Elks to host annual golf scramble
It is time to tee up for this year’s annual Greater Pine Island Elks golf tournament.
For the fifteen consecutive year, members of the Elks have hosted the popular event to benefit island charities. This year, the Elks hope to entice more golfers to participate in the fun event.
The Golf Tournament will be a scramble format and will take place Saturday, Nov. 6, at Alden Pines Country Club in Bokeelia. The shotgun start will signal the start of the tournament at 8:30 a.m. and will culminate with a lunch and award presentation at the Elks Lodge at Pine Island Center.
A scramble is commonly used for tournament play, particular for charitable events. For this tournament, there will be teams of four players who will each tee off on each hole. The best of the four shots is selected and all players on the team will play their second shot from the spot the furthest ball lands. When the best of the second shots is determined, all will play their third shot from that position and so on until reaching the hole, then the same method of play will begin all over.
According to Chris Wiederhold, Elks Exhaulted Ruler, those who do not have teams of four will be able to play.
“Most of our participants will register as a team of four, but for those who cannot put a team together, we will partner them up with other players to make a team for them,” Wiederhold said. “This tournament is always fun wether you are a seasoned golfer or new to the game and most really enjoy the challenge of the Alden Pines Golf Course. We are looking forward to another great day and raising money for our island charities.”
According to Wiederhold, more than 100 participated last year, and he anticipates a good turnout again this year.
The cost to participate will be $50 per player and includes all greens fees, use of a golf cart, lunch with two beverages of your choice, a goodie bag and door prizes. Those who would like to enjoy lunch at the event but are not planning to participate in the golf scramble, may purchase a lunch and two beverages for $10.
This year, tournament prizes will be awarded in several categories. The team finishing in first place will receive $200, second prize is $100 and fifth place will receive $60. An additional prize of $50 will be awarded to the person hitting the ball closest to the No. 4 hole line.
The money raised during the annual tournament scramble is divided among many charities supported by the Pine Island Elks Lodge, which include programs for the children attending Pine Island Elementary School, FISH, the Pine Island Food Pantry, veterans programs, Camperships, the annual Hoop Shoot, sponsoring a Pine Island Little League team, the Pine Island Diving Team, college scholarships and more.
“We are very proud of our commitment and contributions to the island,” Wiederhold said. “On the national level, the Elks are second only to the government with regard to scholarships and we are pleased to be able to do our part.”
For more information about the Greater Pine Island Elks 15th Annual Golf Tournament Scramble, call Chris Wiederhold at 283-4036 or visit the Elks Lodge at the island center to pick up a registration form.