Guy Lyman
Ben Stevens, Kevin Fox
Phelan Lyman, Mark Ottenberg
Mark Sheppard, George Economos
Patrick Johnson, Joe Collins
Jason Ballard, Pete McConnell
Matt Duquette, Shai Simonson
Peter Gagnon, Chris LaTouche
Nate Chicoine, Chris Gould

Rec

David Schwind, Scott Adams
Doug Mahar, Eric Larson
Jeremy Travis, Matt Muller
Tim Seiger, Ben D'Amore
Chris Listro, Kyle Larson

Closest to Pin Winners:

Pete Nevius (2) - Burlington Blizzard Ice Bowl entry, plastic scorecard & Killer B sticker
Billy Dunne - plastic scorecard & Killer B sticker
Marco Iannello - Ice Bowl shirt
Dave Schwind - plastic scorecard & Killer B sticker
Andrew Gardner - plastic scorecard & Killer B sticker
Mark Sheppard (2) - Ice Bowl shirt, Flying Squirrel disc
Kevin Fox - Flying Squirrel disc
Jason Southwick - Ice Bowl shirt

Closest to Tee "Winner":

Mark Ottenberg - Homer Simpson action figure (D'oh!)

Leftover Prize Winner

Jeremy Travis - Burlington Blizzard Ice Bowl entry

Ring of Ice

Mike Donovan - Ice Bowl stamped tie-dye Katana
Stephen Economos - Ice Bowl stamped tie-dye Katana

Silent Auction highest bidders

Star Mako & $10 Dunkins card - Kevin Fox
$25 Ixtapa - Doug Callaghan
$25 TN BBQ - Tim Seiger
$15 Ugly Omelette - Dave James
$10 King Phillip - JoBo
$10 King Phillip - Dave James
King of the Hill AM entry & $15 Killer B gift certificate - Tim Seiger

Ice Cube photos

2011-02-02T11:13:00.005-05:00

Sorry I didn't get more people this year. It's hard to play and take pictures of everyone, especially when you play with the same three guys for both rounds. If you took any, send 'em my way.

Disc golfers raise $1400 for local food pantry. Help us reach $1500!

2011-02-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

Sunday's Ice Cube Open Ice Bowl was a huge success (and pretty fun too!). We broke last year's fundraising record by $300 but fell short of our goal by a measly $100. So close!

Please help us hit $1500 and help those in need. Thank you!

UPDATE: We hit our goal thanks to Phil V, Heather L, Mike O, and Eric K. Thanks guys!

In this totally unstaged photo opportunity, Chuck Gerbrands hands over some canned goods to Patty Stern from the Devens Loaves and Fishes.

Eventual AM1 champs John Giampapa and Roger Gagnon (both in camo) up to their knees with Andy Duquette and Jason Thurlow.

Final results for the Ice Cube Open 4

More photos to come!

The course is ready!

2011-01-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

The course is looking great thanks to a lot of hard work by Donnie Phillips, Dave James, Dave's friend, and Rob Walker. Good karma awaits you tomorrow!

Donnie shoveled pretty much every teepad over the past few days, Dave and his friend rode snowmobiles up and down several fairways and the road below, and Rob and I walked every fairway and path in snowshoes this afternoon to make walking a little easier for tomorrow. We also dug out two Rec tees on hole 14 and 18. Thanks again for your help, guys.

The snow is a little dense thanks to the warm weather today, so discs shouldn't sink too much, but they will try to disappear on you. See you in 14 hours! Sleep well. I sure will.

Most needed items for the food pantry

2011-01-28T10:42:00.001-05:00

Here's a list of the most needed items at our charity, the Devens Loaves and Fishes. Don't forget to bring at least three items on Sunday. Thank you!

Peanut Butter and Jelly
Baked Beans
Pasta Sauce
Canned pasta
Hamburger Helpers
Personal care items
Feminine Products

Find them on Facebook.

Ribbons 101

2011-01-27T19:11:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the Ice Cube, I've posted a blog about how to use ribbons on your discs to help you find them in the snow. Check it out and let me know if you have any other hints.

