Neighbor News
Huge Disc Golf Tournament Returns, Thanks to Athens Small Businesses
Athenians join in the return of a legendary disc golf tournament worthy of U.S. and World Champions. (Photo by Taylor Carpenter)
Between 2002 and 2009, Athens GA hosted a series of disc golf (Frisbee) tournaments on a temporary disc golf course named, by Steven Renz, The Crucible, 72 acres of otherwise unused county-owned land of unsurpassed beauty for disc golfery. Its final tournament 5 years ago took place over two Am/Pro weekends and hosted at least 5 current or future U.S. and World champions.
Legend and lore embraced The Crucible’s demise. Alcohol was involved – its presence more than it consequence (although its presence resulted in the consequence of The Crucible’s inability to return). Also the tournament’s creator Doug Porter – who designed the course (as well as, with Rob McMaken, the Sandy Creek Park disc golf course) – and his wife welcomed two lovely daughters, resulting in a foursome that took up all of his extra tee times.
After years of disc golf public outcry (some literally cried that they’d never play the course again) and patient negotiation (headed up by Doug and me), the Prodigy Disc Presents the 2014 Flying Eye Open at The Crucible tournament returned to Athens on November 1-2. General registration sold out in less than 3 minutes, and the nearly 80 players were headlined by several U.S. and World champions, including 3-time (and current) U.S. Champion Will Schusterick and 2014 World Champion Catrina Allen.
Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Players, spectators, volunteers – everyone – had a fantastic time in the crazy cold windy Saturday that was bookended by perfect Halloween Friday and then beautifully calm Sunday fall weather. Custom-made Little Italy sandwiches were hand delivered to the exhausted players and volunteers between rounds on Saturday, and Biggum’s Bar-B-Que was ready and waiting on Sunday, selling out to the happily fed crowd. Everyone thanked Athens and begged for the tournament’s return in the not-nearly-as-distant future.
“The Crucible temp course in Athens, GA is a true southern gem,” this year’s tournament champion Jeremy Koling posted on Facebook. “It has been 5 years since anyone has had the pleasure of playing on this beautiful piece of property. I desperately hope that we won’t have to wait that long again! The tournament staff did a fantastic job getting the course ready for action after such a long hiatus.”
Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
None of it would have been possible without the help and support of our beloved Athenian sponsors. Please take a few moments to read about – and in the future enjoy – our other true gems:
Planet Earth Designs – Founded by UGA graduates, Planet Earth Designs donated their equipment and elbow grease over several months to help us get the course in shape – a required expense that would have broken our budget. If you’re curious what kind of cool landscape designs could liven up your yard or outdoor space - or you’re wanting to build a disc golf course - check ‘em out!
Sean Palmateer – We had to have security on the grounds for the entire tournament, the other requirement that would have broken our budget. I saw Sean in uniform at the Athens Farmers Market, asked him if he played disc golf, he said yes (and he was teaching his son), and within minutes, he offered to help us out for free. At the tournament, he even served as a spotter. We LOVE this man! As Doug said at the players meeting, even if you think you don’t like cops, this is a cop you want to hug.
Don’t Nice Me Bro! – In addition to their videography skills, these fellow local disc golfers helped us arrange affordable accommodations for our out-of-town players and guests at the Holiday Inn Express. Read their story here, and if you like watching wonderfully filmed disc golf tournaments for FREE on youtube, look for them here.
Terrapin Beer Co. - A long-time sponsor of the Flying Eye Open at The Crucible - this year, they donated the very popular FEO/Crucible pint glasses. Don’t miss their latest flavors of brews, and be sure to swing by the brewery and visit their new tasting room - it’s gorgeous!
Gyro Wrap – A downtown tradition since the ‘80s – gotta have that Med salad and fries with Feta dressing with that bar-b-que chicken (or lamb) platter. Dave asked last June if we needed help on any future tournaments (!) and he was the first to buy a sponsor sign. You know we treated ourselves to his wraps during practice week.
Bel-Jean Copy/Print – In a world where typical copy shops are expensive cold and uncaring paperjam factories, the great folks at affordable Bel-Jean always give a little more, wanting your print jobs to help make you look even better. From simple scorecards to beautiful high-quality flyers and programs, they made our A Tier look even more top tier. (And I always email them anything I want to print rather than even think about buying my own printer.)
The Pearl Girls – India Rows, Athens’ original Pearl Girl, offered great advice in addition to sponsoring our tournament. As for her personal passion, who knew you could learn about pearls (from their website alone!), learn how to knot and create jewelry, and buy precious pearls from a pearl expert in Athens, GA? Plus she’s adorably fun.
