1000 Rated Disc Golf Players, News, scores, and more

1000 RATED: Many people are not aware of the Mini Disc Golf Federation (MDGF). Can you tell us a little about the early history of the MDGF, how things came to be, and what the mission of the Federation is?

DONNIE: The MDGF is a fairly young organization, only coming to exist in 2004 even though the idea of the organization had been discussed for many years. The first memberships came in 2005. Every member has a personal MDGF number like the PDGA. My MDGF#.00001 is a mini number that stays with the whole mini concept. The MDGF has enrolled 72 members over those years from 17 States and the United Kingdom.

There were several Frisbee and Disc players in the area that began to throw Minis. We developed games and competitions which eventually blossomed into Mini Disc Golf Courses. The first permanent course was installed on about 1.5 acres of land in Lancaster County, Pa. in about the mid 1980s. This is where it all happened for me. I loved the game so much that I expanded on it with the design of my own baskets. These baskets were installed on 38 acres of land in the center of the Amish farming community in Strasburg, Pa. in early 1995. As several of us regular players got better with the minis of the time, we began to talk about having an organization, regular competitions, and World Championships. But the question always arose, were we the only people playing this game? Were there others who loved this sport as much as us?

I had purchased www.minidiscgolf.com and asked the question. Is there anyone else out there? The answer was “yes”, there are a few others.

Our mission came to be to play the sport, design better baskets, to install permanent Mini Disc Golf Courses and to be a leader in promoting the game. I think we have done that. There are now 8 permanent Mini Courses in Pa. Six in Lancaster County, one in York County, and one in Erie. Six courses are less than half an hour from my house.

1000 RATED: What kind of rule differences are there to Mini Disc Golf that do or do not apply to Disc Golf? Are there divisions or age brackets of any kind or official MDGF approved mini discs?

DONNIE: The rules for Mini Disc Golf borrow heavily from the PDGA rules. The main differences are that in mini there are no run up throws allowed at any time. The forward foot must remain on the tee pad or behind your mini during the throwing process. Follow through is allowed after the disc has been released. Also on top of the basket is good. This is one of our FUN rules. It does not happen very often and high fives are in order when it does. We also do not have a height OB., and you must play your lie if you go OB instead of bringing the disc back to the point that it went out. (The play your lie rule does not apply if you disc lands on a busy road or is a dangerous lie.) If this happens the disc is brought directly in bounds from the lie even if it is closer to the pin.

We mainly have Pro and Am brackets and will add a woman’s and junior brackets if the need arises. We do not have an older bracket due to the fact that the old guys are the best, and do not need to have their own tier.

The MDGF does have approved minis. The disc may not be made out of wood or metal and must measure less than 4.5 inches in diameter to be legal. It is as simple as that.

1000 RATED: Your presence at Worlds over the last 4 years has probably been your largest avenue for growing the sport and its biggest event: the Mini Disc Golf World Championships. How did the MDGF initially get involved with the PDGA World Championships and what do you think this will bring for the future of Mini Disc Golf?

DONNIE: The MDGF has a great friend in Dr. John Duesler. At the time of the 2005 Pro Worlds in Allentown Pa. Dr. John was the TD and wanted the MDGF to hold what is now called the first Mini Disc Golf World Championships. It is called the first because there was an actual governing body running the Mini Championships that had rules, standards, and professional equipment. He gave us the chance and we rose to the occasion. Each year since, the MDGF has been booked for the following year to run the Mini Tourney for the PDGA. We have had players join the PDGA just to play Mini at Worlds. Some of these people never threw a big disc in their life. This has been good for the PDGA and the MDGF. The past Worlds have averaged about 55 Pro players in various age brackets. (The PDGA does divide the players into age groups) This past Worlds was a Pro Am tourney and drew 138 players from both groups. This was our largest turnout for a major event.

Of course when you are involved in such events, there are a lot of people from all over who want info and are interested in what is happening. So the Worlds have been a huge opportunity for us to make contacts from around the globe. As far as the future of the sport and the partnership with the PDGA, I feel it will continue to grow.

1000 RATED: Perhaps your greatest accomplishment so far has been the development and installation of the first public, permanently installed mini disc golf course in the country. The park is located in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (obviously the mini disc golf Mecca) and boasts an 18 hole park style course with both open and wooded shots. What was the process of convincing the parks to let you use their land for this course, and how has the course been received? Do you plan to run tournaments? Also, can you take some time to talk about the other heralded mini disc golf courses and what you hope for the future of mini disc golf course design and development across the country?

