Eagle Amateur set for Aug. 10

By John Enrietto Eagle Sports Editor

June 19, 2014 Last Updated: June 19, 2014 02:48 PM Amateur

FRANKLIN TWP — The 20th annual Butler Eagle Amateur Open will take place Aug. 10 at Lake Arthur Country Club.

Tee times are available at 7:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Fee is $65 and covers greens fees, skins by flight and prizes. A cart is not included with that fee.

The Eagle Amateur is a single-day, individual 18-hole tournament. Winners are crowned in four flights, a seniors (age 50-older) and women’s division.

There were 174 golfers at last year’s tourney, held at Cranberry Highlands. Sean Knapp was the overall winner for the fifth time in six years.

“The tournament seems to be gaining in popularity and we’re hoping for another big turnout this year,” Eagle Amateur committee member John Carpenter said. “Sean is an outstanding golfer, but anyone can win a one-day tournament like this.”

It is not yet known if Knapp will participate in this year’s tournament. Before his recent run of success, the Eagle Amateur produced 13 different champions from 1996 through 2007.

Knapp’s victory streak was interrupted by Bennett Smith, who won the 2011 event at Hiland Golf Course.

This season marks the sixth Eagle Amateur at Lake Arthur. Previous winners there were Mark Young in 1995, Chuck Young in 2001, Mark Young again in 2002, Nathan Bilski in 2006 and Knapp in 2010. There were 141 golfers in the 2010 tournament.

“I just played the (Lake Arthur) course the other day and it is in outstanding condition,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said 55 golfers were in the championship flight (0 to 6 handicap) last year. The 13 women competing marked the tournament’s largest female field.

“The women’s field has been growing every year,” Carpenter said. “We welcome that. We want a large women’s field.”

Golfers with a 7 to 12 handicap will be placed in the first flight while handicaps 13 to 17 will be in the second flight. Golfers with handicaps of 18 or higher will be in the third flight.

Anyone wishing to enter the tournament may call Carpenter at 724-794-4040. Informational flyers will be posted at area golf courses.

BUTLER EAGLE AMATEUR Previous winners

1995 — Mark Young

1996 — Jim Hepler

1997 — Bill Black

1998 — Dave Hungerman

1999 — Sean Swidzinski

2000 — Greg Minda

2001 — Chuck Young

2002 — Mark Young

2003 — Chris Morrow

2004 — Mike Toubakaris