Venice-Nokomis Rotary Barstool Open Brings Putt-Putt, Pub Crawl Fun to Downtown Venice
Downtown Venice will turn into a playful putt-putt course on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Barstool Open returns for an afternoon of friendly competition, creative costumes and community fundraising.
The event, presented by the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club and Daisy Does It Events and Festivals, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Downtown Venice, followed by the “10th Hole” After Party and awards celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. at Made In Italy. The gathering adds another lively stop to the local calendar, following other recent Suncoast Post coverage of Venice weekend events and local favorites.
How the Barstool Open Works
This 21-and-over event combines a downtown pub crawl with a nine-hole putt-putt golf challenge, giving teams a chance to compete, laugh, dress up and support a good cause at the same time. Proceeds benefit the Venice-Nokomis Rotary’s Investment in Youth initiative, which helps support youth-focused programs, scholarships and community organizations throughout the Venice-Nokomis area.
The Rotary’s community investment efforts have historically supported organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice, Child Protection Center, Our Mother’s House, Rotary Futures College Resource Center, Family Promise of South Sarasota and other youth-oriented programs. Suncoast Post has also covered how regional Rotary groups bring local businesses and neighbors together, including a story on Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island community events.
Teams of four will make their way through Downtown Venice, putting at participating locations and competing for prizes. Awards will include Best Overall Score, Best Dressed Team, Most Creative Team Name and Best Theme. The winning team will receive the Golden Putter Trophy photo opportunity, a prize pack and its team name placed on a plaque to be displayed at Made In Italy.
The day will also feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, prizes along the course from local businesses, wacky putting holes and plenty of creative team outfits. Thanks to sponsor Gold Coast Eagle, participants will also receive two complimentary draft beers.
Packet Pickup and Player Details
Packet pickup will take place at Made In Italy on Friday, August 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., and again Saturday, August 22, from 8 to 10 a.m. Hole assignments will be provided at packet pickup, and the official shotgun start is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.
Participants should be ready for a fun but active day. The Rotary notes that the event requires extensive walking from hole to hole throughout the downtown district, along with time spent standing in line while teams wait their turn. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. Players may bring their own putters, but they will be responsible for carrying them throughout the event. Limited putter options and golf balls will be available at putting locations.
Community Support in Downtown Venice
The Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club is part of a larger service organization built around the motto “Service Above Self.” The local club supports community programs, youth activities, scholarships and service projects, while also participating in broader Rotary initiatives.
For Downtown Venice, the Barstool Open is more than a fundraiser. It is a chance for residents, visitors, restaurants, bars and local businesses to come together for a Saturday afternoon that is lighthearted, social and rooted in community support. For more local context, Suncoast Post has highlighted great things to do in Venice, Florida.
Tickets are available at the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Barstool Open ticket page.
For more information, visit the Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club website.
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