03/17/2026
Sam Gibson here.
I have been playing Buxton Woods since they opened back in October 2013. It quickly became my "home course" despite being further from my house than several other courses. This was because of the quality of the course at first but it quickly became more like "home" because of the amazing people that live there.
Kevin and I became quick friends. Chuck and I became quick friends. The nights spent around the table bullsh*tting between foosball matches are some of the best memories I have. The Strand family quickly became my extended family.
I started the Buxton Woods Spring Celebration for a couple of reasons. 1, it was meant to be a celebration of winter ending and spring emerging meaning more time for disc golf. 2, the amount of visitors to Buxton drops way off during the winter and it is a lean time for the course. Having a tournament at the beginning of the year was my way of giving back to this family I love by getting people out to their course early in the spring.
I had a ton of help through the years... Chelsea Kramer and Cody Hartman for the early years... and Ian Blake the last several years. It was a labor of love for all of us.
As many of you know, I moved back east about 5.5 years ago but have made the trip back to hold this event (rather than hand it off) every year mostly as an excuse to come back to see all of your beautiful faces. Unfortunately, this year I am unable to make it back. Thankfully, Scott Withers and the SOWS team stepped up to make the Spring Celebration happed in 2026 and I am eternally grateful to them for doing so.
This post is directed at you - the disc golf community that loves Buxton and loves the Strands. Registration numbers for this year are on the low side but I am positive that you guys are going to rally and fill these events for these amazing people.
I will miss you this year but I will definitely see you soon.... and the Buxton Woods Spring Celebration will continue on in 2027 for its 12th year.
Thanks for reading.
AM day: https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/2026_Buxton_Woods_Spring_Celebration_AM_Day
Pro day:
https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/2026_Buxton_Woods_Spring_Celebration_Pro_Day
2026 Buxton Woods Spring Celebration Pro Day is a PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament in Buxton, Oregon beginning March 29, 2026 and hosted by Southern Oregon Winter Series.
