MADISON, Wis. -- Family and friends of the late Joel Marino hit the golf course on Saturday, not to mourn Marino's death but rather to celebrate his life.

It has been more than two-and-a-half years since Marino’s slain body was found near his south Madison home.

Participants in Saturday's 2nd Annual Joel Marino Memorial Golf Outing said that taking to the course was the perfect way to remember a golf enthusiast, someone they described as unforgettable as a hole in one.

"We got to know him while we were at UW-Whitewater," said friend Nate Baker. "He was a great guy. He loved music; he loved people. We loved him. That’s why we're here."

"(He was) best friends with my brother growing up, (and they were) college roommates as well. He used to come over a lot. He had a lot of funny stories. He was an amazing guy," said friend Sarah Simonis.

About 60 golfers hit the range Saturday afternoon for the event, with proceeds going to provide college scholarships at McFarland High School and UW-Whitewater.

No one on Saturday seemed to be thinking about the tragic event that brought them together; they were too busy having a good time, WISC-TV reported.

"We're out here for a memorial and to play a little golf on a great day," said golfer Justin Haley.

"Everybody's having a good time. That's what the intent was," said Louis Marino, Joel’s father. "To remember all the good stuff with Joe because he had a good time and helped a lot of people."

Louis said that Joel’s generous spirit is being kept alive by his friends and family spending time together and by raising money for something Joel held close to his heart.

The money raised Saturday will specifically be awarded in $500 scholarships to students wishing to study either medicine or music.

Joel's friends are quick to remind people that Joel was in a band, and he was known as a very accomplished guitar player and unique singer/songwriter.

For more information on the Joel Marino Scholarship Fund, people can visit the Facebook page.