Duncan Park PGA professional and course manager Marvin Gray always works hard to make sure his course stays in good shape. But as of late, and for the next few weeks, Gray is working as hard as he works all year. That’s because his favorite event of the year at the course is coming soon: The Bill McKinney Memorial City Golf Championship.

&uot;This is one I put more effort and attention to detail than any other event,&uot; said Gray, who’s been at Duncan Park for five years. &uot;The golf course is always in the best condition.&uot;

This year’s event will take place on July 28 and 29. It’s a 36-hole stroke play tourney.

To get ready for the event, Gray and his staff have been readying the greens, fairways and tee boxes with tender care, and pruning trees and shrubs to make the course aesthetically pleasing.

&uot;The golf course will play extremely well this year because the greens are the best they’ve ever been,&uot; Gray said. &uot;We expect the fairways to be flush with grass and expect them to be in good shape.&uot;

The tourney draws many Miss-Lou golfers. Last year, 83 players participated. Gray expects close to 100 golfers this year.

&uot;(It’s open to) anybody in Miss-Lou. You don’t have to live in Natchez or Adams County. We welcome friends from all over,&uot; Gray said. &uot;This is probably the biggest stroke-play event in the entire area. It attracts good golfers as well as novices.&uot;

After the first day of play, golfers will be sorted into four flight groups. Winners of the four flights will receive cash prizes. Players can register for the event at the Duncan Park. The deadline is July 26.