Whitcomb Classic
August 17 & 18, 2002

We are in England! We had a direct flight from Philadelphia to London so that wasn't bad at all. Once we arrived in London we took the subway to the train station. Then took a two and a half train ride to Dorsett then called a taxi to take us to Beaminster. Finally we were in the quaint little village of Beaminster. Our bed and breakfast is beautiful. The town looks like something out of a fairy tale and the farm (where the course is) is within walking distance. We went to the farm to see the course and we were amazed. There is more elevation on this course than any other I have ever played (mind you I haven't played Aspen). The views are so perfect they look painted. There are two 18 hole courses and they are both very challenging. There are some great holes!

The tournaments have a different feel than those in the states. They are more a way to get together with friends and enjoy disc golf than to compete. In fact this is the only event this year in England where there is any prize money at all and that is quite small. The entry fees are also very small.

There were 7 women consisting of 2 British, 2 Dutch, 1 French, and 2 Americans. I had a rough starting round as on my 3rd hole after my drive hyzered out I found myself at the bottom of a very large hill when I was supposed to be playing across it. Four strokes later and back on the fairway I was back in stride. I had a few strokes lead after this round. In the second round all players were still mixed regardless of divisions and you were placed with other players whose scores where close to yours. I did much better the second round and had a comfortable lead going into day two.

In Shawn's division, there were 45 open players. There were players from all over the place. Shawn didn't have a great first round, but he still found himself on the top card with fellow American, Gregg Hosfeld (who has been working on Wales for the last few months). Shawn did much better the second round shooting a course record of 47.

Day two: I pull away and have an easy win while Shawn keeps it exciting and hits the first ace that has been captured on film by DiscTV. Going into the final 9, Shawn had a one stroke lead on Gregg. Shawn gains a couple strokes right away, but on the 6th hole Shawn slips on his upshot and while falling throws his shot 90 degrees off line. Gregg made up a stroke there and then birdied the next hole to make up another stroke. They are now one stroke apart with two to play. Both par the 8th hole and move onto the final Goolagong hole. (All the holes have names and this one is called the Goolagong. It is about 450 feet long but plays down a 50 degree slope so it is easy to reach. There is a gap you need to hit and a pond you need to throw over the top of in order to birdie this hole. Gregg was on the tee first and put a little too much on his shot. It flattened out and went into the trees on the right side. Shawn had a great shot and put it 15 feet from the pin. Gregg was blocked and didn't even have a putt while Shawn had an easy birdie and won by 3 strokes.