6.21.12
It was an incredibly emotional weekend for Portland’s Tim Skellenger as he welcomed the game’s top players to his hometown for the 2012 Beaver State Fling. With many of his family and friends in tow, Tim put on a performance that delighted the hometown crowd. Even though he missed the win by a single stroke, Tim’s performance was by far the tournament’s top story.
Milo McIver State Park sits about 30 miles outside Portland near the rustic little town of Estacada, OR. Milo boasts two of the most spectacular courses anywhere in the world, each nestled along the Clackamas River. Both the East and West courses are as challenging as they are beautiful. If you have never been to Milo McIver, place it atop your list.Nate Doss and Will Schusterick jumped out to an early lead with rounds of 51; a score that would eventually be the lowest of the tournament. Tim posted his 51 in round two on the heels of an opening 53, putting him in perfect position as Friday came to a close. He carded rounds of 55 and 53 to claim second place behind Cale Leiviska, who charged to the top with back-to-back rounds of 51 to win by one.
Following the event, we talked to Tim about his outstanding performance:
Winning a National Tour event is pretty challenging and even though you only missed it by one, you must feel pretty good about the performance. Would you agree?
Tim: Definitely. It was a great performance. You always want to put yourself in position to win and I did that. I can’t be disappointed because I know I gave it my all on every shot. I have to be happy about that. I guess I need to practice even harder!
Did you do anything different to prepare for this event that lead to your success?
Tim: Yes, a little bit. I worked on putting a lot. I was putting every day. During the tournament I was also focusing on not throwing as hard. The game plan was to throw placement shots and to shoot 54 or better. I made sure I stuck to the plan. Everything else was pretty much normal.
Photo by PDGA
What were your “go to” discs this weekend? Anything unusual in your bag from those you played with?
Tim: The Star Destroyer was the main driver off the tee. I felt like I could put it wherever I needed it to be. Unusual is the DX Aero. I have always liked how the Aero floats for finesse shots and turnovers. My Aviar needs a little more power and that isn’t always what the shot calls for. I think the Aero should be much more popular than it seems to be.
Describe your best shot of the weekend, and the best from someone else.
Tim: My best of the weekend was sinking the 80’ putt on Hole 6 (East) in the final round; mainly because of the roar of the crowd. Will Schusterick’s upshot on the tough par 4 (Hole 6 – West) during round 3. He threw a Roc about 415’ and made birdie. It was incredible. I would have had to throw a Destroyer. That guy is good.
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