No guns, just golf at turkey shoot

Just as there are no fleas for sale at a flea market, no turkeys will be shot during the Turkey Shoot.

The only bit of aggression expected at Sunday's golf competition at the Naperbrook Golf Course may come just before tee time, when players jostle for the privilege of being included in the annual Turkey Shoot presented by the Naperville Park District.

Only 90 golfers can hit the links that day and no more. Players will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 8 a.m. sharp. A shotgun start is scheduled for 9 a.m. The per-player cost is $25.

"We always do it on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving," said Tim Dunn, Naperbrook's head golf professional. "It's just an enjoyable, fun event that closes out the (golf) season."

The Turkey Shoot, so-named because each player will be awarded a frozen bird to take home in time for Thanksgiving dinner, is a nine-hole, cross-country style game, Dunn said.

That means golfers will tee off in one spot and aim for a hole not normally associated with that tee position on the 18-hole course in Plainfield.

"They'll be playing different holes to different tees," Dunn said.

The contest is open to men and women of any age and handicap. The winner gets a turkey, but it'll be a bigger turkey than those awarded to the other players. The winner's turkey will weigh in at 22 or 23 pounds, Dunn said.

The Turkey Shoot will be a go whether it's sunny, cloudy or even rainy. But Mother Nature still could put the kibosh on the event.

"Snow will cancel it. We'll play through anything but snow," Dunn said. "The big thing at this time of year is the wind."

Dunn said players are welcome to linger after a round of golf inside the clubhouse, where televised football will entertain and the kitchen will be open.

If you go

What: Naperville Park District's Turkey Shoot

Where: Naperbrook Golf Course, 22204 Hassert Blvd., Plainfield

When: 8 a.m. Sunday; first-come, first-served check-in; game starts at 9 a.m.

Cost: $25

Info: (630) 378-4215 or naperbrookgolfcourse.org