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Two years ago, the tournament was cut short to one round due to steady downpours and last year's 100-degree Saturday temperatures eased a touch for the final round the next day.

This year, tournament director Jeremiah Pike says he and his staff may face another factor that can quickly change a low-scoring course into one that forgives nothing.

"It will be perfect conditions if the weather holds, but if it gets as windy as the weather forecast is calling for, it could lead to some tougher conditions from Saturday to Sunday," Pike said. "The course could dry out a little more and if we see that, the field could really end up bunched together. The conditions may end up really in favor of the local guys, just because they play this course in those conditions more. It could be wide open if the wind plays a factor and we may see higher scores than in years past."

Pike says many returning players may see a few changes as they navigate through their rounds, but that not much has changed to the course from last season.

"We haven't done anything drastic as far as the course goes, just a few minor things," Pike said. "Last year, we lengthened hole No. 9 with a tee box further back. We also made the bunkers a little bigger on holes 5 and 7, which should give players a little different look."

A total of 84 participants have entered the tournament as of Wednesday afternoon, but Pike is hoping the field, which would max out at 104, will be around 90 when the tournament begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday. He also said ages of those signed up to play range from 18 to 75, which includes 73-year old Merrit Cook, who has been runner-up many times and will be playing in his 51st Pine Hills Invitational.

"I think that shows that once players come here and participate on this course in this tournament, they are going to plan to come back," Pike said. "We have a great tradition here and many players return with other players the next year. We have so many guys that have been playing this tournament 10, 15, 20 years and its great to see them come back."

Unfortunately, last year's champion Kevin Flack will not be defending his title as he turned professional. However, Pike feels there are many players that could end up with the championship trophy in their hands.

Gabe Aprati, who was the co-champion in 2015, returns after not playing last year, as well as A-Flight champ Kim Dong of Chicago, Senior champ Brian Silvers and Super Senior titlist Greg Underwood of Flossmoor. Pike feels those traveling in from outside the area, like Evan Berna, Chris Beyer, Jason Chobar, Joe Zawaski, Tyler Lerner and youngster Jack Korzon should be high on the leaderboard. He also sees locals like Josh Gass, Baley Lehr, Brian Lehr, Jeremy DeBernardi, Mick Resser and Bobby Sipula lurking among the leaders throughout the two-day event.

Pike had praise for course superintendent Adrienne Pike Adelphia, assistant superintendent Jeremy DeBernardi and their grounds crew for keeping the course in peak shape leading up to this weekend's event, as well as the countless people and supporters that make the event one of the premiere amateur tournaments in the Times area.

"Assistant tournament director B.J. Cooke is the guy that helps me get everything together and keeps things going," said Pike. "We also have a long list of volunteers and sponsors who want to make sure this is the best tournament it can possibly be. Without their help this tournament would not be able to exist. I can't thank them enough for all they do."

Source: Pine Hills to host 70th annual Invite