The Professional Disc Golf Association is in the early planning stages of developing a PDGA Disc Golf application for smart phones. To ensure that the application is the absolute best it can be and that it can be used by the greatest number of end users, they have put together a survey and need your help!

You can help them to determine what features we should offer, what is the preferred platform, and even what we should call this application.

You can take the survey by clicking here or by visiting www.pdga.com/pdga-application-survey.

From the Charlotte Observer: The Cornelius PARC Department and Charlotte Disc Golf Club have opened a new 18-hole disc golf course at Bailey Road Park.

Disc golf is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. In Charlotte, the number of courses is expected to rise from five in 1995 to 20 by the end of 2010, said Mark Huether, director of the Bailey Road Park course.

Huether predicts that in two or three years there may be five or six new courses north of Exit 23.

Part of the reason for this growth is that Charlotte will host the 2012 World Disc Golf Championships, drawing more than 1,500 players from around the world to our area. The Bailey Road Park course will host Junior, Grandmaster and Legends age groups at that event.

Huether explained how the original nine-hole course was redesigned and lengthened. Volunteers worked more than two months to lay out and complete the course.

“When Charlotte won the bid for disc golf championships, we had the need for 10 new courses,” Huether said.

If you’d like to learn more about playing disc golf, you may want to start with the Bailey Glow League.

At 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, players at all skill levels gather to play night disc golf to raise money for target baskets (the targets you throw at).

It’s $5 to play, and you can buy everything else you need at the site. (You might want to bring a flashlight.) They put out LED lights and glow sticks so you can see where you’re throwing. They play Captain’s Choice: As in golf, you play in teams and count the best shot.

Huether said, “If you want to play, just show up at Bailey Park, with any skill level. … We’re really trying to target the novice and beginner player … and trying to grow women’s disc golf in Charlotte.”

Another event for players of all skill levels will be Aug. 15. Starting with registration at 8:30 a.m., Bangin’ Baskets Bailey Hole-in-One Challenge will raise money to help pay for the new course. Entry fee is $25 for a day of disc golf, a pack of two discs and lunch.

“We do have some lofty goals in building courses,” Huether said. There are plans for another course in Cornelius, one in Davidson and additional courses in Mooresville.

An avid disc golfer, his game took a turn for the better ever since he started picking up Butts at his local courses in Massachusetts. Becoming so fanatic about it he has started a facebook group called Butts Are Litter, hoping to raise awareness to the problem of nasty Butts all over our courses.

The goal is to hang Butts Are Litter signs at every public disc golf course in America….along with some sort of ashtray.

Overview of Project

The Butts Are Litter project is one that in its simplicity and obvious statement of name, should almost nullify PDG’s request for this grant. Almost, hoaky as this sounds, it is the plain truth. There is no argument over the fact that butts are litter…and the community of disc golf is aware of that problem and we are ready to help.

We want to keep our disc golf courses clean and we want to help bring awarenss to the very cool game of disc golf and that discgolfers love the earth. Disc golf families will do our part to keep our playing areas clean!

To vote for this idea

Go to www.refresheverything.com/buttsarelitter

You can vote once a day.

With summer just around the corner, I’m really excited to announce the launch of the NEW Innova Disc Golf website. They have made significant changes to the website allowing for disc golfers from around the world the ability to easily find and connect with the most recognized brand in disc golf.

With the new launch of this website, it’s just in time for summer disc golfing activities; especially in Charlotte, as more and more people are coming “out of the woodwork” and hitting the disc golf course, sometimes for the first time this year. I look forward to more updates on the Innova website as well as more in-depth coverage (hopefully on twitter: @InnovaDiscGolf) of all the upcoming disc golf tournaments, especially those being hosted locally in North Carolina.

Happy Hucking!

I recently had the opportunity to Interview disc golf’s rising star and 2009 US Disc Golf Champion – Nikko Locastro. I want to thank Nikko for allowing me to interview him and Kevin Fulginiti of Pro Disc Golf for the introduction.

1) Your decision to really tour aggressively last year (played 43 events! – 42,000 in winnings) - What made you decide to tour so hard?

I love this game a lot and I love the feeling of winning. I’m a die hard disc golfer and a serious competitor. Last year I played as many tournaments as possible trying to fulfill my dream of becoming one of the greatest players to ever play the game. It’s unlikely to beat out the records of Ken Climo but someone has to try. Each weekend I hunt down the feeling of winning.

2) You are known as one of the best putters out there, with intimidating range – Your sort of extreme-hyzer angle is unique – Where did you learn? How do you explain it?

Like everything practice makes perfect. I am far from perfect but practice is what it takes to become talented at anything. My putting style is unique and mostly effective. People inside the game know the difference between a push putt and a spin putt. A push putt is guided by arm with a quick pop style release. Spin putting is more of wrist spin motion. My uncle Dave McCormack taught me how to play the game, over the years I’ve developed my own style of play by watching all the top players and competing with them.

