"Cross Farms Recreational Complex" - Tolland, Conn

[Jay Bayer]

Sure thing Clayton. I'll try to stop by Friday evening to see if the baskets are in.

[Eric Desmarais]

Oh yeah,
Might be able to get there,cause dubz is out this weekend.4 Tizzles my nizzles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Les Sinnock]

I swung by the course at about 8:30pm to find................

18 shiny new Chainstars in place and ready for play.
The tee boxes are still a bit spotty. We'll play the course a few times before we finalize the tee placements.

yeeeehhhaaaw.

I was so excited when I saw them I had to play holes #1 and #18 in the almost dark. I was giggling like a kid in a candy store.

Next stop tee's and signs.

See you out there !!!! 8)

[Stephen Ditter]

I believe a bunch of us will be testing The Toll after Sunday Dubz this weekend. We should get as many as possible to break this bad boy in.


-ditterman

[Shane Peters]

Bring your shiney new tags from the act with you...

[Les Sinnock]

I played the virgin course Saturday morning with ID.

What do you think folks? Is it playable? Is it hard enough?

I'd love to get some feedback from you folks prior to setting the tee boxes permanently. We made a few adjustments as we played and will probably continue to do so until we feel we have it right.

Any suggestions are certainly welcome.

[Dave Mourad]

About a dozen of us played on Sunday - the consensus is that it's got potential - it needs to be thinned out and some key trees need to go on some holes to make the fairways a bit cleaner and reduce the luck factor, but proceeding cautiously in the beginning is the proper way to go because we can't simply erect new trees. Holes #3, 11, 15, 16, 17 come to mind. #15 needs it to become a legitimate ace run.

The ferns are going to be an issue, particularly on holes #2, 5, and 8. 5 in particular because of the blind cliff. Should we whack 'em somehow?

The course was surprisingly dry in spots - the wet areas near #13 and #15 were anticipated.

IMHO holes the front 9 plays better than the back 9. The back 9 is a bit disorienting even for me. Because it's so new, the surrounding woods seem indistinguishable, but treading over leaves and such will make the paths more distinct. Of course in time signage will be a huge help too...

One great thing is that there were lots of baseball/soccer games going on and many folks noticed us putting out to 18. It seems that there will be a fair amount of visibility and questions from the public which will only help us with support to improve the course.

[Chris Webb]

"The Woods at Cross Park" or "Fern Gully" are my suggestions for names.

A large group got out yesterday afternoon. They included, Chip, Jesse, Milce, Ditterman, Moraud, Tony, Noonan, JayBayer, Ms. Jaybauer and Molly(Jaybayer Jr.).

Also, Eric D, RJ, Geno, Melissa, Desirea, and myself. I think that is it.

It was a little muddy but managable for the most part. I would recommend little arrows or something in between the baskets and the next tee. We made a few wrong turns here and there but that will get better once the paths get worn a bit.

There are some sticks and downed trees that should be removed (Let me know the next work day). And maybe, just maybe a tree or two needs to be removed here or there to facilitate a fair tee shot.

But overall, I'm psyched to have another course in CT. Thank you Les and everyone for all of your hard work!

-Webb

[Les Sinnock]

the next work day is now. Feel free to go out there at any time and pick up downed trees, sticks and the like.

I don't want anyone taking trees down. small saplings are OK but I don't want people to start taking things down willy nilly. enough will fall as people start wacking things with their discs.

I'm not convinvced that we need to remove much more in the way of trees to make the course playable. We don't want it to be too easy and certainly people will find routes or avenues of play that will make it seem easy enough in due time.

Signage is coming. I will take it upon myself to make temporary next hole and basic tee markers from scrap wood I have left over from working on my boat (yes that's where I have been).

Keep playing the course. Perm tees should be decided by sometime next week so that the park can get going on framing the boxes and filling them.

[Dave Mourad]

Based on my score from Saturday, I'd say that I'd probably perform better there playing glow golf. Maybe it was just my day to be one with all tree bark, but I can understand that the experience can be a bit maddening on some holes. Agreement on the saplings first though...

In the future glow ought to be interesting there due to the lack of street and city lights in the vicinity.

