The County Open golf scramble, tournament is this weekend

The County Open format has returned to its original roots, but it also has a new twist.
The County Open will be spread across two weekends, with golf on Aug. 3-5, along with the gala dinner, while the half-marathon/relay will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11.
“We’ve tried a lot of different setups over the last couple of years,” said Jack White, chairman of the committee. “We looked at the numbers and when it was all said and done, the one that seemed to be the most popular was the scramble on Friday and tournament Saturday and Sunday.”
In its 23rd year, The County Open has raised $491,000 for the Health Services Foundation. Thus far this year, the event has brought in $25,000 in sponsorships, which also covers the cost of events.
“We are trying to decrease expenses to give as much back as possible,” said White. “Sponsorships have been down a little, but it is tough economic times.”
The Friday four-person golf scramble will be played at VaJoWa in Island Falls. Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
A practice round is included with each entry fee. The practice round can be played at VaJoWa on Thursday, Aug. 2. Golf cart rental is not included with the $50 per person entry fee, so contact the course at 463-2128 in advance to reserve a cart. Cash prizes will be awarded for both gross and net scores.
The 36-hole golf tournament will be played over two days, Aug. 4-5, with a day each at VaJoWa Golf Club in Island Falls and the Houlton Community Golf Course in New Limerick.
Registration is $75 and does not include cart rental, contact the courses early to reserve a cart.
A practice round can be played at VaJ Wa on Thursday Aug. 2, and a tee time can be made at Houlton Community Golf Course for that week.
Golfers in the tournament are placed in one of four divisions — Men’s A,B and C divisions, and the Ladies Division. Registration is limited to 140 players. Tee off times will be posted at www.countyopen.com. Prizes will be awarded for the top three golfers for both gross and net in each division.
Last year 52 golfers played in the scramble and 60 for the one-day tournament. Typically, there are around 64 golfers in the scramble and 75 for the two-day tourney.
On Saturday, Aug. 4, a dinner will be hosted at the Houlton Community Golf Course at 6 p.m., with the Horn of Plenty catering and Tim Humphrey providing the entertainment. According to White, The County Open committee will be giving away $3,000 in cash prizes.
“We average around 100 people for the supper,” added White. Last year, there were 85 in attendance and the year before 135.
The following Saturday, Aug. 11, The County Open will hold its half-marathon/four-person relay event in Island Falls.
“We moved the running event because it interfered with a couple of different events,” said White. “We’ve had a lot of golfers say they would like to run as well. They have never done both, but this year, they can.”
Last year, 84 runners participated in the half-marathon, along with seven relay teams. This year, 25 individuals, along with a couple of relay teams are already pre-registered. The golf registrations are starting to come in, as well.
“I think they wait for the last minute weather report,” White laughed.
Though the participation numbers fluctuate over the years,  The County Open committee remains committed to the community’s health care.
“This year, the Health Services Foundation does not have a capital project,” White explained. “We are fundraising for “Excellence in Healthcare for Tomorrow.” So, we anticipate another big project around the corner and [The County Open’s} contributions give them a jumpstart. “It’s a fun time and the community is encouraged to attend and support The Health Services Foundation.”
Registrations can be sent to P.O. Box 1231, Houlton, Maine 04730, completed on The County Open web site at www.countyopen.com or done by phone at 521-2150 or 521-2503.