NATCHEZ — Golf fans in the area will have the opportunity to get a first-hand look at some of the game’s top upcoming professionals.

The Swing Thought Tour will stop in Natchez March 9-12 to partake in a tournament at Beau Pré Country Club.

The tour was formerly known as the NGA Tour and had made a stop in Natchez as recently as 2013. Tournament Chairman Woody Allen attributed the brief hiatus to multiple scheduling conflicts, yet noted the level of excitement surrounding the event.

“We couldn’t find a date that worked for them and for us,” Allen said. “We’re trying this date; it’s early in the season, but we’ll see how it goes. The first part of March, you never what you are going to get … it might be 75 (degrees) or it could be snowing.”

Allen said the tour serves as a stepping-stone for younger golfers, those with aspirations of someday competing on the PGA Tour. Notable alumnus include the Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer and 2015 Web.com Tour Player of the Year Patton Kizzire.

“These are the up-and-coming stars,” Allen said. “They’ll play here, and you’ll find out about them within two to three years.

“You’re going to see a lot of really good golfers. Next year, some of them will be on the Web.com Tour, and within two years, they’ll be on the PGA Tour. They’re all super talented, and they can all play.”

While Allen said most of the competitors won’t be challenged by the distance of the course, but he noted their short game will be tested.

“The greens are tricky and kind of difficult to read,” Allen said. “That’s the biggest challenge. The golf course is in great condition for this time of year. It should be a fun time, and the players should make a lot of birdies. Most of them can hit it so far today, that the course is not a big challenge distance-wise.”

Yet the week’s festivities won’t just be for professionals. Nine local amateurs will be teamed up Monday

with a pro in a shootout-style competition in which one team is eliminated after each hole.

“That’s a lot of fun, and a lot of fun to watch,” Allen said. “It’s kind of nerve-racking for the guys playing in it.”

Additionally, there will be a long-drive contest starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning with a Pro Am slated to begin immediately after.

“They put on a real show,” Allen said of the long-drive contest.

“There is something for everyone every day. It’s open to the public, and people can come out and watch.”