Golf Scored Field Target 2/11/24
Strategy Skill Fun and Frustrations were not limited to just the Superbowl today - DeSoto Airgunners hosted their always exciting annual Golf Scored Field Target Match (GSFT) in Arcadia FL this Super Sunday afternoon.
GSFT is an entertaining twist on traditional Field Target that Dick Otten introduced in 2007. The game has evolved since then with some rule tweaks that amplify the Risk – Reward element of the game. Like ‘real’ golf, low score wins. A multi-faceplate bonus target (aka “Stroke Reducer”) was added to the game in 2021. Here, a single excellent shot could remove as many as 3 strokes from your final score. In the words of the great Arnold Palmer “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” . That sounds a lot like Field Target too.
Today’s Golf Scored FT event brought a solid turnout of 21 competitors. The course was set over 8 lanes with 3 targets per lane. A Standing Only and a Kneeling lane were included. The custom Stroke Reducer target was placed on a 9th lane.
Match Conditions were a little challenging with breezes steadily blowing 10 to 12 mph. Winds also changed direction as a front filled in with gusts to over 25 mph. The match had to be suspended for a short period as a small rain cell moved across the area. It dumped just enough rain to make things a little damp before we resumed. It wouldn't be Florida without extra humidity.
A 30 degree temperature swing, with steady and shifting winds blowing 10 to 15MPH Gusting to 25MPH.
Mother Nature putting her thumb on the Troyer Scale.
Overall Top Gun honors belong to Dennis D. (shooting Open Div) with a sensational low score of only 5 Strokes. His strategy? - take every shot and every risk option available. Chip W. led the Hunter Division with an impressive low stroke score of 11. He was a little more selective about those (intimidating) risk-reward option shots. Dennis and Chip both bagged a -3 stroke reduction on the bonus Stroke Reducer. Lindsey was the only shooter to challenge the course with a spring piston rifle – a borrowed TX. His score had many more strokes and it was obvious he was still having a blast.
Sounds of The GOLF Channel
Throughout the match one could occasionally hear a spontaneous celebration, or muffled groans rising from a lane as someone’s score quickly changed with a hit or the miss of a single shot. Missing your Option Shot wrecks what was a sure ‘hole-in-one’ score into a 3- stroke burden for that target. Still Feeling Lucky?
The Golf Scored Match is a fun change of pace to our regular field target events. No trophy or prizes, just a few laughs and friendly competition.
Special shout-outs to Dennis, Scott, and Chip for their invaluable efforts with set-up, co-marshaling, and for a quick repair to an old target. Many thanks to all participants for making this years GSFT such a fun event.
DeSoto Airgunners returns next month with another Field Target Club Match following the classic AAFTA format.
Scores and Equipment Matrix:
Division - Name
|
Rifle
|
Scope
|
Pellet
|
Stroke Reductio
|
Scores Low Score Wins
|
Dennis D. TOP GUN
|
Thomas FT
|
March 8-80
|
JSB 13.4
|
-3
|
5
|
Cliff S.
|
RAW TM1000
|
Sightron 10-50
|
AA 10.3
|
-3
|
28
|
Gene C.
|
QB78 Custom
|
Tasco 8-40
|
JSB 13.4
|
0
|
30
|
Ron Z.
|
LG100
|
Nikko 10-50
|
JSB 10.3
|
0
|
38
|
Bob C.
|
RAW TM1000
|
Sightron 10-50
|
JSB 13.4
|
-3
|
41
|
Chip W. Top Hunter
|
FX Crown
|
Sightron 10-50
|
AA 10.3
|
-3
|
11
|
Scott A.
|
Daystate Pulsar
|
Sightron 10-50
|
AA 10.3
|
-3
|
19
|
Linda M
|
Thomas
|
Sightron 10-50
|
FX 13.4
|
-2
|
22
|
John T
|
Thomas
|
Sightron 10-50
|
JSB 13.4
|
-3
|
25
|
John L
|
Daystate Pulsar
|
Kahles 10-50 FT
|
AA 10.3
|
-3
|
29
|
Dustin T
|
RAW HM1000
|
Hawke 6-24
|
JSB 10.3
|
-3
|
31
|
Jerry M
|
Thomas
|
Night Force
|
FX 13.4
|
0
|
31
|
Bill K
|
Daystate Wolverine
|
Sightron 10-50
|
JSB 13.4
|
-3
|
33
|
Steve G
|
Thomas
|
Kahles 10-50
|
JSB 13.4
|
0
|
35
|
Rachel M
|
Thomas
|
Kahles 10-50
|
JSB 13.4
|
0
|
40
|
Steve H
|
Thomas
|
Hawke 8-32
|
JSB 10.3
|
0
|
43
|
Carl P
|
Avenger .22
|
Aztec FFP
|
Crosman 14.3
|
-2
|
55
|
Corey C
|
QB78
|
Hawke 8-32
|
JSB 8.4
|
-2
|
45
|
Lindsey
|
AA TX200
|
Bushnell 10-24
|
AA 8.4
|
0
|
64
|
Ron G *
|
Thomas
|
Hawke 8-32
|
JSB 13.4
|
+3
|
36
|
Bob L *
|
Thomas
|
Sightron 4-20
|
JSB 13.4
|
+3
|
30
|
* Shot & Scored per ‘traditional’ FT rules
Legal Notice: NEVER shoot a pellet at real golf balls. Never !
|