Those hitting the links at the Chamber Golf Classic can spice things up with contests for all skill levels.
At Hole 2, avoiding the rough is good for a sleeve of ball. On Hole 10, $5 lets you borrow a golf pro’s driver, and the pro to go along with it.
“The professional will drive the ball for you,” said Penny Shanks, executive director for Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. “The contests are fun.”
Challenges for serious players include longest drive, closest to the pin, and hole in one, success at which wins a new car.
“No one’s won a vehicle, yet, but I’m always hopeful,” Shanks said.
Registration for the 18-hole classic starts at 7:30 a.m., Monday, June 29. Shotgun start is 8:30 a.m., lunch at 10:30 a.m. Location this year is Paint Creek Country Club, Lake Orion.
“The chamber has five golf courses and we rotate among them,” Shanks said. “Paint Creek offers a nice golfing experience. It’s a great course.”
Chaired by Heidi Nettler for her second year, about 100 golfers are already signed up, though they have room for more.
‘Sponsorships are filling up nicely, so we’re doing great,? Nettler said.
Nettler has been key to the fundraiser’s success, Shanks said.
‘She’s an absolute dynamo ? she goes above and beyond call of duty,? Shanks said. ‘She’s brought her enthusiasm and ideas, which makes it successful. It’s very cool.?
The classic is a major fundraiser for the chamber.
“It’s very important,” Shanks said. “It funds about a third of the chamber’s overhead expenses.”
Admision of $150 includes 18 holes of golf with covered cart, breakfast and lunch, strolling appetizers and open bar, door prizes, contests, and raffle. Prizes include Paint Creek membership, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets, and a wheelbarrow of booze.
“All the booze is donated,” Shanks said. “The winner gets the booze and the wheelbarrow.”
For more information, call the chamber at 248-625-8055 or check www.clarkston.org.