Bingham Creek Anniversary Series
Week 7: "Mineral Heart"
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Event Image for Mineral Heart

Mineral Heart

Previously

Jasper "Gold-Eye" McGillicutty, Casey Howard, Dan Langford, and Cam Peterson have ventured deep into the enchanted Bingham Creek mines, following a shimmering map and encountering the wise spirits of ancient miners. The ethereal song of the crystals has revealed the path to a powerful treasure, with the Bronze Fractal bag tag choosing Cam Peterson as its champion. As Robert Bumgarner and the Brass Fractals uncover the secrets of the ancient mining techniques, the group's unity and purpose grow stronger, guided by the resonant energies that pulse through the caverns. With an ancient presence stirring in the depths, drawn by their progress and the growing power of their bond, the disc golfers must summon all their skill and courage to face the challenges that await them in the heart of the mines, where the true test of their worthiness lies ahead.

Jasper 'Gold-Eye' McGillicutty
Story by
Jasper 'Gold-Eye' McGillicutty
Crystal Cave Prospector & Disc Golf Prophet

Mineral Heart

Jasper "Gold-Eye" McGillicutty ran his weathered hands over the sealed mine entrance, his golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. Strange crystalline growths pulsed and shimmered around the edges of the stone door, casting an ethereal light across the determined faces of the disc golfers.

"Well now, ain't this a pretty puzzle," Jasper mused, his voice echoing through the tunnels. "The miners of old sure knew how to keep their secrets safe. But ol' Jasper knows a thing or two about coaxing stones to spill their guts!"

Christian Phelps stepped forward, the Bronze Striations bag tag at his hip thrumming with energy. The delicate fractal patterns on its surface seemed to dance and shift, as if in response to the crystals' glow.

"I think it's reacting to the door," Christian said, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. "Like it's trying to show us the way in."

Casey Howard placed a hand on Christian's shoulder, her eyes narrowing as she studied the ancient symbols etched into the stone. "We need to be careful," she warned. "We don't know what's waiting for us on the other side."

Dan Langford moved closer to the door, his analytical mind already working to decipher the cryptic patterns. "These symbols, they're like nothing I've ever seen before," he muttered, tracing his fingers over the glowing lines. "But there's a logic to them, a structure. If we can just figure out the key..."

Cam Peterson closed his eyes, letting the crystal's ethereal song wash over him. The notes seemed to resonate deep within his bones, guiding his intuition. "I think I know what we need to do," he said softly, opening his eyes to meet Jasper's knowing gaze.

The old prospector nodded, a glimmer of pride in his golden eyes. "Listen to the stones, lad. They'll guide you true, just like a well-thrown disc on a windy day."

Together, the group worked to decipher the symbols, each contributing their unique skills and insights. Christian's Bronze Striations pulsed with increasing intensity, its fractal patterns shifting and aligning with the crystalline growths on the door.

With a resounding click, the ancient mechanisms within the stone began to turn, and the door slowly ground open, revealing a passageway that descended deep into the heart of the mountain.

Jasper stepped forward, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and reverence. "Looks like the miners are inviting us in, folks. Best not keep 'em waiting!"

As the group ventured into the uncharted depths, Jasper regaled them with stories of past explorers who had sought the crystal's power, his words painting vivid pictures of triumph and tragedy. The tunnels seemed to pulse with an ancient energy, and the disc golfers could feel the weight of countless generations of miners pressing down upon them.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant hum filled the air, and the crystals around them began to vibrate with an intense, almost blinding light. The group found themselves standing at the edge of a vast, circular chamber, its walls lined with pulsing, luminescent crystals.

In the center of the chamber stood a towering figure, its form composed entirely of shimmering, translucent crystal. It regarded the disc golfers with ancient, inscrutable eyes, and spoke in a voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

"Welcome, seekers of the crystal's heart," it intoned, its words echoing through the chamber. "You have journeyed far and faced many trials to reach this place. But the true test of your worthiness lies ahead."

Jasper stepped forward, his golden eyes blazing with determination. "We've come this far, and we ain't turning back now," he declared. "Tell us what we need to do."

