Savannah Open

I Hate that the same guys that stress grow the sport are the same guys that don't hold slots for wom ... show more ›

I Hate that the same guys that stress grow the sport are the same guys that don't hold slots for woman. If those slots dont fill then they could just let the men on the wait list fill those. As so few woman play, you would think TD's would be proud of a large female field! Its just frustrating! I'm currently on the waiting list for 3 tourneys i signed up for day of open registration(as soon as I got off work). Paid full price for FPO for all 3 and about #20 on all the waiting list.

Im sorry for the delay ladies! You are right! I love seeing so many women interested in the Savannah ... show more ›

Im sorry for the delay ladies! You are right! I love seeing so many women interested in the Savannah Open! I should have held extra spots open for women. Im always learning something! Do you have any suggestion on how to go about it for this tournament? You all might have more experience on how wait list work when it comes to getting women signed up. Im not sure if its to late since there are already 20+ people on the wait list. I want to be fair!... and in retrospect I wish I would have held a few extra spots!

Maybe I could alternate wait list by gender?... so as people drop out (if and when) one male competi ... show more ›

Maybe I could alternate wait list by gender?... so as people drop out (if and when) one male competitor would get in, then if another person drops out add one female... and alternate from there on out. I want to be as fair as possible to everyone but would really like to see the women's division get as full as possible. Thanks for understanding and let me know what you think. AM and PRO weekends are already being discussed for next year... I hate to leave people out that want to play!

How many people are on a card? Are they going to be 4 tops or 5 tops? Or if the other 2 women on the ... show more ›

How many people are on a card? Are they going to be 4 tops or 5 tops? Or if the other 2 women on the wait list don't get in, are you going to have a mixed card with 3 women and some men from other divisions?

If you're trying to keep the Open women on their own card, it wouldn't hurt to add them in whenever ... show more ›

If you're trying to keep the Open women on their own card, it wouldn't hurt to add them in whenever because no harm no foul on the other r competitors. If you were planning on mixing the cards, the other Topton with the alternating might be better. Thanks for responding and I know you have a lot on your plate with the registration mix up.

Thanks you, Madison. We plan on having 5 people per card. We have an 18 hole course but added two ho ... show more ›

Thanks you, Madison. We plan on having 5 people per card. We have an 18 hole course but added two holes to accommodate the registration mix up and get everyone in that was in question. So I was planning on mixing cards if needed since we are already at max capacity with number of holes/player ratio. It would be great to keep the open women on one card but I think the best plan as of now would be to alternate like I mentioned since we are at max capacity for our course. Do you agree?

^Obviously we have some men that disagree. I am not asking for special treatment, I am only speaking ... show more ›

^Obviously we have some men that disagree. I am not asking for special treatment, I am only speaking only from the premise of how every single touring professional woman in the sport right now has formed a group on Facebook where we discuss ways to get more women playing, not just PROS, ALL women's divisions. Thankfully, there are no women on the waitlist in the other divisions. And great job, John, in having women in so many other divisions! That is so awesome! But with the sport exploding in the men's field, the only way to get more women to events is to save spots HOPING that women sign up, and when they don't, open them to everyone else. It seems like special treatment to you with your full division at every event, but that's not what it's about!! That is not where I am coming from at all. I guess I forget that not everyone notices or realizes (or cares) that 80%+ of tournaments have NO women AT ALL, so when this many women want to play an event, it's so terrible when they can't play because of a cap that is 95% men. I know, it's not the fault of all the men that are playing and growing the sport, it's 100% the fault of the women that don't show up; however, in the meantime, I'm trying to encourage the process that rewards women for showing up! That's what we HAVE to do at this point to grow the sport in the women's divisions. Just have a little sympathy and imagine going to tournaments repeatedly and having no one to compete against, EVER! Would you keep going to tournaments if your field was only you and there were no other field to compete in fairly? At this point, when tournaments are filling up in 37 minutes, women's golf is limited by how many men choose to sign up as soon as the gun fires and registration gates open. Not you guys' fault, but still, it's not helping disc golf women get to the point where maybe, one day, we can have a whole slew of our own events like in other sports.

