Player Preference for Sanctioned Events

[rusch_bag]

I am not looking to get a hotel for multiple nights of an event. It is already hard enough to break even at an event, especially with the higher cost of an A tier. I can find somewhere to crash for a night, but I would much rather play 2 rounds Saturday and one Sunday than one each day over three days.

 

[Arisugawa]

I'm collecting data for an upcoming A-Tier and would like the format to be as player-oriented as possible so we can plan within the preferences of our target audience. If you do not play sanctioned events, feel free to provide your reason(s) why.

Specifically:

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

Thanks in advance for your input!

1. If the time is limited to a weekend, then 3 rounds over 3 days. If it can stretch from Thursday to Sunday, then 4 rounds over 4 days. I prefer one round a day if possible.

2. Depends on the courses and how much of a hassle it will be to drive to them, respectively. For example, three courses in Emporia, KS is not that big an ask. I'm fine with playing three different courses there. On the other hand, three courses in Peoria, IL is a bigger ask. Or three courses in Johnson City, TN, etc. The proximity is going to be a factor for me. In general, however, I would like to play more than one course. It adds balance, especially when the courses have different demands on one's ability.

3. I am willing to pay to fly, if the event is worth it. In general, my limit is usually no more than 6-8 hours of drive time.

4. Payout, significant attendance by female players, if the courses are fun or aesthetically pleasing.

5. As a sponsored player, something that doesn't have sponsor branding. I understand that having a manufacturer put their name on a water bottle or jacket, or whatever, makes it cheaper to acquire, but it somewhat eliminates the utility of it to me. Maybe I can cover a bottle with a sticker, but I can't do much about a raincoat with a huge logo on the back of it. As an example, I have received three premium Hydroflask or Tempercraft water bottles over the past three years. Only one of them I can use without putting stickers on it. You asked for specifics - so if you're giving pro players something, I would prefer something I would not get at a B-Tier or C-Tier. I do not need discs, even with an event stamp. I do not need tee shirts, even with an event stamp. I certainly don't need any more minis.

6. Bathroom availability is a big thing for female players. It's a poor look for your event if you expect anyone to just go into the woods and deal with it. Availability of water on the course is another, especially if your event is held during the most oppressive part of summer. What is the state of the course? Is the grass unreasonably high and should have been mown and is not? Is it covered with broken beer bottles? Is your OB clearly marked and clearly understood. For example, if you say the road is OB, do you mean specifically the concrete? The gravel nearby? Am I reasonably going to have to expect to play provisionals? Did you put paint down, or rope? Is the wording of the specific rules on the hole clear enough that the card isn't going to question them in the middle of the round? If I'm throwing completely blind off the tee, are you providing spotters, especially if the risk of losing a disc in tall grass is a factor? Most of what I'm going to take away from an event is how well things like this are organized and managed, and this will be the biggest factor in whether or not I come back to play the event again.

 

[DiscFifty]

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

Same overall time commitment, doesn't matter.

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

Doesn't matter. But 1 course per 90 players seems to be a good rule to help with flow.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

By car, 100 miles. Plane no limit.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

If it's AM tournament, really nice trophies and divisions by ratings.

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

Nothing, I'd rather opt out and get a discount on entry fees.

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

Overall tournament flow can make or break a tournament. When a TD takes the time to provide print outs of rules, distances, etc, that's a very good thing. Not a fan of the TD clearing out his stock by making you buy his stock with your merch winnings. I'd rather opt out of merch for a discount on entry fees. Also not a fan of the "printed flyer in a frame" trophy.

 

[puck'n'disc5]

I'm collecting data for an upcoming A-Tier and would like the format to be as player-oriented as possible so we can plan within the preferences of our target audience. If you do not play sanctioned events, feel free to provide your reason(s) why.

Specifically:

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

I would prefer 4 courses. But, I am in pretty decent physical shape, so I have no problems playing 3 for an A Tier. Open players could play 4 and Am's could play 3 and maybe there could be a decent size gallery for that final round. Just kind of depends on a few things such as logistics for what courses the other Am's are playing.

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

Well, I happen to know what tournament you are talking about. And St. Louis has a plethora of good courses to where you could rotate courses, or use 2 and 2 or different ones Friday, and Saturday, and maybe using the same course twice Sunday. But I am not against showcasing the different courses this area has to offer. Even adding a course such as Woodland Chains to the mix which is located JUST across the river into Illinois might not be such a bad thing. Plus that course has 3 sets of tee pads and 2 pin locations. Blue tee boxes at that course could be a nice course for MA2-Open players depending on the pin locations. And the red tee pads would make a great option for MA 3 and MA 4. Even a shorter courses like Hudson or White Birch could cater to any seasoned veteran players interested in attending.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

About 4-6 hours. Really just depends on the event. Luckily, this particular event is in my hometown.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

The 'prestige' of the event and the amount of participants. Which anymore, seems to go hand in hand.

