Golden Tee, Golden Opportunity

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 14, 2008 6:40PM

Like moths to a flame, like hipsters to a thrift store, like emotional eaters to the cookie dough – such is the overpowering draw of the Golden Tee arcade game to patrons at the neighborhood bar. It’s never part of the plan. A group of buddies meet up for a night of crushing beers and cruising chicks, but inevitably they find themselves in the corner, hovering over the Golden Tee, then wondering why they end up with no new numbers in their cell phones.

But this winter, those who have sacrificed romance to hone their virtual birdie and bogey skills may finally see their payoff. The Illinois Lottery has teamed up with the addictive pub pastime to sponsor a tournament celebrating the launch of the new Golden Tee Instant Ticket. 17 qualifying rounds of this “Closest-To-the-Pin” competition will take place throughout bars in the greater Chicago area, with the winner of each earning a place in the final Golden Tee showdown on March 12 at the Cubby Bear North in Lincolnshire. There’s no limit to how many times a player can enter, so the serious competitor may want to start early for more chances to lock in their spot. City dwellers might have to venture to the ‘burbs in the coming weeks if they want to get in on the qualifying action, since locations like Sluggers in Wrigleyville — that holds its event January 24 — are already gamer’s paradises and certain to be will be packed.

The grand prize for best hand at the rolling ball is a whopping $5,000, plus one’s very own Golden Tee machine to take home and enjoy. With that in the corner of your apartment, there would officially be no reason to leave the house.

Thanks, Alison!