The seventh annual Hospice of Homer golf tournament fundraiser gives golfers of all skill levels the chance to play, have fun, and even win a prize or two. 

The tournament will be held at The Tips Golf Course, a par three, nine-hole course out East End Road with a breath-taking view of Kachemak Bay, on June 11 said Hospice of Homer board president Richard Kleinleder. The day starts at 9 a.m. and all proceeds benefit Hospice of Homer.

“You’re looking out over the mountains and the glaciers. It’s one of the most spectacular golf courses you’ll play at in your life,” Kleinleder said.

The tournament is a scramble format, which emphasizes fun for all players, Kleinleder said. Tournament entrants are placed onto teams of three or four people the day of, which allows organizers to place people of various skill levels on each team. On each turn, every player on the team hits a ball and then the team decides which ball they want to shoot from next.

“Having multiple shots from the same places gives everyone a chance to contribute and get a good score. There’s a lot of laughter. It’s not a real serious tournament,” Kleinleder said. “It’s a good opportunity for people to play even if they’re not really good golfers or haven’t played in a while, but still get that fun camaraderie of playing the game.”

Players can also purchase mulligans, or do-overs, which will allow them to retake shots of their choice during tournament play, Kleinleder said.

Cost of entry is $55 before the event, or $65 for day-of-event registration. Entrants can also pay $70 extra to form their own team, said event organizer Marilyn Dugdale. Bagels, doughnuts and coffee will be provided for breakfast at the beginning of the tournament, and then a barbecue lunch will be served about halfway through the tournament play. 

Teams start staggered at different holes, so that everyone is playing at the same time, Kleinleder said. Teams play the course through twice for a total of 18 holes.

In addition to prizes for the top three teams, there will be a closest to the pin contest before the tournament begins. Players shoot balls at a pin placed by the tournament organizers and win a prize for the closest shot. Hospice of Homer will also raffle off prizes during the tournament, including $100 worth of Homer Farmers Market coins and flower baskets from Baycrest Nursery, Dugdale said.

Hospice of Homer provides many services to the Homer community, including end-of-life and bereavement services, no-cost medical equipment rentals, and friends for the elderly. 

Anna Frost can be reached at anna.frost@homernews.com.