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

I'm all about a nice dri fit T shirt, although I know others will disagree. Gateway is close, so having those guys do a commemorative disc of some sort is always nice. Someone I played in an event with this year mentioned that they received those little bottle/water spray fans in as part of a players pack. I'm not sure on the prices of those but I thought that was a unique idea. Always a fan of a nice umbrella as well.

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

The courses for one. And the other participants for 2. The last StL Open I played in (well every one I have played in), I enjoyed all 3 of my rounds. I had the same playing partner for 3 of those rounds this year and we got along really well. The tournament director also has a lasting impression for me. Hammering out the finer details to keep drama to a a minimum is crucial. And having things like a nice raffle and having decent merch for the am's is always nice. Having been an StL disc golfer for quite some time, I can vouch that the merch that the St. Louis Disc Golf Club has to offer is solid. I'm not sure of all of the parties involved in the merch side of our club, but I do know that a Mr. Bob Waidmann does an absolutely fantastic job with club merchandise.

Thanks in advance for your input!

The St. Louis Open in 2019 I think tied for the largest St. Louis Open that we have had in 11 years of running the event. Things have changed from an organizational stand point here in St. Louis and I for one, would love to see more people check out not only an amazing city, awesome disc golf courses, but also be a part of one of the most fun, most enjoyable people that disc golf has to offer. If you can fit the St. Louis Open into your schedule this upcoming season, I highly recommend it!

 

[Golden Tuna]

For full transparency, this thread is dedicated to making the 15th annual St. Louis Open the best yet.

Our 2019 TDs did an amazing job, hosting 215 registrants. This year, I am hoping we can grow even bigger! Our dates are June 19-21, but as you can see, we've already invested quite a bit of time and effort into planning.


A couple things to note:

- The STLDGC performed a post-event survey for all 2019 attendees and got some great feedback. So, we're incorporating much of that in our 2020 planning.
- Included in that feedback was the desire for a player's party/FlyMart, so our host location will put on such an event with beer (see below), games, food trucks, and vendors - this should help keep the awards ceremony (on Sunday) focused and efficient.
- The St.Louis club recently signed a sponsorship agreement with Schlafly Bottleworks. So, we'll have kegs of craft beer on hand for the party and awards ceremony.

Please continue to provide any feedback that we can take into our planning meetings to help make this event the best it can be.
Thanks

 

[Steve West]

As an MA60 who actually did travel to play last year, part of the appeal was to play multiple courses. So don't put us on the same ones we played this year.

If there are to be two rounds in one day, they'd better be at the same course with lunch provided or really convenient. (And not at one of those way out of town).

There is nothing I would rather have in a player's pack than NOTHING. I don't need coupons forced on me. No one should ever give out stickers (which mostly get attached to baskets). I won't wear that shirt. I don't throw max weight anything. Not everyone drinks alcohol (well, not everyone who lives elsewhere than STL). I won't drive to a local shop to cash in any sized voucher, or worse, pay shipping for my "paid for" discs.

Maybe you could raise funds to replace some of those old baskets and call my "donation" to that fund the player's pack.

If someone wants to foist ads, souvenirs, trophies, or coupons on me, the only tolerable medium would be to print them on minis.

 

[biscoe]

There is nothing I would rather have in a player's pack than NOTHING.

I pretty much agree with this but the PDGA will not allow it.

 

[Golden Tuna]

I certainly don't need any more minis.

If someone wants to foist ads, souvenirs, trophies, or coupons on me, the only tolerable medium would be to print them on minis.

Why do I get the feeling we're not going to please everyone? lol
Thanks again for the feedback gang. Keep it coming.

 

[DavidSauls]

Why do I get the feeling we're not going to please everyone? lol
Thanks again for the feedback gang. Keep it coming.

Do keep that in mind. It'll help keep your sanity.

You seem to have made enough people happy in the past to have had good turnout.

It's a lot easier to screw up a good tournament, than make it better. Once you've got good courses and a good field of players, most of what you can do to improve it are nice, but don't move the needle a great deal. On the other hand, if it doesn't run smoothly or something goes amiss---bathrooms locked, lunch promised but doesn't arrive, etc.---it'll sink the experience.

 

[ejvogie]

I'm collecting data for an upcoming A-Tier and would like the format to be as player-oriented as possible so we can plan within the preferences of our target audience. If you do not play sanctioned events, feel free to provide your reason(s) why.