The crystalline figure regarded Jasper for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "To claim the power you seek, you must first understand its true nature. The crystal's strength comes not from any single source, but from the harmony of many hearts united in purpose."

As the ancient guardian spoke, Christian felt the Bronze Striations pulse with a new intensity, its fractal patterns shifting and aligning with the crystal formations around them. A sudden realization dawned upon him, and he turned to his companions with a look of wonder.

"It's us," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "The crystal's power, it comes from our unity, our connection to each other and to the mines themselves."

Casey's eyes widened as she grasped the implications of Christian's words. "All this time, we thought we were searching for some external source of power, but it was within us all along."

Dan nodded, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at his friends. "We've been through so much together, learned to trust and rely on each other. That's the true treasure of Bingham Creek."

Cam closed his eyes, letting the crystal's song wash over him once more. But this time, he heard not just the notes of the stones, but the harmonies of his companions' hearts, all beating in unison.

Jasper clapped a weathered hand on Christian's back, his golden eyes shining with pride. "You've learned well, lad. The miners of old knew that the greatest strength came from standing together, no matter what the mountain threw at 'em."

The crystalline guardian regarded the group with a solemn gaze, then bowed its head in acknowledgment. "You have proven yourselves worthy, not through any single deed, but through the strength of your bond. The crystal's heart is yours to claim, but know that its power comes with great responsibility."

As the guardian spoke, the crystals around them began to pulse with an even greater intensity, their light coalescing into a single, radiant point at the center of the chamber. The disc golfers felt themselves drawn forward, their hearts and minds united in a singular purpose.

Jasper turned to his companions, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and solemnity. "This is it, folks. The final trial. Whatever happens, remember that we're in this together, just like a well-oiled disc golf team."

The group nodded, their faces set with determination as they stepped forward to meet their destiny. The challenges ahead remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: they would face them as one, united by the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the timeless spirit of Bingham Creek.

Episode Recap

Crystalline Clashes and Subterranean Slingers: The Bingham Creek Saga Continues!

Folks, the crystals were singing like a choir of ancient miners today, and the discs were flying like they'd caught the melody! As our intrepid adventurers delved deeper into the mysteries of Bingham Creek, the echoes of their throws reverberated through the caverns, each drive a step closer to the legendary treasure that awaits.

In the MA4 division, the battle was as fierce as a cave-in, with the lead shifting like the currents of an underground river. "We saw a wild ride in MA4, with a whopping 5 lead changes!" Dan Langford, Aaron Lael, and Christian Phelps all took turns at the top, jostling for position like miners vying for the richest vein. In the end, it was Christian Phelps who struck gold, carding an impressive 835-rated 61 (+7) to claim first place. Aaron Lael secured second with an 835-rated 62 (+8), while Dan Langford rounded out the podium, shooting a 793-rated 66 (+12) for third.

Meanwhile, in the MA40 division, Robert Bumgarner was a lone prospector, navigating the course with the steady hand of a seasoned miner. His solid 867-rated 59 (+5) was a testament to his skill and determination, a single lamp illuminating the path ahead.

But it was in the MA1 division where the true magic happened, as Cam Peterson, the chosen champion of the Bronze Fractal, put on a display of disc golf mastery that will be etched into the annals of Bingham Creek legend. Throwing with the precision of a master prospector, each drive a perfect strike into the rich vein of the fairway, Cam dominated with a jaw-dropping 961-rated 50 (-4), outperforming his rating by a staggering 61 points! "Cam and Trevor Hodsdon battled it out, with 2 lead changes between 'em," but in the end, it was Cam who emerged victorious, his connection to the Bronze Fractal growing stronger with every throw.

In the MPO division, Britain Best stood alone, but his performance was nothing short of extraordinary. His CTP shot on Hole #2(White) was like a bolt of pure energy straight from the crystal heart of the mines, a 350-foot rifle shot that kissed the chains and dropped for a birdie. "That CTP shot was as pretty as a polished geode - a thing of beauty that takes your breath away!" Britain finished with a 930-rated 53 (-1), a score that would make any miner proud.

