2017 MPO Worlds - Augusta

[Orioles_Lefty]

The courses are set up differently for majors, i.e. faster greens, longer rough, with the exception being Augusta which rarely changes.

The US Open generally is the hardest course they play all year and scores reflect that.

so i would have a disagree with your statement a little, format wise you are 100% correct, course wise that is different thing all together.

The PGA championship begs to differ, though it's run by the PGA and has its own unique dimension (inclusion of course pros/non-touring pros).

 

[Orioles_Lefty]

that better be one spectacular piece of land.

I was trying to come up with the right response, and this is it.

Complicating fan access is goofy, but will get the "military pass."

 

[BlueMonk]

From a format perspective, it really isn't any different than other tournaments anymore. It's more the name and the history (and the official Major status) that give it the added prestige. Some are upset because Worlds used to (as in, before this year) feature more rounds overall and this is a break from tradition. But part of that old format had to do with involving multiple divisions and therefore more players, so shorter and less challenging courses were included for the purposes of expediency (and also because they were what was available).

Now, with Worlds only including MPO/FPO, the tournament can be run on courses that are tailored specifically to challenge the very best in the game. And with that added challenge in the design of the course, fewer holes are needed to separate the wheat from the chaff. A marathon is no longer needed to allow for the cream to rise to the top.

It should be noted that there's nothing of significance, format-wise, differentiating ball golf majors from typical PGA Tour events like the Memorial two weeks ago, this past weekend's St Jude's Classic or the Travelers Championship in two weeks. But this week is the US Open and it's special, due in large part to the history of the event.

Understood, and I appreciate the info and detailed response.

You're right, having major tournaments that are like the others but with elevated prestige is also part of ball golf. And tennis, although I think tennis majors are all best-of-five sets instead of best-of-three.

What I can't think of is another sport that awards a world championship title based on one of those events. That's what seems so unusual to me about disc golf. It's not a playoff and it's not based on cumulative standings after a long season, it's just, "Win this one and you're the champ."

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. I think it's cool and maybe it's more practical for a sport this size, I don't know.

 

[JoBo Throws]

Back to the original question --- Skill will obviously be a factor, but players who are in shape and take care of themselves will outlast the rest. Ft Gordon is long and deceptively hilly and the Georgia sun will beat you down on the open holes. And don't forget the humidity which finally showed up this week.

Getting onto base is not a big deal. Just be sure you have your ID and are not a wanted criminal or on any watch lists. Plan ahead and get your pass a few days before you plan to go watch (or play) and you'll save a lot of time later.

PS. For history buffs, there is a piece of the Berlin wall across the street from the course.

 

[Royalhghnss]

Wanted to pop in and give you all the viewing guide:

Day 1 Jomez and CCDG will be filming Paul's card, and Ricky's card (I think we get Paul, but I'm not 100%).
Day 2 CCDG on MPO lead, Jomez on chase
Day 3 CCDG on MPO lead, Jomez on chase
Day 4 CCDG on Chase, Jomez on lead

Prodigy Disc will be covering FPO the whole time

I don't think there will be live as the signal is bad, but Terry will be there too I'm pretty sure.

Big thanks to the PDGA for getting us out there! It was not a cheap trip. I think I've already spend 3k on travel and lodging...

 

[jvphobic]

SmashBoxx plans for Worlds

Correct, there is some very bad cell signal spots on about half the Ft. Gordon and most of the IDGC course. So it doesn't make sense for us to try and put on a very spotty live broadcast.

Instead we are hoping to put on an wrap up show each night. We are hoping to have highlights & interviews. Is there anything else you would like to see in a wrap up show?

 

[DanJon]

"Spectators as well as competitors that did not register on or before Friday, May 19th will be required to go through the standard entry procedure prior to gaining access to the facility which includes a federal background check. Upon completion of the process, a 30-day pass will be issued."

So competitors get a free pass on the background check if they registered in time?

 

[Darthmerj]

Has anyone seen any flymart info?

 

[sjberry2017]

Only 8 days away from worlds! Do you think it will be the Paul/Ricky battle again this year or does anyone have other predictions or a dark horse taking it? what type of player wlll these courses favor?

Dark Horse: Michael Johansen. So smooth, sneaky distance, won the last HOFC, semi-local

 

[jeffsk]

So competitors get a free pass on the background check if they registered in time?

"Background Check" for access to bases basically entails a simple check against national watchlisting databases and LE information. If you aren't on a terrorist/CE watch list from an agency, have never been arrested for any act against the federal govt and LE shows no outstanding warrants you are clear.

 

[DavidSauls]

"Background Check" for access to bases basically entails a simple check against national watchlisting databases and LE information. If you aren't on a terrorist/CE watch list from an agency, have never been arrested for any act against the federal govt and LE shows no outstanding warrants you are clear.

Perhaps. Though when I looked at the link to the Fort Gordon page on visitors, there were more things than that which would apparently prohibit entry. My other question would be, how quickly are the checks done?

My own hassle would be that it says I need 2 IDs, and I only have 1 that qualifies.

I'm sure there's a reason, but personally, I wish the schedule was reversed, with the finals at the IDGC.

 

[jeffsk]

Perhaps. Though when I looked at the link to the Fort Gordon page on visitors, there were more things than that which would apparently prohibit entry. My other question would be, how quickly are the checks done?

My own hassle would be that it says I need 2 IDs, and I only have 1 that qualifies.

