SLIPPERY ROCK — The 18th annual Butler Eagle County Amateur golf tournament is shaping up to be among its most memorable.

Brainworks Software is the name sponsor of this year’s event, which had 140 golfers registered through Wednesday night. Included in that field are 10 former champions.

The tourney is slated for Sunday at Oakview Golf Club. Shotgun starts will begin at 7:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Tee times will be listed in Friday’s edition of the Eagle.

“This is our largest field since 2009 and we’re expecting a few more,” tournament committee member John Carpenter said. “We’re going to limit the final field to 150 golfers.

“We’re concerned about the pace of play. Each foursome is responsible for keeping up with the foursome in front of them. This is a competitive tournament, but we want everyone to have a positive experience, as well.”

Bennett Smith is the defending overall champion, carding a 3-under-par 67 to win at Hiland Golf Course last year. Sean Knapp won the tourney three successive times, before Smith ended that streak.

Knapp also won the Eagle Amateur the last two times it was held at Oakview, carding a 5-under-par 65 in 2008 and a 2-under 68 to earn the title in 2009.

Both are entered in Sunday’s event.

“It’s a lot of fun, a great event,” Smith said. “Sean and I have talked about it. We’ve played a lot of golf against each other and together and we’ve become good friends.

“A field like this gets the competitive juices flowing. It’s a one-day tourney and nobody knows what’s going to happen. I wish there were more of these. Playing 36- and 54-hole events require a commitment of a lot of time.”

Other former champions among the field include Rob Voltz (2007), Nathan Bilski (2006), Mark Young (2002, 1995), Chuck Young (2001), Bill Black (1997, 1991, 1983), Jim Hepler (1996), Dave Hungerman (1998, 1988) and Bob McFeaters (1984, 1980).

Smith won last year’s tourney despite having never played Hiland’s course before.

“I’m not too familiar with Oakview, either,” he said. “I’ve played there one time, but you learn when you play a course you’re unfamiliar with. You tend to play more conservatively and that can be beneficial to your game.”

Black, McFeaters and Hungerman all tied for the seniors (50-over) title last year. Dave Ruffaner and Greg Chiappini tied for the seniors crown in 2010 and they are back this year, as well.

The other three flight winners from the 2011 event — John Brough III in the first flight, David McPeak in the second, Ron Vodenichar in the third — also return. Brough is moving up to the championship flight.

“This is one of the most competitive fields we’ve had in years,” Carpenter said.

Fourteen women — the most ever — have registered for Sunday’s Eagle Amateur. Defending women’s champion Tanya Wilkerson will not be playing due to pregnancy.

The 2010 champion Sharon Goncz will be playing, however, as will three-time defending Butler Country Club women’s champion Jane Wymer.

“I’ve fared well against the (country club) competition and I’m anxious to see how I do against this group of ladies,” Wymer said.

Wymer owns a victory on the Women’s Golf Association of Western Pennsylvania tour this year and has been in contention for that organization’s Player of the Year honor in recent years.

She has been a Butler Country Club member since 1997.

Heavy storms last week took down 15 trees at Oakview, but Carpenter said the course is ready to go.

“The course is in really great shape and that’s a tribute to (Oakview general manager) Jesse Horner and his staff,” Carpenter said. “An excellent course, a great field and a great day forecasted weather-wise ... we’re pretty excited about this.”

Golfers may still register by calling Carpenter at 724-794-4040.