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While the glowing objects will be too near the ground to be mistaken for falling stars, there may be a crowd at Raccoon Run July 28 anyhow to watch the mysterious flying objects.
The Baker Youth Clubs' Fourth Annual Night Golf Outing will be July 28 at Raccoon Run, with registration at 9 p.m. Tee-off with a shotgun start will be at 9:30 p.m.
"This is our fourth annual outing," said Baker Youth Clubs director Scott Wiley, "and each year we try to tweak it, make it better than before."
One way the outing will be better this year, Wiley said, is that real golf balls that glow in the dark will be used rather than the rubbery balls used last year. Each team of four will get black lights to charge up their balls. Wiley said they found the glow-in-the-dark balls on the Internet.
"These hit a lot better, a lot further," he said.
The greens on the golf course will once again be lit by luminaries. Last year, Wiley said, they found candles that glow for more than 15 hours, which also will be used this year.
Part of the format also has been changed this year. The door prize raffle will be held from 9:15 to 9:30 p.m., instead of after the golfing, which will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Refreshments will also be served.
Lighted necklaces will be sold again this year.
Last year, Wiley said, 77 people showed up to participate in the golf outing, though only 40-45 golfers preregistered. This year, the outing is limited to the first 18 four-person teams (72 golfers total) so there will be enough equipment for all participants.
"This tournament is unique," said Wiley, "in that we have to supply the equipment, where otherwise the golfers would bring in their own equipment."
Cost for a foursome is $140, or $35 per person, and includes glowing golf balls, use of a portable blacklight charger, greens fees, refreshments and a chance at the raffle prizes.
For $150, a person, organization or business can sponsor a hole or a tee box. Cost includes luminary bags featuring the sponsor's name on them circling the green, at the 100-yard markers and/or marking each tee area.
To be both a hole sponsor and for a foursome team, cost is $275, a savings of $15. Wiley said they are still looking for hole and tee box sponsors and golfers. Door prizes are also being sought.
The old nine holes on Raccoon Run will be played. "Denny Hepler's been very generous in helping us and opening the course to us," he said.
Even if a person doesn't golf, Wiley said, "it's a blast to watch."
All profits from the outing go to the Baker Youth Clubs, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.
For more information, call Wiley at 267-8771 or check the registration in today's Times-Union.
"The sooner the better because spots are limited," said Wiley.
