First Near Ace

Location: Hiestand Park - Madison, WI
Date: September 17, 2009

Prior to this summer, I played disc golf sparingly and very recreationally. Because of this, I have not had as many exciting experiences as long-time frolfers, but today was a new day...

After playing 18 at Vallarta-Ast just down the road earlier in the day, I arrived at Hiestand Park just off Milwaukee St. in Madison hoping to improve on my last score and to snatch that ever elusive first ace.

The round started off slow and mostly uneventful. Then, I stepped onto the 13th tee, recognizing the hole that I had played quite a few times before. From the am tees, which we were playing, it was 208 feet uphill, very slight dogleg left with two trees sitting right in front of the basket.

I knew the shot (little flick, slight hyzer). I had my disc (Star Spider, 171 grams). It was go time.

I took my normal running start and torqued my shoulders to compensate for a strong flick. I felt the disc uncurl from my fingers like running em down a keyboard. The disc started out flat with no wavering stability. Sometimes a toss just feels right and looks right and this was both.

The disc reached its peak after a very beautiful and straight pre-fade flight and began to break toward the basket, still moving at pretty good speed and not descending too hard.

It drilled the top of the bottom part of the basket (OH!)... splashed chains (AH!)... spanked the bottom part of the top of the basket(EEH!)... flew past the pin and stopped(DAMMIT!)

After the greatest rush during disc golf I've ever had, I was left heavy hearted and still aceless. Another day, another time, maybe another disc.

Post shot:
Even though I didn't make the ace, it was really exhilarating to have come close and good to know that I've got the skill to make one in the future.

I wish everyone out there who doesn't have any ace good luck and to all the discers out there...

CHAINZ ALL DAY!