9th Annual Runaway Open

Registration is open for the Ninth Annual Runaway Open charity golf tournament for Phish fans, to be held in Denver 8/31/24 (the morning between the first 2 and last 2 shows of the upcoming Labor Day at Dick’s.)

Details — The basics stay the same: up to 120 players, at Willis Case, with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., preceded by coffee, a group photo, and a warm send-off. We’re changing up some of the on-course contests, given feedback last year. There will still be plenty of raffled prizes, having nothing to do with your score. This is about swingin’ sticks with phans for charity, so don’t sweat it if you’re rusty, new to the game, or prioritizing fun over competition. So are we, no cap!

Prizes — Each player will receive a gift bag of limited-edition event items, as well as items contributed by sponsors. Pro Shop credits will be awarded for longest drive, closest to hole, top three individual players, and each member of the top two foursomes. Each entry includes one ticket for a raffle (details TBA; must be present to win); additional raffle tickets may be available at the event, pending some paperwork on our end.

Format — All Runaway Opens are a Modified Shamble: Everyone tees and then plays individually from the best first ball (not the best on each stroke) to the hole, and each foursome records the best two (2) scores per hole for the team total. That balances competitive play with a fun-focused day. We'll also offer limited mulligans, and a hole-in-one contest. But don’t fret about format, skill, or handicap, unless you want to – this is all about fun, charity, Sand, Wedge, Dirt, Lawnboy…

Register by completing this form and making the appropriate donation to the Mockingbird Foundation. Our costs have gone up $10/player, but we're still offering an early bird registration, through Memorial Day, only $5 above our historical $150 ask. Regular registration will be $175 until August, and then late registration will be $195 for the final month. That covers all cart, greens, and tournament fees, including the shotgun structure (pricey to arrange on a Labor Day Saturday!); coffee, lunch, and a drink ticket; a gift bag of goodies available only to fully registered players; and a nominal charitable margin to support music education grants. (The event is priced tightly, to attract as many players as possible. Generosity above the requested donation, now or later, is immensely appreciated.)

Early registration is strongly encouraged, and appreciated. The sooner we reach our final number, the sooner we can lock down good schwag, fine sponsors, and other details for your joy and pleasure.

Sponsorships are welcomed in a variety of forms. All sponsors will be acknowledged in coming social media campaigns, before and after the event; thanked (by text and any provided logo) in event promotions at Mbird.org and Phish.net; and welcomed to establish a presence at the event, if they are able and inclined. Options include these, expanded from previous years, and we're open to suggestions for others:

• $5,000 for a sole underwriter of the event, to be billed everywhere as "Presented by ...";
• $2,000 donation for a sponsored foursome with custom signage at a hole;
• $1,000 for custom signage at a hole and in social media, with no players;
• donation of items for the gift bags or raffle.