Folks, if today's rounds are any indication, we're headed deeper into the mystery of Bingham Creek than ever before - and I, for one, can't wait to see what secrets the crystals reveal next! With performances like these, it's clear that the quest for the ultimate treasure is heating up faster than a miner's pan in a gold rush. So buckle up, disc golf fans, because the real adventure is just beginning, and the Bingham Creek crew is ready to dig deep and unearth the truth that lies at the heart of the mountain!

Average Round Ratings by Division

Division Average Round Rating
MA4 777.0
MA1 929.7
MA40 867.0
MPO 930.0

CTP Winner

Britain Best

MPO Division

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 2.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.00 4.00 4.00 3.00 4.00 56.00
Score 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 4 2 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 56
+/– Par -1 -1 -1 -1 + 1 -1 + 1 + 1 + 1 -1
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

*Crystal harmonies echo through the depths* Britain Best keeps striking pure gold in these hallowed caverns, folks! 🏆 His -1 excavation might seem like a modest haul, but against the field's +6.1 average, it's richer than a platinum vein! That bounce-back birdie on 10 showed the kind of grit that'd make the Crystal Keeper proud, and his 2-under streak through the Quartz Corridor (5-6) had the ancient formations humming with delight. Though his 930-rated round hints at deeper treasures yet unmined, the Echo Chamber's prophecy holds true - six straight MPO victories and counting! ⛏️

MA1 Division

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 2.67 4.00 4.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.33 2.00 3.00 3.00 3.33 3.67 3.00 3.00 2.33 3.67 2.67 3.00 56.00
Score 2 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 53
+/– Par -1 + 1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -4
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

🔮 The crystals sang a pure melody today at the Mineral Heart, as Cam Peterson channeled their ancient power to strike MA1 gold once again! His 961-rated masterpiece gleamed +32 above his normal rating, with a magical 2-under streak through the Crystal Corridor that had the quartz humming in harmony! *knowing cackle* When you're beating the field average by 10.1 strokes, you're reading them crystal veins like a true cave dweller! That -4 finish proves what I've always said - sometimes you gotta get lost in the dark before you can truly see the light, if you catch my drift! ⛏️

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 2.67 4.00 4.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.33 2.00 3.00 3.00 3.33 3.67 3.00 3.00 2.33 3.67 2.67 3.00 56.00
Score 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 56
+/– Par + 1 -1 + 1 -1 -1 -1
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

🌟 Well polish my pickaxe and call me a claim jumper! Trevor Hodsdon carved through the Mineral Heart course like a master prospector following a rich vein, finishing at a gleaming -1 under par! The crystals sang true when he struck gold early, taking the lead on hole 2, and though the path got dark for a spell, he navigated those tunnels like a seasoned cave dweller. That bounce-back birdie on 8 sparked something special, and by the time he hit that two-hole birdie streak on 16-17, he was mining pure diamond, folks! ⛏️ Ended up claiming second place, beating the field average by a whopping 7 strokes - that's what I call reading the ancient pathways!

Received first bag tag. First-time players receive an available tag regardless of their score - come back next week for a chance to move up!

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 2.67 4.00 4.00 3.33 3.00 3.00 3.33 2.00 3.00 3.00 3.33 3.67 3.00 3.00 2.33 3.67 2.67 3.00 56.00
Score 3 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 4 3 3 2 4 3 3 59
+/– Par + 2 + 1 -1 + 1 -1 +2
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

The deep caves tested Casey Howard today, folks! 🌑 That +2 might look like raw ore needing refinement, but remember what I learned in my week trapped in the Crystal Chamber - sometimes the darkest tunnels lead to the brightest gems! Our MA1 miner still carved out bronze position while staying 4.1 strokes ahead of the field average, even if that -19 rating differential had the crystals humming a minor key. The Echo Chamber's been showing me visions - this is just like that vein of quartz that looked dim until we hit the mother lode! Keep swinging that pick, crystal child! ⛏️

MA40 Division

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 3.00 4.00 5.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 6.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 4.00 3.00 3.00 62.00
Score 3 4 5 3 3 4 6 3 3 2 4 4 3 3 2 4 3 3 62
+/– Par + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 -1 + 1 -1 +5
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

