How I'd Play Winthrop Gold

So, I played Winthrop Gold last year during the spectator round. This year I won't even have the chance to make it down for that... but based on the caddy book and what I did last year, and how my game (specifically: my forehand) has progressed this year, here's how I'd probably play Winthrop this year...

1. Challenger backhand, putt
2. XCaliber forehand, Firebird forehand, putt
3. XCaliber forehand, putt
4. Firebird forehand, Firebird spike hyzer, putt
5. XCaliber forehand, XCaliber forehand, Monster forehand, putt
6. XCaliber backhand, putt
7. Meteor backhand, putt
8. Meteor backhand, Firebird forehand, putt
9. Firebird forehand, Firebird backhand, putt
10. XCaliber forehand, Challenger backhand, putt
11. XCaliber forehand, Teebird backhand, putt
12. XCaliber backhand, Teebird backhand, Challenger backhand, putt
13. Pray. and then... Monster backhand, Firebird forehand, Teebird backhand, putt
14. XCaliber backhand, putt
15. XCaliber backhand, Challenger backhand, putt
16. XCaliber forehand, putt
17. Challenger backhand, putt
18. XCaliber forehand, Buzzz backhand, putt

And thats how you shoot a 50 on Winthrop Gold, and break Climo's record by like six strokes. ... If only it was that easy. Ridiculously tough course, every one of those shots would have to be perfect, every putt would have to be made... Winthrop is a ridiculous challenge. I can't wait to get to play it again next year because I do have a game plan in mind. Interesting to note looking at what I've written that 9 of the 18 holes lead off with a forehand, most of them XCalibers (for Discraft throwers: pretty much the same as the Force).

Hole 10 is the only real question, it has been changed around big time. I say forehand because looking at the caddy book it looks like a forehand to reach the island area. But if the trees in the way are really in the way I'd probably play a backhand to the safe area off to the left and then throw a putter up to the basket. The strategy I have in mind with all of the shots listed above is to avoid all of the early trouble. If I'm going to get into trouble, hit an obstacle or go OB, have it happen closer to the basket. Don't take unnecessary risks early. Virtually every one of those shots is chosen for having minimal likelihood of going out of bounds.

I plan on cashing there next year. I say a lot of shit, and a lot of people look at me weird when I say things sometimes. When I was some 920 rated loser I said I'd make a run at winning AmNats this year, just missed that goal. Lost to better golfers that weekend. In March I told Brad Schick I was going to win the Kingston Open B-Tier, in Open, this year... I pulled it off. Right now my plans are pretty simple for next year...

1. Become known for my putting. (getting there)
2. Achieve a 990+ rating. (should be on top of 980 with this coming January update)
3. Cash at 80% of my tournaments. (currently I've been cashing at 66% since I accepted for the first time)
4. Win 20% of my tournaments. (actually above that this year, but over a full season thats harder)
5. Cash at the USDGC. (the toughest goal, top 35)

I know its a little early for New Years Resolutions and all that, but really now is the time to start working toward next season. We're one year away from the 11th US Disc Golf Championships. Right now I feel as confident in my game on the green as I ever have, and in a year I intend to be deadly. I will be throwing a reliable 450 forehand, reliable 480 backhand, and putting from inside 45 as well as anybody. It'll happen.

[Chris Wojciechowski]

Might be 9. :) Haha, from what I saw at USDGC hole 10 was an entirely different sort of animal.

[Justin Gill]

8 discs... thats all? :(

[Chris Wojciechowski]

I won't burn out. Three wins as a rookie so far, averaging about $120 per cash since jumping to Open in July. This sport is my life.

[swed]

If you spend 1/4 of the time as you do making posts and playing on the discussion boards, I have confidence in your goals as well. Did you ever account for burnout? Good Luck. I once had high goals too, I will be trying to be the best recreational disc golfer for next year.