Find your discs in the snow; use ribbons!

Fidelity Bank donates some appropriate schwag for the Ice Cube Open

2011-01-27T17:40:00.000-05:00

Michele Kosciak of Fidelity Bank in Shirley just dropped off a bagful of ice scrapers for the ICO.

Get here early Sunday to get yours! Thanks Michele!

Doug and John R report that there are 3-ft snow drifts on the course and that someone has already been out shoveling tees. Yahoo!

Recyled: Fashion secrets for playing in an Ice Bowl

2011-01-27T12:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a blog I wrote before last year's Ice Cube Open that I thought was worth repeating. See you Sunday!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I thought I'd share a few things I've learned about playing in an Ice Bowl and snow in general.

Dress for success
Figuring out what to wear for a winter tournament is always a tricky thing. Successfully managing your body's temp can have a definite effect on your performance. Thoughts like "Damn I'm sweating to death" or "Damn I'm freezing my nards off" are just going to distract you.

There are five time zones you have to worry about for a winter tournament: Pre-game, Round 1, Lunch, Round 2, and Post-game.

Pre-game: You have to think about the temperature when you first get there and you are standing around, checking in, and warming up. Getting out of your toasty car can be a bit shocking after a 2-hour drive. I usually overdress during pre-game so that I can warm up and loosen up faster. Hat, mittens, sweatshirt, jacket. For base layers, I wear a wicking performance shirt under a regular short-sleeve t-shirt.

Round 1: Next you have to think about getting warmer as you start to play and as the sun climbs. Devens is pretty hilly and when you add in trudging through the snow, you will heat up fast. Wear layers that are easily packable or you will waste valuable mental and physical energy carrying around your jacket and trying to remember which hole you left it on. You don't need the distraction.

Since I know I will warm up pretty fast, I dress light and wear a sweatshirt and a vest if it is 30 and below, or just the sweatshirt if it's not. I also have a packable nylon jacket I can attach to my bag if there is a wind or breeze. I wear a knit hat or fleece tubey thing that I can wear as a hat or pull down around my neck. Baseball hats don't keep me as warm since I like to keep my ears covered.
Lunch: The break presents new issues with your body rapidly cooling down as you sit around and refuel. Now's the time to change your socks and boots and maybe your shirt. It just feels good putting on fresh socks and a shirt. I usually put on a different sweatshirt and sit in the car to get warm.
Round 2: Round 2 is the opposite of Round 1. It starts warm and then gradually cools down as the sun sets and the afternoon winds pick up. I wear the same thing and maybe bring along a vest. Overall, I just suck it up the last few holes since I'd rather be a little cold than carry around extra gear.
Post-game: Time to change and get out of those wet socks, pants, and shirt. Put on something fresh and you'll feel better instantly. Don't forget to bring a second pair of shoes or sneakers. It's no fun putting warm dry feet into cold wet boots!

Pants
I usually wear ski pants. Besides keeping me warm, they repel water and snow and I can pretty much sit or lean against anything without having to worry about walking around with a wet butt. Since it was relatively warm yesterday, I experimented with regular nylon workout pants and they worked out well. They did get a little wet though.

I'd avoid jeans or any other cotton-based pants. They suck up moisture and by the end of the day you'll be carrying around a couple extra pounds of crusted, frozen snow on your ankles. Not good. Gaiters are also a good idea if you don't have ski pants.

Shoes and socks
Before I had my waterproof Seal Skins socks, I used to wear regular cotton or wool socks. Combined with a decent boot, it worked okay, but I always changed socks at lunch and after the event.

Boots are a no-brainer. Sneakers will suck up moisture and you'll slip and slide all over the place and be miserable. Keep your feet warm and the rest of you will stay warm and you'll play better and have more fun.

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Saturday looks relatively warm and sunny, so both sunglasses and sunscreen should be in your bag. With all that snow to reflect off, the sun can be brutal. You just won't notice until Sunday when you wake up with a sunburn and squinty eyes.

I hope you picked up a few helpful tidbits. Feel free to share any other suggestions by posting below.