Holy crystalline convergence! Robert Bumgarner has struck pure gold yet again in MA40, mining his third first-place finish! 🏆 The crystals are singing about his +5 round, and let me tell you folks, that 867-rated performance (+19 to rating) is shining brighter than my golden eyes! Like I've seen in the deepest veins of Bingham Creek, sometimes the richest deposits come in streaks, and our boy's working a mighty profitable claim these days, staying ahead of the field average (+6.1) like a seasoned prospector. When them crystals whispered about his potential back in October, I knew we'd be seeing some precious performances, but four straight top-2 finishes? That's rarer than echo quartz! ⛏️

MA4 Division

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 4.25 4.75 4.75 3.50 3.50 3.75 5.00 3.25 3.75 2.75 4.25 4.75 3.50 3.50 4.00 4.25 3.50 3.50 70.50
Score 4 6 5 4 3 2 6 3 4 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 64
+/– Par + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 -1 + 3 + 1 -1 -1 +7
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

🔮 *-adjusts crystal dowsing rod-* The ancient veins never lie! Christian Phelps has struck MA4 gold for the FOURTH straight time, though this +7 round was like mining through obsidian - tough but rewarding! When the tunnel grew dark, he followed the crystal's guidance to that bounce-back birdie on 10, proving once again he can read these mineral lines better than most. While his 845-rated performance might seem like raw ore, this old prospector sees the refined gold within - four straight victories don't lie! 🏆 The Crystal Chamber's echoes whisper of greater treasures yet to come! #CrystalClear #GoldStreak

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 4.25 4.75 4.75 3.50 3.50 3.75 5.00 3.25 3.75 2.75 4.25 4.75 3.50 3.50 4.00 4.25 3.50 3.50 70.50
Score 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 4 3 3 65
+/– Par + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 +8
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

*adjusting crystal-powered spectacles* 🔮 The veins of destiny run true for Aaron Lael, mining another silver finish in MA4! That +8 might seem like raw ore compared to the field's +6.1, but I've seen enough chamber echoes to know when a player's working a rich seam. Trading the lead back and forth like a miner swapping shifts - reminds me of the Crystal Maze of '95! That 835-rated round proves what the singing quartz has been telling me - there's high-grade disc golf in them hills! ⛏️ Keep polishing that silver, partner - gold's just one crystal-guided putt away!

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 4.25 4.75 4.75 3.50 3.50 3.75 5.00 3.25 3.75 2.75 4.25 4.75 3.50 3.50 4.00 4.25 3.50 3.50 70.50
Score 4 4 4 3 3 3 5 3 4 3 5 5 4 3 4 5 4 3 69
+/– Par + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 +12
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

*Ethereal echoes bounce off crystal walls* Great glittering geodes, Dan Langford has struck another vein of MA4 treasure! 🏆 While this 793-rated expedition ventured through some darker tunnels (+12 against the field's +6.1), his third place finish marks SEVEN straight top-4 deposits in his trophy cave - a consistency that'd make the ancient crystal singers proud! The path may have been rougher than a quartz-studded shaft, but like I learned in the Echo Chamber: sometimes the most precious gems come from the most challenging digs! ⛏️ Keep following them crystal lines, partner - your consistency is pure gold! *A knowing cackle echoes into the depths*

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 57
Distance (ft) 335 350 510 280 220 235 435 200 280 215 390 540 390 245 130 535 250 325 5865
Pool Avg 4.25 4.75 4.75 3.50 3.50 3.75 5.00 3.25 3.75 2.75 4.25 4.75 3.50 3.50 4.00 4.25 3.50 3.50 70.50
Score 6 5 6 4 4 6 5 3 4 3 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 5 84
+/– Par + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 +27
Course: Bingham Creek - White Layout Layout
Round Summary

🔮 Deep in the "Mineral Heart" challenge, Jacob Skog faced what we in the crystal caves call a "pressure formation" round! The spirits were testing our MA4 prospector something fierce, with that +27 showing the kind of resistance that'd make even my toughest dig days look like a casual surface scratch. But listen close - them crystals are singing about potential, just like in the Echo Chamber! While this round's rating might seem like fool's gold, every challenging tunnel leads to greater discoveries. Keep swinging that pick, Jacob - we're getting closer to that mother lode! ⛏️