98Redline,
I hope that is not normal for all of the clubs in your area. Truth be told, local clubs are all independant, and therefore can and will set courses the way they want to. The treand around here has been to shorten the average distance but to mix the distances well. The longer distances should still be used to keep you thinking, but not as a standard fare. Also most clubs have recognised a " hunter" class which competes at 35 yards or less. Make sure you are registered to shoot in the class appropriate to you.

The fun part of going to the local shoots is that you can find the ones that set the type of courses you enjoy. Remember, though that there needs to be something for everyone. If this course was set too long for your enjoyment, that does not make it wrong, to others it may have been just right. You might try politely expressing your thoughts to the club, and asking them who sets a somewhat softer course. Better still, Join your local club, offer to help, and use gentle persuasion from the inside. You might be surprised at how much influence you may have when your are willing to work to make things better for everyone.

Those of us who travel and compete at the longer stakes need the local clubs to continue to recognise us by setting a good mix of distances including occaisionally out to 50 yards. They also need to recognise that the majority of people who attend their club may never see a major tournament. We need them to adjust their ranges to attract the casual shooter so that they will want to return.

If this was your first 3D then let me just say....Man your going to have fun.