Providing disc golf course design and consulting.

I suppose that is the big question and yes there is a history and a dream.

My name is David Willman. I have been playing Disc Golf for just over 20 years. During that time I have played in over 150 tournaments (sanctioned and unsanctioned). While playing courses from Florida to Washington state. 

So how does that make me qualified to design courses? Good question.

Is it because you were a pro and needed something to do once that was over? No.

Is it the local group or person who is just throwing around circular objects? No.

So what is it then?

I suppose it is a lot of things... blood left on courses you have maintained and built, passion, a willingness to learn and ask hundreds of questions, looking at every line you ever threw and watch being thrown thinking is that a good line or not, and more. There really is no good answer except one... You MUST develop a philosophy. 

For me that came from listening to Jim Shultz of Eagle Wing Design, John Biscoe (that was over 15 years ago when he came to Gloucester VA and later playing Hawk Hollow many times), building and maintaining courses, it is listening to players of all skill levels, and much more. Then sitting down and putting that philosophy in writing.

It encompasses four things...

1. Asking lots of questions
2. Making sure the local players are involved. In particular a local club.
3. LOTS of time understanding the land the course will be built on.
4. Safety above all. For players and people just out enjoying a walk in the woods, park or where ever the course is located.

Kind of vague isn't it :) ?

Questions:

Questions about the property are very important. You may be surprised by the parameters you may have to deal with. Especially on public land.

Questions about budget because that will effect how many holes and baskets that the design can incorporate. 

Questions about the goals for the property and then questions and discussions about how to reconcile that with what can be done.

There are others also. 

So many designs are done without the local players. Their input is essential because in most all cases they will be responsible for everything from the build to the maintenance. It is important they have a since of ownership that only comes from being a part of the process.

Time on the property needs to be more than 1 day walking, 1 day planning, and then 1 day presenting the initial design. 

SAFETY! No course will ever be perfectly safe. There are after all flying objects. But care must be a priority that includes a willingness to not do something just because it is a great line.