It’s a little weird, often wet and cold, but the tradition has been going on for 23 years and is more popular than ever.

At 8 o’clock Thanksgiving morning, Island Greens in Clinton holds the Gobbler Golf Tournament. Hardy golfers forego argyle for Gore-Tex and head to the greens for some pre-feast exercise.

Half of the $25 green fees goes to Good Cheer Food Bank, and this year there’s also a canned food drive.

Steve Haynes has been organizing the good-natured tournament since 2008. He explained that a wide range of businesses donate items for hole prizes, and there’s even an award for the person who brings the most cans of food.

“It’s a tournament for the guys who never seem to win anything,” he said.

The contest is 18 holes, no handicap and the low score wins. Groups of four will being on various holes.

It may rain, sleet, snow — perhaps even hail — but the golfing will go on.

Michael Zuercher, manager of Island Greens, explained that the winner is awarded with “the ugliest trophy you will ever see.”

Haynes emphasized that the tournament at the golf course on East French Road begins at 8 a.m. sharp.

“Just show up,” he said. “Everybody is welcome.”