During September we gradually reduce the standard weekday opening hours, so from Tuesday 5th September, the course will open from 1pm (prior to that it is 10a.m.) and close at sunset. If you want to play in the morning, it should be possible, just get in touch by email or phone. Later in the month the hours may reduce again, it all depends on demand and staff availability. We will try to accommodate visitors outside the standard hours where possible. Weekend opening remains at 10 a.m. all year round.
Paul Claridge has been putting together some videos featuring me, Derek Robins, talking about the course, what's "in my bag", tips on technique etc. It's all posted on the facebook page and Youtube, so be sure to follow us. Earlier this week we were on Made in Birmingham tv, so check that out too - episode 162 and the QP segment starts at 15 minutes.
Last week I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel to Ukraine, to play in the first ever disc golf tournament to be held in that country. I came back with the trophy and title of Lutsk Disc Golf Open Champion. It was a great experience and I love to combine my passion for disc golf with my passion for travel. I have now competed in disc golf tournaments in 27 countries.

I am offering small group coaching classes on Sunday August 6th and 20th. There will be a distance class at 9am lasting for 1 hour; then a putting class starting at 10:15 and also lasting 1 hour. I'd like to limit these to 6 people, so that advice can be given to individuals rather than just giving general advice. The cost will be just £5/person.
In addition to the classes, I am offering "in round" coaching whereby I will accompany a player or players on a round and coach on the go. This scenario allows for focus on shot selection and adapting to difficult lies as well as standard technique. The charge is £20/hour for my time and that can cover 1 to 3 players, the normal round fee is payable in addition. There are no set times for this, just contact Derek on 07780727921 to arrange a suitable time.

The 2017 British Open Champion is Declan Bransby. The 15 year old from Croydon DIsc Golf Club started the 9 hole final 4 shots behind joint leaders Chris O'Brien and Blaer Asgeirsson. With high winds on a tough technical course there was always likely to be some drama, but who would have expected that after 5 holes there would be a 4 way tie for the lead with the 5th player being just one shot back? Bransby made crucial tough puts on holes 15 and 16 to put himself into a share of the lead, and then took the outright lead when he salvaged par with a monster putt on 17, whilst Luton missed his from 6m. Great drives by Luton and Bransby on 18 put them just outside the 10m circle and with the new elevated green and raging wind, Bransby wisely opted to lay up for a safe 3, and that was enough to become the youngest ever winner of the British Open and take home £375 of the £1400 prize money pot.
In the womens division, Sue Underwood won by a wide margin. The Masters division (40+) was dominated by Jester Wilson after Icelands Thorvaldur Thorarinsson's challenge fell away in the 3rd round. Quarry Park's Mark Davis took an early lead in the Amateur division with a 59 on the Black course layout, but fellow club member Phil Blount slashed that lead with a 54 on the Blue layout and then edged ahead in the third round and sealed the victory with a solid final 9.

Maybe you have really enjoyed playing at QP, but have only visited the course when friends are around to join you.Of course, you can play on your own, but maybe you prefer to play with others, or maybe you want to play with better players and learn from them. If so, it's time to take the next step, and grab one of the following opportunities.

1. Play the monthly handicap. It's usually the first Saturday of the month and meet at 10am for a round. If it clashes with a tournament, the date may change - e.g. it's 13th May this time. Organised by Gary O'Malley. Normal round fees apply, then it's £1 entry and £1 extra if you want to be in the ace pot. One handicap round on the 18 hole course, then a round on the short course which is just for the ace pot. Details are usually posted on the facebook group.
2. Weekly league, on Thursdays, commencing 11th May. One round on the main course. Usual round fees, plus £3. Rounds are "rated" and if you join the PDGA you get a player rating. Apart from that there is a handicapped league table. This is organised by Richard Hatton of www.DiscGolfUK.com. Again, please refer to the facebook group
3. Subject to getting staff to cover for me, I will be available for coaching to individuals or groups.

I should also mention that I have taken the next step, in terms of giving up my job at Warwick Uni to concentrate on disc golf. This does mean that it will be much easier for me to welcome groups on weekday afternoons before the course officially opens. I'm also taking the next step with the course, by way of a new pro shop and landscaping to the clubhouse area.