Eagle Amateur arrives Sunday
SUMMIT TWP — Submitted entries are up to 105 for the 25th annual Butler Eagle County Amateur golf tournament.
The 18-hole stroke play event is set for Sunday at Hiland Golf Course. Tee times are 7:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
“The morning times are nearly filled,” Eagle Amateur committee member Rob Voltz said. “I can squeeze an individual in here and there (in the morning).
“We have 30 or more openings in the afternoon. I can put foursomes in during the afternoon session.”
Golfers may still register at butlereagleamateur.com or by texting information to Voltz at 724-822-4189.
“If golfers text me their name, age, handicap and when they want to play, I can get them in,” Voltz said.
Both starting times are shotgun starts for the Eagle Amateur. The field is divided into four flights, along with a women's division and seniors (50 and over) division.
Three women — Mara Shingleton, Chloe Paulisick and Fontaine McFeaters (daughter of former champion Bob McFeaters) — have signed up so far. Voltz expects to have more register.
“Those are two women who have never played this event before,” he said. “We're hoping to add a few more golfers from Hiland overall.”
Among golfers registered so far are defending champion Jeremy Enslen and 2014 champ Mike Marron. Ted and Leo Marron have also registered.
“I was teetering back and forth as to whether to play this year,” said Enslen, a former Butler High School golfer who now lives in Uniontown. “Since I won it last year, I felt like I should come back and try to defend my title.”
Sean Knapp is the only golfer ever to win the Eagle Amateur in consecutive years.
“I haven't played Hiland in 20 years,” Enslen said. “But if I play my game ... I feel like I can join Sean.”
Jeremy Plaisted, Pat Preston and Brayden Setnar are other notable golfers in the area who have signed up.
“I know Jeremy (Plaisted) is playing very good golf right now,” Voltz said.
“I'm hoping we get another 20 to 40 golfers to sign up this week. That would give us a very healthy field.”
Hiland is hosting the Eagle Amateur for the first time since 2011. Voltz said the course superintendent and crew have the facility “in excellent shape.
“They've edged off all the bunkers,” he added. “The course looks fantastic.”
Entry fee is $70 and covers greens fees and skins games. Golfers may use a cart for an additional $14.
Since 2003, Scott Vice (2015, 2017), Voltz (2007, 2016) and Knapp (2008-10, 2012-13) have been the only multiple champions of the Eagle Amateur. Knapp will not be playing Sunday. Vice is general manager of Lake Arthur Golf Club and has yet to register.
Voltz is the third former champion in Sunday's field thus far.
