Much thanks to give today

First to Mother Nature for waiting to rain until I got into my car after the first round, then stopping when I teed off the next round after only raining for a few minutes, and for stopping the hail after the 6th hole on round #3.

Next to all who have helped me out so far (Grandparents, Solt, Dave Townsend, Beatz, guides on my rounds, the people at the 2 not yet open courses, the guys at D'N'D for the sticker, and the guy at Beaver Brooks for the sweet lightning disc, and anyone else)

Last but not least Bob Enman for the insane hook-up with the place to crash this week!

Today I began at
Burnsboro in Vassalboro, ME: This course is amazing. Mostly short (longest is 430' and downhill) and tight woods holes on mountainous terrain of mostly pines. It has some ponds and creeks in play. An even balance of shots. I used a putter off the tee as often as a midrange, and a driver only once. It is the best in Maine so far. Great tee pads of cement, and great signs. Better condition than most public parks, and it's private! Top 50 course contender.

Sidney, ME- DND: Another great and tight mostly short woods course. It has good tees and signage. Great pro shop with drinks, food, discs. The baskets are something odd, forgot who made them, they look weird, but catch great. This course is tighter than Burnsboro, but has several true par-4's where Burnsboro doesn't. There are also several holes around 140-160'. It is fun and challenging, challenging in that you have to throw good shots to deuce the 150' holes no gimmes! The guys who own/run it are nice, so stop by and spend some $ there.

North Monmouth, ME- Beaver Brooks: This is maybe one of the first 10 courses ever, installed in 1974-75. Designed by the man himself, Ed. The baskets still have the patent sticker on some. It is overgrown since 33 years ago, many large trees that weren't even around back then. The tees are rough and it's easy to follow. Very Very tight and short shots, don't need a midrange really. A must play for the history of it, 18 more holes coming in 5 years maybe. Thanks for the disc.

[Rizbee]

It's interesting how the pay-to-play culture is different in different places. I've heard some players from course-rich areas say they'd never do pay-to-play, but what if that's all you have? Here in San Diego, 3 of our 4 courses are pay-to-play...it's just the way it is.

[Ben Calhoun]

I think single chain, some were replacements. There are mature trees that weren't saplings when it was designed. All are pay to play private, all. More like club house or honor box systems, though. Not having to call first and ask.

[Rizbee]

Where's Ben Been Google Map

Sounds like Beaver Brrok is a must for me, for the history of it. Were the baskets single-chain? Are most of the courses there pay-to-play on private property? The listings in the course directory could sure use some GPS coordinates - tough to map...