Third Annual United Way The Miniature Golf Tournament

Hot Shots Family Fun Center is holding its Third Annual United Way tournament starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 8.

The miniature golf event will offer a variety of prizes, and the top two players will receive an all expense paid trip to the Harris Cup in Tinton Falls, NJ and play for a chance at their share of the $20,000 purse.

“The real winners are the hundreds of local residents who benefit from the many agencies supported by United Way. Without United Way’s support, these agencies would be forced to reduce services that are greatly needed in our community,” said Jeffrey Schott, owner and operator of Hot Shots.

Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited to register to play by calling 540-719-1547. Players may also sign up the day of the event. The entry fee is $20, half of which is tax deductible. Businesses are welcome to field teams as well.

In addition to their tournament golf, players will receive a hot dog and soda, and a free ride in the bumper blaster boats this year

“This tournament is the best kept secret around. Great fun. Great friends old and new. Amazing weather. Terrific door prizes. A great way to have fun with your family and friends and help those in the county who need help, especially in times like these,” said Bill Jacobsen, CEO and Vice President of Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Carilion is one of the hole sponsors for the event, and Jacobsen is a board member for United Way. Prizes and sponsors are still being sought for the event.

Hole sponsors to date for the tournament include: Virginia Furniture Market, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, LaBarbera Chiropractic Wellness Center, Martinsville DuPont Credit Union, Uttermost, and Earth Environmental Consultants Inc. A variety of prizes will be available the day of the event – including a duffle bag and blanket donated by SunTrust Bank.

For those who’d rather try something else while friends play, there will be plenty of food for sale in the kitchen, arcade games, and electric powered bumper boats loaded with water canons.

Pat Koger, Director of United Way of Franklin County, said she looks forward to the annual event. “This is a fun outing for all those involved and helping United Way benefits the entire county.”

She also said she had a special hat prize designed for the player with the “best moves,” noting that there had been some pretty wild dances celebrating good shots at previous tournaments. She joked that she expected Bill Jacobsen to be a serious contender for the best moves title although board president Mark Hudzik had threatened a new and improved version of his “dance.”

All golfers are welcome to test their skills on the par 40 design, and nets will be provided for those needing to fish their balls out of the water hazards.

There are six ponds, three streams and a 200-ton waterfall on this championship course.

Hot Shots is located at 67 Village View Lane in Moneta between Capps Home Building Center and Liquid Lube & Wash about 1/2 mile from the Westlake corner.