Gray skies and distant lightening didn't dampen the spirits of the 58 couples who enjoyed a recent June evening out with friends and family at Spring Valley Golf Club.
The couples were participating in the popular Friday Afternoon Couples tournament on June 12 - the first of three that will be held this summer. The event includes a 9-hole scramble that begins at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by dinner and socializing. The other two FAC tournaments will be held July 10 and Aug. 14.
"The event's popularity is stronger than ever this year," said Justin Cirbo, Spring Valley's head golf professional." It's a good way to introduce people to the course and to get a great meal."
While Cirbo and others were keeping their fingers crossed regarding the weather, others didn't seem too concerned.
"It looks like the storm will blow over," said Jill Fishman, a Parker resident who was playing in the tournament for the first time with her husband, Cary.
"I haven't played with my hubby in a couple of years," she said.
"It's great to do something as a couple, and to do something I love," Cary Fishman added.
Highlands Ranch's Shelley Wong teamed up with her husband, Eric, and best friends, Pat and Joyce Nieman of Elizabeth.
"We enjoy playing with our best friends," Shelley Wong said. "It's just a fun thing to do on a Friday night. I wish they had it more often."
Others also said they enjoy the low-key atmosphere of the event.
"It doesn't have the pressure of league play and you get to have dinner afterward. It's a good deal," said Lisa Woods, an Elizabeth resident who was playing with her husband, Michael, and her sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Larree Morgan of Parker.
Elbert County's Joe Senetar took vacation time to play with his wife, Ann.
"We don't play to win. It's for fun," Joe Senetar said. "The food's good, too."
Parker's Jay and Laura Maerz were playing together for the first time in the event.
"The scramble is a good thing for me," Laura Maerz said, noting that she is a beginning golfer.
"We just love the people out here," her husband added. "It's not stuffy by any means."
Jim and Sarah Arnold of Parker said they simply enjoy the golf course.
"It's challenging but not overwhelming," Sarah Arnold said.
Because of its popularity, Cirbo suggested that golfers sign up early if they want to play in either of the next two FAC events. The cost is $80 per couple and includes greens fees, cart and dinner. For more information, contact the pro shop at 303-646-4240.
Spring Valley is located east of Parker and north of Elizabeth at 42350 County Road 17-21.