A disc rises with its thrower in the morning, anxious and rearing to get to the next 9. Together, thrower and disc will become one unit, to fly between baskets like a majestic, nearly-flightless bird.
We are getting ahead of ourselves though, for someone who has yet to try playing disc golf, and travel the path of the many frisbee samurai who have come before them, let us first explain what the game is and how to perform, nay, excel in the craft.
While the sport of disc golf as we know it has only been standardized by the Professional Disc Golf Association in the 1970s, the concept has been around since the early Greek Olympic games, when innovators were flogged for lobbing discuses between a series of olive trees. While there is little historical evidence to back up this legend, we personally hold these early origins to be gospel.
Exchange a ball and club with a narrow-ledged frisbee and you have essentially the same golf gameplay: begin at the starting tee box, aim toward the target (usually a metal post with a chain-link goblet structure on top called a “basket”), and try to reach it in the least number of throws, picking up the disc where it lands anywhere short of the target to toss again.
The goal is to have the least number of throws by the end of the round, usually a whole or half- course of 9-18 baskets.
There are three variations on the main disc used in the sport which, again not unlike switching between clubs in golf, serve distinct purposes on the course.
The driver is used for distance shots when the basket is still a ways away, its sharp edges allow for dangerously fast flight, cutting through wind and the occasional dragonfly.
The mid-range disc has duller edges which allow for easier control between trees and obstacles, it is generally switched out for the driver after tee-off.
The putter was designed for strategic handling while on final approach to the basket.
There are quite a few variations off these main three disc types which professionals keep in their bags for more specified conditions and throws.
It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and we’re sure you’re excited for the traditional kick-off to summer!
We’ll keep it brief and to the point here today, because we’ve got a TON of stuff going on and we don’t want you to miss any of it.
Cyser Lab
Ever wonder how the brewcrew spends their time when they aren’t making and bottling your current favorites? Find out this weekend with our Cyser Lab experiment. We’ve got a limited edition release of three new cysers that may someday join the permanent lineup – if you like them!
We have a Strawberry/Black Pepper cyser, an Orange Blossom cyser aged in French Oak barrels, and a Passionfruit cyser! Each will be available – until it’s gone – this weekend. Hurry and get here early in case your potential new favorite runs out!
Turbo Pup
Turbo Pup Duo graces the tasting room stage on Friday night for what is sure to be a rockin’ show! These local heroes are ready to melt some faces here at St. Ambrose Cellars and we couldn’t be more excited. Join us on Friday night at 6PM!
Ted Alan
Ted Alan hits the tasting room for a Saturday night show – like always, the fun starts at 6 PM
New Discs!
Looking for some outdoor recreation this weekend? Hit the disc golf course out back – and pick up some new Black Madonna discs from our friends at Innova.
It’s true! The St. Ambrose Cellars disc golf course is open for business. It’s a 9 hole, free-to-play course that’s easily accessible from the meadery. Simply park in the parking lot, and head into the big field next door – you’ll see the first tee.
Here is an overview of the course layout:
Now we’ll take you through the course, hole by hole, so that you can get a feel for where you’re headed.
This is the first tee:
Hole 1 is a straight shot – but it’s kinda long. It’s 540 feet from tee to the basket. This is a view of the basket:
Moving on to the second hole, you’ll be met with a slight dogleg. Here’s the view from the tee:
The basket is tucked into the woods – here’s the view:
Hole 3 is a moderately long hole, with a dogleg at the end. Here’s the view from the tee:
And here’s the view of the basket area:
Hole 4 is pretty straight – but you’ve got a couple options here. We have three trees in the middle – you can go around to the left, right, or straight over all them if you want:
This is the Hole 4 basket:
Hole 5 is medium length par 3, and there’s a dogleg at the end, to the left. The view from the tee:
Once you get to the basket, here’s your view:
Hole 6 starts with a curve, instead of ending with one. You’ll need to get left from the tucked tee:
And here’s the sixth hole basket:
Hole 7 is basically straight with a curve at the end. Here’s the view from the tee:
Here’s the seventh hole basket:
Hole 8 is a big, long dogleg right. You’ll start off down this path:
Here’s the view at the turn in the hole – notice the large brush pile that might be problematic.
A bit beyond that brush pile, you’ll find the basket:
We finish up on Hole 9 – where you’ll need to navigate this mess of trees:
