NATCHEZ — For the first time ever, the 39th annual Harvest Club Open is being played at two golf courses. Those playing in the championship, first, senior and super senior flights played at the Duncan Park Golf Course on Saturday. Casey Ham shot a 1-under-par 70 to take the lead in the championship flight.

“I made some birdies and made some bogeys,” Ham said. “The course conditions are good considering all the rain we had (Friday morning). It was a little cool and windy today.”

Ham shot a bogey-free 3-under-par 32 on the front nine, but had three bogeys to go with just one birdie on the back for a score of 2-over-par 38. Ham added that not only could his first-round score have been three or four shots better, but so should the score of another player that was in the same group — Jordan Farmer.

Farmer had two birdies and no bogeys on the front nine for a score of 33. However, just like Ham, Farmer had his share of difficulties on his way to a back-nine score of 38 to finish at even-par 71 and a tie for second place.

Albert Crews of Houma, La., had five birdies and five bogeys in his round of 71.

“It was up and down. I hit the ball real good, but I made one or two mistakes,” Crews said. “I’ve been here enough to know what you can do and what you can’t do. But I’m satisfied with my score. I hope to play tomorrow.”

Those playing in the second, third and fourth flights played at Beau Pré Country Club on Saturday and will play at Duncan Park today. Those in the champion ship, first, senior and super senior flightswill play at Beau Pré today.

That is if the weather permits. And there’s a good likelihood that will not be the case as rain was expected to move in sometime Saturday night and will last throughout the day today.

Assistant tournament director Freddie Ward said in case there is inclement weather, the tournament will be called after 18 holes are played. And if that is the case, than Ham would be the winner.

Ward also said that the rain played a factor in the turnout for this year’s Harvest Club Open.

“The rain cut back on those who planned to play. We had approximately 100 (participants) this year. We were expecting some more,” Ward said. “We had one of the best championship flights of seasoned players. (Duncan Park golf director) Greg (Brooking) and his staff did a good job getting the course ready after all the rain we had.”