DONNIE: This is an interesting question. The fact of the matter is that there was an interview done with me by the local newspaper that encompassed Disc Golf in our area as well as Mini Disc Golf. The writer was familiar with Mini through the work we had done with the Girl Scouts in our area. For the last 3 years the Scouts would come out to a local park and would play one of the three temporary 9 hole courses that we set up. After the interview hit the streets, a local township contacted me and stated that they wanted a Mini Disc Golf Course in one of their parks. I made a presentation to a very enthusiastic township board and was pretty much accepted from that point. It was very easy to sell with a group that already wanted the course. The course has been very well received by the public and we have many new regular players at the park. It seems to me that the players are more middle aged and enjoy the low impact and low cost of the sport. The Township bought several hundred minis and in the first couple weeks had sold over 80 of them. Everyone I talk to on this course has fallen in love with the game and the park.

We have scheduled tournaments on the fourth Saturday of every month and may add a Major tournament to the MDGF schedule for this course in the next calendar year.

The beauty of the other Mini Disc Golf Courses is the extreme differences between them. Hobson Park is very picturesque with rolling hills and elevation changes with a multitude of very well manicured plantings throughout the park. It has an abundance of old growth trees with wonderful walking paths, pavilions, restrooms, and picnic areas.

My course at Beaver Creek Farm Cabins has some extreme elevation changes, longer holes and plays through farmland, the Little Beaver Creek, a pond and fields planted with corn and soybean. The course plays through about 17 acres of land and is more of a professional course with more challenging shots. Beaver Creek has been a proving ground for mini, allowing us to test baskets for catching ability, durability, and course design. I recently had 32 baskets placed on the property with 18 alternates for 50 possible holes. Also I designed an 18 hole course that came in at 5056 feet. Now it is back to some resemblance of the original course. This property and course gives you more of a Big Disc Golf feel.

The course at Codorus State Park is a 9 hole gem. It is a fun and easy course for all age groups. It is nestled in an open and tree area. This park also has at least 2 other Disc Golf Courses in it and is well know for its excellent Disc Golf Club. These people are on fire for Disc Golf.

Next is the Mushroom Manor Mini Disc Golf Course. This is an excellent representation of what we call the residential or neighborhood course. Linc Morgan has done a fine job with this property and has designed several courses on about 3 acres of space. The Conestoga River borders the course and has some nice distance and rather challenging holes that play around his house and along the river. Linc also has lights on the baskets for night time play.

The Starry Stomping Grounds Mini Course is mostly wooded and has a couple open holes. This course also has some nice elevation changes and takes a lot of thought before you throw. It sits on about 2 acres of land and is probably one of the more challenging courses due to the thick wooded areas. Dave Starry has done a fine job of designing this course. This is also a residential or neighborhood course. This course also has lighted baskets for night play.

My dreams for the growth of Mini Disc Golf across the country are that it will happen. I have people asking all the time to be MDGF representatives. Basically I tell them to go ahead and do it. Put in a course, build a basket, play the game, promote it at your local Disc Golf Tournaments and have fun at it. I do not claim any ownership of the sport, it belongs to everyone. So if you feel inclined to participate, please do. If you need help or advice, I am here for you. The local members of the MDGF have a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the game. From your computer, we are only a click away.

1000 RATED: With the development of a new sport and a new Federation come accomplishments and immediate record holders, as well as record breakers. Can you give us a rundown of all the Mini Disc Golf World Champs, as well as any records for distance etc?

DONNIE: There are too many to mention them all, but you can look up any disc world records on the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) website at www.wfdf.org.

As far as MDGF members go, Linc Morgan, MDGF#.00002 has won the Mini Disc Golf World Championships in 2005, 2007, and tied with Steve Rico for first place in 2008. Merrill Detwieler, MDGF#.00004 took 4th place in 2005, Dave Starry, MDGF#.00003 placed 7th in 2005, and Paul Weber, MDGF#.00013 placed 2nd in 2005.

Other Mini records include Adam Willetts, MDGF#.00051 of the UK. (13 and under boys) distance record of 68.66 meters in 2007. His Father, Phil Willetts, MDGF#.00075 (men 35 and older) distance record of 107.25 meters in 2008.

The best Mini Disc Golf player of all time in my opinion is Merrill Detwieler. He is about to turn 57 years old and has won every major mini event in Lancaster County consistently. The man is a disc throwing icon and is known to be the one to beat. Merrill does not travel to the World Championships (except in 2005 when it was very close to home) or I think he would give any player a run for his money at the World Championships.

1000 RATED: All games have a learning curve. Many may hear about the sport and think it would be easy, but it is actually quite difficult to master and requires a lot of skill and focus. As one of the few original mini disc ambassadors, what kind of tips, shots, practice techniques and secrets can you offer for those who are interested in competition or bettering their mini disc game?

DONNIE: Like in anything that you want to master, practice is the key element. I used to throw a mini at a block wall during lunchtime at work. I would pick a block and practice hitting it from varying distances. When throwing at a basket, get to know the basket. Not all baskets are created equally. Figure out what shots stay in the basket and where the baskets sweet spot is. I am partial to the MDGF basket that is known as the SS MiDGiT. (Stainless Steel Mini Disc Golf Target) I think it is a superior catching basket (has 32 chains (inner and outer) that gather as the disc enters the target) and can be very forgiving. Also learn and practice grips. It is very important to get the mini into the palm of your hand. Finger tip grips just do not give enough power or control. And as in Big Disc Golf, you have to know your plastic and what it can and cannot do. A smaller disc and a smaller target mean you need to concentrate and really visualize your shot.