Jon, sorry about the rant. I don't want to come across as whining or pouting. That wasn't the point ... show more ›

Jon, sorry about the rant. I don't want to come across as whining or pouting. That wasn't the point of my post. This is such a new issue, and it's so awesome that we have women wanting to play and that we even have to have this conversation. I totally understand that you would have to mix cards and as the TD, it's obviously up to you. If other players do not think the gender alternating method is fair, I don't know what to think. I don't want to make people mad. Of course, do what makes the majority of players happy, not just what makes the very small number of ladies happy. I'm sure it will be tough to find another event any where close to home with a women's field, but I will try. It's a bummer I get to come hang out with all my homies that I told to sign up for this tournament! Ah well, thanks for doing your best Jon! I've heard so many good things about the course!

And just for reference, the TDs of Beaver State Fling gives priority registration to women. Special ... show more ›

And just for reference, the TDs of Beaver State Fling gives priority registration to women. Special treatment? If that's what you want to call it, but it gave BSF one of the largest women's fields of the year. In Texas, a couple TDs of smaller events added a women's ghost card so they didn't have to turn any away. Last year, the Master's Cup set aside spots for the ladies, but when the filled quickly, the TD doubled the spots to meet demand. It's a momentum, not a special treatment. Sorry again Jon, this response was not solely for your decision on the situation, it was more so a response to the commenters above. I think I'm done for the night, gotta save some of the "special treatment" I'm pouring into this discussion for my 4 doggies! Hehehe

Madison I truly agree and stand behind you whole heartedly!! To grow the sport with women, these spo ... show more ›

Madison I truly agree and stand behind you whole heartedly!! To grow the sport with women, these spots and availabilities need to be provided. Either a ghost card or just hold at least 4-5 spots for every women's division in hopes to fill the card up. I know I hate and turn away from tournaments if I'm the only woman in my division. It's not fun competing against yourself and isn't a "win" if you're the only one. If we get enough women to compete in enough events together it opens up numerous opportunities to not only have women events but also allow the women to grow and excel the same rate and way men do. Look at the number of men sponsored vs women......its pretty much a 4:1 ratio. And no one will get recognized if the opportunities aren't given. And it's not special treatment, it's good sportsman like conduct and respect. What if your wife played disc golf and got turned away because there was 3 more men spots opened rather than women. I think we shouldn't have a cap on women rather than cap the men and if the allotted number of women don't sign up, allow the spots to be taken by men on the wait list. All we're asking for is a little more help, recognition, and respect in the disc golf course. We too can be Justus great if not greater than the men!!!

It is very exciting to see how many people are passionate about the Savannah Open now, this the larg ... show more ›

It is very exciting to see how many people are passionate about the Savannah Open now, this the largest response we have ever had. I could be wrong, but I believe this is also the largest number of women we have had registered as well. We are not trying but to turn anybody away. All ages, races and genders are welcomed at the Savannah Open. Should be a great weekend and I hope you get in. I'm echoing Jon here, but it sounds like next year we need to have Am/Pro seperate weekends to accommodate the growth of disc golf and the growth of the tournament.

See that's the problem Aaron, it's not about promoting women, it's about being welcoming and encoura ... show more ›

See that's the problem Aaron, it's not about promoting women, it's about being welcoming and encouraging. The reason women don't come to events and leagues and clubs is one of two reasons: 1) they either have a job or kids and cannot make it or, 2) the reason I most often hear, they feel INTIMIDATED. It's scary when you feel like you are not as athletic or competitive and try to go out and play with all the men in this OVERWHELMINGLY male dominated sport. Your job, as one of these men, is to be welcoming and friendly. Thank goodness that Ashley and I are past this point, as are most open women, but like I already said, this is about momentum and showing the other divisions that there IS in fact a whole slew of women that want to compete in the higher levels and there IS something for them to work up to and try to get better at. There ARE women that go to events and leagues and clubs alone. Obviously, judging from your remarks, this is new information and something you haven't thought about, but open your eyes! It's time to change. If the event has to be a women's promotion event in order for you to think it's okay to welcome the women, then good lawd we have more work to do than I thought. I'm glad this issue is solely about the open women right now, because if this was involving women in the other divisions, PHEW you guys would really see some fire from me!

