Sulphur native Cory Vincent made history last year at the 2008 Sulphur City Golf Championship and will get another chance today when 28th Annual City Championship begins at Frasch Park Golf Course in Sulphur.
Vincent became the first back-to-back winner in 19 years and has a chance be just the second golfer two win three Sulphur City Championships in a row since Lawrence David III won three in a row from 1987-1989.
After winning his first title in a sudden death playoff in 2007 and over taking Chris Vallette in the final round last year, Vincent’s bid for a third title will not be any easier.
After leading through the first two rounds in 2008 before running into some tough times on the final day, 2008 runner-up Vallette returns this year as one of 16 golfers in the Championship flight with less than zero handicaps.
“I have not even looked to check out the field,” Vincent said. “I can’t do anything about them I just have to play my game and try to go as low as possible.
While rain kept last year scores somewhat high, Frasch golf professional George McInnis expects lower scores this year.
“The course is in very good shape,” McInnis said. “The rain this week has really helped to green up everything.
“I do anticipate something lower than par winning. Last year one-over par won it. I think that with this many low handicappers that there will be lower scores.”
Vincent led McNeese State University with a scoring average of 77.8 as a senior this year. Vincent said on Thursday that he has had some hiccups in his game lately but hopes that returning to his home course will change his fortune.
“I feel good but I am not playing well right now,” Vincent said. “Hopefully with it being the course I grew up on it will get me back into it and give me some confidence.”
Vincent finished tied for third at the Louisiana Golf Association Amateur Championship in June at Gray Plantation in Lake Charles.
Other notables in this year’s field include 1994 champion Craig Trosclair and Kevin McArthur who is a caddie for Mike Heinen who is a professional golfer.
Ben Suarez, son of Bear Suarez who won the first Sulphur City Championship in 1981 and again in 1984, returns for this year’s tournament after missing last year. Suarez led Sulphur High to the 2006 5A state golf title along with Jordan Breaux who will also be playing this weekend. Breaux plays for Delta State in Mississippi while Suarez recently transferred to McNeese State from Louisiana Tech. Suarez has the distinction of being the only local player to qualify for the sectionals of the 2009 US Open.