Another reason to bring a few extra dollars on Sunday

2011-01-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

The nice people at Killer B Disc Golf are donating a free AM entry to the Devens King of the Hill tournament in April, as well as a $15 gift certificate to the store. Yay Killer B! You guys are the best.

This package valued at about $45 will be added to the silent auction, so bid bid bid! Last year's KOH sold out in 48 hrs, so you probably want to get in on this action and not have to worry about it later. I will take phone bids on Sunday for you non-Ice Cubers. Just call 978-433-6133 and leave a message.

Justin Anderson has also donated a free entry to his Burlington Blizzard Ice Bowl February 19. Sweet!

Pre-ICO Snow Prep
I'm also looking for a few snow-stomping volunteers to help prep the course Friday or Saturday (whenever it decides to stop snowing). We'll walk the course in snowshoes, make some paths, and shovel tees.

Let me know if you can help. Sounds like the most fun ever! It'll no doubt be like this:

Five spots remain for the ICO. More prizes donated!

2011-01-24T11:51:00.000-05:00

Two more entries came in this weekend, so five spots remain. Don't be afraid of the snow - 62 other golfers aren't!

Grab one of the last spots!

Check back later for cold-weather-playing tips and learn how to NOT lose your disc in the snow.

Win one of these beauties in the Ring of Ice

2011-01-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

These two special tye-dye Ice Bowl Katanas will be up for grabs in the Ring of Ice after round two of the Ice Cube Open. Like last year, we will have two groups (Pro/AM1 and AM2/Rec) competing separately so you all have a good chance at winning. Now just start practicing your pressure putting!

A Ring of Ice, better known as a Ring of Fire, is a putting contest where golfers line up behind a pre-defined line that circles a basket. On the count of 3, everyone putts and mayhem ensues with discs crashing into each other while others get knocked in and out of the basket.

Whoever gets it in then goes again until only one competitor remains. If no one makes the putt at any stage, we start over and everyone gets another chance. It is pretty fun and can sometimes last a few rounds. So, if you miss on the first round, don't give up; you'll probably get to try again!

Need a partner?

2011-01-20T14:42:00.001-05:00

Drew McManus is looking for a partner for the ICO. Email him and get one of the last 10 spots.

Leave your lunch at home

2011-01-19T19:09:00.000-05:00

I've lined up my Killer B neighbor, Devens Pizza, to take lunch orders at the ICO. I had to work a little bit to convince him it would be worth it, so please support him and order a sub after you check-in.

Doug "I Have Played More Rounds at Devens Than Anyone" Callaghan has donated a Star Mako and a Dunkins card to the silent auction. Thanks Doug!

Eleven spots left.

13 spots left for the Ice Cube Open

2011-01-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

I'm on the verge of announcing another very cool prize that has been donated to the Ice Cube Open -- a free entry to an upcoming event!

I think this is the most donated prizes we've ever had. Thanks everyone and keep 'em coming!

What a great idea! Stay tuned and register now for the ICO!

Devens Grill in for chili!

2011-01-15T13:34:00.000-05:00

Course sponsor Devens Grill is once again donating a big ole pot of chili for the Ice Cube Open. This stuff always goes fast, so finish your round fast to get some of this meaty deliciousness.

Thank you again, Elaine and John!


Last year's chili didn't last too long!

Eric and Greg dig in last year

Mark, Aaron, and Dave

Anonymous donor kicks ass & donates $85 in gift certificates for Ice Bowl

2011-01-13T15:20:00.001-05:00

An anonymous donor has donated $85-worth of gift certificates to several area restaurants. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. X!

We'll probably raffle these off silent auction style so that those who can use them will win them. It's no use winning a gift certificate if you live far away and it goes to waste. Proceeds will go directly to the Loaves and Fishes.

Here's what's up for grabs:

$10 (x2) King Phillip Restaurant, Phillipston (just off Rt 2)
$15 The Ugly Omelet, Lunenburg (just down the road from Walmart)
$25 Ixtapa Cantina, Lunenburg (across from Walmart)
$25 Tennessee's BBQ, Leominster (just off Rt 2)

Love our course? Then join NEFA!

