Floating greens, golf boats and biodegradable fish-food golf balls highlight the annual “par-tee” on the water during the popular Conch Scramble charity golf tournament.
Set for Sept. 28 in Islamorada, a full field of 50 teams has entered this one-of-a-kind golf experience to have a “hole” lot of fun honing their swings and raising money for charity. Boating and golf enthusiasts can still participate as spectators, however, and are invited to attend the kickoff party on Sept. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m.
The launch party at SD Marine Group, MM 85, bayside at the base of the Snake Creek Bridge, will include games, food and drinks as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle. Nongolfers can purchase tickets for a $50 donation at conchscramble.com.
During the tournament, teams of four and a designated boat driver “caddy” make stops at Islamorada waterfront venues and come ashore to tee off. Each player will take shots at the floating holes, using biodegradable golf balls that dissolve into fish food after 90 hours in the water.
Teams will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at SD Marine Group for breakfast, hole location assignments and a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Hole location stops where patrons can see and cheer on the foursomes include Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, the Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub, Papa Joe’s and Marker 88.
Trophies await the top three teams with the best scores, while additional honors will recognize the best hole location, most team spirit and best costumes. Proceeds help fund Florida Keys charities.