NATCHEZ — Casey Ham came within an arm’s reach of placing in the top 20 in 2013.

The Natchez native was 9-under heading into the 72nd hole of the then NGA Tournament, and was in prime position to post an even better score in securing a prestigious finish.

But in all went awry when Ham hit his second shot on the par-5 moments after the horn had blown, signifying a weather delay.

“We played under the assumption it was our option (to keep playing),” Ham said. “But not for weather. When it’s weather, it’s just one long blow (of the horn), and that’s it (play stops).

“I was just short of the green, chipping straight up the hill for an eagle.”

Ham was deemed disqualified from the tournament, giving him a last place finish.

Despite his misfortune three years ago, Ham is back at it, competing as an amateur against professionals this week as the newly minted Swing Thought Tour makes another stop in Natchez.

“This is always good times,” Ham said. “It’s a good experience, and I like it. It lets you test your game. These boys can play. There’s a lot of talented golfers out here … They’re dedicated.”

Ham noted the biggest difference between the professional ranks and the amateurs is a shot-to-shot focus on the links.

“It’s a different level of concentration when you’re playing with them,” Ham said. “You have to have your best focus, because they do this for a living, and they’re trying to make it to the big tour (the PGA Tour).”

The Trinity Episcopal alumnus noted just how much the professionals appreciated playing on such a course.

“They love being here,” Ham said. “They came in July, the last time the tour was here, and the course was in great shape … There’s not much rough out there (on the course), so I expect them to tear this course apart.”

Ham, who is a member of the Beau Pré Country Club, said it’s all the more fulfilling that he is a member of the club that his hosting a professional event.

“This is a great thing for the club,” Ham said. “I just wish the weather would have cooperated a little better; we could have gotten little more people out in here and involved.”

This week’s event is just another in a long list of competitive outings Ham takes part in as often as he can.

Yet, this week has not gone quite to plan, as Ham is currently 5-over for the tournament.

“I had three bad swings that cost me five shots,” Ham said. “I made three birdies on the front 9, but three bad swings cost me.”

Ham and the rest of the field have also had to deal with multiple weather delays, with play being suspended Thursday and no play taking place Friday.

Tournament chairman Woody Allen said he remains hopeful play will resume this morning, with an eventual champion to be crowned after 36 holes.

“Woody and everybody that’s volunteering for the tournament, we appreciate everything they’re doing,” Ham said. “All the staff of the Swing Thought Tour, they’re doing a great job. The maintenance crew here, they’re trying to get the (course) ready, but the weather hasn’t been cooperating.”