Rocks and Thorns Tournament – 2023

November 12, 2023by realchalliday

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Dates

12-November-2023

PDGA Link

https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/74542

Recap

Played MA40 division, 1 round 27 holes. Pretty windy at Buffalo Ridge Park which was to be expected. Took my time on shots, really went through my routine and didn’t fret about messing up off the tee (still changing my swing).

Putting was off, I was super nervous because I wasn’t sure how to play the wind on each putt, haven’t practiced wind + new spin putt. That being said, missed probably 5 putts I shouldn’t have but it is what it is. Had a good time and ended up second behind a friend so it was all good.

Usually I get fatigued and start throwing worse when playing so many holes (27), while hiking up and down a mountain, but I held on pretty strong. I will attribute it to not throwing as hard as I can every hole. I made sure to hit like 90% max except 2 really long holes.

Scoring

Missed a few birdie opps, and on holes I know most of the field didn’t have chances on so it really hurt when I missed those putts. Stayed out of trouble for the most part and was able to recover when my tee shot got out of sorts.

Mostly pars, 3 birds, 4 bogeys.

2nd place finish in MA40

Bag Highlights

Bagged all Discraft again.

Discraft Paige Pierce Nuke – Buffalo ridge is all rocks and more rocks. This nuke was brand new, by the end of the round this nuke was beat in and bombing so far.

Discraft Get Freaky Zone – Used this disc on almost every approach and rescue shot, it got me inside circle every time.

3 Learnings

  1. Bogey on first hole, didn’t let it affect me, just played and knew birdies were out there. Later got a bogey late in the round while watching scoreboard, I let it affect me.
    1. Don’t watch the leaderboard, play your game.
    2. Bogeys happen, so do birdies.
  2. An etiquette mistake I made. I like to get to my disc and get take a look, even if I’m not out. To hurry up play.  This can confuse card mates as to whether I am trying to play out of turn or not. I’m not, but it’s confusing and could affect their game.
    1. Stay back, players are pretty good about letting you take your time on a shot, no need to rush up to my disc.