I'm sure there's a reason, but personally, I wish the schedule was reversed, with the finals at the IDGC.

Fairly quick. Probably a line for this event, but anytime I have had to escort anyone on it has been maybe 10 minutes wait for their pass to be issued (and that has been the norm everywhere I have been stationed).

That being said, just realized that Gordon may be similar to Meade due to facilities on base which could produce a bit more stringent standards as you eluded to.

 

[DavidSauls]

To be clear, I'm not criticizing the military's rules, nor the PDGA's decision to place Worlds there. I wish the schedule was reversed, but don't know what factors were involved in setting it.

I'd like to watch but am not super gung-ho about it, so jumping through extra hoops is enough to dissuade me. One day I'll get a chance to play there, and put up with more hassle to play than I would to watch.

The 2nd I.D. issue is a product of a political dispute between South Carolina (and some other states), and the Federal government. But, if I take it as stated, I'd have to jump through a lot of hoops to resolve it.

 

[air show]

What the hell has happen to the Worlds. First why is it being played a month or so earlier. As a spectator I have always anticipated waiting for the first week in August for the big show to see who will be crowded champion after a gruelling week of disc golf sometimes as many as 8 to 10 rounds in 5 or 6 days. It has always been set apart from any other tournament because of its many rounds and gruelling schedule.

Also the Worlds needs to be played in a setting where live coverage is available and is spectator friendly. Does anybody even care about the spectators.

It seems our beloved sport is not only stagnant it is going backwards.

 

[jeffsk]

Also the Worlds needs to be played in a setting where live coverage is available and is spectator friendly. Does anybody even care about the spectators.
.

Though I kind of understand your point and I admit I am completely biased, I love the rounds at Gordon. There will be spectators, a lot of them. Many of those spectators will be active duty military, watching the best in the world in what has long been thought of as a counter-culture "burner activity". Breaking that stigma even just a bit is a big step our sport needs to make and this is the audience to do it with...many of them recognize and respect athletic prowess, strength and endurance and this is our sports chance to put that on full display in front of a different audience.

Also remember the bulk of the Gordon audience, due to PCS cycles, will travel to new locations ever 4 years or so. Perhaps some of them will take this sport with them to other locations with a small DG footprint and grow a new region (I was there when we put in Kandahar and it was awesome). Which can be a good thing if you buy into the "grow the sport" concept.

Again, I understand your point for sure, but think this is a great thing (see also MLB playing at Bragg).

 

[ru4por]

What the hell has happen to the Worlds. First why is it being played a month or so earlier. As a spectator I have always anticipated waiting for the first week in August for the big show to see who will be crowded champion after a gruelling week of disc golf sometimes as many as 8 to 10 rounds in 5 or 6 days. It has always been set apart from any other tournament because of its many rounds and gruelling schedule.

Also the Worlds needs to be played in a setting where live coverage is available and is spectator friendly. Does anybody even care about the spectators.

It seems our beloved sport is not only stagnant it is going backwards.

The sport does not have spectators. IMO, it is an awful spectator sport. I also might say that putting big events on open, spectator friendly hyzerfest courses is moving the sport backwards.

 

[air show]

The sport does not have spectators. IMO, it is an awful spectator sport. I also might say that putting big events on open, spectator friendly hyzerfest courses is moving the sport backwards.

I have to disagree with you about it being a awful spectator sport. I have seen some awesome tournaments here in KC including the 09 worlds and many KC wide opens. Love watching the big dogs put on a show.

I still want to believe the problem is a marketing issue?

 

[jeffsk]

(I was there when we put in Kandahar and it was awesome).

Just realized this needed clarity as I forgot the former Kandahar that was in MI. My statement above was reference to the "six-hole" trashcan and pole course we set up at KAF back in '06(?), might have been '08, deployments all run together.

 

[sjberry2017]

To be clear, I'm not criticizing the military's rules, nor the PDGA's decision to place Worlds there. I wish the schedule was reversed, but don't know what factors were involved in setting it.

I'd like to watch but am not super gung-ho about it, so jumping through extra hoops is enough to dissuade me. One day I'll get a chance to play there, and put up with more hassle to play than I would to watch.

The 2nd I.D. issue is a product of a political dispute between South Carolina (and some other states), and the Federal government. But, if I take it as stated, I'd have to jump through a lot of hoops to resolve it.

You know they're already accepting the IDs and other various papers at the DMVs to issue REAL ID compliant licenses sometime in the fall, right? Once I get back in state I'll be going to do that.

http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx?n=real_id

 

[Halcón]

Wanted to pop in and give you all the viewing guide:

Day 1 Jomez and CCDG will be filming Paul's card, and Ricky's card (I think we get Paul, but I'm not 100%).
Day 2 CCDG on MPO lead, Jomez on chase
Day 3 CCDG on MPO lead, Jomez on chase
Day 4 CCDG on Chase, Jomez on lead

Prodigy Disc will be covering FPO the whole time

I don't think there will be live as the signal is bad, but Terry will be there too I'm pretty sure.

Big thanks to the PDGA for getting us out there! It was not a cheap trip. I think I've already spend 3k on travel and lodging...

No live? Aw man. I was looking forward to catching the action.

Either way, love your work as always, and will be tuning in to the recorded vids. Also, I heard you mention some MVP stuff going to your store soon. I'll be on the lookout. :thmbup: