A golf tournament challenge spanning three courses in triple-digit temperatures scheduled later this month is calling on women to form all-female teams of four to compete for the first time in 12 years.

“We have a few women who play, and they have played on co-ed teams, but never an all women’s team,” said Iron Man Extreme Golf Tournament committee co-chairwoman Marlene Singer. “Fifty-four holes in one day is scary, but it is a best ball tournament. It is not as grueling as taking every shot yourself. It is a team effort.”

The 13th annual Iron Man is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. Aug. 29, and a kickoff registration party will be held the night before at the host organization’s location.

The Lake Havasu City Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4299 will host the golf tournament. Money raised at the event is used for various community youth scholarship programs linked to the Eagles.

“A good portion of the players come from out of town, so we are bringing money into the community with this,” Singer said.

The four-member teams are predominantly men, but one committee helper is working to put together an all women’s team.

Anita Meredith said she plans on playing this year if she can find three more women — and hopefully a sponsor.

“Nobody will sign up with me. I think it is too hot,” she said. Meredith said she has braved the heat and challenge in years past, because her husband, Jack Meredith, initially organized the tourney.

A bout with breast cancer a few years back coupled with her husband’s golf-limiting health issues have prevented her from returning to play.

“It is my dream to play (Iron Man) with an all girls team,” the cancer survivor said.

There is room for 216 golfers, which creates 54 four-person teams. There are currently about 20 teams signed up right now, said committee member Lori Miller.

Registration fee is $165 per player for those who sign up by Aug. 15, and it is $175 thereafter. The fees generate the prize money, pays for green fees and a cart at each of the three golf courses as well as an event shirt and goodie bag.

The teams will play the Island Golf Club’s 18-hole course, the Refuge’s 18-hole course and The Olde London, which is an 18-hole course at The Courses at London Bridge Golf Course.

The players’ goodie bags include donated items such as sunscreen, lip balm and a powdered electrolyte rejuvenation concoction that can be added to a bottle of water to help beat the heat.

The Eagles took the coordination of the tournament under its wing four years ago and have since raised about $43,000 for youth scholarships. In 13 years, the tournament has raised at least $100,000 that has benefited local programs, Singer said.

The tournament pays as many places as it can down to 7th or 8th place and recognized low gross and net scores, Singer said. The event is based on a blind handicap system and is listed as a shotgun start modified scramble.

A prime rib dinner and awards ceremony will be held at the Eagles following the conclusion of the tournament. Prizes and raffles will be included in the playbill.

This year’s tournament is sponsored by local businesses Campbell REdi-Mix, Mohave State Bank, BJ’s Cabana Bar and Pro Therapy.

Registration forms are located at various locations around town including the sponsors’ businesses and the clubhouses at the three participating courses.

For more information, contact Singer at 928-208-1493, e-mail havasuironman@citlink.net or visit www.havasuironman.com on the Web.

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.