October 13th, 2001 marks the seventh annual United Way Charity Golf Classic held at the world famous golf resort town of Predator Ridge. This tournament is very unique, the tournament plays as 22, 5 man teams, 18 hole texas scramble format where, GET THIS!!!, every hole is played as a par 3, and every hole has a huge prize, i.e. cars, trucks, furniture ensembles all worth $20,000 and up for each hole.

The Format and Rules

Each player was required to use a minimum of 3 "drives" or "approach" shots, in this case as all holes are played from 150 to 175 yards. The main objective is to get a hole-on-one, and you will have 18 attempts. After this point, each player will play their ball from the best "vantage" point chosen by the team. The ball that is nearest to the hole is not always the best choice, given the "slickness" of the greens. The main object, make "BIRDIE", or at least "PAR", "BOGIES" really hurt.

Forecasts and Results

Our team estimated that a -12 round would secure top place, and of course the final tallies came in and the winning team was in fact -12. The Team BCgolfguide.com tied for 4th at -5 (13 pars, 5 birdies). I think our team played exceptionally well considering the weather, the quickness of the greens, and that our group started out as somewhat strangers and ending up having a very enjoyable tournament round.We agreed to repeat the collaboration for 2002. Bill Taylor, Pat Harrison, Peter Gigliuk, Frank Voelkle and myself Ross Marrington.

Tournament High Points

What more could be asked for on such a unique tournament that someone would and could get a hole in one! Well it happened and from the eye witness accounts you will never believe how it happened. Rob Boan a local to Vernon was on the first hole of the Osprey 9 layout. The hole played slightly uphill at about 165 yards. The ball was struck, fading into the right hand side bunker. The ball then proceeded to bounce thru the bunker, hitting a well positioned rake. The ball then had the good fortune to be directed toward the green and right into the cup! Rob won himself a $30,000 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Rob, glad your in Canada otherwise the I.R.S. would be sending you a nasty tax bill.

The Cause

Of course the intention of the day was to raise money for the Vernon chapter of the United Way. The tournament and silent auction raised just over $35,000. The event could not have been achieved without the Vernon Automobile Association and of course the dozens of volunteers that verified aces, served coffee, amongst other warm beverages.

Photo Gallery

We managed to snap a couple dozen photos of the course and prizes. The holes that will be featured start at Redtail #8 which was our starting hole. If your interested in more information on Predator Ridge please click HERE to access their web site and additional photos.