STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Ketchum Wide Open was a little more challenging this year.

Never mind that you had to shoot your ball down the stairs and around the corner at the Cellar Pub. Or that you had to thread it through an elaborate labyrinth illuminated by a disco ball at The Argyros.

Those taking part in the annual spring fling had to navigate around a torn-up Main Street that stretched from Ketchum’s Limelight Hotel to Burger Grill, as well.

It didn’t appear to dissuade players, though. Organizers estimated they got about 200 golfers, about what they normally get.

This year the proceeds went to Blaine County Charitable Fund, which provides rental assistance and other help to those in crises, and Stella’s Fund, a dog rescue endeavor.

The Space Cowgirls—Kami Merritt, Teresa and Hailey Hulett—were dressed in white glittery cowboy hats, white blouses, lacy white bandanas, silver sequined hula-like skirts and multi-colored sequined cowboy boots. They’ve played for the past four years

“It’s all about getting together having fun, hanging out,” they said, finishing one another’s sentences. “It’s about seeing everyone walking around in the streets. And the weather’s so good today. Can’t beat it.”

Narda Pitkethly was playing for the first time on the advice of her brother Tom.

“It’s fun to see the different holes they create. Very clever—and tricky,” she said.

Shasta Molina and Colleen Sanders were with a group that comes down from Coeur d’ Alene every year for the birthdays of Logan Frederickson and his brother. They play in the Ketchum Wide Open while the birthday boys play regular golf.

This year they dressed in ‘60s garb, donned big blond wigs and dubbed themselves The Groovy Blondes.

“The 60s were the best, the vibe was the best,” said Sanders.

This is an awesome fun,” added Gary Frederickson. “It’s fun seeing the people dressed up, taking their time and enjoying a beer between holes.”