NATCHEZ — Even with the number of golf tournaments during the spring, the Cliff Merritt Invitational has no problem attracting participants.

And tournament committee member Fred Middleton said that’s a testament to the impact Merritt, president at Delta Bank, has had on the Miss-Lou.

Beau Pré Country Club will host the third annual Cliff Merritt Invitational Saturday, with opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. The cost is $200 per person and $250 for new players.

The tournament will operate under a Ryder Cup-format, and the teams will be divided between the Black Knicker Team and Khaki Knicker Team. The Black Knickers will wear a white shirt, black knickers, white and black socks and a cap. The Khaki Knickers will wear a black shirt, khaki knickers, black and tan socks and a cap.

Middelton said the tournament was founded three years ago in honor of Merritt, who is battling colon cancer.

“When we started, we didn’t know how successful we’d be,” Middleton said. “There’s so many golf tournament and so many things that go on in Natchez and the Miss-Lou, but we knew right away with the participation that it was going to be successful.”

All of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, and Middleton said the tournament usually brings in approximately $15,000 to $18,000 a year.

“When you ask someone to come in and play golf, and it’s $250 per person, that’s a big commitment,” Middleton said. “That tells you right there that they love Cliff and are willing to participate in fighting the disease of cancer.”

Middleton said Merritt’s work as president of Delta Bank has allowed him the opportunity to do a lot of different things in the Miss-Lou.

“Early in his banking career, he realized what was good for Natchez was good for Vidalia, and what was good for Vidalia was good for Natchez,” Middleton said.

“In my opinion, he saw the big picture, and he understood that if both cities were successful, everyone would be successful.”

Friends of Merritt’s from Adams County, Concordia and Tensas parishes and all over Louisiana will be in attendance, Middleton said.

“I think the reason we’re so successful with this tournament is just a reflection of Cliff’s success as president of Delta Bank,” Middleton said.

For more information, contact Bill Hurt at 256-606-8331 or Debra Merritt at 601-807-8470, or by e-mail at debramerritt09@att.net.