NATCHEZ — With only 18 spots left in the 2010 Bill McKinney Natchez City Championship golf tournament, Greg Brooking is giving a shout out to the rest of the community.

And the Duncan Park golf course superintendent said he’s specifically wondering where some former champions are leading up to the start of the tournament Saturday.

Three-time defending champion Paul Guido, along with former champions Kevin Smith Jr., Chandler Russ, K.G. Wadkins and Lee Jones, have yet to sign up for the two-day tournament, Brooking said.

“Where the heck are you guys?” Brooking joked.

“Seriously, though, they’re all great players, and we definitely want to see them play.”

The tournament has a 70-player limit, and 52 have signed up so far. Brooking said the cutoff number was implemented in order to make the tournament more convenient for all the players.

“We did that to make it more enjoyable, for it to run smoother and faster. In the past, rounds have been taking 4 1/2 hours to complete, so we’d like to get that number down to about 3 1/2 hours,” Brooking said.

For the third straight year, the tournament will play according to U.S.G.A rules. Brooking said the course is in good condition even after it hosted the Norman Puckett Memorial Junior Golf Tournament Monday.

“Our fairways are in excellent condition. Four of our greens were damaged and are not up to standard, but they’re still very playable. All the other greens are near perfect,” Brooking said.

“Our course will be closed to regular play both days until our last tee off at 1 p.m. After that final tee off, the public is welcome to come play behind them.”

A number of sponsors have donated money and food to the tournament. Biscuits and Blues will provide ribs and chicken for lunch starting at 11:15 a.m. both days, Brooking said.

“Players who teed off at 8 a.m. and are just getting done can come eat, and people who tee off in the afternoon can get a bite to eat beforehand,” Brooking said.

In addition, Coca-Cola, Budweiser and Miller Lite are providing beverages. Concordia Bank, United Mississippi Bank, Regions Bank, Home Hardware, Isle of Capri, Dr. Bruce Scarborough and Dr. Jeff Anderson have all donated money, Brooking said.

“All these people are civic minded enough to know this is a good recreational opportunity in the city, and we appreciate their support,” he said.

The entry fee, due Friday, is $100. For more information, contact Brooking at 601-248-4913.