Golfers chip in for sports at Outlaw Open

The Outlaw Open has become one of Sisters' signature events, bringing the community together for a good time and a good cause.

The scramble-format golf event drew 128 golfers to Aspen Lakes last Friday. Aspen Lakes has hosted the tourney for over a decade, not only providing the course for the tournament, but also pitching a big tent to house an evening of food, music and fundraising.

Event coordinator Deb Wattenburg told The Nugget that preliminary reports indicate that the silent and live auctions brought in more than $10,000, which will support Outlaws sports programs. With continued cuts forcing sports to rely more and more heavily on fundraising, large-scale events that create a lot of bang for the buck are increasingly critical.

There were 35 silent auction items and 14 live auction pieces (including a paddle raise). The auction items were donated by businesses and individuals from across Sisters Country.

"We've had auction items rolling in through this afternoon," Wattenburg said on Friday. "The generosity of this community has been humbling. It's wonderful."

Of course, golf can be humbling, too. Many of the participants gathered in the tent Friday evening joked about their play at their own expense.

"Let's just say I'm dressed like a golfer," said Bill Turner, more often seen in boots and hat as the "Hands On The Horse Guy."

Jeff McDonald, manager of Ray's, told The Nugget he's played in the open 11 times, only missing one year for a fishing trip.

His group shot six under, which was plenty good enough for McDonald.

"We had fun," he said.

Fun was the name of the game for participants, but the event means a lot of work for the student athletes who benefit from the Outlaw Open. Members of the Outlaws football team worked the event, along with girls basketball and volleyball players and members of the baseball team. Lacrosse players took on tent set-up duties.

"They've been working hard," Wattenburg said. "We're very proud of them."

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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