Numbers may be slightly down on previous years, but there is still a strong field teeing off at this year’s Kawerau Golf Club 54-hole Tournament.

The tournament, on this weekend, has been a staple of the Eastern Bay golf calendar for well over 30 years, attracting quality golfers from within the region and beyond.

This year is no exception with half of the golfers entered having a handicap of nine or better.

Tournament organiser Flash Rowlands said it was great to have such a strong field.

“More than half are in the senior section when it comes to handicap and that’s impressive because it’s not very often you will get a tournament where over half the field is that strong. It’s exciting for us.

“We might be down on numbers slightly; ideally the club loves having a full field of 124 golfers, but we have about 110 set to get out there and swing the clubs and that’s about right, number wise. You don’t want less than 100.”

He said the defending champion would be missing this year, but that meant it was an opportunity for someone else to add their names to the coveted Warren Ruri Trophy.

Rowlands said the greens were in pristine condition for the tournament this year.

“We have a new robot mower for the greens, and it has made a massive difference. They’re now a lot more consistent and just playing so much truer.

“There’s also been some trees chopped down that might open a few small gaps for golfers to take on if they’re willing, but not many will be able to as they’re tough shots. It could get them into trouble if they miss.”

He is thankful to everyone who has jumped on board to support the tournament again with close to $10,000 in prizes donated.

With the recent rain, Rowlands is hopeful the weather will play ball for weekend.

“Hopefully it clears with enough time to allow us to cut the greens and get the course ready.”

As expected, many people from previous years are signed to play the tournament, along with some new faces.

It’s one of few tournaments, where if you have a group of four, you can play together.

“Not many others do that, but we’re pretty happy to allow friends and family to play together, provided they can count and stick to the rules.”

This year is special for Rowlands because he’s playing alongside his son for the first time.

Action begins on Saturday morning and continues Saturday afternoon with two rounds. There will be one round on Sunday.

Whether there will be any hole in ones, or spectacular hole outs remains to be seen, but Rowlands admits it’ll be a fantastic weekend with some quality golf played.