2011-01-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

If you love our course and playing disc golf in New England, you should join NEFA, the New England Flying disc Association.

I am the MA state rep for NEFA and it's blogger too so I may be a little biased, however! NEFA also sponsored hole 12 back in the early days so you can see why I think you should return the love.

But seriously, NEFA is a great community of disc golfers from all New England states, plus the bordering areas of NY and NJ. It's mission is to basically spread the word of disc golf, support new and emerging courses and other programs with funding, and run a points series each year. There's also a very active message board where you can keep up-to-date with everything going on in the region and even sell and trade discs.

Two for one deal
We are once again running our NEFA membership deal through the end of Jan. Any current NEFA member may sign up a new member for free! That's $25 for two people or $12.50 each. If you'd like to join as my freebie, send me an email.

One person must already be a NEFA member who is renewing his membership. The other person must be a brand-new member.

Several renewing members have offered up their freebie to the masses, so check out the message board to find somebody.

17 spots left, plus a couple Flying Squirrels

2011-01-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

Just 17 spots are left for this year's Ice Cube Open. You might as well sign up tomorrow while you're stuck at home during this week's "Blizzard of the Century."

ABC Discs has donated a couple of their new Flying Squirrels for prizes. Thank you, Dan!

New CTPs from the Crafty Scientist

2011-01-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you Steve Ditterman and Dayna Mankowski of Crafty Scientist for sponsoring two holes and donating some great custom waterproof scorecards for the Ice Cube Open. Yay Team Crafty!

Twenty-two spots are left for the ICO. Sign up now before you get frozen out!

Looking for prizes and other goodies
I'm close to scoring some cool schwag from a local business and am looking for more fun and funky prizes to give out. Anyone? Gift cards, pizza, chili, gas cards, box of Hot Hands, jug of hot chocolate (coffee didn't go over too well the past few years), anything else.. Let me know if you can help!

Gary hits first ace of 2011!

2011-01-04T10:51:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Ken Gary for hitting the first ace of the year at Devens on Saturday, January 1! Once again karma rewards -- Ken was shoveling tee boxes during his round. That's Ken's second ace on hole 11. Nice job!

Even more freaky is that he hit hole 11. That's 11 on 1/1/11.

Don't forget to register for the Ice Cube Open. Only 24 spots left.

Ice Bowl regs coming in

2010-12-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who have signed up early. 28 spots to go. Hopefully this snow we just got will stick around for a month or so!

Sign up now or stop by Killer B disc golf store
Your competition

Some of the food we collected last year:

Ice Cube Open registration open!

2010-12-21T05:33:00.062-05:00

Registration has opened for the Ice Cube Open Ice Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 30! This is our fourth Ice Bowl and it keeps growing every year.

This year we are trying a doubles event with a twist. Six holes will be best disc, 6 holes will be worst disc, and 6 holes will be alternate shot. Sound good? Great, now go grab a partner and sign up!

Great event for new players
This is a casual, fun event and is a good one for golfers who have never played in a tournament before. The emphasis is on raising money and food donations for the Loaves and Fishes, but if you end up winning, you'll go home with a fun trophy and stories of glory to tell the family.

We will also have some cool CTPs prizes (donations welcomed) and we'll be hosting an Apres ICO pizza party at the store where you can warm up and fill up before heading home.

Disc Grab Bag Returns!
Because the Disc Grab Bag was so successful in raising extra money for the L&F last year, we're doing it again. Bring $5 and a new or gently-used disc and throw it in the box. We'll pick a few winners at random and who knows, you may go home with a bunch of new-to-you discs in our raffle! Last year two guys went home with over 10 discs each. Not bad for a 5 buck investment, eh?

If you'd like to donate a prize, chip in a few bucks for the Apres ICO pizza party, or just contribute to the charity, email me. Thanks and see you at the Ice Cube!

