The only chance for high-handicap amateur golfers to win a national title is the Oldsmobile Scramble.

Amateurs with a 2.4 United State Golf Association Index or better have the U.S. Amateur and professionals have the U.S. Open, but the rest of the golfers in the United States can compete in the Oldsmobile Scramble.

Miss-Lou golfers can start their national title campaigns Saturday in a local qualifier at Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club.

&uot;This tournament is billed as the largest golf tournament in the world,&uot; said Mark Powell, Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club golf professional.

&uot;It’s the high handicappers national championship,&uot; said Powell, who has advanced to the Oldsmobile Scramble Nationals in the past. &uot;It’s fun, but it is work.&uot;

This weekend’s tournament at Beau Pr\u00E9 is a local qualifier and one team will advance to the sectional tournament.

The sectional tournament will also be held at Beau Pr\u00E9 on Aug. 14.

The teams of four amateurs and one professional will compete for a chance to go to the national final in Orlando, Fla.

The sectional tournament at Beau Pr\u00E9 is one of only two sectional tournaments for both Louisiana and Mississippi.

The other tournament is in Thibodaux, La.

Each tournament site will send two teams to the national tournament.

Two years ago, a Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club team made it to the national finals in Las Vegas, Nev., but failed to make the cut into the tournament finals.

Powell said he is trying to make sure a local team has a chance at the national title in Orlando.

&uot;We made it a point to find a tough course to qualify on,&uot; Powell said. &uot;This is a tough course.&uot;

Entry fee is $50 which includes golf, a cart and 12 golf balls.

There are also several gift certificates available to competitors from tournament sponsor Great River Olds.

The tournament is open to any player with a verified USGA handicap and one member of the team must be a member of Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club.

For more information about the tournament contact Mark Powell at Beau Pr\u00E9 at 442-5493.