Later today I’ll be heading up the highway to compete in the Charlotte Open dart tournament. Last year I made my debut in an American Darts Organization (ADO) sanctioned event at the Charlotte Open, so I’ve now come full circle. What a year of darts it has been! Indulge me while I take a little stroll down memory lane, will you?
($ indicates I managed to take home some money, * indicates multiple events at that venue, click on photos to enlarge)
July 2012
$ Charlotte Open, Charlotte, NC
I had a big thrill last year at the Charlotte Open making it to the finals in the Friday night blind draw and playing on the Championship Board. I had the good fortune of drawing John Liggett as a partner. And the misfortune of playing against two highly ranked players (Chuck Pankow and Robbie Phillips). Big time darts, big time fun!
$ State Street Pub, West Columbia, SC
They didn’t much like me winning their silly little tournament. Jee Yeun’s making sure the door didn’t hit me on the way out. I haven’t been back.
* Puddlin’ Duck, Columbia, SC (Pointless Dart League Champion)
The regulars at the Puddlin’ Duck for Wednesday night darts with the Pointless Dart League
August 2012
$* VFW, Aiken, SC (Friday night blind draw)
Except for the drive (an hour and 20 minutes from my house) the VFW is Aiken is always a great venue for good darts and good times. You can see how happy my partner David was to be taking home some money!
September 2012
Washington Area Open, Sterling, VA
Me and my buddy Duke teamed up without much success. We did manage to have a good time however.
October 2012
$ * Dolce Vita Pub, Seoul, Korea
Chris Werner and I walked away with some well deserved cash at the Supercricket tourney at Dolce Vita Pub
$ * Bull and Barrel, Seoul, Korea
Saturday nights were always hoppin’ at the newest dart venue in Itaewon–Bull and Barrel. Bridget Werner and I won a little towards our bar tab…
Dillinger’s Bar, Seoul, Korea (Itaewon 501 League)
Had a great time throwing in the Itaewon 501 singles league. Couldn’t do better than 3rd place, but I got lots of legs in along the way, had some great matches, drank me some beers, and maybe even improved my game a little bit.
$ Blue Frog, Seoul, Korea
Played one tourney here and tied (we opted to split 1st and 2nd place money rather than drunkenly play a best of 3 finals. Worst bar in Itaewon, I never went back.
November 2012
Seoul International Dart League (B Division Champions)
What the Bulls? takes the B division crown and then the playoff championship. A fine piece of work that was!
Xenis Bar, Songtan, Korea
December 2012
$ Korea Darts Federation tournament–had a classic battle with my nemesis and friend Alister Tarbett. I took the championship in the fifth and deciding leg and I have the video to prove it!
$ Seoul International Dart League end of season tournament
I had the extreme good fortune of drawing the pride of the Philippines, Stormin’ Norman as my partner. It was a sweet victory…
Sherlock Holmes Pub, Osaka, Japan
A visa run to Japan provided a great opportunity to throw with a friendly bunch in Osaka’s oldest dart bar…
January 2013
$ * Bull and Barrel, Seoul, Korea
Winding down my time in Korea with lots of darts (and my share of wins) with the good folks at Bull and Barrel…
February 2013
Scrooge Pub, Seoul, Korea, Dartaholics (SIDL “A” Division)
$ * Dolce Vita Pub, Seoul, Korea (Friday night blind draw)
One final Friday night with the gang at Dolce Vita before returning to the American phase of my life…
VFW Aiken, SC ADO Regional Qualifier (I didn’t qualify)
$ * Fishbowl Lounge, Augusta, GA
Fishbowl Lounge in Augusta is a friendly joint and has a Saturday night blind draw I’ve played a couple of times. That’s Bridget Werner shooting ’em up!
March 2013
$ Garden City Classic, Augusta, GA
Pleased as punch with a Top 16 finish in Augusta. Pathetic I know…
Virginia Beach Darts Classic, Virginia Beach, VA
Me and partner Duke Gates warming up in Virginia Beach. It didn’t go as well as we’d hoped, but the beer was cold and the company was great!
April 2013
New World Dart Series, Las Vegas, NV
My first event on the “pro tour” was pretty much a beat down, but I expected no less. My bracket included 3 time world champion John Part. I managed to win 18 of 45 legs played in the round robin.
One of the highlights of Las Vegas was running into an old Korea buddy, Tom Johnson. The other was getting married. Not necessarily in that order.
May 2013
$ First Break Bar, Sterling, VA
The Walrus and the Dragon were unstoppable in the Friday night blind draw at First Break.
$ Mighty Mike’s Bar, Sterling, VA
Some outstanding darters turned out for the Saturday draw at Mighty Mikes. I was happy to come away with second place money after some real dogfights…
Spring Fling Classic, Greenville, SC
Me and my buddy Justin Hayward (not the one from the Moody Blues) teamed up in Greenville and enjoyed an outstanding weekend of beer drinking and watching the ladies get crazy in the lounge. The darts? Oh well.
June 2013
$ Aiken Singles Series (ASS) League
Had a wonderful time throwing my ass off in the ASS league with a group of truly outstanding darters. I certainly was NOT second best amongst them, so taking home second place money was a pleasant surprise!
Lucky’s Tavern, Savannah, GA. I didn’t get lucky.
Friendly’s Bar, Savannah, GA. The folks were friendly enough, but they were bastards on the oche!
Piedmont Shootout, Winston-Salem, NC
Teamed up with James Mabie in Winston-Salem and threw some outstanding darts. In practice games. My inability to hit two key darts in two different events cost us a shot at the money. Well, at least I came away motivated to not let my head beat me next time.
July 2013
* Kwagga Sports Pub, Columbia, SC
Puddlin’ Duck was sold and our Wednesday night bar home is now called Kwagga. We’ve added some new faces and we are working hard to bring competitive darts back to Columbia big time!
So, there you have it. A year in the life of a darter. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the person who makes it all possible, my biggest fan and supporter, Jee Yeun Lee McCrarey. Thanks baby!
Some really great times had I’m so happy I was around for some of your “tour” I love you & Jee! 🙂
Thanks, Bridget. You are a big part of what made those times so special!