Imagine a new bar that for whatever reason happened to draw more men than women with its advertising ... show more ›

Imagine a new bar that for whatever reason happened to draw more men than women with its advertising on opening night. Only 100 people can get into the club and it just so happens that the first 95 people are men. Of course, they all get in along with 5 women; do you think those women want to stay? I don't know, but I do know that the men would want them to stay. Why is it any different in disc golf? Even though it's only a few dudes that objected, why would they not want the women to be given spots? Is it because it doesn't benefit them in any way? Can they not see the bigger picture that I'm talking about? I'm dropping it. Good luck with everything, Jon!

Please get off your high horse! We have many women in our club and the Savannah Open Zias had many ... show more ›

Please get off your high horse! We have many women in our club and the Savannah Open Zias had many women in the tournament over the years. You don't know any of us and it is ridiculous to sit there and judge us. Honestly, you are coming off as butt hurt. We welcome EVERYONE, but there is no special treatment. Everyone had the same opportunity to get into this tournament. Congrats and welcome to the women who did get in. Please note that NONe Of them have chimed in on this. I work. I have kids. I have four dogs, yet I still find time to play. Are you suggesting that women don't play bc they have to stay home with the kids!? Ridiculous in this day and age. Bring the fire. You know nothing of me or anyone in the sdgc.

By the way, if I went to a bar with 95 women and I was one of five men I would be ecstatic! That is ... show more ›

By the way, if I went to a bar with 95 women and I was one of five men I would be ecstatic! That is, if I was not already married to a former division one athlete who played basketball at UNCG and is a Vice President at a Fortune 500 company, the boss of hundreds of men and women who read your comments and thinks you are way off base.e

Hey Madison, I know it seems the guys here are ganging up on the women but we are really just trying ... show more ›

Hey Madison, I know it seems the guys here are ganging up on the women but we are really just trying to come to the defense of our friend, the TD. Jon is a super nice guy who wants to please everyone. He would have absolutely adjusted his waitlist rules to your liking, essentially guaranteeing you a spot in the tournament, because he wants everyone to be happy. However, at this point, that wouldn't be fair to the rest of the people on the wait list that registered before you. Your ideas may be something to consider for future SDGC events, but it is too late to incorporate into this one. That being said, my personal opinion is that reserving spots for open or advanced divisions does nothing to help grow the sport, as those folks are clearly already invested in the game. If your motivation is to truly grow the sport, spots should be reserved for lower Am divisions and youth divisions. I have heard the argument that a larger pro field gains notoriety for your tournament, but as you can see from the speed at which this one filled up, the Savannah Open is plenty popular. If we really want to grow the sport we should provide special treatment to new players, whether they are young players learning the sport or adult players just discovering it. I'm sorry you did not get into this tournament. If you haven't already done so, please join the Savannah Disc Golf Club Facebook group to receive announcements about future tournaments and registration dates so you won't miss out on the next one.

Leigh your sexiest approach of belittling females who are just simply trying to grow a sport is appa ... show more ›

Leigh your sexiest approach of belittling females who are just simply trying to grow a sport is appalling and no one wants to hear your negativity! This was a post where intelligent professionals were discussing ways to better our sport and be inclussive to the minority. No one wants to hear about how your sexiest to your wife and employees! If you cant add to a conversation be an adult and stay out of it! Maddison is just being an ambasidor for our sport!

My suggestion is: with this much interest in your tournament have a pro weekend and an am weekend ne ... show more ›

My suggestion is: with this much interest in your tournament have a pro weekend and an am weekend next year! I drove 6 brs last year thinking since i was next kn the list k would get in and I didnt. This gear i signed up in my car as soon as I clocked out at work and was 21 on The waitlist. My suggestion is to hold a FEW spots for women until one week or two before the tournament, if they arent filled by the date you choose fill it with peolle from your waitlist.

