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Articles and Tips | Lessons/Clinics | Tournaments | Dragon Disc Golf | MaineDiscGolf.com |
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Greenhorn Tournaments |
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History and Evolution |
 In 2003, Dragon Disc Golf began the
Greenhorn Tournament at Dragan Field as a way for new and experienced
players alike to introduce themselves to tournament play in a fun,
pressure-free, and learning-first atmosphere. All entrants
received a disc, mini-marker disc, and a PDGA rulebook (all the
essentials) just for entering the event. Experienced players of
various skill levels were on hand to explain rules of play and
etiquette as well as offered advice on every aspect of the game from
tee to green. This basic premise has continued through every
Greenhorn event ever held.Over the years, the tournament grew into two separate events, both a singles tournament and a doubles tournament that each feature rules and skill clinics, in addition to competitive rounds of disc golf as a part of the day's events. Now it has expanded to other Dragon Disc Golf courses as well, with the goal of introducing as many tournament "greenhorns" to the formal and competitive side of the sport as possible. Since the first event, quite a few Greenhorn "graduates" have gone on to play in (and win) tournaments around Maine and New England, as well as becoming some of the more prominent movers-and-shakers on the organizational side of local events.
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Formats |
| In the first two years of the
Greenhorn Tournament, a mixed format was utilized. The first round
was a singles round in which players strived to shoot the lowest score
they could. The second was an alternate-shot doubles round with the
pairings determined in a high-low manner based on the first round scores.
Participants were limited to players who had played no more than two disc
golf tournaments ever.
The 2003 results have been lost in cyberspace, but the
2004 results can be
viewed here. Since 2005, the Greenhorn Tournament has been a strictly singles event utilizing handicaps from the Dragon Disc Golf Pilots Program. As a result, the eligibility rules were expanded a bit. Any player, regardless of previous tournament experience, with a course handicap of 10 or more was eligible to participate. Players with a few tournaments under their belt were able to take advantage of an inexpensive opportunity to broaden their tournament experience and perhaps learn something new as well. The day begins with a 30-minute clinic going over the ins and outs of typical tournament etiquette and rules of play. The first round of play follows. During play, experienced players roam the course checking in with various groups and making themselves available for any questions and clarifications that might be necessary. In the second round, each of the experienced players on hand join a group and play alongside the Greenhorns for the full 18 holes. This gives the Greenhorns an outstanding opportunity to not only have two hours to pick the brain of a better player, but also a front-row seat to see how a higher-skilled player plays the holes they themselves play. |
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2005 Greenhorn
Tournament at Dragan Field |
| Late in 2004, a second Greenhorn event was added, this time a strict best-shot doubles format. The day's itinerary is more or less the same as the singles, starting with the rules clinic, followed by two rounds of play featuring veteran players roaming the course and offering advice. The eligibility rules are relaxed allowing experienced players to take part, but they are strongly encouraged to pick a Greenhorn as a partner for the event. |
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2004 Greenhorn
Doubles at Dragan Field |
That's not to say that Greenhorn tournaments
are just for players interested in pursuing tournaments as a regular
hobby. Many, many players have participated in a Greenhorn event
simply as a way of meeting new players, learning new techniques, and just
learning proper rules for their casual rounds. Some have never played
another formal competitive round since, but continue to play
recreationally to this day. Greenhorn events are a great way to give
oneself a solid foundation and get the most out of one's game. And
best of all, they're fun for all ages.