3) You got into the sport through your Uncle – Dave McCormack – who owns Gateway Disc Golf, your current sponsor – They allow you to have a mixed bag, which is unique to only a handful of pros – talk about this:

Yes I have a mixed bag and I feel like it helps my game. I am willing to throw any disc that will help me perform my best. It’s nice to know there is more of a selection for me than most Pro’s. This gives me a slight edge and I like it. I do have more sponsors as well but maybe that is another interview.

4) How are the disc golf courses in your hometown in comparison to the rest of the US/World.

St. Louis courses are steady getting better and have improved a lot over the last few years. My courses are my training grounds. We have a good mix of wooded to open style courses. My home course Endicott is only a par 6 away from my mom’s house. This course is totally sweet forcing you to hit your gaps or take bogey’s. St. Louis courses are under rated and fairly challenging for all level golfers.

5) What’s your favorite course?

Why? I can’t say one course is my Favorite because there are so many I haven’t yet played. Each course I play teaches me something new.

6) Got a favorite hole?

I have a few favorite holes. One is on my Great grandparents property in Vichy Mo hole #11. This is such a bad a$$ course and sweet hole. Something like 1000 Ft down a fire break down hill woods on left side and right side with a clean fairway. Another great hole is #5 at Winthrop USDGC course.

Before the USDGC. Nikko was paired up with Cale Leiviska and they were two strokes back from Avery Jenkins and Dave Feldberg going into the final round at Renaissance Gold.

On Hole 12 (617 ft Par 4) of the Gold layout, Nikko throws a perfect backhand roller which crosses the O.B. road and comes back in bounds about 60ft left of the basket. Nikko steps up and putts what looked like a dead on putt into the center of the chains (that in my opinion due to the extreme hyzer angle) cut through all the chains for a missed Eagle.

Nikko and Cale lose to Avery and Dave by 1 stroke (Nikko and Cale shot an incredible 53 on Renny Gold – Par 70)

Did this one stroke loss propel Nikko going into Championship week a few days later to feel he could accomplish the greatest victory in the sport, the USDGC? I knew we were having a close battle that day. Playing against 2 worlds champions we knew they weren’t giving us many easy strokes. I was playing really good in US doubles so Knew I had a great chance to win the big one.

(He was furious after missing the eagle putt, and I remember him saying to this partner Cale, “If that stroke cost us the tournament, Im gonna be pissed” – This was something that only the 50 spectators or so saw, so It could be interesting to bring up the story – to your discretion though)

Also Nikko is only the 5th person to win the USDGC – The tournament was dominated for years by only two people (Ken Climo and Barry Schultz). With Nate Doss winning in 2008, how does it feel to be so Young and be in that elite club playing at the level he is now playing at – Especially on a mentally grueling course that many say is the hardest in the world?

I can’t lie winning the USDGC was a breath taking experience only few can say they have had the feeling. So much can go wrong on a course set up with rope OB all over the place. My game plan going into the tournament was first never give up no matter what happens. Next was staying focused on each individual throw. Staying focused is key when it comes to winning. Ask anyone who has taken 2^nd place. At some point they lost focus leaving easy strokes on the course. USDGC was the best victory of my life. This is one of the only tournaments I have won where my rounds got better and better all tournament. I have much respect for the group of guys that were before me. This is a hard sport to make a living from, unless you win almost every tournament.  The life a Pro disc golfer is totally cool but does have its down side always traveling is great and everything but I miss my family a lot on the road. I have taken several sacrifices to stay on the road year round. I want to take this time to clear some things up. My name is Nikko Locastro. I am an competitive athlete and lover of the Sport DISC GOLF. Sometimes my emotional play has gotten the best of me. I want people to know that this game means a lot to me in a lot of different ways. This is the life I have chosen and will forever be with me. My Image has been brought in the spot light many times in a negative way. This will all change with time because I’m ready to become a positive face for the game I love.

Jumping into the forefront of the game Nikko Locastro has taken the game of disc golf by storm after his final round 57 at the 2009 United States Disc Golf Championship; finishing with a bogey-free final round to come back from 3 strokes down and win by 2 over 5-time Disc Golf Major Champion Dave Feldberg. Earning a cool $15,000 and the honor of the highest payout in disc golf history.

With a no-holds-barred approach to the game, The win at the USDGC also gave Nikko the 2009 PDGA National Tour Points Series crown and moved him into the top spot of the Prime Discs World Rankings.

From Nikko’s Sponsor Gateway Disc Sports:

In 2009 Nikko has won 11 tournaments and placed 2nd 10 times. After turning pro in 2006 and touring much of 2007 Nikko started getting noticed. 2008 proved even better with Nikko playing on final round cards of tournaments with the likes of Feldberg, Avery Jenkins, Barry Schultz , Nate Doss and legendary Ken Climo. With a truly break-out year in 2009 and his first Major under his belt look for big things to come for Nikko in 2010.

