Hole 5: E.D.G.E. - Cyan's Game

Later in the afternoon, we were invited to participate in the official favorite activity among the Cyan team: a round of "E.D.G.E.", which in this case stands for "Extreme Disc Golf Experience". (Not to be confused with the identical acronym, "Experience Doug and Gordon's Experience" which we use to describe these reports of our trip to Cyan.) Until recently, there was a section on the Cyan web page explaining the basics of the game. Apparently that has been removed.

The first thing to understand about E.D.G.E. or any other variety of disc golf is that there are significant differences between a frisbee and a golf disc. The discs used in disc golf are designed especially for the sport. They are usually a little bit smaller than a typical frisbee, normally between eight and nine inches in diameter. Most of the disc's weight, usually from 150 to 180 grams total, is distributed along the edge. This weight distribution adds stability, which results in farther, more accurate throws.

Because of the aerodynamic design and heavy body, it's difficult to catch a disc without stinging your hand. These discs are made to fly, not to catch. As you can see by the scratches and chinks, these discs can take quite a beating, especially on a wooded course like this one. Many beginners consider discs more difficult to throw, but with practice a disc can be thrown farther and more accurately than a common frisbee.

All of the Cyan employees who play have their personal E.D.G.E. discs. As we walked through the offices, we would often see their discs in plain sight where they were easily accessible . Pictured in the photo to the right is RAWA's personal E.D.G.E. disc, which he keeps right on his desk. Many of them preferred the "Discraft" and "Inova" brands, which are well designed and very popular. As with many sports items, once you "break it in" and get used to it, you don't want to use any other equipment. We had to laugh when Rand showed us his disc, because it was a little bit warped after spending a few days on the hot roof of the Cyan building. Even after he got it down, he's still using it because it's his favorite disc.

The course at Cyan is one of three official E.D.G.E. courses. The other two are at Rand Miller's house and Al Carlson's house. Being that the Cyan building is in a lightly wooded area, all of the holes part of the natural environment. Rand, Al Carlson, Tony Fryman, and RAWA were all out on the course with us. Because we were busy trying to keep up with the game, we weren't able to take pictures as we played. Similar to golf, an entire round consists of 18 holes, but only played through the first nine, known as the "practice course". It which took us about 30 minutes to play this half round.

This is an official Cyan E.D.G.E. scorecard, which is used to keep track of the number of throws it takes to reach the target. The game is played just like golf: each throw is a "stroke", and your continue to throw from where the disc lands each time until you hit the "hole". All the holes are trees, with the exception of holes #3, #5, and #9. These three are actually the large stone pillars at the end of one of the three drawbridges. After all players have reached the "hole", scores are recorded, and play resumes on the next hole. Each hole has a par, which is shown in the second row of the scorecard. This basic diagram shows the layout of the course. The building is seen with the "drawbridges" in the front and on both sides. Behind the building is the waterfall and pond, and the parking lot is in front. The first "tee box" is the front drawbridge, and the nine holes are represented by stars.

Approaching hole #3 presented the decision of whether to try for a slice out over the pavement, or to try and barrel your way through the trees and approach the hole directly. Experience had taught all the Cyan players to play it safe, and throw the slice as shown on the diagram. Doug, in his inexperience on this course, tried to play it straight through. Two of the Cyan players got away with a "birdie" (one stroke under par), and Doug was lucky enough to come away with only a "bogie" (one stroke over par.)

Hole #4 is also interesting, because it's so close to the top of the waterfall. We were warned that the "play it where it lands" rule applies even in this situation. If your disc happens to land in the water, you can either stick your foot in so that you are touching where the disc landed, or you can keep your foot dry, and take a stroke.

Gordon commented, "The E.D.G.E. game was very cool. I chose to act as official scorekeeper while the pro's hammered out a game that redefined the concept of HIGH ENERGY EXCITEMENT bordering on a mix of the SUPERBOWL and the NBA playoff's. These guys played like their lives depended on it. Walking amongst the course reminded me of the 9th green at the masters.....and my favorite Porsche commercial....E.D.G.E., there is no substitute! The course itself was challenging and no doubt designed by an E.D.G.E. professional course architect. I found the game offered us a chance to walk away from the hustle and bustle of CYAN business. Lastly as we walked the course, the whole D'ni feeling started coming back to me. The building, the grounds, the woods and the rock....held some secret only a full contact game of E.D.G.E. could bring out."

Doug says, "I was hoping we'd get a chance to play E.D.G.E. while we were there, so I brought my own disc. We play disc golf all the time at work, but our course is very different that what I found here. Even though it covers a rather small area, elements such as elevation, underbrush and trees made each hole much more challenging than the diagram shows. The play was pretty competitive, but in a good natured way. It was interesting to see everyone's personality as we played. Even though we were all trying to play to the best of our ability, there was a lot of joking around, and kidding each other. Playing E.D.G.E. was probably the most fun I had during my visit to Cyan."