Date change! ICO is now Sunday Jan 30

2010-12-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

We've decided to move the Ice Cube Open up a week to Sunday, Jan. 30. There are two other Ice Bowls in the area scheduled for our original date and I thought it was silly to have three on the same day. Plus the Farmer's Almanac says there's going to be a snowstorm that weekend.

We are also changing the format to 666 doubles. That's six holes of best disc, 6 holes of the other team selecting your lie, and 6 holes of alternate throws. I've been wanting to try this for a few years now and think it'll be fun!

Registration should be opening withing the week.

Ice Cube Open Ice Bowl date set

2010-12-02T11:18:00.001-05:00

UPDATE:

The date for our fourth Ice Cube Open Ice Bowl has been set for Sunday, Jan 30. This year's charity will once again be the Devens Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

Last year, 55 golfers raised over $1100 and donated 330 pounds of food to the food pantry. Let's crush that record this year!

Registration will probably open in late December, so keep your eyes and ears open for more details!

Thank you, voters!

2010-12-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

Another landslide victory! I was re-elected as MA rep for the New England Flying disc Association (NEFA). It's hard to lose when you are the only one running, but I did get 22 votes which is 21 more than I thought I'd get!

But seriously, thank you for voting for me. I appreciate the support.

If you have any questions about disc golf in New England, or MA specifically, feel free to ask me. Becoming a NEFA member is a great way to help support your local and regional courses. Look for a new membership drive to begin early in 2011. The past several years we have had 2-for-1 deals, so don't miss out.

If you'd like to support disc golf on the national level, you can also join the PDGA. If you use my PDGA # 23492 as a referral before the end of the year, Devens Disc Golf Course will receive $5!

Killer B Disc Golf store now open!

2010-11-18T11:54:00.002-05:00

I'm happy to announce that our pro shop is now open!

Check the Killer B blog or like our official Facebook page to keep track of what is going on at the Hive!

Stop by, say hey, and support your local disc golf store. Hill Yeah!

How 'bout them Flypads?!

2010-11-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

Like I said at lunch, thanks very much to all of you who helped on Saturday. We have come a long way in just 3 years. I remember when it was a struggle to get 2 people to join me to work on the course. Now we get 20!

Keith, Pete, Arty, Rick, John R on 10

There are several great courses in the area, but not many with teepads as fine as ours. Damn! So solid. No fear of slipping. Boom!

I have to especially thank Ken Gary who organized and ran the show on Saturday. Great job, Ken. You make a great #2.

John R tamps 10.

I am also grateful for all the sponsors and players who have donated money to the course over the years so that we can make these awesome improvements.

Things are just going to get better. More Flypads in the Spring and benches on most holes too! After that, who knows? Maybe a second course or lights for night golf!

My truck full of ground-up recycled asphalt shingles that we used as the base

In no particular order, here are the latest Devens Superheros. Thank you!

Ken Gary
Jim Bobka
Rob Walker
John Rodenhizer
John R's two friends
Pete Nevius
Pete Tolvanen
Doug Callaghan
Arty Graustein
Jeff Woodcock
Brian McNulty
Rick Hobbs
Keith
Dave
Luke Adolph
Donnie Phillips
Dave James
Tim Seiger

Leftovers
It seems I have inherited a green wheelbarrow, a blue 2-wheel wheelbarrow, a tamper, a metal rake, and a wide metal shovel.

Pete finishes off 12

Luke and Arty clean out Jeff's truck

Luke flattens hole 5

Luke has his way with hole 3

Wow!

2010-11-13T12:44:00.003-05:00

Holy crap! The Hill is getting some love today! There's about 17 dedicated volunteers out here installing tee pads today.

I am blown away. Thank you thank you thank you.

We're almost done, about to have some lunch, and then it'll be time to test these bad boys out. More later.

Did I say thank you yet? Hill Yeah!!!

Loading up Jeff's truck with recycled asphalt shingles.

John R and Doug C work on 10.

Pete T and Dave J work on 9.

Tee 13 is looking sweet!

Tee 11 is ready for many more ace runs.

Help install teepads this Saturday!

2010-11-10T12:40:00.001-05:00

We are installing sweet-ass Flypads (recycled rubber teepads) on several holes at Devens this Saturday.

