Big distance is one of the best things about professional disc golf.
In theory, I’m capable of becoming a world-class putter. And my approach game could be better, but athletically, it’s at least within me to approach the pin like James Conrad from 225 feet out. It’s more of the same with off-the-tee stuff on short, technical holes. If I work at it, I can do it.
But hitting 500 feet with a Star Destroyer?
Eh …
I suppose it’s within the realm of possibility, but I’m in my early thirties with two twin boys and a third child on the way – it’s probably not happening. I’ve accepted it; I’m at peace with it.
But throwing far isn’t everything – even for professionals.
Year after year, I’m amazed by what shorter layouts have to offer the Pro Tour. There’s no better example of this than the Waco Annual Charity Open – or “WACO,” as it’s often known. At Brazos Park East, there are a few 500- and 600-foot holes. Some are open; some aren’t.
But the majority of the holes nestle nicely within the 250- to 450-foot range. There’s even a 441-foot par four, if you can believe it. And it’s no cakewalk, either: This past weekend, it played as the seventh-hardest hole (-0.29) for the men and the third-hardest (+0.46) for the women.
Brazos (the BEast) isn’t easy enough to be a true birdie-or-bust course, but it’s not nearly long enough to limit the pool of potential winners to the game’s biggest arms – it’s in the middle.
The result is 14 MPO golfers within three strokes of the lead during the final round …
That happened on Sunday.
Dating back to 2015, take a look at a few of the more surprising WACO winners: Lisa Fajkus (2015), Jeremy Koling (2017 and 2018), Colten Montgomery (2020), Eveliina Salonen (2020), Nikko Locastro (2021), Kona Panis (2021) and Valerie Mandujano (2022).
None of them are chumps in the distance department, but none of them are Simon Lizotte, either. They’re also NOT the kinds of pros who are used to winning on the Pro Tour every week.
Of course, let’s not take shorter tracks to an extreme …
There’s a time and a place for all kinds of layouts on the Pro Tour. Open, bomber-friendly courses offer value – plenty of jaws will drop. And the kinds of thickly wooded courses only comparable to eternal damnation are good, too. Clearly, diversity of terrain matters …
But so does diversity of distance.
With respect to hole length, the BEast offers a happy medium, but leans on the shorter side. The proof is in the pudding: If you want tight, final-day disc golf action, this is what delivers it.
To quote Oliver Twist:
“Please, sir, I want some more.”
Take note, Jeff Spring.
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Agree. Unfortunately as I understand it, that was the shortest layout they’ll play all year.
Major. Bummer.
Major Bummer.
I think they should try newer course’s with a mix of both short and long. Or maybe like in real golf they change the basket location each day. Like one of the course’s I play has 2 options for teepad and 2 basket options which in total can play 4 ways each hole.