SLIPPERY ROCK — The Butler Eagle Amateur Open, now in its 14th year, might never have had a better field of competitors.

Which is fine for committee member John Carpenter, who sees this year's group as deep as it's been.

"I'm pleased with the quality of the field more than the quantity," said Carpenter. "I thought we'd have more than 150. I'm sure the economy kept the numbers down.

"But we have 130 entered so far and almost 50 are in the championship flight (0-6 handicap). That's the most we've ever had. We have more better players than we have had before.

"That should make for an exciting day,"Carpenter added.

The tournament's morning shotgun start will begin at 7:45 a.m. Sunday at Oakview Golf Club while the afternoon flight begins at 1:15 p.m.

Both flights are populated with strong players.

"There are six former champions in the field and I counted 10 golfers with a 1 handicap or less and only one is a former champion (Rob Voltz, 2007).

"Any of those 10 is capable of winning and that doesn't include all the other champions before. It would be too hard to pick a winner," Carpenter added.

Oakview Golf Club has posed a big challenge in the past, unlike other venues, such as Lake Arthur Country Club and Hiland Golf Course, that has hosted the event.

"Oakview is not that wide open," said Carpenter. "Long hitters can be paralyzed at Oakview. You have to keep the ball in play.

"Three times the tournament has been there and no one has broken par. I expect one, two or three this year because of the quality of the field. You don't just grip it and rip it,"Carpenter added.

Two other interesting aspects of this year's field are the large contingent of senior-eligible players and the number of women.

"I'll bet you half the field is senior-eligible players. That's why we're having a senior champion," said Carpenter. "We had top three net for senior net players, but whoever has the lowest round will be the Butler Eagle Amateur Open Senior champion.

"We've only had one or two women over the past two to three years, but we have at least a dozen women this year, and that's a positive. If interest among women continues, we might have a women's champion as early as next year,"Carpenter added.

With a sunny, mild and comfortable day forecast for Sunday, and the course "in fantastic shape," according to Carpenter, the tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Carpenter, however, reminds players that they must check in before their flights, even if they paid in advance.

Also, there are a limited number of spots still available. Cost is $70, $50 for Oakview members. Call Carpenter at 724-794-4040 for information.