Daylight Saving Time is soon upon us, and that means that the spring disc golf leagues are about to start. For reference, here’s the more-or-less official list, although it’s usually outdated.
One thing to note is that the term “league” is a bit misleading for new players. You don’t have to sign up ahead of time, like you would with a bowling league. Just show up on the days that you want to play and pay your entry fee. Some leagues do track stats and offer season-end prizes, so there’s some incentive to be a regular beyond hanging out with your friends once per week.
These are the leagues that I play in.
Westside Wednesdays
Wednesdays @ 5:30 in the west metro.
First week: March 11th at Lions Park in Shakopee.
This is the main league for me, and I rarely miss a week. It’s of moderate size, averaging around 40 players in June, less in the early spring and fall.
During the summer the courses rotate between Bryant Lake, Hyland Hills, and Elm Creek (new for 2009). In the early spring we use Lions park in Shakopee, and in the fall we use Rosland Park in Edina.
The level of play is decent, with some real pro players as regulars. Open and Advanced are offered every week, with other divisions like Intermediate (most every week) and Women (rarely) as demanded. Most of us playing in the open division are actually advanced amateur tournament players. This is partly because a lot of us have these courses so dialed in that we play way above our rating on them, and we don’t want to crush the amateur divisions and drive away newer players.
Vibe: Relaxed regulars having a very good time, competing for small stakes.
Tim Gill runs this show. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and also one of the best players you could ever compete against.
Fees: Pro $6, Am $5. You also need to have a yearly ($30) or daily ($3) pass from the Three Rivers courses that we use (Bryant, Hyland, Elm).
Sundog
Tuesdays on a rotating series of courses around the east metro.
First week: Early April
The Sundog website hasn’t been updated yet for 2009, but the old one will give you an idea of the schedule and courses that are used.
This is the mother of all leagues for the state, and one of the largest leagues in the world. They draw 150+ players during the peak of summer. The level of play is very high. It’s essentially a tournament every Tuesday. I try to get to at least one of these per year.
Vibe: This is a tournament, but we’re still all here to have a good time.
Tim Gill and Matt Koerner do an excellent job of managing this beast of a league.
Fees: They haven’t been announced yet for 2009, but they should be something like $10/$8 for pro/am. Slightly higher fees and huge attendance make for some monster payouts.
The Solberg Leagues
John Solberg runs a series of leagues in the west metro. It’s a shorter season, which usually starts in April. His tee times are later, usually 6:30, which shortens the season due to daylight concerns. I try to make a couple of these per year.
This is a very laid back league. The level of play is good for amateurs, and not so great for pros. Advanced Am tournament players should be playing open here. This seems to be by design, as John caters very well to the newer players. His intermediate division is usually deep, and he draws the largest crowd of new players of any league in the area.
Vibe: Party time? That’s an overstatement, but I’d probably avoid bring kids to these.
Monday: Bassett Creek
Tuesday: (new for 2009) There’s a possibility that he’s starting a new league at Elm Creek.
Thursday: Plymouth Creek
Fees: In the past it’s been $5 to $7 depending on division. Should be roughly the same for 2009.
Feel free to send me any questions you have on leagues or disc golf in general.
