Organizers for the men’s city golf tournament condensed the event from two weekends to one and increased prizes this year in hopes of attracting a few more players.
But so far, the opposite has been the case. Signup numbers are down this year as Thursday’s entry deadline approaches.
“At this time, it looks very low,” Greenbelt pro Keith VanDeventer said. “I haven’t had many signups at Greenbelt, and Otter Creek hasn’t had many signups either.We’ll see what the next couple of days bring. In the past, it’s been a late rush the last couple of days of people signing up. I’m hoping that’s what’s going to happen again.”
The tournament begins Saturday with 18 holes at Greenbelt and concludes Sunday with 18 holes at Otter Creek. In the past, the tournament has been played at Greenbelt and Harrison Lake Country Club on one weekend and at Otter Creek the following Sunday.
Last year’s tournaments featured 49 men and four women. VanDeventer said a date for this year’s women’s tournament has not been set.
Like VanDeventer, Otter Creek director of operations Jon Hoover isn’t sure what’s causing the low entries so far this year.
“We moved it back from two weekends to one weekend,” Hoover said. “We increased the value of the purse. It’s been on social media. It’s been out to all our our passholders, so I don’t know. I’m looking for the formula, as well.”
The entry fee is $90. In addition to clubhouse merchandise gift certificates, this year’s overall winners and flight winners will receive free memberships for a year to both Otter Creek and Greenbelt.
Former Columbus North and Tusculum golfer Coleman Glick claimed his third city championship last year, shooting 212 for 54 holes to win by 10 shots over Tanner Bennett and 11 over Austin Proffitt. Glick, who is getting married next month, is not playing in this year’s tournament.
“I’ve had a lot of things going on in the real world,” Glick said. “I’m getting married in a month and have had a lot of things going on. I was a little disappointed I couldn’t play this year.”