[Jay Bayer]

I played "The Cross" again today and found it to be allot more fun now that I kind of know were everything is. Did anyone notice that one of the chains was twisted around the poll on 13 I think it was? The basket needs to be taken apart to fix the twisted chain. No big deal really. Over all I think the course is going to kick ass. I live 5 minutes away so hopefully I’ll be able to get out there and help with the course allot. I was thinking about taking out some of the ferns with a weed whacker to define a fairway or two. Definitely hole 2 at least.
Any idea on wether or not there is going to be OB over some of the brick walls or not? Just a thought.
Les, if you ever need an extra hand let me know. 860-916-9625.
See you out there.

[Stephen Ditter]

I played holes 1-9 yesterday and thought the course was great. The planning/work voluteers did an awsome job getting this gem off the ground and running. My first impression was that some of the fairway could be opened a bit, it was hard to distinquish were the prefered routes were on some of the holes. But I'm sure time will tell. Lets play the course a while before the clear cutting beings.

The one issue I think should be address is the fairway that follows the fitness (or playscape) trail. We encountered several families with small children using the equipment, there is no way to play the hole with children coming around the corner or off to the right side of the fairway. It might be better to cut a new fairway parallel to the existing one to avoid this cross use. There were also a few tee pad location to close to the previous basket. kristi was almost hit standing near the tee of 2 and I believe the tee of 7 or is it 8 is very close to the previous basket.

Can't wait to check out the back nine.

-ditterman

[Dave Mourad]

When the course was designed it was originally going to be 9 holes, then 12, and awe shucks why not the whole 18. The grassy areas were a must-use feature to break up the woods - I wish we had more of them, but that's what we were able to incorporate. The fitness trail did not exist when the holes were designed. We thought the fit-trail was going to be installed in the woods, but suddenly metal structures painted red dotted the right part of the fairway - so now the fairway has some additional obstacles.

At this point I think the best plan of action is to employ courtesy and education as the best tools to make it work cooperatively. It's too much to ask to sacrifice the rare open shots in lieu of carving more out of the woods.

As with all fit trails (see Wickham) their use will greatly diminish over time and it will nary be a concern - just look before you throw.

Agreement on Pin 1 - Tee 2, and Pin 7 - Tee 8. esp during tournament play. Even though it's harder to move the pin, perhaps that is what should be considered with hole #7 (off to the right) because the tee for 8 is alinged nicely with a row of trees on the other side that define a fairway. Just a thought anyway.

[Dave McHale]

is it also too much to ask when an errant drive hits a child in the head whom the golfer didnt even know was there?

[Dave Mourad]

is it also too much to ask when an errant drive hits a child in the head whom the golfer didnt even know was there?

...an unlikely scenario...from the tee box you can see each station perfectly well - as far as people emerging from a blind corner down the fairway closer to the pin, that problem is more likely to occur and a sign on that side encouraging their awareness of flying discs might be the best solution. It's not ideal, but many courses have a similar situation with pedestrians. What it mostly requires is respect of each other on both sides and the convention that pedestrians always have the right of way. A guide on signs may be helpful to disc golfers too so they can be reminded of how to behave.

[Les Sinnock]

All good thoughts. I'm not so worried about the tee pin closeness between 1,2 and 7,8 because I don't suspect there will be so many playing the course at one time - at least just yet. We can always move tee's and we are still working on the course. the tee of 8 is kind of nestled behind a bunch of trees so I think we're OK.
With tourney play, there can be a bunch of mods made to prevent overlap.
Currently I'm more concerned with basic hole play. Are the holes long enough? Do we need to back up any of the current tee placements? Are there any trees that are glaringly in the way (be specific).
I'll be there this evening (Tuesday) playing a round if anyone cares to join. I'll be meeting at the Tavern House Grill (our new watering hole), which is in the plaza to the right just prior to turning left on Rhodes Rd. I'll be meeting up with Id at aroung 4:45pm. At the course at 5:15-5:30.

[Aaron Ala]

I searched the thread but couldn't find any concrete directions to the course. I am trying to get some guys from Marshall Street to head down there tomorrow to check out the course, if any of you Wick guys (Ditter, Chip, Dave) are willing to give a tour that would be great. And if not i would be up for playing any of the other courses around there. Any help would be great.

