<p>Attention Golfers!</p><p>I wanted to take this opportunity, while it is still very early and still on my mind, to maybe help answer a few questions that have arisen since last year's tournament, and also provide more information so that you become more aware of our tournament details for 2011.</p><p>Q: In the e-mail/flier, you mentioned that there will be an 8:30am shotgun start and a 1:30pm shotgun start. Can we choose which start?</p><p>A: ABSOLUTELY! When you submit your team's registration, please notate on the registration, email me, or call me, as to which shotgun start your team prefers. FIRST COME (paid), FIRST SERVE! The whole idea behind the double shotgun starts were 2-fold. 1. Give our golfers a little more flexibility on their Friday so they can have an opportunity to play in our annual tournament. The OFD understands, and really appreciates, those golfers that take any kind of time off from work to participate. 2. Speed of play! Having two shotgun starts, and limiting both starts participation to 80 golfers (20 teams) in each start will ensure our golfers fully enjoy their day at the Schuylkill Country Club, and still have some time left over for and other Friday commitments they may have. </p><p>Q: Why does the OFD ask golfers to purchase "straws", "mulligans", and/or participate in the "Pot-of-Gold"?</p><p>A: The OFD "sells" straws, mulligans, and a Pot-of-Gold chance to help generate much needed profit from this tournament. When our golfers pay $75 for the tournament, the OFD makes ZERO from this. It literally costs the OFD $75 per golfer to run this tournament. It is VERY IMPORTANT that each golfer understands that if it wasn't for the generosity of the Schuylkill Country Club (and key sponsors like Hoss's Steak and Sea, Renders, Eagle Beverage, and Brewers Outlet), this tournament would have never happened. Example: Non-member green fees with cart at the Club are $60 alone! Combine that with a entry gift, on-course prizes, a full staff serving our golfers a complete steak dinner, unlimited beer, water, soda...and of course those chili dogs...well...you can easily do the math.</p><p>Q: How does the "straw" thing work? If I purchase a "straw", can I let someone else use it if they didn't purchase one?</p><p>A: First, and foremost, only the golfer that purchases a mulligan, straw, or an entry into the Pot-of-Gold can use these during tournament play. No, you cannot let any other teammate use them because maybe they are a better putter or a better driver of the golf ball. This is where the OFD expects all golfers to honor the code and integrity of the game. Any golfer who knowingly violates this code will forfeit their team's entry and will not be invited to any future tournaments the OFD hosts. Last year the OFD sold "strings". Each were approximately 6 inches in length. This year, the OFD will be selling "straws". They will be a few inches longer (we are going for 12 inch straws) and this will also ensure each golfer receives the same exact length. Only the golfer who PURCHASED a straw may use it. It can only be used ONCE! Example: Tom is putting for a birdie. He misses the putt and the ball rests within the length of the straw and immediate edge of the hole. Tom can then use his straw to confirm that his ball did come to a final rest within this length. He can "use it" and award his team a "birdie". However, he can no longer use his straw again. Once and done!</p><p>Q: Last year the "Men's Regular" tees were moved up. Will they be in the same place this year?</p><p>A: No they will not! The Mens "Regular" tees will be moved back to their original location! They were moved up last year in an effort to increase the speed of play. Also, last year's tee location gave those groups with female golfers a small disadvantage. The ladies were only given just a few yards difference. Nope, the dudes have to play back further this year! Sorry gentlemen! Tournament tee colors will be designated on the Rules Sheet AND prior to tournament play. </p><p>Q: Some of my fellow teammates are not getting your emails, but they want to be kept up-to- date on news and information regarding the Annual OFD Golf Tournament. Why?</p><p>A: I either do not have their email address, or I might have an old or incorrect email address. Please have them email me with a current email address so they too can stay "well informed" on anything as it relates to the Annual OFD Golf Tournament.</p><p>Q: My entire team is taking the day off and want to make this a complete day of golf, beer, and food! We would like to play in both shotgun starts. Is this possible?</p><p>A: Yes it is, but ONLY if the tournament DOES NOT sell out by the July 2nd due date! Remember a few rules. Each golfer MUST register AGAIN with another $75 entry fee! Golfers CANNOT "carry-over" ANY purchased mulligans, straws, or entries into the Pot-of-Gold! You MUST re-purchase them if you wish to use ANY of these fun benefits during your second round of play. Any team that enters into both shotgun starts will be treated as two separate teams. Example: Team Tom 1 (8:30am shotgun start) and Team Tom 2 (1:30pm shotgun start). Yes, it is then possible to have Team Tom 1 and Team Tom 2 to "place" in two different flights. </p><p>Q: July can be a hot month! Will the Schuylkill Country Club have the pool open and available, like last year, to non Schuylkill Country Club member golfer's families that day?</p><p>A: Yes! The Country Club pool will be open and available to those golfers whose family members wish to "cool off" while you are out eating and drinking. A small benefit, and token of appreciation, from the OFD and the Schuylkill Country Club for saying "Thank you!" for supporting the Orwigsburg Fire Department! I will just need to know who is coming and when that day. Yes...there will be a lifeguard on duty. Those that are using the pool must adhere to the Schuylkill Country Club's rules and policies regarding this privilege. </p><p>Q: What about food for those friends and family members that are waiting at the pool while the tournament is underway?</p><p>A: While food, beer, soda, and water are being provided for the tournament players, they are not being provided for friends and family members who wish to take advantage of the Country Club pool. Food and beverages will be available at the Country Club for a minimal cost. Friends and family members are welcome to join the golfers during the post-round steak dinner. A complete steak dinner is available for a very low cost of $25 per person. There is also a lower cost kids menu available too. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE ORWIGSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT!</p><p>Q: What time can I arrive for the tournament?</p><p>A: We ask the golfers arrive no earlier than 90 minutes before their scheduled shotgun start! However, the sooner we can get you registered, the quicker things will go! </p><p>Q: Does the Schuylkill Country Club have a practice range and putting green?</p><p>A: Yes! Complimentary use of the putting green is available, as well as complimentary use of the Club's driving range. Yes, I said FREE RANGE BALLS! Courtesy of the Schuylkill Country Club!!</p><p>Q: My tee time is at 8:30am, but I do not have the time to stay to see if I won a prize or placed in a flight. Do I have to be present to win anything?</p><p>A: No! The OFD completely understands that your time is your own. This is why the OFD and Schuylkill Country Club have partnered together to arrange a double shotgun start with a max capacity per start to ensure speed and quality of play. As director of this tournament, I will contact anyone personally if they won something and were not able to stay after-wards. However, those that do stay are welcome to do so. Unfortunately the free beer, soda, and water is during play only and soda and water only during the meal period. Alcohol is available for golfers once their round is complete through the Schuylkill Country Club. They will have a cash bar available to those golfers after their tournament is complete.</p><p>If you have a question about anything that was mentioned here, or perhaps you have one completely different, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.</p><p>Thank You!</p><p>Jason Zulick Orwigsburg Fire Department [email protected] 570-294-3365</p>