Defending Lilac champ in field

CHENEY - Defending champion Jamie Hall from Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle is returning to defend his Lilac City Invitational title at the Fairways Golf Course, perhaps with the idea of doubling his payday as an incentive?

COVID-19 made the 2020 Lilac a moving target just to play with shifting dates and it also hindered the pursuit of sponsorships which cut the purse Hall won in half to $5,000. He topped Brad Marek by shooting a 6-under 66 and escaped with a one-shot victory. For the 54-hole tournament Hall shot 17-under 199.

With the coronavirus now largely in the rearview mirror, much has turned to normal, including the winner's share money that is back at $10,000.

Marek of Corica Park Golf Club in Alameda, Calif. and Joe Summerhays of Oakridge GC in Syracuse Utah, both of whom just competed in the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island are also entered. Marek made the cut and played the weekend.

Russel Grove, the 2018 champ, along with 2013 winner Vinnie Murphy join local favorites Corey Prugh and Eric Ansett who are in the field.

The professionals and amateurs alike will be treated to a golf course is really good condition despite a dry late winter and spring.

"I had some concerns about a month ago, we have seen almost triple the amount of play for the year and with the dry conditions this spring the grass just wasn't growing," head professional Dakota White said. "Our Superintendent has done a great job getting things ready and over the last two weeks things finally took off growing."

The 2021 Lilac begins Friday (June 5) promptly at 8 a.m. with honorary tee shots being hit by previous tournament directors Kris Kallem and John Durgan.

Paul Delaney is a retired Free Press Publishing reporter and can be reached at [email protected].