2010 should be a great year for Nikko, and I look forward to following his tweets and tournament action all year.

Charlotte, North Carolina as you all may be aware has some of the best disc golf courses in the world.

The best disc golf courses in Charlotte, NC – ranked by difficulty.

1. Renaissance Park Pro Players Course – The hardest course in the area, Par set at over 70, this is one of the longest around. Tight and hilly this disc golf course is a challenge for any disc golf pro.
2. Hornet’s Nest Park – One of my personal favorite courses, A champion caliber par 58 course featuring a mix of disc golf strategy needed to keep it in the manicured fairways and wooded setting.
3. Reedy Creek Park is one of the most played courses around. Near UNC Charlotte this disc golf course, filled with wooded holes and terrain; accuracy and a disciplined game are needed to tame the par 54 track.
4. Sugaw Creek Park - A good mix of power shots and accuracy make this disc golf course one of the easier to get around and put up a good score.
5. Kilborne Park – located on a 50 acre plot, this par 54 course is a great course for a beginner disc golfer.

I am yet to play Elon Park but I hear that it is a great long and short disc golf course south of Ballantyne. What’s you ranking look like Charlotte?

As an weekend disc golfer, I never thought I was “good enough” to play with the pros. Last year was the first year I though I should join the PDGA and maximize my membership and try to “grow the game” in the Charlotte region. In my first year playing I ended up with one win and multiple placements in local disc golf tournaments. So how does the PDGA embrace social media sites to build the community?

Use Social Media to Build a Disc Golf Community

What the PDGA needs to do is embrace social media to the max and secure social media profiles that seem to have been brand jacked by local disc golfers. Currently the PDGA has a Facebook fan page that has just over 1,000 members and a Twitter account with under 600 followers. I have more followers then the PDGA combined accounts. This needs to change as Disc Golf is a global sport.

There is a great opportunity here for the PDGA to take advantage of technology that is really made for the fans and followers. Disc Golf is a sport that has a dedicated fan base and needs to tap into that core audience and deliver. Here are a couple ideas:

• Engage the fans on Facebook, Twitter, and Ustream. The PDGA needs to talk with the fans who are posting on their wall. They need to interact with people talking about disc golf on Twitter, and even have pro disc golfers give live lessons on Ustream! It’s time for the PDGA to build a culture where disc golfers and disc golf fans come to the PDGA’s social media accounts when they want to talk or find out more about the sport.
• Create content and promotions that allow the fans to reach out to the pros. For example, have players create personalized videos about various topics (the best shot I ever hit, my favorite disc golf course to play, etc.). Even better, set up disc golf clinics around the U.S. where social media fans who play the game can get a chance to meet and interact with professional disc golfers.

2/7 UPDATE:

We have also continued this discussion on DiscGolfr.us, please leave your comments.

Recently released from the PDGA are the 2010 Disc Golf Tournament Schedules.

This year is shaping up to be another record-breaking season, with new tournament dates, locations along with huge growth in the recreational sport we all love and play. With disc golf course traffic up over 25% in 2009, disc golf is more popular than ever. With it’s ease and short learning cycle, more amateurs are taking the step into the professional ranks, and giving disc golfers a greater sense of  community.

Focusing on tournaments within 100 miles of the self-titled “Disc Golf Capital of the World” – Charlotte, NC:

• Raleigh Winter Jam in Raleigh, NC Sat, Jan 23, 2010
• Albemarle Ice Bowl Albemarle,NC Sat, Feb 6, 2010
• 2010 ITP Atlanta Ice Bowl Atlanta, GA Sun, Feb 7, 2010
• 9th Buckhorn Open New Hill, NC Sat-Sun, Feb 13-14, 2010
• Mooky’s Cup, Not Yours High Point, NC Sat, Feb 27, 2010
• Earlewood Classic Columbia, SC Sat-Sun, Mar 6-7, 2010
• Loriella Challenge Spotsylvania, VA Sun, Mar 7, 2010
• Collegiate Disc Golf Championships (Medal Play) N. Augusta, SC Thu-Sun, Apr 15-18, 2010
• Atlanta Open presented by ReMax Roswell/Cumming, GA Sat-Sun, Apr 17-18, 2010
• Stoney Hill Challenge Newberry, SC Sat-Sun, Apr 17-18, 2010
• Carolina Clash Charlotte, NC Fri-Sun, Apr 23-25, 2010
• Charlotte Amateur Championship Charlotte, NC Sat-Sun, Jun 19-20, 2010
• Oak Hollow Open High Point, NC Sat-Sun, Aug 21-22, 2010
• United States Doubles Championships (Fri & Sun Only) Charlotte/Rock Hill, NC Fri-Sun, Oct 1-3, 2010
• United States Disc Golf Championship Rock Hill, SC Wed-Sat, Oct 6-9, 2010

What disc golf tournaments are you playing in this year?