Specifically:

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

2 Saturday, 1 or 2 Sunday

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

More courses preferred, unless they are complete crap.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

4-5 hours? Maybe more depending on the courses and event reputation.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

See #3

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

Vouchers. Don't give me things I don't want/will never use. The local head shop gave me a bunch of smoking accessories. I have/will never smoked in my life.

Note: You don't know what people want or need. Let them shop for it.

-edit- Have your vendor on site. I echo what was said earlier about driving somewhere else to cash out or paying to have it shipped.

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Smoothly run, great courses.

Don't hold all the divisions hostage for payouts. If the Am60s are still on the course, go ahead and pay out Rec if they're all in the clubhouse.

 

[ru4por]

I'm collecting data for an upcoming A-Tier and would like the format to be as player-oriented as possible so we can plan within the preferences of our target audience. If you do not play sanctioned events, feel free to provide your reason(s) why.

Specifically:

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

Sat/Sat/Sun I work, not interested in taking a day off.

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

I like the challenge and enjoy a new course each round, or a least a couple different courses.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

1000 miles

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

Interesting course, PDGA points opportunity. Unique location, interesting area outside of golf. Things for my wife to do. Good food, beer, entertainment. Someplace I have never been before.


5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

Stuff I don't have a ton of. How about some socks, a unique non-glass beer glass, a real terry cloth towel, a visor, a kneeling pad...

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

Well run, good player guides, well marked, get me out of there quickly. Stop with the ring of fire and side games. Make a CTP for the ace money, I am not going to put down my beer after the tournament for a throw off. Concise, informative players meetings.

Thanks in advance for your input!

:thmbup::thmbup::thmbup::thmbup:

 

[Arisugawa]

Why do I get the feeling we're not going to please everyone? lol.

Oh my. What a conundrum.

 

[Nova P]

Print a Chik-Fil-A voucher on a mini and take it out of the pro purse for the trifecta.

edit: OR PUT IT ON A WHITE COTTON MEN'S XL UNDERSHIRT

 

[filobedo]

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)
Occasionally for the right event say at the IDGC and Langley or Charlotte, US Masters. I prefer one day, two rounds in SC because I like a relaxing weekend and being able to go out with old friends in towns where the tournaments are held that are not necessarily disc golfers always. I understand if I am going to some events that the guys I travel with may bring along someone that only wants to talk dg which is rare, but our traveling group have many interests and we usually go to bars and restaurants to watch ballgames or just hang out after the rounds.

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?
1 course most often unless at IDGC, Charlotte, Maple Hill and other great courses closer together.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?
I would travel to US Masters almost anywhere. I have played tournaments in PA, NJ, WI, MA, IN and AL because of the courses and events.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?
Quality of course and interesting things to do outside of dg in the area. I am not a dg starf****r so I could care less about seeing the best players playing for the most part but if a great band is in the area, I would travel to see them and also play.

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?
I could care less about player's packs but wish more tournaments had player's parties where everyone gets a drink or food in a public place. Many events are doing this now because even if people do not drink breweries will occasionally have baskets for putting contests.

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?
- Mountain Disc Golf Experience - one of the best TDs around (James Nichols), fun events before and after the rounds, players party,
- US Masters - great courses, players parties, ability to travel to see other areas of the country and go to a baseball game, national park, etc. during the trip. The US Masters at Maple Hill, 501 and the park downtown were held on great courses but the organization was lacking. It appeared all of the volunteers from the MVP Open had no interests and the TD did a poor job with some of the logistics like spotters, bathrooms, players party, meal, etc.
- Hilton Head Invitational - great atmosphere on a golf course with designed by Tim Barr and going to dinners with old friends I rarely see.
- I am also a huge foodie and my degree is in History (American) so I like to check out restaurants, battlefields, museums, plantations, etc. on my travels.

 

[Golden Tuna]

Oh my. What a conundrum.

I see you're in KC. Did you, by chance, leave a white Pro Valkyrie here back in June?

- I am also a huge foodie and my degree is in History (American) so I like to check out restaurants, battlefields, museums, plantations, etc. on my travels.

Sounds like our event is right up your alley. Hope you can make it this year!

 

[Three Putt]

I'm collecting data for an upcoming A-Tier and would like the format to be as player-oriented as possible so we can plan within the preferences of our target audience. If you do not play sanctioned events, feel free to provide your reason(s) why.

Specifically:

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)

I think the younger crowd you get for Open and Advanced probably like three day tee time events, but I hate them.

Mid Am did 3 rounds Fri/Sat/Sun at Harmony Bends for Open/Advanced and everybody else did 2 Sat/1 Sun at AO except rec and Jrs that only played two rounds. It's problematic for Columbia since everybody wants to play Harmony Bends, but in St. Louis with no real standout course that people will be mad about not playing I think the Mid Am format has real potential. That keeps somebody like me from needing to commit to a day off to play. For people who travel with Open/Adv people they can spectate or practice on Friday. Mid Am has really bumped up in profile here in the last few years, so I'd keep an eye on what they are doing.

