New 9-hole course at Okemo?

Jeff LaGrassa · Post by **Jeff LaGrassa** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 2:14 pm

From: http://www.firsttracksonline.com/News/2009/8/9/Disc-Golf-Course-Opens-at-Southern-Vermont-Ski-Resort/

Disc Golf Course Opens at Southern Vermont Ski Resort

Ludlow, VT - Okemo Mountain Resort has recently completed construction of a nine-hole disc golf course at the southern Vermont ski and snowboard resort's Jackson Gore base area. The Maples at Okemo Disc Golf Course is now open to the public and welcomes players daily from 7 a.m. until sunset. Greens fees are $2 per person and disc rentals are available for $5 (including greens fees) for a set of three discs: driver, mid-range disc and putter.

“Disc golf is very similar to regular golf,” says Okemo Recreation Facilities Manager K.C. Gandee. “It’s a fun game of skill that appeals to all ages. It’s a great outdoor activity for families to do together.”

According to the professional Disc Golf Association, disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc, also known by the trade name "frisbee." The sport was formalized in the 1970s, and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, the fewest number of throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target "hole."

The Maples at Okemo Disc Golf Course offers play inspired by Vermont’s maple sugaring traditions. The tee boxes for each target include an interpretive tour of sugaring history and the process for making maple syrup. The natural wood of the target posts pays homage to Vermont’s state tree, the sugar maple. Authentic galvanized metal sap buckets atop the posts bare the number of each hole, and metal tubs serve as the destination baskets for final throws.

The longest hole, number 7, at The Maples at Okemo Disc Golf Course is 451 feet long. The shortest hole, number 6, measures 132 feet. Number 8 is the course’s signature hole and requires players to throw across a brook through a narrow opening in the trees or to lay-up on a bridge before making a final approach shot. The course was designed by Adam Ford and built by Okemo staff.

Players should check in at the Jackson Gore Spring House, where they will receive a score card with a course map and some basic guidelines for play. Discs are available for rent and also for purchase at the Spring House.

Eric Maurer · Post by **Eric Maurer** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 2:54 pm

Sounds like they have home made baskets? :roll:

Dave Mourad · Post by **Dave Mourad** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:22 pm

E-Nyce wrote:Sounds like they have home made baskets?

The Maples at Okemo Disc Golf Course offers play inspired by Vermont’s maple sugaring traditions. The tee boxes for each target include an interpretive tour of sugaring history and the process for making maple syrup. The natural wood of the target posts pays homage to Vermont’s state tree, the sugar maple. Authentic galvanized metal sap buckets atop the posts bare the number of each hole, and metal tubs serve as the destination baskets for final throws.

I've got to admit it's a well written paragraph to rationalize and justify their lack of investment in PDGA approved targets. Interesting take - one can only hope that the novelty is still fun and may one day lead to improved targets on 18 holes.

Jeff Zipkin · Post by **Jeff Zipkin** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:27 am

course site: http://www.okemo.com/okemosummer/resort/events/disc_golf.asp

the basket :roll:

James Lane · Post by **James Lane** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:45 am

Reasonable rates for a ski mountain..

At least they have chains and a bucket, I'm sure those targets will make one improve their putting!

Cool stuff

Dave Mourad · Post by **Dave Mourad** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:26 am

They looks similar to, but a step above the tire baskets...

Chris Bunce · Post by **Chris Bunce** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:05 am

And probably way noisier. Bet you can hear that clang from a mile away.

Allen Smith · Post by **Allen Smith** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 2:12 pm

I think those baskets are pretty cool.

I'm sure those buckets will get dented up pretty bad in no time though...

Chris Mayone · Post by **Chris Mayone** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:06 am

Another example of underinvestment by an entity that has the means to step it up ......... sorry for the playa-hating :shock:

Chris

Chris Webb · Post by **Chris Webb** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:23 am

YEAH!!!!!! I go to a cabin about 15 minutes outside of Okemo in East Wallingford!

Got something to do for Labor day without driving an hour to White River.

Saaaaaweet!

-Webb

Karl Molitoris · Post by **Karl Molitoris** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:01 am

Chris M.,

I hear ya, but it's a perfect case of the business world's "ROI is everything".

It will be VERY interesting to see these ski resort dg courses a couple of years from now. Two things will happen. Either...
1) The whole (in their words) "dg thing" will be profitable and...
a) They'll milk it
b) They'll make the course REALLY good
2) It won't be and it will fall into great disrepair

I could be wrong, but I doubt there will be much of a middle ground; it's all about the money!

Karl

Ps: The 'non-pay-to-play' courses are built on sweat equity and passion...and thus have a chance at being around a lot longer than some spreadsheet dictates it should.

Mike Zorovich · Post by **Mike Zorovich** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:17 pm

i lived in vermont for 10 years, 3 employed by okemo and 7 working on the mountain for a plumbing and heating company. the one thing i notice while there was okemo always screws up a good thing.....

not saying they won't with this, but they have some proving to do. from what i understand they have a hard time going "year round." the jackson gore side of the mountain has a large black bear population so environmentalists won't allow them to spin lifts off season. no scenic tours, no mountain biking, and so probably no giant 1000'+ cliff disc shots. i assume there situation hasn't changed since i left 3 years ago. expansion to 18 holes.................i wouldn't hold your breath.

but i hope they prove me wrong.