The World's Largest Golf Outing set for Aug. 6 to benefit military families

Grab some golf pals, it's time to register for the World’s Largest Golf Outing.

The eighth annual WLGO is a simultaneous charity outing to be played on more than 100 golf courses coast to coast, plus Hawaii, on Monday, Aug. 6. Over the past seven years, more than 57,000 men, women, juniors and seniors have played in 33 states to raise $3,764,603 for military and family charities. The Fisher House Foundation, the main beneficiary this year, has provided a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving treatment at major military and VA medical centers since 1990.

The WLGO was held in May last year but has returned to its August roots. Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of Billy Casper Golf, conceived the WLGO in 2011.

Golfers can register as a single, twosome or foursome to play at participating courses. Cost varies by location and includes greens fees, shared cart, range balls and lunch (if applicable). Local prizes and an awards ceremony will be held following play. All golfers regardless of ability are welcome and a USGA handicap is not required. Prizes are awarded for top donors and low scores.

Several national celebrities have donated to WLGO, including legend Chi Chi Rodriguez and President Bill Clinton.

One group of friends from Pennsylvania have gotten creative to become a fundraising machine. Christy Lapp and his four friends, Ed Zander, Rob McNulty, Rick Robinson and Brian Eidemiller, have formed a "fundraising committee" that has already raised $15,000 as of early July. Lapp, whose family owns the C.R. Lapp's Family Restaurant in Quarryville, Pa., has catered two different charity dinners where guests are charged $100 per person with the proceeds going to WLGO. One such dinner party was held in the middle of a cornfield and raised $5,000, Lapp said.

Cornfield dinner

The group's goal is to raise more than $20,000. They will send two teams to play in the WLGO at Jack Frost National Golf Club in Blakeslee, Pa.

Lapp has two sons in the Marines, including one who will play with him at the event. Military members will be honored with moments of silence, ceremonial tee shots, standing ovations, national anthems and color guards before play, patriotic decorations adorning fairways and greens and on-site military vehicles and fly-overs. Hundreds of injured service men and women tee it up at WLGO host courses.

"The golf tournament is wonderful," said Lapp, who is playing for the second time. "Everybody there is appreciative. The spirits are high. We all know it's for a good cause."

Where does the money go? The Fisher House Foundation has a network of 76 comfort homes that provide more than 335,000 families with no-cost lodging, allowing them to be close by while a loved one undergoes treatment and recovery. One $10 donation houses a family in a Fisher House for one night.

For more information on the WLGO and to sign up and donate, visit the event website at here.