HLG Golf Tournament
The HLG golf tournament was another example of a Curt Nead organized event. The weather was ideal, not too hot, not too cool. There was lift to extend our flights (and play havoc with our approach to the greens). There were just a few other "real" golfers, so we were able to play at a leisurely pace.
Seven pilots completed nine holes in about 2 hours. This was a challenging event. The biggest problem was losing sight of your plane on the long holes. Erick's plane actually went out of range of his radio once.
Almost unbelievably there were several hole in ones, and many "on the green in one" shots.
Some damage was experienced, the worst being a cracked fuse when the elevator servo came loose on Doug's plane and the it dorked in from altitude (and created a divot about 10 feet from where Dave was standing at the time). Surprisingly, a little CA allowed Doug's plane to complete the course (although Doug is convinced his plane is toast, justifying the acquisition of a new plane).
So, just when you ask "What else can you do with a HLG," the answer arrives: Take it to the golf course!
Photos from the Oct. 20, 2001 HLG Golf Tourney
| The Planes | |||
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| Steve Adams' back-up plane | Erick Merkel's DLG | Doug Russell's plane | Curt Nead's Carbon D'Lite |
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| Chris Hansen's high performance plane | Tylan Nead's Carbon D'Lite | A dramatic shot of Doug Russell's plane banks for an approach to the green. | Steve Adam's plane cruises toward the green. |
| The Pilots | |||
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| Chris Hansen, Tylan Nead, Steve Adams, Dave Moore (L-R); Doug Russell, Erich Merkel Curt Nead (kneeling) | Doug Russell Launching | Dave Moore launching | Curt Nead Launches (look at that follow-thru) |
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| Chris Hansen launching | Erik Merkel launching, discus style | Steve Adams launching | Christian Nead was our willing "caddy" |
| The Greens | |||
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| Steve's plane just in the nine foot diameter hole. | Erick makes a good putt. | Dave Moore's Terminator in the "hole" | Curt Nead's plane shows Curt's ideal landing control |
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| Tylan's landing couldn't have been more dramatic | Waiting for the fairway to clear so we can tee off. | A clean plane flies better, right? Doug using the ball washer. | And if it works for Doug, it'll work for Steve, too. |
| Other Significant Moments | |||
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| Curt and Doug feel that HLG golf is more tiring than ordinary golf. | Steve and Curt render assistance for repair of Dave's Terminator | Tylan and Chris tied at 22 "strokes" | Tylan demonstrated why he is the king of HLG in a sudden death decision flight |
The web site was last updated on May 02, 2007