More than 100 golfers have already registered toward the goal of having 120 compete a week from today in the 57th annual Smokey Bear Golf Invitational set for July 9-10 at the Falls Country Club, tournament director Dave Cronin said Wednesday.
He said the men’s invite for amateur players that include golfers from both the United States and Canada will begin next Saturday with the top 24 after the first 18 holes qualifying the following day for 27 holes of Championship/ President’s flight play.
After 18 holes July 10, Cronin said the low 12 scores for 36 holes, or anyone within five strokes of the lead, will compete for the championship.
He said the final nine holes, which have drawn a significant number of spectators in the past, should begin around 2 p.m. with the awards ceremony expected to take place at approximately 5 p.m.
Cronin said the tournament, which includes several golfers who have competed there in past years, attracts people for both the golfing and socializing.
“It’s highly competitive and highly social at the same time,” he said.
Grand Rapids native Matt Schneider, who golfed for four years at Bowling Green State University, won last year’s tournament.
Cronin said this year’s tournament is open to players under the age of 18, noting that some of the top golfers on Falls’ boys team from last season will be competing.
Next Friday, prior to the Smokey Bear tournament, Cronin said the 18-hole Ross Memorial to raise funds for Hospice will be held with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
