SLIPPERY ROCK — The name has changed. The event has not.

The 17th annual Butler Eagle County Amateur golf tournament — formerly known as the Butler Eagle Amateur Open — takes place Aug. 12 at Oakview Golf Club.

Brainworks Software is the name sponsor of this year's event.

“We've had some great turnouts at Oakview in the past and we're hoping for more of the same this time around,” committee member John Carpenter said.

The 18-hole stroke play tournament is designed to crown the top amateur golfer in the Butler County area. New champions are virtually guaranteed at this year's event.

Defending champion Bennett Smith, who carded a 3-under-par 67 to top the 128-golfer field at Hiland last year, is expected to be out of town the weekend of Aug. 12 and unavailable to play.

Defending women's champion Tanya Wilkinson is expecting a child around tournament time and will not be playing. There was a four-way tie at the top of the seniors (age 50-older) division last year — Bill Black, Bob McFeaters, Tim Mitro and Dave Hungerman.

The 2009 tourney at Oakview attracted 158 golfers and the 2005 event at the Slippery Rock course drew a record 184.

“I'd like to see us get at least 120 golfers this year,” Carpenter said. “It's a little tricky with the economy and some people are on vacations at that time.”

Smith wound up with a one-stroke win over Ryan Pinkerton last year while three golfers — Sean Knapp, Jim Hepler and Mike Marron — finished two strokes back.

Knapp won the Eagle County Amateur from 2008 through 2010, including two wins at Oakview. He has not yet registered for this year's event.

The 2012 Eagle County Amateur will continue to have shotgun starts of 7:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Registrants can choose to play at either time.

There will be four flights — 0-6 handicap being the championship flight, 7-12 the first flight, 13-17 the second flight, 18-up the third flight.

Entry fee is $65 and includes green fees, skins game and prizes. Oakview members can play for $45. Carts are not included in the entry fee.

Golfers in past Eagle County Amateurs have been mailed entry forms. Forms are also available at area golf courses and in the Butler Eagle. Golfers may also call Carpenter at 724-794-4040 to register or for more information.

Other committee members include Black, Rob Voltz, Jay Frederick and Tom Sheehan.