Lilac City Invitational continues to bloom at the Fairways

The Lilac City Invitational seems to be finding better footing in its fourth year back on the golf calendar. The number of entries and sponsorship dollars for the region’s only 72-hole tournament are creeping up. A field of at least 22 pros and 48 amateurs will tee off Thursday in the first of four rounds at The Fairways. “Our goal is always to throw a really fun golf tournament, a competitive golf tournament and raise money for Shriners Hospital,” Fairways general manager Kris Kallem said. “We’ve increased our sponsorship dollars and we have more players and we are hoping for more spectators. I’m feeling really good about it.” Favorites for the 52nd Lilac, which took a five-year hiatus from 2007-2011, include 2014 champion Tony Robydek, Corey Prugh, Kevin PomArleau, Jason Humphrey, Shane Prante and Mike Roters. Humphrey has contended for the last three Lilac titles. “PomArleau and Robydek to defend his title, those are my two picks,” Kallem said. “And Prugh in there, too.” Kallem also considers Brian Miller, Connor Robbins and Jim Mee as title threats. Depending on the final number of pros entered, the first-place check will be at least $5,000. The annual putting, wedge and long-drive competitions are back, as is the Thursday evening cocktail party with live music provided by Smash Hit Carnival. There will be a hospitality tent behind the 18th green. Spectator tickets will be $10 daily or $15 for the tournament, which includes parking and a complimentary beverage, with net proceeds donated to Shriners Hospital for Children-Spokane. The winning score the last three years has ranged from 14 to 18 under. “The course has really held up well with the heat,” Kallem said. “It’ll look more like late July or August. The greens will be faster than the last couple years. We’re growing the rough out a little bit. By Sunday, if you hit it in there you’re going to be penalized for it more than in the past.”