Royal Oaks Country Club is ready to once again host some of the elite amateur golfers in the region.
The 57th Royal Oaks Invitational tees off Friday and will conclude with Sunday’s final round.
“It’s a way to expose the best Northwest amateurs to Royal Oaks, the quality of the golf course, in a competitive environment,” said Scott Leritz, the head pro at Royal Oaks.
Leritz said he and his staff appreciate the feedback they get from players year in and year out.
“As long as everyone has fun and wants to come back the following year, I would consider that a successful tournament,” he said.
Those who are eligible often do return to play at the Invite, which is why the tournament has 192 players in this year’s field.
One notably absent will be the defending champion. Landon Banks is ineligible now after becoming a professional golfer.
Travis Johnsen, who lost to Banks in a playoff last year, is in the field, hoping to finish one spot better this year.
This year’s field does feature seven former champions:Jay Poletiek (1997, 2000); Dick Shafer Jr. (1991, 1996); Bob Britt Jr. (1993, 1999), Gregg Guernsey (1992); Dick Iverson (1978, 1980, 1990); Pat O’Donnell (1982); and Kent Myers (1977).