1000 RATED: Your membership, although in its infancy, has been slowly rising over the last few years. For those who are interested in joining the MDGF, what does the membership cost and what does the Federation offer to members every year? Is there a renewal fee?

DONNIE: The MDGF membership costs $15.00, with a renewal fee of $15.00 each year. For your money the Federation will send you a member mini with your personal MDGF number on it. Also we include a couple of the current minis in the package to get you started with discs. Each year I try to have a special mini to send out with renewals. This year I acquired some of the older first run champion Innova I-Dyed aviar minis. Last year we sent out the short lived heavy mini driver. The first batch of mini drivers weighed in at 44-46 grams where as the newer mini drivers weigh in at 32-34 grams. (That is right, I weigh minis). Also we send you a new membership card every year with pencils, stickers and anything else I have on hand at the time. Well worth your money. Also online support for any questions you may have about minis, grips, flight patterns, and equipment. To join the MDGF, you must go to www.minidiscgolf.com and enter the site. Just click on the “join the MDGF” icon, print off the form and mail it with your check to the Federation. Your member package will arrive in a timely manner and you can start your new addiction.

1000 RATED: We assume you’ll once again be at Worlds next year in Kansas City to run the Mini Disc Golf Championships and help educate others about this glorious cousin to disc golf. If players are interested in competing in the Mini Worlds, do they have to be a current MDGF member? When does the tournament usually take place and what kinds of entry fees are necessary.

DONNIE: To play in any event at the PDGA Worlds, you must be a current PDGA member. That includes Mini Disc Golf. You do not have to be an MDGF member to play. The PDGA World Championships usually take place in early August. The current fees set by the PDGA for Mini are $20.00 for pro and $10.00 for am.

As far as the MDGF being at the 2009 PDGA Worlds, we have been asked, but none of the particulars have been worked out yet. As you can imagine with growth of the sport comes more commitments and opportunities. Our schedule is filling more and more each year. At this point we are going to do our best to be there.

1000 RATED: Obviously, your passion for the game of disc golf led you to the creation of the MDGF. How do you think being a part of the PDGA has helped you develop this new Federation, and what kind of personal experiences have you had over the years in the creation of this new game, the rules, and the joy it has brought you in the process?

DONNIE: The PDGA and the people associated with it have been a driving force in the creation and success of the MDGF. We have borrowed heavily from the work that the PDGA has already accomplished. Rules, courtesy, and spirit. They are nice enough to list our Mini Disc Golf Courses on their course directory. The PDGA in my mind is a fantastic organization with people of great character and wisdom. I also have drawn inspiration from those I call my Frisbee mentors. People with great character like Dan “The Stork” Roddick, Hugh Lowery, Michael “Captain Snap” Conger, Dr. Stancil Johnson, Dr. John Duesler, Merrill “Flip Wrist” Detwieler, and Richhi Ross.

Over the years during development of the rules, we had some very turbulent discussions. Every time something new happened we had to make a call on the ruling and document it. The discussions got to the point that we created a fiction person named Frank. This way we would not show disrespect for each other by strongly objecting to a ruling. We would say “let me be Frank” about this. Everyone is bound to at least listen to Frank without feeling hurt by the person being Frank. This turned out to be a great way to communicate without offending.

The joys have been tremendous. I have met life long friends on the course and through the PDGA and MDGF. The longtime mini players in our area have countless stories about our trips and experiences on the road to mini tournaments. Most of all it is the fun and camaraderie that stand out most. The number one MDGF rule is to have FUN. If it was not fun, we would not do it.

1000 RATED: Sorry, but we have to do it. One official purely disc golf question. Who is your favorite 1000 rated player and why?

DONNIE: I feel like I am name dropping with this one. After careful consideration, I would have to say Dave Feldberg. Not only does he hold the #1 spot on your list, but he also holds MDGF#.00049. Dave is one of the few top Pros that has made the time to talk to me on a personal level and has embraced mini with a passion. Dave is a top contender in Mini Disc Golf and sees a bright future for the sport. So we share several common interests. Congratulations Dave, you are the man.

I would like to thank Brian and 1000 Rated for their interest in the MDGF and Mini Disc Golf. It has been an honor to do this interview and the MDGF wishes you the greatest success in your new endeavor. You have found your Disc Golf niche! I know where to go when I need Disc Golf information and stories. Keep up the great work!!! You can see scads more pictures from the Mini Disc Golf World at myspace. The address is myspace.com/MiniDiscGolf, and “ROCK THE CHAINS.”

Respectfully submitted, Donnie Brooks PDGA#15252, MDGF#.00001