It’s what makes a golf tournament become a classic. Longevity. For more than a decade donors have been hitting small, white balls down a field of green for fun and charity.
Entering its fifteenth year, the annual Orcas Center / Island Market / Red Rabbit Farm Golf Classic has become an island staple. The tournament is the second largest fundraiser for the Orcas Center. All net proceeds will support the programs and operations of Orcas Center which presents cultural, artistic, educational, and social opportunities to the community.
Co-chair Jim Shaffer-Bauck said, “It’s a real boon for Orcas Center and a contribution to the community. I have always enjoyed it.”
The one-day, 18-hole scramble event will take place Saturday, Sept. 12 at Orcas Island Country Golf Club on Orcas Road. Registration begins with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. A shotgun will fire at 11 a.m. to signal golfers to begin the scramble.
Former chair of the Classic, Kathy Youngren, said, “It’s definitely a fundraiser, and hopefully a fun-raiser too.”
Youngren said the scramble format is more fun for every golfer, regardless of their skill level, because each person on the team hits from the position of the best ball, which gives the game lower scores and a faster pace.
“It makes it more fun for everyone,” said Youngren.
Described by organizers as a casual affair, each participant in the Classic will donate $125 to play including a continental breakfast, lunch provided by Island Market, goodie bag, post-scramble awards buffet catered by Red Rabbit Farm with hosted bar, and a raffle ticket for a flat screen television. Companion tickets for the awards reception only are $25.
In honor of the event’s beneficiary, golfers in this year’s Classic are encouraged to put on a dramatic flair and come costumed as a famous golfer. The winning costume will receive an award. Awards will also be given to Top Men’s Team, Top Women’s Team, and Top Mixed Team.
Lynn Richards has participated in the Classic ever since it started.
“It’s always been a scramble, meaning everybody gets a whack at it. It is lots of fun because sometimes there are some discussions about who’s ball is in the best position,” Richards joked. “But there’s always enough prizes to go around.”
Organizers report sponsorship for the Classic is up from last year’s event. In addition to title sponsors Island Market and Red Rabbit Farm, other sponsors include West Sound Marina, Salt Spray Window Cleaning, Marilyn J. Anderson, Jim and Kathy Youngren, Steven H. Bailey DDS, Phyllis and Robert Henigson, The Islands’ Sounder, Geoff Lemon and Liz Clark, and Robert Lundeen.
“A lot of the teams have been together for several years running and they look forward to playing together every year,” said Youngren. “I think it’s a kick. Everybody laughs a lot because it’s a team thing and everyone cheers for each other.”
The Orcas Golf Classic has six sponsorships available to student golfers so they can play for free. Shaffer-Bauck said they have never filled all the free slots available to students.
“We’re hoping we can fill the course,” said Shaffer-Bauck.
