After the adventures of the 'One True Disc' in Melbourne, Barry and I drove back to our respective homes. Brian McRee, Billy Crump, and Steve Brinster took over duties as knights of the 'One True Disc'... we'll see where the disc ends up over the next year.

I went to Lansing, MI to play in the Capital City Renegades Open, and took the next week off. Happenings over the next few weeks included me finally getting my own car! I bought a Taurus from DiscLife.com webmaster Sullivan on the 'pay when you can' plan. A couple tires and a few small repairs and she has been running well. Leagues have started all over Michigan and I've shown up for a couple of those.

Michigan disc golf rocks. The number of casual and competitive players here has become staggering. The courses are consistently packed at all hours, and the leagues have trouble getting on to play through the tensomes of casual players. It's insane out there.

I drove the Taurus to a SuperTour in South Bend, IN for the Michiana Open SuperTour last weekend. Despite a so-so first round I managed to tie for fourth and got to play in the showcase final nine. Sully had planned on showing up to shoot some photos, but a bad starter in his car kept him home… I helped him take care of that this week. Between the final nine finish and a second place finish at the CCR Open, I was able to give Sully a little money for the car I had bought. He could use it, since DiscTV didn't pay anything despite his year of work into the sport's first nationally broadcast TV show. If you like what you find here, you should pick up a disc or two at the online store. This means you, experienced player and long-time reader. It's your support that helps those who help our sport grow. If you want continued growth, now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. One disc won't kill your budget, but will keep this website going. Please do it now.

The PDGA schedule will be picking up over the next couple of months with SuperTour events, National Tour events, and the always great Upper Midwest Team Challenge at Sandy Point, WI. Looking forward to a great season.

See you soon,

-Todd

The One True Disc: Part II
Attending Knight: Brian McRee

 
As The Second Knight, I, Brian McRee of the clan MacRae, graciously accepted the One True Disc from First Knight Todd Branch on April 6th, 2003. The OTD was placed immediately into my bag in Melbourne, FL. It traveled with the Carolina Crew to King Kenny's Castle in the shire of Clearwater. While there, it witnessed three days of relaxation and good times.

We made it to Gainesville for the Gator Country Classic. During a practice round I threw the OTD on hole #3. A 280 ft straight shot through a narrow gap. I released The OTD with a hint of anhyzer. It flew straight through the gap and slowly hyzered back to the pin and almost aced. I hit the 20-foot come back putt with the OTD for the birdie. I regretfully did not have any more opportunities to throw the OTD.

On April 16, 2003 I passed the OTD to 3rd Knight Sir Natche Crump of the clan Carump from the Kingdom of Charlallotte, North Carolina. The journey continues forth.

The One True Disc: Part III
Attending Knight: Billy 'Natche' Crump

 
On the 14th day of the fourth month in the third year of the second millennium, Sir Brian of Wendell graciously bestowed the honor of the One True Disc to Sir Natche of Charlotte. The OTD immediately felt at home in Sir Natche's bag, as there were already four from the Roc clan firmly in place. Three from the GREAT run of '97, three birds of fire, two birds of T, and the almighty Big Bead. In charge of the Roc clan was a bold and very rare breed indeed. There are said to be a mere 35 ever bestowed upon the kingdom of nights. It was a red armored CE. It was affectionately known as "Candy", as all of Sir Natche's plastic was of the female gender, except for one overbearing, left minded bird of fire, which was also of the red pigment descent.

Candy was very stern about stability and the lack of fear for the Great Trees. These were not the thoughts of normal Roc clans. Its lessons of battle began right away, as there were only seven days and nights to instill the knowledge, karma, and journeys of Sir Natche's bag. The almighty Big Bead decided she would be the one to make sure the OTD gathered as much good karma as possible from Sir Natche's journey over the next seven day's march. Chicken Hawk took the responsibility of knowledge.

The OTD's journey with Sir Natche began at the house of Mansfield, where it flew it's first flight. Feeling comfortable with it's surroundings, the OTD flew true for Sir Natche the first time he wielded him toward the target, AHHH a birdie. The OTD only had one more chance to soar on this day, a park job on an upshot.

The Caro Crew began a long and treacherous journey to the Battlefield of Brandywine. Once arriving, the OTD was anxious to do battle, and could only hope this would be time to prove himself.

The Caro Crew found refuge at the nearby homestead of Sir Ted Sammons of Brandwineshire, "The Greatest Host in all the Kingdom", TOTD had never experienced such hospitality and respect from a host.

Alas Thursday, a chance to view the battlefield. The OTD was still uncertain of Sir Natche's intentions to use him during battle, he could only hope. As hole after hole was surveyed, 385 ft, 535 ft, 390 ft, 455 ft, TOTD felt his chances slipping away. Finally, late in the day a reasonable hole was found. Hole # 12 a 390 ft downhill shot. The OTD readied himself to be plucked from the bag, but "Baby", a Roc from the Great run was chosen instead. Heartbroken at the lost chance, the OTD felt shamed. Then Sir Natche proclaimed "MULLIGAN" and with a mighty snatch, pulled the OTD out of his bag. The One True Disc knew this would be his chance to show what he had learned in previous viewings of battles. Even if it were only practice. Sir Natche wielded the OTD with a mighty force and the OTD knew it was time to take action. There was a 25 mph tail crosswind. As OTD soared down the hill it caught a glimpse of the target and headed straight for it. WHOA!!! a mere six inches left of the chains. OTD knew it had missed the target and began searching for something to slow it down. There it was, a patch of high weeds with low cut briars, he knew this would impede its flight. Crashing into the thicket was a gnarly experience for TOTD. Resting a mere 20 ft behind the pin gave Sir Natche a birdie.

The OTD told his tale of flight to Chicken Hawk and the almighty Big Bead over the next few days. Feeling he would get his chance in battle on Sunday his nerves grew weary, so he rested for two full nights.

Sunday morning, OTD knew it was today he would get his chance. Bolstered with confidence he was chose and put into Sir Natche's bag for battle. The day grew long and arduous for Sir Natche's Battle, as he yearned for a much needed birdie. A mere eight times the Chicken Hawk landed on the surface of the green and ran like a coward away from the target.

Finally, hole # 12. As Sir Natche's bloody and battered hand reached in and chose the OTD (it felt calm and ready). His time to do battle was now. It was approximately 3:05 pm Sunday 4/20/03 when TOTD soared into battle for the first time, but it was a Failed Mission, as Sir Natche's bloodied and battered hand had not the strength to wield him with needed force. OTD did all he could to get to the target, but did not have enough energy to make it. UHH another safe three.

Sir Natche left the battlefield with scars and lost chances, only to finish fourth on this bloody weekend. There were many lessons learned by the OTD during his stay with Sir Natche. The last of his journeys with the Caro Crew took him through Philly, Jersey, and Finally the New land of York, where Sir Natche handed over the OTD to the fourth knight Sir Brinster at the Battlefield of Warwick. and the journey continues....

Got a question for Todd and the Winnicrew? Send it here. Be sure to include "2003 Tour" in the subject header.