The Lilac City Invitational Golf Tournament rolls on in its second half century July 7-10 at the Fairways Golf Course with the lure of a nice chunk of change hoping to bring more professionals to the region's oldest pro-am event.
"We're going to be guaranteeing $8,000 first-place money for professionals," general manager and head professional, Kris Kallem said. It's a big jump from the $5,000 top prize money the tournament has offered since it returned from a five-year hiatus in 2012.
The Lilac, first played in 1960 at Downriver Golf Course in Spokane, was founded by Joe Durgan. It was held every year until 2006. The Lilac is the only 72-hole tournament of its nature in the region.
"We won't be as deep as the Washington and Oregon Open but we'll pay more for first," Kallem said. The Rosauer's Open, played a week later at Meadowwood Golf Course, pays $11,000 to win and is the richest sectional PGA event in the country.
There's an easy math problem, Kallem said, that will make the Lilac worth playing. "The more money you can offer for first, the better the players, and the more players you're going to get." He expects a significant jump in the number of professionals.
"It's hard for guys to play in these kinds of events, especially if they are traveling in from out of town (because) they have hotel expenses and traveling expenses," Kallem said. "They have a number in their heads what it's worth."
Raising the bar gives them more incentive, he said. "The local guys, it helps the Corey Prugh's of the world," a pro at the Manito Golf and Country Club who is the defending Rosauer's champ. Russell Grove, the 2013 Lilac champ, and has not played since, has inquired about returning.
While the amateur field increased significantly, the number of professionals hovered at just over 20 in 2015. Kallem said the pro entries could double with the spike in first-place money, moving the tournament further towards the goal of 60 pros. The runner-ups share and other payouts for pros will depend on the size of the field, Kallem said.
The increased purse is due to new sponsors, Kallem said, including Tito's Vodka. "They are going to do some fun stuff with the event and make a donation to the (Shriners) hospital."
While the tournament is still in search of a title sponsor, RBC Wealth Management has increased its involvement "Significantly," Kallem said. Food Services of America is also new and a major sponsor.
The goals of the Lilac are number one to raise funds for Shriners, a good purse to attract the region's top pros, host a quality amateur event, and, of course, "Throw a great, festive party," Kallem said.
The introduction of spectator tickets came in 2015 and it went significantly better than Kallem envisioned with all ticket sales being donated to Shriners.
Special competition spices up the Lilac with their annual cocktail party and wedge competition Thursday, July 7, followed by a long drive contest Friday, taking place on new tee boxes at holes No. 1 and No. 8. Dusty Klink and Nobody Famous will play afterwards.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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