In a frosty blend of sport and charity, Mainers hit the ice for the first-ever Maine Ice Golf Scramble, turning winter golf into a fundraising event.
OAKLAND, Maine — It may be winter, but some golfers weren’t letting snow and ice keep them off the course on Saturday.
Players took to McGrath Pond for nine holes on ice in the first-ever Maine Ice Golf Scramble, a unique event combining winter fun with fundraising.
“Well, Mainers are hardy, and people are playing indoor golf all the time throughout the winter anyway, so it’s kind of a logical next step. Let’s get outside and do it on ice,” said Joe Piwowarski, director of member services and junior golf at Maine Golf.
The event was organized by Maine Golf in partnership with the New England Sports Camps, bringing four-person teams together for a snow-covered scramble.
“It’s a fun chance to be out with my friends on the ice and raising money for a great cause,” said Jen Seekins, a participant.
Every swing helped raise funds for scholarships to send kids to summer camp who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
“The community is coming out and having fun, but all of their money is going towards making sure that kids who want to access the sport can,” said Patrick Kearns, camp director at New England Sports Camps.
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For players, the frozen pond presented its own challenges.
“With all the layers on, it’s very restrictive,” said Luke Hill. “And the other thing is that when you hit the ground in golf, the ground helps you. Here, your club goes right under it like you’re swinging out of a bunker every time.”
Thivierge-Bonney and Setha Carbee, the day was less about the score and more about spending time together.
“It’s a nice date day,” Sasha Thivierge-Bonney, participant, said.
“Time away from the kids a little bit and having fun with each other and our spouses,” said Setha Carbee.
“We’re gonna win, so…” Thivierge-Bonney added.
Some participants even found advantages to the icy conditions.
“I actually am finding I’m playing better out here on the snow. I love the roll you get when you hit the ice,” Seekins said.
“It’s a little tough swinging in bean boots and thick winter gloves, but everyone’s finding a way,” Piwowarski added.
Prizes were later handed out to the top scoring teams.
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