By DAVE BORODY

What was termed a very strong field for the upcoming 34^th annual Charity Pro Am Golf Tournament got even stronger Friday.

Tournament officials announced that Sarnia’s own Matt Hill would be one of the 38 pros competing next week at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.

Hill, who has competed in four events on the PGA Tour this year after turning pro a few months ago, accepted an invitation from golf pro Jamie Parkinson of the SGCC to compete at his home course.

“We had one of the pros cancel out earlier this week so I went out on a limb and called Matt,” said Parkinson when explaining how this all came about.

“Matt said he would be thrilled to come back to his home course and be a part of the event and help out the charities involved. I know the committee was thrilled when I told them Matt was coming.”

Hill will tee off each day at 10:40 a.m. and play with three amateurs, Bob Schrumm, Wayne Allen and Don Allen.

Hill has been involved in a number of low rounds during his time at the SGCC. He holds the course record of 61 from the black tees, 11 under par. He shot a 64 during a Tyson Tour junior event. In a recent men’s invitational, Hill fired rounds of 66 and 68 while he has also recorded a number of rounds in the mid 60s during club championships.

Parkinson said one junior golfer from the club will be Hill’s caddy during the event.

“We are going to conduct a raffle with our junior members. We have around 75. One of the names will be drawn to be Mike’s caddy. I know if I wasn’t playing I would throw my name in there as well.”

This year’s event is slated for August 5-7. The two major charities that will benefit are the local Kidney Foundation and SODA.

“I really like who is playing this year. We have two more pros from last year. Defending champion Brian Hadley of Highland (formerly Huron Oaks) is back as is Steve Bennett of Thames Valley. Six time champion Bob Rose of Beverly and five-time winner Bob Makoski of Grosse Ile is also playing,” said Parkinson.

A couple of other former winners are George Swistock and Kevin Corriveau. Local pros include Graham Bell of Huron Oaks, Peter Boyce, Adam Glenn of Widder Station and Dave McKinlay and Jeff Yates, both of the SGCC. Some ex-Sarnians returning include Ryan Stuart, Dave Bedour, Kevin Purcell and Marty Weber.

The event begins Thursday with practice rounds. A putting contest will take place beginning at 4 p.m. Two amateurs will qualify to go from the putting green to the 18^th hole where they will have a chance to win $5,000 each.

Actual competition begins Friday with tee times from 7:40 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Tee times will remain the same for round two Saturday.

Last year the event raised $18,000, split between the two charities. Parkinson said with the addition of a new major sponsor in TD Waterhouse, officials believe that $25,000 could be raised this year.

There are four golfers who have played in all 33 tournaments to date. They include pros Bruce Atkins and Peter Boyce and amateurs, Don Allen and George Spencer.

Parkinson says his game is a little weak right now, but hopes to be ready for next week.

“The golf course is probably in as good a shape as it’s ever been in. We purchased a new greens roller machine this year and the greens put as true as the table you are having lunch on. I am expecting some great scores.”

He added, “again there is no admission charge and we welcome fans to come out and watch. The public can help out the charities by purchasing tickets on a number of raffles and draws we have planned throughout the weekend.”