The first time that I played in the Conch Scramble “On-The-Water” golf tournament, I thought my nose was going to blow right off.
No seriously, I really did.
When organizer, “Mangrove Mike” Forster invited me to participate in this popular Upper Keys Charity Golf Tournament, I was totally stoked.
What I didn’t know was that this unique “on-the-water” challenge involved more than just teeing your ball up on the beach and chipping onto a “floating” green”. Fast boats and strong margaritas, also played an integral role.
The day of the tournament, Mangrove Mike gathered the players together and assigned each team of four to a small “golf boat” which would ferry us to a designated “tee box.”
Clutching my seven iron and grasping the bill of my cap, I held on for dear life as we raced across the shallow waters of the Back Country, dodging clusters of mangroves and startled flocks of herons.
It was then that my lips started flapping like a raging duck bill and my nostrils began slowly inching their way up my forehead like droplets on a windshield. Luckily, our “caddy/captain” delivered us to shore before my nose had a chance to fly off into the bay.
We stopped at nine Islamorada waterfront watering holes that day for a one-of-a-kind golf tournament that I won’t soon forget. And let me tell you, trying to hit biodegradable golf balls (they dissolve into fish food after 90 hours in the water) onto floating greens is no easy feat. Especially when you’re drinking frozen margaritas every step of the way.
This year’s tournament is coming up on Saturday, September 25 (location TBD) with a kick-off party on Friday, September 24 from 6-10pm. Everyone is invited to join in for a night of fun games, good food, lively libations and craft beers from Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. There will also be a fabulous silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle. 
The fun continues on Saturday at 8:30am when players hook up at Chief Marine Group, a newly developed marina at the base of Snake Creek Bridge, mile marker 85 bayside, for an 8:30am breakfast, hole location assignments and a shotgun start at 9am.
Other hole locations where you can see and cheer on the fundraising teams include the Islamorada Fish Company, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, the Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub — known locally as the “OV” — and Marker 88.
FYI: If you’re still standing by 4pm, Marker 88 will also be hosting a Keys-style Awards Ceremony that includes trophies for the best scores, best hole location, best team spirit and best costumes.
Teams can register online at conchscramble.com and proceeds from the lighthearted golfing challenge help fund Florida Keys charities.
Wanna know more? Hit up conchscramble.com. Now go get ‘em tiger!
