KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Most golfers strive to avoid water hazards, but that’s not the case with a group of boating golfers preparing to raise money for charity. Key West’s Conch Life Scramble, scheduled Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6, features an on-the-water course and balls that turn into fish food after immersion.

Each “hole” in the goofy golfing event consists of two floating rings positioned between 30 and 90 yards off a waterfront venue’s dock or beach. Golfers are awarded points for their shots, depending on whether they land inside or outside the rings.

Only irons and putters are allowed, and participants use environmentally friendly, biodegradable balls that become fish food after 96 hours in the water.

The offbeat action begins with a kick-off party, registration and auction set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at the Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. on Stock Island.

Each team consists of four players and a designated driver. Each player is to have two shots at each of nine “holes,” proceeding between the holes by boat.

Teams are to meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Stock Island’s Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker 4.5, for a tournament breakfast before departing in their boats for the day’s competition.

Following play, an awards luncheon is set for 3 p.m. at the Hogfish Bar and Grill, 6810 Front St. on Stock Island. Each team is to receive awards for best score, with other awards presented for the best individual score, best-dressed team and hard luck team.

The entry fee is $400 per team. Proceeds from the event benefit the Wyland Foundation and the Florida Keys’ Wesley House Family Services.

A playoff tournament is scheduled Dec.11-12 in Islamorada, Fla., pitting the Key West winners against the winners of prior tournaments in Key Largo and Islamorada.

For more information and registration, call Lissette Cuervo at 305-809-5000, ext. 228, or visit www.conchlifescramble.com.

For information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including area accommodations, visit www.fla-keys.com.

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