Aaron

[Stephen Ditter]

I'll be working 1 to 8 on wed. Directions off 84: take exit 68 (RT 195 towards Uconn) You will pass a new plaza under constructioin on the right. Take the next left (Rhodes rd) just before the 7-11. Follow Rhodes rd. approx. 3/4-1 mile. Cross farms will be on the left. When you pull into the parking lot drive until the first soccer field on the right , park at the far end of the field, walk up the hill, the first hole tees off in the woods just past the fence of the soccer field (not well marked or it wasn't on Sunday)

-ditterman

[Jay Bayer]

I might be around early afternoon around 1 or so. At this point I think playing the course without a tour guide would very hard to do. If I'm around i'd be more than happy to show you the course. 860 916-9625

[Dave Mourad]

Unfortunately I've got "Ranger Dave" duties at Wickham today and tomorrow - otherwise I'd like to take another whack at the course. Or would that be less whacks...or whacks with Les? anyway...

[Les Sinnock]

Sorry but I won't be out there until tomorrow night.

Anyone who wants to join me for a round at about 5:00pm Thursday are most welcome. I will be working on finalizing Tee locations. the final flagging for tee boxes will be next Tuesday. Anyone who has strong feelings or good suggestions about tee locations other than what is currently being played should plan to join. Bring gloves and pruners or rakes with you please.

There is immediate need for people to go out and pick up sticks, logs and other debris on the course. Starting at 18 and working backwards would be preferable. Holes 1-6 are in great shape but tend to get worse as you move through the course, with the latter holes needing the most attention.

Currently I have plans to move the tee back on hole #14. Other than that there are no other definate plans. The tee on hole #8 may be moved to protect golfers from incoming discs on #7. Location has yet to be decided. Still looking for suggestions. - Les

[Les Sinnock]

Anybody today (Thursday) 5:00 ?? Anybody - Bueler, Bueler, Bueler, Bueler, Bueler.

[Les Sinnock]

I went through the course Thursday evening and put proper flagging on all of the tee boxes. They should be clearly enough marked that anyone could tell what's going on.

Additionally, I put flags between some of the holes to the tees to help people find their way a bit easier.

I made modification to some of the existing tees:
Hole #7 - The tee has been moved back and across the road to give extra length and difficulty to the hole
Hole #8 - The tee has been moved to the left and up onto the road to prevent potential threat from incoming discs on 7. Play is not as excellent as previous but still quite do-able.
Hole #14 - Tee has been moved back to add extra distance and difficulty. I made a new path to reach the tee - it is flagged to show direction.

I'm still looking for workers to come through and remove debris. There is still a lot that needs to be done. It seems that Id and myself are doing all the work. Just a thought - while you are playing - make a committment to clean up one or more of the holes - as a sort of fee for playing.

Players such as myself have donated money, time, committment, and continued effort to get this course open. Spend a little time helping out. You could even clean up a hole ( such as hole #18 ) prior to playing. Show up a little early, clear a hole, then meet up with your group and play. It won't take long and it will help immensly. Thank you for your support.

[Dave Mourad]

I think help will materialize in waves, and gradually thorugh pitch and play it'll come together. Debris is one thing, but the Fernage is yet another and would need to be thwacked in some way with tools.

In a way the number of appeals for help at all sorts of local courses (NOHO recently, Hop Brook on the 24th, Panthorn in need of help) is a good thing because of the growth of the sport, but it also means there's workday burnout, particularly in prime golf season. It'll come together at each place though - As of late my Ranger duties have made it difficult to get out there to play let alone volunteer for a workday. Progress occurs gradually at this time of the year and is most efficient in the spring and fall usually. So have faith - support will be there.

[Les Sinnock]

Well don't discourage people from coming out to help by explaining the thing away with a bunch of disc logic. Help is needed - Please help !!

The ferns are the least of our worries. They will go away with trampling. Keep your eye on where you threw your disc - especially on #2

Last chance to have input on tee locations - Tuesday 5:15pm
Be there - cast your vote - play a round.

Oh and then drink a beer - Mandatory.

[Dave Mourad]

I'm not discouraging any such thing, but am trying to encourage attitudes that are a bit more realistic with respect to progress especially when considering the myriad competing activities swarming the scene. Personally I wish I could be there to help more. Cripes even the TEAM challenge has been affected by time contraints. People will become dedicated and involved, and at some point there will be no need to beg anyone for help - it's just harder to crack that at this stage of the season - that ain't logic, it's fact!

Ferns are pretty, but suck when playing blind shots like on hole #5.