Oh wow. Haha this is so crazy! First of all, I already admitted to being butt hurt I didn't get into ... show more ›

Oh wow. Haha this is so crazy! First of all, I already admitted to being butt hurt I didn't get into the event. See above. Secondly, I also admitted to Jon in a private message that the reason I didn't get in is because it slipped my mind while I was at work and I didn't properly prepare by asking someone to sign up for me in the mean time. Thirdly, I've already spoken with Jon and obviously, he is handling everything perfectly and being super awesome just like all the great things I've heard and expected from him as a TD. I've never once insinuated that Jon is doing anything wrong. Any and all responses I have posted after the first two or three were responses I made directly addressing the men who commented on here concerning women's disc golf as a whole. I've come to terms with the fact that I most likely will not be playing in this event because of my own forgetfulness. However, like I already said, the touring women of this sport have brought an issue to my attention and I'm doing what I think needs to happen to bring this to the attention of all golfers, not just the top 40 women, because really, that is a minuscule population in comparison to the rest of the people that play, people like YOU Leigh and Robert and Aaron. THIS RIGHT HERE is why women don't show up, and if you read, I said the number 1 reason is because of intimidation. Thankfully, I don't get intimidated, and thankfully, I think what I've written makes it clear to all you lovely Savannahians that I absolutely don't intend to target your disc golf community or judge anyone ever! I am just looking at the REALLY BIG picture, and maybe I chose the wrong place and time to do so. My apologies if it came across that way. High horse? Absolutely not. Soap box? Maybe... ;)

Chris, I totally agree about this just stirring the pot for ideas for next year, like Jon said above ... show more ›

Chris, I totally agree about this just stirring the pot for ideas for next year, like Jon said above! It's so cool y'all are selling out events in 37 minutes! The closest PDGA event to my house this past year didn't sell out for 3+ weeks and it was an A-tier with added cash! You guys must be doing something right, and even if I don't get in, I want to come caddy and check out the course! Also, I agree about more spots in lower divisions, but right now, there is an identical problem in ALL the women's divisions, pro women included. Just at this event in Savannah, there are 26 people in Rec and Intermediate, which is double the amount in all the women's divisions combined, and that's only if you include the women on the waitlist! And in Pensacola, the rec and intermediate divisions are MASSIVE! Nonetheless, everything I said above about the women still holds for the lower divisions, I'd be stupid to not agree with that. And thanks Kelly for your support! ALL IN ALL, I'm still a rookie to this sport! All the information I have is a majority given to me by not necessarily older, but definitely wiser players. I'm definitely on the new side, but I can't ignore what the ladies are telling me! I'm handling it the only way I know how, and mission accomplished, people like TD Jon and Chris Rogers are already excited to make changes for next year! Hell yeah!! Alright, I'm off my soapbox, hopefully forever. It was my first time getting up there and let me tell you, it was uncomfortable. And more importantly, I don't seem to be very popular with the audience. :D ;) Looking forward to seeing all of you at the event, whether or not I'll be wearing my bag or carrying someone else's!

Lastly, I don't agree with the waitlist being altered to favor the women unless it was announced pre ... show more ›

Lastly, I don't agree with the waitlist being altered to favor the women unless it was announced pre-registration! It's definitely not fair and I will not accept a spot unless 21 people in front of me drop out. I wouldn't even dream of cutting in line, not at Target, not at the post office, and definitely not here. Ashley, I'm sorry to disagree if you liked the wait list idea... We can caddy or play Spikeball if you and Kim still decide to make the trip!

Madison, i apologize if I belittled you. This has gotten out of hand and I know better than to flam ... show more ›

Madison, i apologize if I belittled you. This has gotten out of hand and I know better than to flame on social media. Perhaps this is the root of our frustration in the first place. Tone can be misconstrued when words are not spoken. I agree that we should hold extra spots for next year. If this had been your initial post instead of just saying that you hate when women are wait listed and don't turn away the ladies, it would have been more well accepted by the members of our club.