We need help, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and strong backs.

Free lunch and much good karma provided. Tell your friends, "I helped make Devens great."

Fun starts at 8 AM. Come when you can, but the more the merrier and the faster things will go.

Ken Gary is running the show and if no one shows up for him to boss around, he'll be sad.

I could also use a hand on Friday loading my truck with the Flypads. Call or email me if you can help.

New disc golf store opening next to Devens!

2010-11-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to announce that in a few weeks you'll have a local disc golf shop at your service!

Marcy and I are opening Killer B Disc Golf Shop in the Devens Shopping Center behind basket 12. It's two minutes from the course parking lot at 210 W. Main St., Ayer. Just exit Devens, take a right, and you're there!

We're carrying Innova, Discraft, Latitude 64, and Gateway discs, as well as a selection of bags from Fade, Innova, and probably Revolution.

The Devens Lost and Found will also be located at the shop so if you find a disc on the course, stop by after your round to drop it off and see if any of your discs are here.

We're excited about opening the store and serving the growing number of disc golfers in the area. The dogs and us look forward to meeting more of you!

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Killer B Disc Golf Store

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Ain't she purty?

2010-10-29T11:02:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Ken G, Andy D, and I installed the first FlyPad on teepad 1 and damn, does it look good! It instantly gives the course a boost in awesomeness.

This used to be somebody's roof.

Instead of stone dust as the base, we are trying out ground up recycled asphalt shingles from our neighbors, Routhier Brothers. You know those huge black piles to the right of hole 1? Well, those are finely ground shingles and tires. The guys over there were real helpful and drove over a 1/3 of a bucketload in their payloader and parked it near the picnic table.

Andy and I then shovelled it into a wheelbarrel and wheeled it over to Ken who had prepped the teebox and worked on spreading the black stuff evenly. After maybe 7-8 loads, Ken fired up the gas-powered tamper that Routhier lent us and poof, the base was set.

Thank you Routhier Brothers!

Next, we rolled out a 12-ft section of recyled rubber mat, layed it on top, and secured it with 6 threaded spikes. We quickly learned that trying to pound a metal spike through rubber wasn't the easiest thing to do since it kept bouncing back up. Then I had the brilliant idea of trying to twist the bolt in and it went in like butter.

Andy and Ken then trimmed the front and back edges and we were done. The whole process took about 30-40 minutes, not counting the brief jaunt over to the gas station to refill the tamper.

The tamper vibrated so much I couldn't focus!

If we get everything organized ahead of time and get plenty of people to come out and help, we should be able to bang out the remaining 8 tee pads Sat. Nov 13. The most time-consuming and difficult part of this will be getting the base material to the holes.

So, check out the new pad and let us know what you think. If you like it, donate some money to the course and help pay for these. They sure ain't cheap! Hit that PayPal button now!!

Oh, we each aced our first drive off the new pad. Scores are going to drop.

Ken and Andy trim the front.

Need help Thursday

2010-10-27T13:54:00.001-04:00

We are installing a flypad on tee 1 tomorrow at 10 AM. You need to come help. Bring your tools. Thank you.

This will be a test run for our tee pad workday Nov. 13 or 14.

Local disc golf featured on Disc Golf Monthly

2010-10-27T09:35:00.000-04:00

Catch a glimpse of Marcy and me on the latest episode of Disc Golf Monthly as they cover the Vibram Open at Maple Hill this past August. If you've got an hour to spare, be sure to watch all four episodes. (#77)

Strauss/Gula set Dubs record at Thrill on the Hill

2010-10-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks for coming to the Thrill on the Hill, everyone! It was another beautiful Autumn day, just like we requested. Send me your DiscGolfScene email if you want your scores to appear on your profile.

2010 Thrill on the Hill results

Congrats to Frank Strauss and Alex Gula for shooting a dubs record 46 in Rd 1 en route to a superb 94 (-14) AM1 tournament win. Their 3-throw lead was hard to overcome in Rd 2 as Karl and I matched them stroke for stroke with a 48.

