World Cup 2K6

As far as new product releases go, this World Cup was big for the mid-range markers. Smart Parts unveiled their Epiphany, DYE introduced their PMR, and Empire showed the Mini on the East Coast. Expect to see these new markers sometime before Christmas at a Badlands store near you.

Left - Vince and Nick fight over the new PMR after taking the DYE tech class for the 07 DYE markers.

Impact continued to shock and awe. With relatively little PSP experience (they only played 2 events this year before the Cup) they came to Orlando and fought their way to the finals, playing for 1st and 2nd against Aftermath. Above Left - Josh Davey coaching the Gridlock game. Above - The Gridlock (home) and Impact (Guest) scoreboard with 47 seconds left. Impact's win relagated Gridlock to a fight for 3rd and 4th.

Below -Damien from Facefull forgets Orlando is land-locked.

That's right - Canada brought its "A" game when Vince, Nick, and Trevor from Badlands teamed up with honorary Canadian John Almera of Dynasty to take on Opie, Yosh, Garrett, and Quincy of Dynasty. 36 holes (including 8 Battle Holes) later, Canada was the clear winner with 40 stroke lead.

This is not mini-golf for the faint of heart. Every fourth round is a "Battle Hole" where you're allowed to drive your ball into your opponents with everything you've got. Hopefully your ball stays on the course and doesn't end up in the bushes (above), or through some guys windshield in the parking lot. You have to play your ball where it lands, or you take an eight stroke score for that hole. Both teams saw their share of eight counts. Opie took a ball in the face - guess he didn't read the sign (left).

Above - Garrett tackles a hazzard.

Left - You're allowed to interfere with your opponents as long as you don't touch them. If their ball hits you while you're trying to distract them, you take an eight stroke penalty. Here I'm blasting Yosh with my flash as he lines up a putt.

Below - Vince's secret weapon.

Below left - Team Dynasty heads home in defeat.

Left - Bart (Impact), and Vince, Nick, and Justin from Badlands learned all about the new 07 Ego from Eclipse Tech extraordinaire, Gerry Bates.

When he wasn't busy get his ass kicked by a giant lobster, Vince helped out at the Smart Parts booth teching Ions and Shockers and learning from the great guys in the Smart Parts tech department.

Above - Ollie Lang. Right - Alex Fraige.

Above Left - Ryan Greenspan and Josh Davey of Dynasty. Josh plays with Dynasty in the NXL and Impact in the NPPL. Above Right - Garrett Maxwell of Dynasty and formidable mini-golf opponent.

Dynasty had a rough event and did not make the finals. I can't remember the last time that happened.

Left - Thomas Taylor of XSV with Vince and Nick. XSV played well and took 3rd.

Left - Look into the eye of a killer. Justin "JC" Cornell of Impact and Badlands Calgary. We're proud to have one of Canada's top players be a part of the Badlands team.

The final match between Impact and SD Aftermath was highly anticipated. Impact came out strong, capturing the first point. Unfortunately, from that point onwards, Aftermath stepped up the pressure and beat Impact 9-2. It was a disappointing loss but Impact can hold their heads high. They have done Badlands and Canada proud this year, capturing a Pro spot in the NPPL and taking second place at the World Cup. We're proud of this ALL CANADIAN team of Badlands Killers. See you all next year!