Spots still available for Wayne County Amateur

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 9, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- High expectations are often met with increased workloads.

For the Wayne County Amateur golf tournament planning committee, the opportunity to put a full 144-player field on the course has meant a more rigorous schedule. The group has spent long hours making sure the 11th annual event is the best so far.

"This is our chance to give back to the golfers of Wayne County," tournament organizer Parker King said after a recent meeting. "For $100, players get a chance to play three very nice golf courses in one weekend and because the tournament is flighted it gives everyone a chance to win something."

The 2009 edition of the Amateur is slated for July 10-12 at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Club, Walnut Creek Country Club and Southern Wayne Country Club.

Andy's Cheeseburgers is the flagship sponsor for this year's event. Hole sponsors are still being accepted.

"Andy's has done a lot for this tournament and for golf in general in Wayne County," said King. "We have a list of hole sponsors that we are working on and we are doing well as far as funds are concerned."

With the sponsors falling into place, the committee's focus has turned to filling the 144 player slots. There are currently 90 players signed up for the WCMA, ahead of last year's total as of June 1, but behind the desired number.

Applications can be picked up at any pro shop in Wayne County and the deadline to apply is June 27.

"Getting a full field is important for a few reasons but the most evident one is the strength of competition," said King. "The amateur is as close to playing a professional event as an average player can get. PGA rules, playing the ball as it lies, and so on. Having a full field is part of that appeal."

Young golfers have an opportunity to play for a Wayne County Junior Amateur title on June 17 at Lane Tree Golf Club. The tournament is open to players under the age of 18 and applications can be picked up at any local course.