Pocono Mountains to Host 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament

Pocono Mountains to Host 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament at Lake Wallenpaupack on Sunday, January 30

The golf season returns from winter hiatus in the Pocono Mountains (800poconos.com) on Sunday, January 30 when the 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament takes place on the frozen fairways of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, Pa.

The event -- which was started by local restaurant owners and is hosted by Ehrhardt's Waterfront Restaurant overlooking the lake -- has become a favorite of the many winter events held in the Pocono Mountains region.

For the golf enthusiast who can’t get away to somewhere warm, the Ice Tee Golf Tournament makes for a fun, great alternative,” said President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Carl Wilgus. “We’re very proud to see this special event reach its 20th anniversary. It’s a credit to the local organizing committee and community that participate in making it happen and continue to grow.”

Two nine-hole courses are created in the center of the lake, complete with Christmas-tree lined fairways and makeshift greens, water traps, obstacles and rough. Holes can be up to 130 yards long and golfers receive a colored golf ball, plus a scorecard and map illustrating the course layout. Each player is restricted to using two clubs and a putter for the event.

Golfers can also take their shot to win prizes in the "Closest to Wally the Snowman" long-drive contest as well as win awards for Wackiest Hat, Best Sled and others. The awards ceremony is held at Ehrhardt's Waterfront at 3 p.m., complete 50/50 raffles, giveaways and prize packages that will include accommodations at local resorts. There will also be an ice-carved bar that will offer full bar service.

Tee times run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and "green fees" are a non-refundable donation of $15 per person in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Hawley is less than 90 minutes from New York City, located in the northern region of the Poconos, near Scranton, Pa. The event is open to the public for both players and spectators, who are encouraged to take photos and videos of the event and post them at http://www.facebook.com/poconotourism.

A field of more than 200 golfers entered the tournament the last time it was held. Interested participants of any age are encouraged to secure registration forms, tee times at their earliest opportunity. Information and reservations can be made by calling the Pocono Lake Region Chamber at 570-226-3191 or visit www.lakeregioncc.com. For a complete list of activities throughout the Pocono Mountain region, please visit www.800poconos.com.

Story by:

James Weaver

Senior Travel Editor

GolfWiz Blog