Don’t know the difference between a putter and a wedge? Ever wonder why a golfer who shoots a 70 is so great when you can easily shoot three times that? Think a mulligan is a stew?
Then grab whatever you’re using for a golf bag and register for one of the craziest tournaments in the sport.
The Jorts Open, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for April 30 at the Palm Valley Golf Course. Proceeds benefit North St. Johns County Young Life.
With its hillbilly theme, the Jorts Open does not take itself too seriously.
Each golfer gets three clubs, and the tournament is limited to nine holes. But participants will want to leave their usual golfing attire at home in favor of something less flashy. A lot less flashy. (For the uninitiated, “jorts” is short for “jean shorts,” a preferred garment for the event.)
In fact, participants will be judged on their attire in addition to their golf score.
“It’s a golf tournament unlike any other that I’ve seen,” said Chris Bretton, area director for North St. Johns County Young Life.
And there’s a special hole-in-one prize, in case a golfer should make that toughest of shots: a John Deere tractor.
Last year was the first time Young Life was the beneficiary of the Jorts Open. And despite the impact of the pandemic, the tournament attracted more than 120 golfers.
For that reason, the event has been split into two flights this year. Golfers may register for the morning flight (10 a.m to 1 p.m.) or the afternoon flight (4 p.m. to sunset). Organizers hope this will accommodate 200 or more entrants.
Young Life is a nondenominational ministry for youth in grades six through 12. Currently, more than 400 area families are involved with the nonprofit. Young Life builds relationships with youth who might never set foot in a church and thus never have the benefit of belonging to a traditional youth group.
Adults take the time to show up in the lives of the young participants. They have a weekly “party with a purpose,” a Bible study for youth who wouldn’t normally attend a traditional Bible study, and summer and weekend camps.
And, while faith is a big part of Young Life, it’s not limited to that.
“We talk about more than Jesus,” said Bretton. “We talk about life.”
To register for one of the tournament flights, purchase raffle tickets or sign up to be a sponsor, go to northstjohnscounty.younglife.team/young-life-jorts-open-2022.
Palm Valley Golf Course is located at 1075 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
