What's half as long and twice as fun as a day on the golf course? Links for Life - a nine-hole women's golf "scramble" on Sunday, June 1, is great way to improve your swing, while helping others through the United Way of Cape May County's First Call for Help and Contact Cape-Atlantic.

While some golf outings can be intimidating, the focus of this annual event, held at Heritage Links Golf Course, 1375 Route 9, Palermo, is fun.

"It started out as an event for non-golfers," Contact Cape-Atlantic Director Ann Magee said, but now some of those first-time Links for Life participants have embraced the sport and continue to come back every year. Now, the event, is a great opportunity for both beginner and seasoned golfers to socialize and enjoy a day on the green with friends.

"You can hear laughter all up and down and down the course," Magee said, and after the tournament, golfers meet at the clubhouse for a barbecue lunch and a fun ceremony with door prizes and awards. The first place winner and the golfers with the longest drive and the ball closest to pin receive prizes, and all participants receive a goody bag of gifts from local businesses. Most importantly however, all golfers and sponsors receive the reward of knowing that they are helping to make their community a better place to live.

The United Way of Cape May County's First Call for Help phone line offers residents free and confidential information on crucial health and human services. Contact Cape-Atlantic is an agency, staffed by some 130 volunteers, who keep in daily contact with elderly and disabled residents by phone everyday of the year to provide support, comfort and assistance. The proceeds raised from this event will enable both agencies to continue their valuable work in the community, and sponsorships are still available for $100 to businesses that would like to host a hole on the course.

The cost for the outing is $90 per person, but space is limited so call United Way Executive Director Suzanne Nardi at 729-2002 as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Registration is at 12:30 p.m. and tee-off is at 1:30 p.m.