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?

You have the Carrollton/Sioux/JB three headed monster so I'd use all three. Your problem is how far away JB is, how remote Sioux is and the travel issues they create. I'd rather play any of them twice before I'd want to play Sioux and JB in the same day. So you are kinda damned if you do/damned if you don't. You kinda have to mix in Endicott or Wilmore for travel reasons, which is a lot of course to get ready.

I really wouldn't mind a Sioux/Endicott or Carrollton/Endicot Saturday and then JB Sunday, or a JB/Wilmore Saturday and Sioux or Carrollton on Sunday, though. I think you can sell those kind of combos to Int/Rec/Ad Masters/Jr's and keep them happy.

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?

300ish miles; the road trip is basically anyplace where we can leave at midnight and be there in time for check in Sat morning.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?

Really it's courses, which is bad for St. Louis. St. Louis has a lot of really good courses but no great courses. The variety there is really good, but there is no real "must play" course there. That's another point in favor of figuring out the travel hassle using a lot of courses, as it's the amount of good courses that is the strength of the scene.

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?

DX Roc. I'm pretty easy that way.

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

It's actually intangible stuff outside your control. Being on a card with decent guys, good weather, stuff like that makes it more enjoyable. Bad weather/douchebags are also memorable, but you don't want to make those memories.

Really just having staff at all the courses prepared to deal with weirdness is the best you can do. Anecdotally that's the biggest reason I hear from people here about why they don't go to St. Louis, that reputation the scene has for not dealing with people who are douchebags and just letting them get away with it. It may or may not be a fair reputation, but out here in the boonies that's what I hear.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Your welcome.

 

[Nova P]

I see you're in KC. Did you, by chance, leave a white Pro Valkyrie here back in June?

She's on Team MVP, so I'm going to guess "no."

 

[VictorB]

1. Would you prefer to play 3 rounds (Fri, Sat, Sun) or 4 (Fri, Sat 1, Sat 2, Sun)
Fri-Sat-Sun split is preferred, depending on the answer to #2

2. Would you prefer to play 1 course, 2 courses, or a new course each round?
Same course each round, if it's a gold level course (this would be the 1F/1Sa/1Su split)
2 courses is fine if they are blue level (this would be better for a 2Sa/1Su split)

3. How far are you willing to travel for an event?
I will travel ~8hrs if it's for a top tier gold level course. However, I don't get to do this more than 2-3 times a year, so there has to be a significant reason to swap out events at this point.

4. What would entice you to put an event (outside your home town) on your calendar?
Gold level courses, reasonable entry fee (not like $200+), and if I can get people to travel/split costs for lodging

5. What (specific) types of items do you like to see in player's packs?
Personally don't care about players packs. I almost never use any of it and would opt out of dry fits at this point, because I have way too many of them already

6. Based on the events you've attended, what makes them memorable (good or bad)?

All I really expect is that the courses are in good shape - if they aren't groomed at all that kind of leaves me wondering about the effort put in to showcase the course(s). Tee times staying on schedule and no major backups. I don't particularly care about players parties either, since I don't drink anymore and certainly not during tournament weekends.

If the payouts seem incredibly disorganized, that also makes for a bad feeling.

 

[Steve West]

Why do I get the feeling we're not going to please everyone? lol
Thanks again for the feedback gang. Keep it coming.

To be clear, I would prefer no minis to minis. But, if I have to get something, it's a lot easier to dump minis than anything else.

(You should see the look I got from a Mom when I tried to introduce a little kid to disc golf by giving him a TickKey.)

Also, I will be pleased if the event is held, I get to play, and I get a rating. That's enough; good job and thank you. Anything else is offering condiments which may or may not be to my taste.

 

[puck'n'disc5]

As an MA60 who actually did travel to play last year, part of the appeal was to play multiple courses. So don't put us on the same ones we played this year.

If there are to be two rounds in one day, they'd better be at the same course with lunch provided or really convenient. (And not at one of those way out of town).

There is nothing I would rather have in a player's pack than NOTHING. I don't need coupons forced on me. No one should ever give out stickers (which mostly get attached to baskets). I won't wear that shirt. I don't throw max weight anything. Not everyone drinks alcohol (well, not everyone who lives elsewhere than STL). I won't drive to a local shop to cash in any sized voucher, or worse, pay shipping for my "paid for" discs.

Maybe you could raise funds to replace some of those old baskets and call my "donation" to that fund the player's pack.

If someone wants to foist ads, souvenirs, trophies, or coupons on me, the only tolerable medium would be to print them on minis.

WTF is that supposed to mean?