It is time to break out the golf clubs, and the umbrellas as well.

On Jan. 30, come rain or shine, the the Lopez Island Golf Club will host the sixth annual Soggy Bottom Golf Tournament.

The tournament not only provides a fun community event, but operates as a fundraiser for Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support.

The Soggy Bottom Golf Tournament did not originate as a fundraiser. What is now a valuable contribution to community service, began as simple winter recreation.

One winter several years ago, Lopez resident Vaughan Williams and a few friends decided to make use of the golf course. The winter weather had emptied the course of crowds, but it did not stop the group from having fun.

The tradition they started grew in popularity until it started making money Williams said. “We started it as a fun thing, more and more people got interested…slowly it’s gotten bigger and we’ve added a couple of things. There is a raffle and a lot of local businesses contribute prizes.”

Last year the tournament raised $1,418, an important donation according to Lynn Keeley, office manager at Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support.

“The money raised allows us to help our Lopez neighbors who are ill, injured, or at the end of life with a variety of services, including respite care, shopping, yard work, transportation, or sometimes just a friendly visit,” Keeley said. “It gives us the opportunity to bring specialists to the island to help train new volunteers. And it also allows us to purchase durable medical equipment like crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. All our services, including the durable medical equipment loan program, are provided without charge to whoever needs the help.”

The tournament continues to grow in scope. Last year there were 48 participants. Williams hopes that if the weather and ferries allow, participants from other islands will travel to Lopez for the event.

Anyone, of any skill, is encouraged to participate. From the amateur to the more seasoned player, Williams said it does not matter, people should just come to raise money and have fun.

“We’ve always had a lot of hackers out there and we like that,” Williams said.

Additionally, the tournament is played in teams. Organizers ensure that people of mixed skills are grouped together. Thus there are always more experienced players teamed together with the less experienced.

Entrance fee for the tournament is $25 for golf club members and $35 for non-members. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the game begins at 11 a.m.

Jeff Nichols of the Galley Restaurant is a supporter of the tournament and will provide brunch for the golfers at registration. The price of this is included in the ticket. There will also be a hot drinks stand, sponsored by Sunset Builders Supply. All proceeds from this will also go to the Lopez Hospice.

Although registration happens on Jan. 30, Williams encourages people to contact him to give him an idea of numbers. Contact him at 468-2922 or vewilliams@centurytel.net