Registration has started for the Fourth Annual Runaway Open charity golf tournament for Phish fans, in Denver on the morning of the second show of the upcoming Dick’s run, over Labor Day weekend.

Details — We’ll have 84 players this time, with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. (preceded by a group photo and warm send-off), playing at Willis Case. As before, we’ll have some prizes – but it’s all about swingin’ sticks with fellow fans, so don’t sweat it if you’re rusty, new to the game, or prioritizing fun over competition. So are we. 🙂

Prizes — Each player will receive a gift bag of items contributed by various sponsors, and from Mockingbird’s stash of goodies. Pro Shop credits will be awarded for one longest drive, one closest to hole, and to each member of the top foursome. Additionally, a handful of substantial prizes will be given by random drawing to players at the conclusion of the tournament; only fully registered players are eligible, and must be present to win.

Format  — As before, we’ll play a Modified Shamble: Everyone tees, then plays individually from the best first ball to the hole (rather than the best ball on each stroke, as in a typical Shamble, aka Texas Scramble or Captain’s Choice). Each foursome records the best two (2) scores per hole. That balances competitive play with a fun-focused day. But don’t fret about format, skill, or handicap, unless you want to – this is all about fun, charity, Sand, Wedge… you get it.

NOTE: We are booked solid at an expanded roster of 84, and have a small waiting list (in there are cancellations, or noshows) of some who have registered and paid, and want to wait that out. We’re happy to full refund anyone who wants to pull from the waiting list, and are already planning for perhaps 120 players next year!

Register — Register by completing this online form and then making a donation to the Mockingbird Foundation of at least* $150 per player via PayPal, Dwolla, or mailed check. That donation covers all cart, greens, and tournament fees, including the shotgun structure; lunch, an event golf shirt, a gift bag of goodies available only to fully registered players, and a nominal charitable margin to support music education grants. (*The event is priced tightly, to attract as many players as possible. Generosity above the requested donation, now or later, is immensely appreciated.)

Act soon! — Early registration is strongly encouraged. All three previous events have sold out, with a waiting list we couldn’t satisfy. The number of players has nearly doubled each year (16 to 32 to 54), but we’ve also opened registration earlier, to facilitate players’ planning and to help find more players. So act soon – and please help spread the word!