The Sun Valley area is known to have some serious golfers. This Saturday, May 15, they will have a chance to lighten up at the Ketchum Wide Open. Golf attire and behavior will be as relaxed as ever for a miniature golf pub-crawl through the watering holes of Ketchum.
The Ketchum Wide Open is an old spring ritual that was revived three years ago by the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. The event is open to all ages, but there will be a few holes only open to participants 21 and older.
Eleven bars and restaurants in Ketchum will have creative and challenging 6-par miniature golf holes set up inside them for the event. "Penalty shots" can be taken at each bar—one shot reduces your score by one stroke.
"Penalty shots improve your score, but not necessarily your putting game," said chamber representative Stefany Mahoney, who's promoting the event. "This is my favorite event of the year. It gets a little crazy at the awards ceremony after visiting 11 bars."
Ketchum Wide Open contestants will meet at the Ketchum Town Plaza across from Giaccobi Square downtown at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Tee-off will take place at noon. Cost is $20 for each two-member team. Putters will be for sale. Costume dress is encouraged.
The event is sponsored by the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber and Visitors Bureau, Bigwood Golf, Hayden Beverage, The Bigwood Grill and the city of Ketchum.
Participating businesses are Sawtooth Club, Roosevelt Grille, Casino, Grumpy's, Lefty's Bar & Grill, Papa Hemi's Hideaway, Rico's Pizza and Pasta, Cellar Pub, Smoky Mountain Pizza, Sushi on Second and Whiskey Jacques'.
Prizes will be given for best overall score, best group costume and worst score. The awards ceremony will take place at Ketchum Town Plaza, located at Fourth and Leadville, at 7 p.m.
Music will be playing and adult beverages sold.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
The Ketchum Wide Open brings a whole new look to golf. Photo by Mountain Express
