Manhood Challenge

Vern Mulligan’s Manhood Challenge is a classic joining of friends to “compete” in the purist disciplines of true manhood. Friends come from great distances to battle with, and against, their brothers and friends in the most masculine of “sports”. The foundation of the event is a full day Wiffle Ball tournament that brings the entire group together for day of drinking and play that is always filled with tons of laughter and a few amazing “athletic” moments.

 

The first day moves on with a trip to the local bowling alley, where the Big Lebowski in all of us comes shining through. This evening also leads to the first foray into hard liquor and the shenanigans that go with that. Historically at least 1 person meets his demise at the bowling alley and does not continue on to the evening’s final, yet non-scoring, event. The optional adult entertainment is frequently avoided by the less debaucherous members of the group and generally leads to an eviction of at least one person and at least 3 men “falling in love.”

 

The final scoring event is a two-man scramble golf tournament that usually pairs an average golfer with an atrocious “golfer.” This can prove entertaining and frustrating for everyone (especially the marshal), but this event embodies the spirit of VMMC. A spirit further supported by a generous distribution of “discretionary points” for any variety of foolish antics. A spirit that struggles to ensure competition is secondary. The event is about foolishness & fun and we only crown a champion so there is a “purpose” to it all.

​

With a, seemingly, purpose-built Wiffle Ball “stadium” in their backyard, Vern’s Parents' home is the perfect setting for this event. Their generous offer to have 20 or so intoxicated “men” swarm their property every year is essential to the ongoing success of this event and greatly appreciated. Without this, we couldn’t go on. With five acres of wooded high desert at our disposal, there is ample space for those that wish to camp, as well as a backwoods driving range for those willing to shag their own golf balls. There is a little irony in the fact that the Manhood Challenge takes place in the town of Sisters, but its surrounding beauty and a plethora of golf courses make it an ideal setting for this gathering of friends.

​

Initially, all the friends were directly connected to the host and founder Vern Mulligan. A collection of friends from all walks of life. Doctors and Lawyers, Cops and Criminals, Consultants and Contractors, Musicians, and Mathematicians have all come together to embrace their manhood and battle their brothers. Through the years that circle has expanded to include several friends of friends. Many of those “friends of friends” have become core members and they receive unsponsored invitations every year.

​

Yes, this is an invitation-only event and relatively exclusive. As the dynamic of the people is paramount the success, not just anyone is welcome. If you are here to dominate athletically and add no humor, you are not welcome. If you harbor hostility towards any guests, other than Vern, you are not welcome. Most importantly if you are not equipped to pee standing up you are not welcome. Though we welcome all men, gay and straight, black and white, women will have to find their own Challenge. With the exception of Vern’s Mommy women are excluded. To be honest I can’t imagine why any woman would want to attend. Assuming you are properly equipped, fit the character of the event, and can find a sponsor feel free to submit an application