Model Citizen Salon – They make you feel good before they even think about making you look good. Head (get it?) over to their salon on Prince Avenue and be treated to a tasty beverage and kooky eye candy and conversation while you relax and get spiffed up. You’ll look in the mirror a week later and still smile.
Copper Creek – A favorite watering hole in town and one of the original Crucible sponsors. Their fantastic brewmeister (and fellow disc golfer) Matt Buley always makes sure your beverage of choice is liquid gold – and they have tasty food (and trivia) specials going on all the time, too. Not to mention that bar covered with a gazillion pennies (thar’s copper on that thar bar).
Porterhouse Grill – Not only a delicious steakhouse (and more!), the owners sponsored AND put up some of our out-of-town guests! Do yourself a favor and wander down Broad Street for a fine steak and beverage (or two).
Todd Emily – One of the coolest guys in town, always seen tooling around town in one of the coolest cars in town. He’s a financial advisor extraordinaire and artist who happily threw some support our way and is looking forward to learning the sport himself!
1000 Faces Coffee – An enthusiastic sponsor - and they’re soooo tasty and wakeful! They not only roast their aromatic beans near downtown Athens, they can teach you how to create an amazing cup of coffee all by yourself. Swing by the roaster or pick up a bag online or at a local store.
Viva! Argentine Cuisine – Who doesn’t love Viva! - amazing meals finished off with Gaby’s Atomic Cupcakes (mousse-filled and delicious) – and, more importantly, who doesn’t love Gaby’s smile behind the counter? She’s an ardent supporter of our tournaments. Check out their swell digs the Bottleworks building – and tell Gaby we said hi!
Zaxby’s – No mere chicken chain with funky cameo commercials, Zaxby’s helped us out with a bunch of free Mealz for volunteers and prizes. Stop by for warm and savory chicken fingers and their own special sauce – which I always get an extra one for the fries, too!
Rodney L. Chandler, CPA - Smith, Adcock and Company – A first-time supporter of an Athens disc golf tournament, Rodney is no stranger to throwing himself between you and the IRS. Give him a call to ease your accounting chores.
Barberitos – Athens-based Barberitos (with over 50 scattered across the southeast) has supported our disc golf tournaments time and again, and helping us on this one was huge. Speaking of huge, be sure to pick up one of their fresh burritos next time you’re yearning for something tasty and southwestern!
Carson Advisory, Inc. – These folks didn’t hesitate to come to our aid when we said we needed a little more help with sponsorships – which makes perfect sense because they’re all about asset management and financial planning. Consider them when considering your future.
Heirloom Cafe & Fresh Market – Delicious farm-to-table fare, tucked away at the corner of Chase and Boulevard, Heirloom makes it easy to eat your veggies – and dessert! Their special ingredient is love – including owner Jessica, upon hearing the tournament director and his wife postponing their 10th wedding anniversary celebration because of the tournament, treating the couple to a romantic post-tourney dinner.
Bust’n Butts BBQ – The only sponsor who also played in the tournament, super thanks to fellow disc golfer Austin Bailey and his Bust’n Butts BBQ in Flowery Branch! They’ll bring delicious BBQ to your social and sporting events, weddings, family reunions - you name it. Give ‘em a call at 770-289-4667.
In addition to major sponsors, other local businesses were great in helping us offer thank you’s and prizes to volunteers, spectators and guests:
Don’t miss out on an amazing dinner, brunch, dessert and drinks at The Branded Butcher, with fresh locally grown or produced ingredients transformed into unique flavor experiences, from Fried Pig Ears to Moonshine Meats Seared Filet to Chocolate Truffle Brownies.
And catch a fun time at our own Heisman-winning restaurateur Herschel’s 34 Chicken & Ribs Kitchen, with all kinds of Southern food on the table and sports on the TVs.
Delicious food, drinks and WiFi await you under the trees at Big City Bread Café. Upstairs or downstairs, you’re sure to enjoy a variety of beers and fare at The Globe. Pizza, beer and cheesecake are yours for the taking at Ted’s Most Best, and who doesn’t relax with beer, coffee, food, jazz and art at Hendershot’s?
We also thank Al and Heidi Davison, Commissioner Jared Bailey, Athens-Clark County Leisure Services, and all the volunteers, spectators and players who made the weekend a fun success.
Related:
UGA Grads Help Restore Athens Disc Golf Legend
