About The Hacker Open
The idea for the Hacker was born while I was golfing in a company tournament in 1999. The tournament started at 8 am on an early fall day, so it was cold. I was golfing with my director and overpaying for drinks. I thought to myself “this would be so much more fun with just my friends, starting later in the day and playing just 9 holes. Plenty for a “Hacker.”
Since I’m not a golfer, and most my friends are not, I had to find a system to handicap the teams. I found what is called the modified Peoria system.
After the round, three holes are drawn at random, each team’s score over par (max of 2 over) on a Peoria hole is multiplied by 2.8. That amount is taken off the team’s gross score to calculate the team’s net score.
After the round we would return to the Bibbs’ home for drinks and pulled pork sandwiches. Each golfer was asked to bring a dish to share. Prizes were awarded and the coveted Hacker Open trophy was presented to the winning team.
Over the years, we added fun add-ons such as longest marshmallow drive and dollar Fireball shots.
We also added the “Pink Ball.” Each team could buy one pink ball for five dollars per person. One person from the team was required to play the pink ball tee to green on each hole. After the round, each pink ball that had not been lost was placed into a bag and a winner was drawn at random. That team would split the entire pink ball pot.
Kendy and I have really enjoyed hosting the Hacker Open over the years. Good times and laughs were shared with all who participated.
Bibby