Some comments from Paul Stiller the Owner, Designer, and Builder of Caliber Disc Golf Course.
"Hi David...Played Antler Grove last month and really liked it!
...did a good job with it. Especially the teepads, I like the design and execution.
...you did a really good job with the place and should be proud of it...Will serve for a long
time as an asset to the regional Disc Golf offerings."
Caliber is the #5 course in the world on Udisc! Paul has a new course called Motherload that we all believe to be better than Caliber. :)
Basket and a look back up the fairway for 6 at Caliber.
Capturing the spirit of disc golf adventures
Brian's Bluff where I got my first taste of helping to build a course. 2007
Antler Grove as we started our initial walkthrough.
Walking the initial design with club members at Antler Grove.
Antler Grove Pitch and Putt to go alongside the full course. Going in spring 2026.
Hole 14 Antler Grove.
Installing a basket anchor I designed. Hole 15 Camp Sekani.
Initial layout Whitewater DGC. Design done together with Jim Shultz of Eagles Wings. I also headed up the build of this course.
Plot for a new course that is approved and funded. However, it it is next to a small airport so there is some FAA paperwork to do.
This has approval from local officials. Awaiting funding.
Who is Let'em Fly Disc Golf?
Why Let'em Fly?
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 I was a pro and needed something to do once that was over? No.
Was I part of a local group or simply a 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 his Hawk Hollow course 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.
Philosophy
It encompasses four basic things...
- Asking lots of questions
- Making sure the local players are involved. In particular a local club.
- LOTS of time understanding the land the course will be built on.
- 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 :) ? So, lets cover some of those 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, baskets, or what type of layout 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 safety must be a priority that includes a willingness to not do something just because it is a great line.