Brooking ready for McKenney Tournament

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, August 1, 2012

NATCHEZ — Greg Brooking will look to defend his city title this weekend, but the Duncan Park golf course superintendent admitted he’s likely a longshot to win.

Brooking and others will tee off Saturday and Sunday at the 2012 Bill McKenney Memorial Natchez City Championship, and Brooking said there are a number of golfers that look to fare better than him.

“I’ve been so busy on the golf course filling a ditch on (hole) No. 8, taking care of trees that have fallen on the course, things that are above and beyond what I’d normally be dealing with,” Brooking said.

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“It would have to be ordained by the grace of God if I were to win.”

Former city champions Pete Powell, Kevin Smith Jr., Dr. Jeff Anderson, Jay Lessley, K.G. Watkins and Wesley Rogers will be on-hand, along with Wesley Rogers, grandson of Bill McKenney.

“I don’t have high expectations (for myself), but I think Casey Ham is playing the best golf in town right now,” Brooking said, referring to the 2012 Beau Pré Club Champion. “If Jordan Farmer will sign up, he can make a run, and you can never count out 11-time champion Pete Powell.”

The tournament will be divided into four flights, and there are currently 10 spots left. The tournament will follow USGA rules. Registration is $120 for anyone looking to fill those spots, and the deadline to register is Thursday.

Brooking said prizes will consist of park memberships, and there will be more goodies handed out this year.

“We’re giving away a lot of prizes just for playing,” Brooking said. “You get a shirt, hat and balls just for signing up.”

Even with 10 slots left, Brooking said he’s pleased with the numbers this year as they currently stand.

“We have a lot of locals playing this year that didn’t play last year,” Brooking said.

For more information, call the Duncan Park Pro Shop at 601-442-5955.