I believe Disc Golf has been going backwards, course designers are designing more and more courses that cater only to the pro. Little regard is being given to recreational players, and disc manufacturers continue to produce faster models that that are more difficult for the recreational player to throw. Very few courses have been designed that cater to recreational play, our life blood.

It doesn't take much investigation to find the source of the problem, i.e., we simply and surely are driving the recreational players away with excessive length, straight holes that require distances as their only criteria, courses with no signs, and holes over water that are unreachable by the average recreational player.

Little attention is given to the fact that our game's roots come from the sheer enjoyment of controlling the flight of a piece of plastic. Early discs can easily fly around objects in their path and early courses were designed requiring the player to use finesse and control. Now we have discs that have a mind of their own. Standup and throw as hard as you can, not once, but two or three times just to get to the area where a putt is reachable.

No recreational courses should exceed 3,800 feet for 18 holes. Once the recreational tees are installed, advanced tees out to 4,800 feet may be set. Pro tees can remain at the discretion of the local pros. If you want a 6,000+ foot course, put in your own tees, but don't touch the recreational course. We recently redesigned an 18 hole course in Wisconsin that has a total of less than 3,800 feet recreational tees and over 6,000 feet pro tees and everyone is happy.

We are also opening membership in the Disc Golf Association Recreational Player's Division (RDGA) and solicit you to join. The current lifetime membership fee is only $10.00, valid until you expire, and the most fun wins! I want you to know that the DGA will not even consider doing anything that will hurt or detract from the PDGA. It is indeed our plan, hope and desire to feed thousands of players into the PDGA. It is also our plan to entice major sponsors into the PDGA. with our broad base of player demographics. Be further assured that the RDGA is 100% dedicated to the recreational and amateur players. Our goal is fun and satisfaction.

Steady Ed, 001

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