The Butler Eagle County Amateur is back at Hiland Golf Course and is set for Aug. 10. Last year’s 30th edition, seen here as players warm up on the putting green, was held at Slippery Rock Golf Club. Butler Eagle file photo

It’s been a little while since Bill Black first began serving on the Butler County Open’s committee in 1994. Since then, the event has taken on a new name and developed into a summer staple.

The 31st annual Butler Eagle County Amateur will take place Aug. 10 at Hiland Golf Course. Entries, available in the Butler Eagle, cost $65 until July 29 and increase by $10 after.

“Back in 1994, I was 42 years old. Thirty-one years later, you do the math,” said Black, who moved to Hershey for work in 2007 but has gotten involved once again. “We’re doing it just to keep it going. We feel that it’s a great thing for the county — and for the golfers in the county.”

Black is aiming for enough golfers to have a morning and afternoon shotgun. He’d be satisfied with 60 golfers for each half.

“Hopefully we have a good turnout,” Black said. “I’m maybe gonna go (out) on a limb and say last year was probably the most golfers that we’ve had in the tournament.”

The amateur tournament employs a four-flight, stroke-play format. In order to win the overall title, he said, a golfer must play in a championship flight. There are also flights for women and seniors.

“We would really like to see some of the younger players in the Butler area sign up — high school kids, high school golf teams,” Black said. “If they would like to sign up, even some of the local college golfers, we’d really like them ... to come out and show us their skills.”

Chicora resident Ryan Pinkerton won last year’s overall title, carding an even-par 70 at Slippery Rock Golf Club. Chloe Fritch, a Karns City senior at the time, shot an 81 to repeat as the women’s champion.

For more information to sign up for the Eagle Amateur, contact Bill Black at 717-592-9984