#Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Summit Daily News Link
Mud season in Summit is when locals take back the county. When the majority of summer travelers head home and “Front Rangers” stay put until the chairlifts start running, the fall is time for Summit residents to kick back their feet for some “me” time.
To ring in the official start of mud season, the town of Frisco will host the second-annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament at Copper Creek on Sept. 11. The event will have a community flavor, with a laid-back scramble format. Frisco Mayor Gary Wilkinson will be present, as well as Frisco Town Council members and town employees.
“It’s more of a community locals thing,” Frisco town manager Bill Efting said. “We all work hard in the summertime, so this is an opportunity to kick back and get to know some of your local officials.”
The scramble format gives players of all abilities a chance for a respectable round of golf. In four-ball scramble, all four players drive from the tee box. The best drive becomes the group’s official ball, then everyone hits from the official location. The best teams have a combination of long-ball drivers, short-ball marksmen and pinpoint putters. All players can occasionally rise up and contribute, even when they might otherwise feel frustrated.
But, building a bulletproof foursome isn’t the point at the Mayor’s Cup.
“No one’s trying to load up to have the best team out there,” explained player Mark Luna. “It’s really not heavily competitive.”
Former participant Rick Amico agrees.
“Once you admit you’re not going to be Tiger or McIlroy, you’ll have a good time,” he said. What the Mayor’s Cup lacks in hardcore competition, it makes up for in social interaction.
“It’s just a good time to get to know people better,” Amico said. “Sometimes, at work, it’s hard to be yourself, so this is a nice way to socialize without pressure of a business situation.”
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
As a locals-friendly tournament, the Mayor’s Cup is also affordable. While most golf scrambles usually cost around $125 per person or more, the Mayor’s Cup only costs $70 per person, or $280 for a four-person team. This buys all players 18 holes, a cart, prize opportunities, a commemorative Mayor’s Cup golf ball, and a BBQ lunch from JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern.
If you are a competition junkie, though, the Mayor’s Cup still has that element. All 18 holes are home to traditional scramble contests, from longest drive and putt holes to more complicated challenges, like longest off-hand drive.
Prizes for contest winners include gift certificates to local restaurants, 24-hour pontoon rentals on Lake Dillon, free golf balls and more. At the end, the top men’s and mixed teams will also be recognized with awards.
BEST GOLF OF THE SEASON
Sometimes, players find that they play their best golf in tournaments like this. The laid-back atmosphere relieves pressure, but an element of mild competition still helps players take their game seriously.
“One or two good shots bring you back for next year,” Amico said. “It’s just to have a good time and spend time with people you don’t know.”
Last year, Luna’s teammate, Rick Higgins, had a particularly good shot when he sunk the first-ever tournament hole-in-one.
“It was great to see,” said Luna. “His face was just beaming.”
Higgins earned bragging rights for the ace, along with some unofficial laurels from the rest of the playing field.
“He did have to buy a round of drinks after,” Luna with a laugh. “It wouldn’t have been right if we let him get away without that.”
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.
