Whether you take your golf game seriously or just like to be a goofball out on the green, the Orcas Center/Island Market Golf Classic is guaranteed merriment.
“I’ve been playing in these for the last 14 years, and what I’ve heard from people is that even if they’re a good golfer, they don’t really want to take a whole day and play 18 holes,” said event chair Theron Soderlund, who is organizing the event for the first time. “I also heard things like, ‘we would love to play, but we’re intimidated by the good golfers.’ So this year, we’ll do the serious golf in the morning, and the afternoon is all about having a good time.”
The 16th annual golf classic on Saturday, Aug. 28 will feature two tournaments of 9 holes each. The morning tournament begins at 10 a.m. and is for the more serious golfers who are focused on their game and enjoy competition in a friendly environment. A 2 p.m. tee-off is for “us hackers and those who just want to have fun,” says Soderlund.
“You don’t have to be a great golfer, you just have to show up,” he said. “You’ll have an opportunity to win things while you’re on the course.”
Some of the games Soderlund has planned for the afternoon include using a three-man slingshot instead of a driver and hitting oversized marshmallows. There will be prizes for such contests as the loudest group and the most wildly dressed person.
“I thought, ‘let’s shake it up and send it in a different direction and get more response from people,’” he said.
All net proceeds from the golf classic support Orcas Center programs and operations. Last year the event raised $13,000 for the center. Golfers can choose to play just one or both rounds, and all players can enjoy a “Burgers and Brew” lunch, provided by the Lower Tavern. Following each tournament, prizes will be given to the winning teams.
Participation in the morning tournament costs $75 and includes golfing, a goodie bag, continental breakfast, and lunch. The afternoon tournament is $70 per player and includes golfing, a goodie bag, lunch and post-game prizes and beer.
“Golf should be fun, even for a serious golfer,” Soderlund said. “I started at 33, and I’m never going to be a good golfer. I’m always going to grab the club like a baseball bat. But it’s about camaraderie and letting the wind blow through your ears.”
To register
To register, call 376-2281 ext 5 or visit www.orcascenter.org
