FRANKLIN TWP — Preparation for the 26th annual Butler Eagle Amateur Open is behind schedule.

But the golf tournament itself — slated for Aug. 9 at Lake Arthur Golf Club — is still on track to take place on schedule.

“We're about three weeks behind in getting stuff out there,” Eagle Amateur committee member Rob Voltz said. “We wanted to see what the state was gonna do.”

Voltz said entry forms were mailed out last week. Forms have also been appearing in the Butler Eagle.

Entry fee is $70 for the 18-hole stroke play tourney. That includes the skins portion of the event. Golf carts are optional and cost another $15.

“Everything is different this year,” Voltz said, making reference to the coronavirus. “I've got four entries in and haven't even looked at them yet.

“By Aug. 1, I'm anticipating having our numbers up around where they should be. We do implore golfers to get their entries in early as that will help us with the preparation.”

Deadline for entry is Aug. 6.

The Eagle Amateur traditionally has shotgun starts of 7:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. That will hold true again this year “unless the state gets downgraded again, which could make us switch over to tee times.”

Either way, the Eagle Amateur is one of few summer events in Butler County that hasn't fallen victim to COVID-19.

“Pretty much every other summer event in the county this year has been canceled,” Voltz said. “We're doing our best to move forward.”

Voltz continued to emphasize hope that more young golfers and women will participate in the Eagle Amateur this year.

Scott Vice, general manager and superintendent of Lake Arthur Country Club, lives only four houses from the golf course. He won the Eagle Amateur in 2017 — last time it was played at Lake Arthur — with a 4-under-par 68.

Vice also won the tourney in 2015 at then Oakview Golf Club.

Mike Marron was the 2014 Eagle Amateur winner at Lake Arthur, shooting a 2-under-par 70.

“That course plays fast and firm,” Voltz said. “I understand it is in very good condition. There's always some low scores when we play there.”

Brent Rodgers won last year's Eagle Amateur, shooting a 3-under-par 67 at Hiland Golf Course. Mars resident Casey Morrow won the women's division with a 72 last year.