More of a challenge for Lilac field chasing the big check

The lure of the bigger first-place check is working to attract more professionals to the 2016 Lilac Open Golf Tournament that runs July 7 – 10 at The Fairways Golf Course.

As of July 5 three former champions are in the field, including the 2015 winner, Brian Miller from Indian Wells, Calif. Wells took a one-shot win, 267-268 over a pair of players, Conner Robbins from Bremerton, Wash. and Jesse Schulte of Florence, Ore.

Tony Robydek from Lakewood, Wash., the 2014 champ, and Russell Grove, who won in 2013 round out the past winners.

The field also includes Kevin PomArleau from East Wenatchee and Coos Bay, Ore.’s Jason Humphrey, “(who) are always in the mix,” Kris Kallem, head pro and general manager at the course said.

But those connected with the course are going to make it a little more difficult to take home the $8,000 first place check in the region’s only 72-hole tournament.

Not only are new tee boxes in play for both No. 1 and No. 8, but Kallem also said the greens will be much faster.

In a practice round, and against a 20 mile-per-hour head wind, July 5, Kallem said his second, or “approach shot,” was 170-yards out. Normally that was a sand-wedge shot, but no longer, opting for a six or seven iron.

No. 1 was 354 yards from the blue tee and No. 8 is 368. Now the first tee is 385 and No 8 is 405 . No. 1 plays longer because it usually plays into the wind. “We can stretch them out another 10–12 yards if we want to,” Kallem said.

The greens are getting fine-tuned, and will likely have even more done to them before the first players tee off today (July 7).

The greens were fast when Kallem played and he said they will be even faster once grounds crews make adjustments on mowing and have another cutting.

“The greens should be rolling really fast,” Kallem said. “Good putters like fast greens.”

The pros will not see them like “they are scary fast,” Kallen said. “Instead they will see them as being good and fast. The ball rolls really well, it holds the line,” he added.

It will make players think more about where to leave their approach shot. “If you are in between clubs, you might take the less club and err on the side of leaving an uphill putt,” Kallem said.

Players of the caliber of those in the Lilac will rely on more use of wedges.

Controlling the spin will be an issue, especially on the greens that slope from front to back, Kallem explained. Holes 17, 12 and 2 are good examples he cited.

“A guy might have a tendency to hit a low knockdown shot with less spin on it so he doesn’t run the risk of backing it off the green,” Kallem said.

A pro can control the spin of a ball by the type of shot they play and the trajectory it takes. As an example, from 115–120 yards where a player might use a sand wedge, which, with a full swing, is going to back up quite a ways, Kallem said. By adjusting the swing they can get their shot to stop on the green.

All of which begs for golf fans to be sure and be part of the four days of golf and fun.

Kallem urged spectators to take in the event, reminding this is the second year for paid admission of $10 for single day and $15 for the tournament pass. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Shriner’s Hospital.

2016 Lilac Open Events and Info

Tickets: $10 per day, $15 all tournament.

July 7: Cocktail party and wedge competition.

July 8: Long drive contest and live music.

July 9: Banquet and finals of 50/50 cash putting contest.

July 10: Final round of play.

For further information visit golfthefairways.com.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.