[Stephen Ditter]

I have Tues. off this week. My goal is to hit Panthorn for a few hrs in the AM then hit T-land from 2-4 with wacker in hand. Besides hole 2 and 5 which other holes are in need of a little wackage?


-ditterman

[Les Sinnock]

Thanks for your help Ditterman. Can you maybe leave a few little clumps of those lovely ferns for us. They'll all be dead in due time, but they are kind of nice to look at. Or maybe just thin them a bit so we can still find our discs once thrown.
DM - not to get into an online pissing contest with you - but maybe you could offer positive reinforcement as opposed to tearing me down on the help issue.
I don't think that asking for help is unrealistic. I understand as well as anyone that folks are busy this time of year. I myself am incredibly busy running around, but I find the time. If I have to not play two rounds in an evening instead of one round in favor of helping out the course, then I will do it. It just shows that I am unselfish, as you once were with regard to Wickham and Panthorn, in getting a course up and running. I have nothing special to gain here personally 'cept my love for furthering the sport. Is it too much to merely ask for support. I think not. I needn't be told that people are busy and can't take time out of their busy disc golf playing lives to merely help out a bit whilst they are getting a round in.
Don't feel that you must answer back, it only makes it worse.
Thanks to all who might consider giving us a hand here. Soon we will all have a chance to play this course with tee boxes. Signs coming soon after that.

[Dave McHale]

if you want to drop the subject why do you keep bringing it up?

i think DM was only trying to keep a positive vibe on the current lack of support, since the tone of your post before his was pretty much whining that no one has been out to help. and it still sounds that way

sunshine and lollipops

[Karl Molitoris]

Les,

I spent several hours Sun late am walking, measuring, playing, looking, etc. at the course. I'll be able to write a detailed ditty in a day or two but for now, since you asked, I'll just mention tee location thing'ers.

1's t is OK although this one may catch a lot of water shedding off down the hill.

2's t is 60' from 1's basket (and is protected by dense trees). Good.

3's t is 38' even to and left of 2's basket...right where a RHBH approach might miss. NG. Sugg: Move t 70' to the rt. of 3's existing t. This will put it left and BEHIND 2's basket. There's an opening in the stone wall which would afford a good 3-basket view if a couple of small trees were lopped.

4's t is 42' from 3's basket. Might be "close" to 3's basket, but debatable. Could move 4's tee up a bit....

5's t is 115' from 4's basket (with an interesting gap). OK.

6's t is 100' from 5's basket, but short and right of the hole. Unfortunately I overthrew 6's t box with an anhy flex backhand (beleive it or not!). It is a super position for 6's t but others could (if I can) hit 6's t from 5's t. Don't know....

7's t is 80' from 6's basket (Good), but to "balance" out the course to get an equal amount (or at least a closer amount) of leftie and rightie holes...sugg: move 7's t 20' left and 10' back (right in the stone wall gap). This will afford a "tighter" hole and make a difficult 3 out of an easier 3.

8's t is 70' from 7's basket, is back and left but is protected by trees. OK.

9's t is 50' from 8's basket. I think too close (and is in that "RHBH landing zone" for approaches / long t shots for 8). Sugg: On a direct line from 8's basket thru 9's present t, walk 55' more. There's an ace run gap (if you remove 2 small trees).

10's t is ...damn, forgot to measure it!...but 1) it's "barely OK" (as it could catch 9's ace run overshoots), but 2) it could be improved if you move it up 30' and to the left of the path by 5'. It'll call for more of an "s" shot.

11's t is WAY FAR from 10's basket. Fine, but watch out for the 2 'framer' trees (on the t). I know am the "not so proud" owner of a right back-of-hand bruise from following through on a backhand. Maybe move it back 5'.

12's t is 140' from 11's basket. OK.

13's t is 190' from 12's basket.

14's t is 185' from 13's basket. As is the same with 13's t, you've positioned the t so that a tree is "in the way" of a LHBH, yet a RHBH is "free and clear". Sugg: Move 14's t, 5' to the left. This way there's a tree (off the t) for both LH and RH to worry about.

15's t is 100' from 14's t. Good.

16's to is 80 a little behind and left of 15's basket...right where a RHBH might miss a t shot from 15. Sugg: left of existing 15 t a little (20-30'?) but not so close as to get in the way of 17's fairway.

17's t is 70' from 16's basket. Fine.

18's t is 180' from 17's basket. Good.

More (on other things other than t locations) later.

Karl