Each year Justin Fetcho holds his annual golf scramble, he learns something new that helps him for the next year.
Nothing has been more eye-opening than what transpired this spring when the SIU men's golf coach -- not only lost out on his squads spring season -- but the new way of doing things that come with it after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fetcho, just a month ago, wasn't sure if he was going to put on his annual scramble for a fifth straight year, but with restrictions easing up in the state, the one big fundraising event for the Salukis will culminate on August 7 at Crab Orchard Golf Course in Carterville.
The event was originally scheduled for July 31, however, due to direct orders from SIU, no university sponsored events can occur prior to August 1.
"I think it's fair to say, this is a huge piece of our program," Fetcho said. "And we wouldn't be able to play in the events and have some of the equipment we have it without the support and generosity from this fundraiser. To be able to have it, makes me excited for our program and makes me feel good to know our program is going to be stable, especially with budget concerns stemming from COVID-19. We're still going to be conscious of how we spend, but no doubt, this event is our finical support.
"Secondly, I continue to be overwhelmed by the response we continue to receive each and every year from this event. Even with what's all going on, people want to come out and support our program. As a coach, that makes you feel good."
The scramble has been a key finical component in helping SIU play in tournaments in Hawaii and against teams ranked in the Top 10, as well as, provide top-level equipment for the team.
One major component to this year's scramble is the importance of online registration. Whereas earlier, golfers could register at the course.
Fetcho emphasized protocols he and the school must adhere to in order to stay within guidelines.
"To really have this event, we have to following all the state and local guidelines. One, we want everyone to be healthy and safe as possible. Two, we have to follow state and golf guidelines for phase four and a big part of that is eliminating the long line for registration the day of the event. What we don't want is people gathering in one particular area.
We're going to follow protocol and we want to have all the registration done in advance. This will eliminate people congregating in big groups, but also, having players register in advance helps us with shirt sizes and we can have teams and players carts set in advance.
Again, the annual scramble is being presented by Dalhousie Golf Course in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and Legence Bank. The price is $150 for an individual or $900 for a sixsome with a shotgun start of 1 p.m.
The traditional Dinner & Auction event that used to take place at Pinch Penny Pub is now being replaced by an on-line action, which will include apparel items, gift certificates to various golf courses and many other miscellaneous items.
"We are still looking for sponsors and auction items," Fetcho said. "If you can't play this year, please consider becoming a hole, banner or cart sponsor -- or donating an item to our online auction."
The link to register online for the scramble is: https://siuf.org/events/mens-golf-scramble-2020.php
Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois LOCAL Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.
