Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
If you drive by Raccoon Run Golf Course after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, don't be alarmed by the illuminated flying objects.
They're not UFOs. They're golf balls.
Saturday is the Baker Youth Clubs' Third Annual Night Golf Tournament. The money raised through the tournament will help support the Baker Youth Clubs.
"It's really a unique golf tournament," said Scott Wiley, Baker Youth Clubs director, "because we play at night."
Tee-off is at 9:30 p.m. There are no lights so the course is pitch black, but the balls and holes glow. Golfers will wearing illuminated necklaces. This year, Wiley said, the balls will glow twice as brightly as last year.
"You can see these balls better at night than you can a white ball during the day," he said.
Cost to play in the tournament is $120 (or $30 per person) for a four-person scramble format. The price includes special lighted golf balls, lighted necklaces, greens fees, refreshments and a chance at raffle prizes.
Sponsoring a hole costs $150. Anyone who sponsors a hole gets their name on 12 luminary bags circling the green, at the 100-yard markers and marking each tee area. Wiley said hole sponsors are trying to get more creative with their hole sponsorships.
To sponsor a hole and for a foursome, the price is only $250.
"It's pretty cheap as far as golf tournaments go," said Wiley.
As for the four-person scramble, he said, "You don't have to worry if you're a good golfer or not because you take the best of all four shots."
Only nine holes will be played. However, if they get enough people, all 18 holes will be opened. The tournament will probably last until after midnight, Wiley said.
No golf carts are allowed because there are no lights and there are ponds on the course.
On the ninth hole are "gremlins." If they are bribed, they will "help" get your ball closer to the hole.
"It's always a fun thing they do out there," Wiley said.
He said everyone who has played has said it's the highlight of their summer. Some golfers even have their best round of golf during the tournament, he said.
After the tournament, a mini-auction is held to raise more money for the Baker Youth Clubs, along with the traditional milk and cookies.
The tournament has been held at Raccoon Run all three years. Wiley said, "It's a great place because ... it's condensed. You can see the other holes, the other golfers."
He said Denny Hepler has hosted the tournament as a way to give back to the Baker Youth Clubs. Hepler is a lifetime member of Baker Youth Clubs.
Last year about 50 people participated in the tournament. This year, Wiley said he hopes to have at least 72 people.
"There's plenty of room for more people," said Wiley.
The registration form for the tournament is on page 10A of today's Times-Union. For more information, call Wiley at 267-8771, 268-9453 or pager at 268-3703.
Donations for Baker Youth Clubs are also welcome if a person doesn't want to play golf.
Participants may sign up until the event but must be there by 9 or 9:15 p.m. Individuals who want to play but don't have a team are welcome.
The tournament is open to everyone. "Adults can get in it; men, women and kids. It doesn't matter," Wiley said.
Baker Youth Clubs is a United Way agency, serving all of Kosciusko County.
