City of Toledo golf ‘Muni Challenge’ tees-off Sunday
Are you up for the challenge?
TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo City Councilman Sam Melden and Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz were joined by golf enthusiasts Sunday at the Ottawa Park Golf Course, teeing-off the citywide Muni Challenge. So, what is it?
The contest runs from May 1st to May 31st. Participants who have played all three municipal courses will receive a Glass City Muni Card, which will reward players with one free round of golf, discounts on local golf throughout the year, opportunities for daily prize drawings, and other discounts from area businesses.
“It’s really important that we bring more attention and energy to our municipal courses. And of the ways that we do that is by hosting fun events and trying to get new people playing the game of golf,” said Melden.
The city cites the success of the 2021 Solheim Cup here in the Glass City, as well as the recent 2027 U.S. Women’s Open announcement, as examples of Toledo’s upward momentum in the world of golf.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of different things at the national level with growing golf,” said John Preston, the golf coach at a couple of local schools. “Had it not been for these municipal courses, we wouldn’t have had those opportunities to get those students involved in those different opportunities.”
Preston says one of the many reasons these municipal golf courses are so important is that they provide a cost-effective way for residents to partake in an enjoyable pastime.
“Everybody’s not a country club member. Also when you enter into the country club atmosphere, you also have to do some of the other social things. With municipal golf, I can come play, have a good time and enjoy the game, and then we can go home and do some of those things that middle class America does,” he said.
Among the other benefits associated with participating in a round of golf, Melden says getting outside can be just enough.
“COVID really taught us that getting outside is a fun way to interact, and be safe, and have fun. And golf really took off and was realized even more,” the councilman added.
For a breakdown of the contest, or to register, visit toledo.oh.gov/muni-challenge.