AM1 winners: Alex and Frank

You could tell something special was in the air after Alex deuced hole 14 from just past the second tier. The hawk that is now calling Devens home was there to see this rare birdie too. Frank and Alex played steady, solid golf all day. Great job.

The Hawk

Brett Norcross and Austin Brooks held off Andy Allen and Jason Paul to take home the AM2 crown with a hot 49/53 (101), while Recs Luke Sisco and Martin Janhunen shot lights out in their first-ever tournament, also shooting a 101! Great job guys. Watch out for these guys next year, AM2s!

AM2 winners: Brett and Austin

Rec winners: Martin and Luke

There weren't any aces, but Pete Nevius chained out twice I think I heard. Doug Callaghan won the ace pot throw off with a beautiful tomahawk that landed right next to the basket. He won 60-something bucks.

Speed
The turnout for Speed was disappointing, especially after so many people had signed up for it or told me they were going to do it.

The old guys win Speed! Karl, Rob, Donnie

Nonetheless, age and experience prevailed as Karl Molitoris spanked the field by 23 seconds. Karl shot -1 for a final adjusted time of 2:55. Rob Walker came in second (-1, 3:18) and Donnie Phillips finished third (+1, 3:28). I took fourth (+1, 4:02) while Doug C (E, 4:48) pulled up the rear .

I guess us old people are a little more adventurous than the young, scared whippersnappers. Thanks Tim, Nat, and Bobka for spotting and scoring. More pix and video coming later.

Look for the opening of our new store behind basket 12 next month. Killer B Disc Golf!

Flypads are here!

2010-10-24T13:26:00.001-04:00

Our first roll of Flypad recycled rubber tee pads has arrived and we need to cut them ASAP.

Join Ken and I at 4:00 today. Bring a heavy duty cutter if you have one. We are meeting at my old dog business at 53 Ayer Rd (Rt 2A), Littleton. Look for the warehouses next to the gravel company.

Hopefully some of you can help on such short notice. We'll have the Patriots game on the radio, don't worry.

Course closed Sat. Oct 23

2010-10-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

The course will be closed this Saturday due to the Thrill on the Hill Dubs and Speed tournament. Feel free to come watch and learn a little more about disc golf!

The event is now full! Thanks for signing up and helping selling out yet another tournament! See you bright and early tomorrow. Looks like a classic sunny New England day is in store for us.

Three spots left!

2010-10-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

Three more teams signed up over the weekend and the Rec field has sprouted to five groups now! It's great to see so many newer players venturing into tournament play.

There is a solid AM1 field with several top players competing, as well as a large AM2 field too.

Let's sell this sucker out! Just 3 teams thrilling spots left! Did I mention that there are Borelli Brownies up for grabs for all first place teams? Mmmm, Borelli Brownies....

Course closed Sat. Oct 23

2010-10-15T02:41:00.000-04:00

The course will be closed all day Saturday, Oct. 23 for the Thrill on the Hill tournament. There are 5 spots left, so don't miss out! Register now!

Only 9 spots left for Thrill on the Hill

2010-10-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

Yep, there are only nine spots left for our yearly Thrill on the Hill Dubs & Speed tournament on Sat. Oct 23. Don't miss out on this fun day of disc golf on the Hill!

I'm excited to see many new names signed up for this, as well as our faithful regulars.

It's also good to see so many adventerous souls who have signed up for the Speed round. If you are on the fence about doing it, just sign up for it. It's a lot of fun and takes less than 4 minutes (2.5 if you are really good). It's really not all abut speed, but endurance, brains, and accuracy too.

There are a few ways to approach the 4-hole Speed round:

Run really fast but shoot over par, take your +/- penalty, and hope your low time compensates for your wild shooting.
Run at a controlled pace, take your time on each shot, shoot par or below, and hope the +/- bonus helps you out.
Run fast and shoot well.

Any way you do it is a lot of fun. Even if you don't participate, we need a handful of volunteers to record scores, spot, and of course cheer everyone on. So be sure to stick around after Dubs!

Be like Pete!