Golf tourney fundraiser announced

Information submitted

Van Wert has a new way to beat the winter blues with its first-ever Putt Around Van Wert Indoor Putt Putt Golf Tournament. The event will take place February 1, 2013, when four-player teams compete for cash prizes for first-, second- and third-place finishes.

Players will travel to nine local businesses to play one hole of Putt Putt golf at each location. Florida scramble rules apply, so only the best score per team, per hole will be recorded. Participating businesses and organizations are Fricker’s, Sears, Van Wert Bedrooms, Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, Moose Lodge 1320, StateWide Ford, Kennedy-Kuhn and Elks Lodge 1197.

Holes can be played anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and winners will be announced at the Elks Lodge after scores have been tallied.

Cost is only $80 per team if registered before January 21, 2013. After that, registration will increase to $100 per team. Teams may sign up at any of the participating businesses or organizations or send checks payable to Van Wert Community Club, with a team name and a list of members to P.O. Box 741, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Each business/organization will create its own hole an anything goes. Golfers will vote for their favorite hole and the winning business will receive a trophy. Event organizer Lei lonnee Taylor hopes this will become an annual event, while, if initial reaction is any indication, the tournament is sure to become a local favorite.

“I was blown away by the enthusiastic response I received and how fast we filled the slots for the nine holes with just a few phone calls, and even considered expanding to eighteen,” said Taylor, who added that, in the end, it was decided to stay with the original nine-hole plan and expand next year.

The event will also include a chili cook-off judged by the golf tournament participants. Cook-off contestants will also compete for a cash prize. Those wanting to compete in the chili cook-off can contact Keith Allen at 419.238.3866.

Proceeds from the fundraising event will go to local youth enrichment programs. For more information, call Taylor at 260.494.0335 or Susan Saam at 419.238.2014.