Farm-City Open hits Umatilla on Saturday

Published 12:13 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2011

<p>Prizes in the Farm-City Open Golf Tournament will include Nike golf clubs, a custom belt buckle for each of the tourney winners and this 2011 Chevrolet Camaro for the first person to hit a hole-in-one on No. 9 at Big River Golf Course in Umatilla.</p>

The Farm-City Open, a golf tournament organized by Sherrell Chevrolet that donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the rodeos Tough Enough to Wear Pink program, is back for another year. And theyve brought big prizes with them.

For a $50 entry, participants receive a round of golf at Big River Golf Course in Umatilla, lunch, on-course appetizers (not a typo) and the chance to win over 70 different prizes.

One of those prizes is a brand spankin new 2011 Chevy Camaro, which will go to the person who makes a hole-in-one on hole No. 9.

Kevin Fisher, sales consultant at Sherrell Chevrolet and tournament organizer, said this is the most prizes they have had to give away. The tournament has been around for about 20 years, according to Fisher.

The four-person scramble will be have at least 30 foursomes this year, more than 120 participants. Participants enter individually and are placed on teams based off of their handicaps. Experienced players are matched with beginners to even the playing field.

It isnt a traditional format, but it works.

Last year, nine teams tied for second place, and order was determined with a massive putt-off competition.

Random pairing gives participants a way to golf with people they normally wouldnt have.

Its a good community tournament, and everybody knows each other, Fisher said.

The top 10 scoring teams will receive prizes, which include Nike bags, clubs, golf course vouchers and gift cards. First-place finishers will get a custom belt buckle.

In addition to team scoring prizes, two KPs (closest to the pin) on every par-3 (six in total) will be in play. Each par-3 will have a hole-in-one prize as well. There are a few trip giveaways, too.

The tournament has grown more popular over the years, and 2011 will be the biggest. Fisher said golfers from Tri-Cities and Pendleton will make their way to the course Saturday.

Its a tournament for the guy who plays once a year, and for the guy who plays all the time, Fisher said. Everybody is competitive and everybody is in it.

All skill levels of golfers are welcome to join the fun.

Golf may not be your strong suit, either, but if theres any consolation, there will be plenty of shrimp poppers to go around.

If you would like to be a part of the Farm-City Open, you may drop off your fee and entry form by Wednesday, Aug. 3 at Sherrell Chevrolet. For more information, contact Kevin Fisher at 541-720-1268.

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