Alaska Disc Golf Association   June 5 at 4:10pm

Major News and June Meeting Recap

Dear fellow ADGA Members…

As you may have seen by Hilltop’s earlier post, there are major things happening in the Alaska disc golf scene. Especially here in Anchorage with Hilltop adding a technical beginner 9 hole, and starting the development an additional 18. I am also in communication with the Kincaid park supervisor on upgrades to the tee and basket areas. Alcantra has added another 9 holes, and Jack Gist is planning to add cement tee pads later this summer.

Fiscal Sponsorship

At last night’s meeting we decided to pursue fiscal sponsorship with Hilltop Ski Area. Following Rick Cramer’s suggestion at May’s meeting and with Jeremy’s research it is a win/win decision for both Hilltop and ADGA. We are doing this so we can accept and process large donations under federal nonprofit status. Our regular finances (leagues and tournaments) will process through the ADGA treasurer as normal.

Delta Airlines Donation

Andrew DiRoma has been communicating with Delta regarding a major donation. Delta offered $10k a year for four years with the stipulation that they are the main sponsor on all the tournaments throughout the State. We have told them that we do not control other clubs, and that Juneau is not in communication with the ADGA regarding their local events. However, I have recommended that we create a grant process for the clubs in the Fairbanks, Homer, and Mat-Su regions. To receive funds, these clubs will have to facilitate the final stipulations agreed upon with Delta.

Originally the intent was to put the money in to tournaments. After further consideration of effective use of the donation, I have recommended the funds be specifically used for disc golf course development. If Delta agrees and we can finalize the donation, $3500 will go to the ADGA, $3500 to Hilltop, and $1000 available to each region Fairbanks, Homer, and Mat-Su. All funds must be spent towards course development with demonstrated acknowledgement of Delta’s donation and support.

Hilltop’s 2016 Pro Worlds Application

Last summer, an influential PDGA member played the Hilltop course and believes it is one of the best courses he has ever played in 20 years. PDGA recommended Rick apply for 2016 Pro Worlds. He will be meeting with Brian Graham (Executive Director of the PDGA) and attending all 8 days of Pro Worlds in Portland OR this summer to see how it is organized and ran.

This potential acceptance could lead to many other potential tournaments, Nationals, Majors, NT, Collegiate Championships. It will also give us some validity to push for more courses in the Anchorage area. The Hilltop Ski Area organization has the experience to pull off such an event. Annually they hold ski events with over 200 participants. They have also held the Worlds Special Olympics.

To hold a Worlds event, there must be a minimum of 4 courses but 5 are recommended, all within a 20 mi. radius. We are considering Hilltop (2 courses), Kincaid (1), Peters Creek (1), and one TBD. Our hope is we can convince the Anchorage Municipality to allow us to finally install a complete 18 at Russian Jack. Another potential is to put in a temporary course at O’Mallys on the Green.

There is no guarantee Hilltop will be granted Pro Worlds for 2016 but it will get us on the short list and we should be granted a Worlds when we are ready. As you can see there is major support from the PDGA for this to happen. However, Hilltop will need major support from all the clubs to facilitate a successful Pro Worlds tournament. The ADGA will be submitting a letter of commitment to Hilltop. Jeremy and I have already agreed to participate in organizing for Pro Worlds. Rick will be creating a flow chart for organization of volunteer support.

2015 Alaska DG Championships

In preparation for facilitating a major multi-day tournament, I am recommending 2015 States be a three day three course (Kincaid, Peters Creek, and Hilltop) A-Tier event. We will be pushing for more Pros to attend and fundraising for a larger Pro payout and Am prizes. If you know of business willing to donate prizes and/or money, please notify me so we can follow up. I’d like to have all our sponsors lined up by the end of January 2015.

Conclusion

In light of current developments, the next year or two are going to be crucial for the Anchorage disc golf community. Nothing will be possible without volunteer and member support. When the course work calls go out, we will need you to make every effort to be there, or to step in and help with organizational duties.

There is a motivated group of players spending a lot of their personal time to improve local courses and provide the opportunity to create new courses. These courses are not solely for the betterment of competitive disc golf players but for the recreational betterment of our community as a whole. The only expectation I place on the ADGA members is that YOU STAY POSITIVE OF THIS WHOLE PROCESS. Constructive criticism is good when they are productive. I ask that if you voice a criticism it should be followed by a recommended solution. Negativity only deflates and disrespects the efforts of others. Please be mindful, understanding, and supportive both on and off the course.

Now it is time to show the world we have the best disc golf courses collectively and ALASKA IS THE DISC GOLF DESTINATION.

Thank you -- sincerely and respectfully,

Adam Klein

President of the Alaska Disc Golf Association #238