Men's top 3 back for Fourth of July golf tournament

The top three finishers from a year ago return for the men while a new championship will be crowned on the women’s side at the 76th annual Fourth of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Play begins Thursday with a full field — 196 men and 44 women. All the action wraps up Saturday.

“It’s been full every year since 2003,” Whitefish Lake head professional Tim Olson said of the tournament field.

“And I have a waiting list (every year).”

Registration begins back in February.

“A lot has to do with how well the tournament is run,” Olson said of its popularity.

“A lot has to do with the surrounding community ... the lake, the park. It’s vacation time for families. People plan their summer vacations around this event.”

Craig Hurlbert of Hamilton claimed the individual trophy last year with a dramatic playoff victory over Bill Dunn of Missoula on the first hole.

Both shot 71 on the final day to tie at 218 after 54 holes.

Robb Bergeson was third and one shot back.

Bergeson won this tournament in 2007 and has been a runner-up several times.

All three are expected to contend again, along with Shawn Tucker of Whitefish, Spencer Williams of Great Falls, Mark Mance of Whitefish and Ben Leestma of Great Falls.

Tucker was the Fourth of July champion in 2010 and a runner-up in 2007.

Williams was a winner in 2001.

Leestma captured the Montana Mid-Am championship in 2011.

“This is one of the top fields in the Montana,” Olson said.

“We also draw the top players from the Pacific Northwest and southern Canada.

“We have 90 players with a 5-and-under handicap,” he added.

“Forty-two players are zero and one handicappers.”

Last year’s winner — Rikka Holiday of Bozeman — is not entered. She was a two-shot winner over Emily Slayton.

Third-place finisher Chelsea Ray of Whitefish is a name to look for this year along with Morgan Lee and Natalie Beard, both of Great Falls.

The women will play the South Course on Thursday and Saturday and the North Course on Friday.

The men play the North Course Thursday and Saturday and the South Course Friday.

“The golf course is in fantastic shape,” Olson said, “as good a shape as we’ve seen it. It’s going to be great.”

Special events for the tournament include a Women’s Derby on Thursday, a Men’s Derby on Friday and a Long Drive Contest on Saturday.