LIHU‘E — Bart Thomas of the Ko‘a Kea Resort just happened to have a couple of the special light-up golf balls in his pocket.
“These are the types of golf balls that will be used in the Rockin’ Range event to benefit the Kaua‘i Special Olympics,” Thomas said. “Kaua‘i Special Olympics’ coach Leona Sa-McDermott and Lisa Aki wanted to partner with the veterans for a fundraiser. But because there are several members at the church I go to that have children in the Special Olympics program, this Rockin’ Range event will benefit the Kaua‘i Special Olympics.”
Sponsored by the Ocean Course at Hokuala, Airborne Aviation, Blue Dolphin Charters and Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventures, Rockin’ Range is essentially a three-part affair, with a family night, helicopter golf ball drop and an adult event.
Golf balls for the Airborne Aviation helicopter drop at the Ocean Course at Hokuala are available for $10 apiece from Sa-McDermott or Thomas at 503-707-2239 or bart.thomas@koakea.com.
Kaua‘i Special Olympics keiki will have an opportunity to play golf and learn from some of the best golf professionals on the island during the family event that starts at 5 p.m. and continues to 6 p.m., with the ball drop at 5:30 p.m.
Rockin’ Range starts with registration taking place on March 10 from 5:15 p.m. with the ball drop taking place at 5:30 p.m. along with the music provided by Byron Fernandez. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and the adult Rockin’ Range event start at 6 p.m.
During Rockin’ Range, 10 squares will be available at $2,000 per square, with up to 10 players allowed per square.
At nightfall, an announcement will be made to let the games begin to allow the golf balls to light up when hit.
Each player on a team will have three tries to get the best combined scores for the team, the scores being tracked by a dedicated scorekeeper.
The top three teams with the highest scores will have a playoff, with each player on the team’s roster having the opportunity to hit two balls with the scores being combined. The top two teams will earn prizes.
Additionally, tickets for three balls will be available to be used for games, such as pitch into a barrel, longest putt and foot golf hole in one. Prizes will also be awarded.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
