Now that schools are back, it's mostly very quiet at the course on weekdays, but since there is plenty of grounds work for Ali and me to do, we are still opening from 1pm every weekday. From 25th September we will still be working quite a bit, but the course will not routinely be open, so call ahead if you want to play on a weekday.
You might imagine that evening play will cease as the nights draw in, but we are looking to start night golf, using strings of LED's on the baskets and discs with LED's. It's looking like this may happen on Thursdays, so keep an eye on the facebook page and group for news on this.
Just because it's getting quieter on the course, doesn't mean we are sitting back. As I write this I await a new shipment of Innova and Discmania discs, staff kit is on order, more videos are in the pipeline, landscaping to the social area will soon be completed, off-grid electricity is coming, tee and signage improvements are planned, and there will be a realignment of the 18th hole.

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.