SLIPPERY ROCK — The 15th annual Butler Eagle Amateur Open has 154 golfers registered and a few more expected to sign up, tournament committee member John Carpenter said Thursday night.

The total marks the event's biggest field since 2005.

"We really had a late surge of golfers in the past week," Carpenter said. "The afternoon field is completely filled.

"I think this speaks well for the quality of the event and for the venue. Oakview has improved greatly over the past two years.

"People had a good experience playing here last year and are coming back. They've told their friends, in some cases," Carpenter added.

The Eagle Amateur, an 18-hole event designed to crown an amateur golf champion in Butler County, takes place Sunday at Oakview Golf Club.

There are 87 golfers registered for the 1:15 p.m. shotgun start and 67 signed up for the 7:45 a.m. shotgun start.

"We can take a few more in the morning," Carpenter said. "Anyone else looking to play in the afternoon, though, we have nothing available."

Among the 154 golfers are the tournament's last four champions: Sean Knapp (2008), Rob Voltz (2007), Nate Bilski (2006) and Doug Knox (2005).

Four other former champions, Mark Young (twice), Bill Black, Chuck Young and Jim Hepler, also are in the field.

There are 51 players in the championship flight, which also is the most since 2005. There will be 55 players eligible to win the 50-and-over senior division.

For the first time, a women's champion will be crowned. There are 11 women in this year's field, and all arescheduled to play during the afternoon.

Committee members include Carpenter, Tom Sheehan, Black, Voltz, Jay Frederick and Oakview general manager Jesse Horner.

Horner will decide any controversial tournament rulings.

Knapp is the tournament's defending champion, shooting a 2-under 68 last year at Oakview. It was the first time he played the course and he hasn't played it since.